Kyoto京都

The old capital: temples, gardens, geisha districts and quiet lanes. Spring and autumn are very busy, so start early.

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食 food夜 nightlife寺 temples買 shopping遊 anime and games山 nature湯 onsen芸 art and design+ 4 moreShow fewer

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Great fitTraditional dance show舞A short evening show of music, dance and tea. A simple way to see the arts.because art and design, Friends芸art and design1.5 h

Great fitKimono rental and a walk着Wear a kimono for the day and walk in the old streets. Shops include hair and shoes.because art and design, Friends芸art and design寺temples4 h

Great fitMatcha sweets and a tea house茶Green tea parfaits, soft serve and warm sweets. Kyoto is known for this tea.because art and design, Friends食food芸art and design1 h

Great fitEvening temple light-up夜In some seasons temples open at night with lights on the trees. Check the dates.because art and design, Friends寺temples芸art and design2 h

Great fitCraft workshop: dyeing or ceramics工Try a local craft with a teacher and take your work home.because art and design, Friends芸art and design2 h

Good fitKaiseki multi-course dinner懐A set meal of small seasonal dishes. It is a special meal, so book well ahead.because Friends食food2 h

Good fitFushimi sake district tasting酒Old breweries by a canal where you can taste local sake in small cups.because Friends食food夜nightlife2 h

Good fitHome cooking class料Make sushi or home dishes with a local teacher, then eat what you made.because Friends食food3 h

Good fitLate-night ramen after dinner夜A bowl of rich ramen to end a night out. Many shops open until late.because Friends食food夜nightlife1 h

Good fitCycling in the east side輪The city is flat. Rent a bicycle and cover many temples in one day.because Friends山nature寺temples3 h

Okay fitZen meditation session禅A short guided sit with a monk in a quiet hall.寺temples1 h

Okay fitPhilosopher's Path walk道A stone path beside a canal with cherry trees and small temples. Best in spring.山nature寺temples1.5 h

Okay fitMoss garden at a quiet temple苔Some temples keep moss gardens and ask you to reserve and copy a sutra. A slow, calm morning.山nature寺temples1.5 h

Okay fitKyoto Imperial Palace park苑A very large green park in the middle of the city, with wide gravel paths and old gates.山nature寺temples1.5 h

Okay fitKyoto Aquarium魚An inland aquarium near the station with river animals and a dolphin show. Good in the rain.山nature2.5 h

Reading for this place

Guides5 min readHimeji Castle: a day trip from Osaka or KyotoHow to spend a day at Himeji Castle from Osaka or Kyoto: the castle, the garden next door, the route and what to check first.About this placeGuides5 min readKawaramachi and Pontocho: a shopping and evening walkA walk from the afternoon arcades to the Kamo riverbank and the lanes of Pontocho at dusk, with dinner, respect for the district and a plan for late nights.About this placeSeasons5 min readApril: peak blossom and busy streetsApril often brings peak cherry blossom to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, and the streets are crowded. Learn how to plan around the crowds and still enjoy the flowers.About this place