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景 views史 history屋 indoor and immersive+ 7 moreShow fewer

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

Great 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.because temples, nature, Solo山nature寺temples1.5 h

Great fitEvening temple light-up夜In some seasons temples open at night with lights on the trees. Check the dates.because temples, Solo寺temples2 h

Great fitZen meditation session禅A short guided sit with a monk in a quiet hall.because temples, Solo寺temples屋indoor and immersive1 h

Great fitCycling in the east side輪The city is flat. Rent a bicycle and cover many temples in one day.because temples, Solo寺temples3 h

Great fitKyoto Imperial Palace park苑A very large green park in the middle of the city, with wide gravel paths and old gates.because nature, Solo山nature1.5 h

Good fitKyoto Aquarium魚An inland aquarium near the station with river animals and a dolphin show. Good in the rain.because nature山nature屋indoor and immersive2.5 h

Good fitTraditional dance show舞A short evening show of music, dance and tea. A simple way to see the arts.because Solo芸art and design屋indoor and immersive1.5 h

Good fitKimono rental and a walk着Wear a kimono for the day and walk in the old streets. Shops include hair and shoes.because Solo芸art and design4 h

Good fitMatcha sweets and a tea house茶Green tea parfaits, soft serve and warm sweets. Kyoto is known for this tea.because Solo食food1 h

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

Good fitCraft workshop: dyeing or ceramics工Try a local craft with a teacher and take your work home.because Solo芸art and design屋indoor and immersive2 h

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

Good fitNintendo Museum (Uji)遊Games and toys from the first cards to today. Entry is by timed ticket, and a lottery may decide who gets one.because Solo遊anime and games屋indoor and immersive3 h

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

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

Reading for this place

Guides5 min readGion after dark: how to walk it respectfullyGion at night is beautiful, and people live and work there. Here is how to walk its lanes, take photos and eat with respect for the neighbourhood.About this placePractical5 min readGetting to Kinkaku-ji without a taxi: buses and walkingKinkaku-ji is best reached by city bus, not by taxi. Here is how to plan the bus, board and pay, and when a walk makes sense.About this placeGuides5 min readRyoan-ji and the quiet temples north-west of the centreRyoan-ji is famous for its stone garden. Here is how to pair it with quieter temples and gardens in north-west Kyoto, and how to slow the visit down.About this place