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 fitKyoto Imperial Palace park苑A very large green park in the middle of the city, with wide gravel paths and old gates.because temples, Families山nature寺temples1.5 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 temples芸art and design寺temples4 h

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

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

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

Good 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山nature寺temples1.5 h

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

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

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

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

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

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

Okay fitLate-night ramen after dinner夜A bowl of rich ramen to end a night out. Many shops open until late.食food夜nightlife1 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 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 readKinkaku-ji and north-west Kyoto: the Golden Pavilion areaKinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, sits in a quiet north-west part of Kyoto. Here is how to plan a visit with other temples, and how to avoid the crowds.About this place