KYOTO’S TOP THINGS TO DO in 2024 | Japan Travel Guide

Going to Kyoto? I gotchu, fam! Let’s talk about the five ways you could discover Kyoto.

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👉🏼 FURTHER INFORMATION
• Events in Japan (3 links): https://japancheapo.com/events/ and https://www.japan.travel/en/ and https://en.japantravel.com/
• Kodai-ji night illumination schedule: https://www.kodaiji.com/e_illumi.html
https://japancheapo.com/events/

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Kyoto. The name itself whispers of an ancient wisdom. Unlike many busy cities, Kyoto speaks in a different voice. Here, the echoes of history and of a unique cultural identity intertwine with the energy of the present. But Kyoto doesn’t reveal its secrets all at once.

It speaks to each visitor in its own way, inviting us to discover the unique blend of its past and present. If you’re in Kyoto, then allow me to show you the way. I’m Kring Lacson. And let’s talk about the five ways you could discover Kyoto.

Kyoto is a city with long threads of history where temples and shrines stand as guardians of time. There are many landmarks for you to explore. But let me give you some of my favorites. Our exploration begins at Kiyomizu-dera, a temple built more than 1200 years ago with an admission fee of ¥400.

It’s famous for its wooden stage that juts out from the main hall. As you can see, it was packed when we got there. I recommend going early for a quieter experience as it could get overwhelming at busy hours. The temple is huge. It is the biggest temple that we’ve gone to.

Fun fact: it was believed before that if you jumped from the main hall down to the ground you would have good luck. It’s quite a high jump. So I guess you really are lucky if you survive. And if you don’t survive, then it doesn’t really matter if you have good luck, does it?

Next, we venture to northwest Kyoto to visit Kinkakuji or the Golden Pavilion, which has an entrance fee of ¥500 for adults and ¥300 for students. Adorned with gold leaf, Kinkakuji was originally built in the 14th century as a retirement villa for a shogun

And is a reflection of the extravagant culture of the period’s aristocrats. Make sure to toss a coin on one of Kinkakuji’s coin toss statues to gain good luck and fortune. A 20 minute walk from Kinkakuji will lead you to the Ryoan-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its rock garden.

The rock garden’s date of construction and its meaning are unknown. With its meaning unclear, it’s up to each viewer to find its meaning for themselves. The Ryoan-ji’s entrance fee is ¥500 for adults and ¥300 for students. A three minute walk from the JR Inari station takes you to Kyoto’s most important

Shrine: Fushimi Inari Taisha, established 1300 years ago. Dedicated to the Shinto god of rice, Inari, Fushimi Inari is made up of five main shrines and many smaller sub shrines. Fushimi Inari’s torii gates lead you into the forest of the sacred Mt. Inari. If you’d like to walk to the mountain summit and back,

Allot yourself 2 to 3 hours to do so. You’ll see fox statues throughout the shrine as they are believed to be the messenger of the gods. In Kyoto, tradition isn’t something preserved in museums, but it’s woven into the fabric of everyday life.

You can immerse yourself in Kyoto’s culture and tradition in various ways. During my visit Fushimi Inari, I had the privilege of witnessing an event called Mikagura. Held in the evening and under the light of a bonfire, the staff of the shrine sang and danced for the god Inari.

There are many websites for you to find details of a coming events in Kyoto. I’ll put the sites I used into this video subscription box. Part of my trip to Kyoto also included a truly unique stay. I spent two nights in the machiya, a traditional wooden townhouse.

It felt like entering a world from a different time with its call tatami mats, wooden floorboards and enclosed garden. You can book machiyas such as this through Klook, and I listed some of Kyoto’s machiyas on the description box also. Of course, there are other ways to connect with Kyoto’s culture,

With a simplest being following proper etiquette. Some of these include removing your shoes before entering the main halls of temples and shrines and leaving them in designated areas. When you’re seeing a geisha, remember that they are on a schedule so they will never stop to pose for photos.

Remember to respect their personal space. Never touch or follow them. And when you’re visiting a temple or shrine, remember to bow before entering through the torii gates. Before praying, purify yourself at the designated fountain or stone basin by using the ladle to wash your hands and rinse your mouth.

When praying, offer a coin and alert the gods of your presence by ringing the temple or shrine bell. Then bow twice. Clap twice. Pray and finish off with another bow. Kyoto is a city that pulsates with life, and its natural attractions are no exception. The Arashiyama bamboo forest, with its towering bamboos,

Is a popular destination for visitors from all over the world. This vibrant atmosphere is part of the charm of Kyoto. But if you want a more tranquil experience, there are ways to find it. Visiting at sunrise allows you to experience the magic of many of Kyoto sites with less crowds.

And if you’re looking for an alternative to the bamboo forest, you could visit Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, which is only a mile away and also has a bamboo grove. When visiting the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, also venture into Okochi Sanso. Okochi Sanso’s gardens are designed to showcase the best foliage for each season.

There is a modest entrance fee of ¥1,000, but it includes a cup of matcha tea. And since you’re in the area, also visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park, which is home to Japanese macaques. With an admission fee of ¥600 for adults and ¥300 for children, the macaques freely

Roam the park, offering you a glimpse into their natural behavior. We stayed here for at least 2 hours because watching the monkeys was extremely amusing. Exploring Kyoto is amazing, but navigating transportation and booking unique experiences can get overwhelming. And that is why I highly recommend Klook, the sponsor of today’s video.

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For free, and add a free digital guide to maximizing your JR pass. Provide your shipping and payment details and Klook will do the rest of the work. Sign up using my link below and get 5% off your first booking on the clock app with a code BETTERONAPP. Now let’s talk about food.

No exploration of Kyoto is complete without food. Whether it’s coffee or wagyu, Kyoto offers a feast for the tastebuds. One of my favorite moments from our trip was getting a coffee and just sitting on the edge of the Katsura River. I enjoyed it so much that I forgot to record the whole thing.

But you don’t have to venture far to get good food. As Kyoto’s famous temples often have clusters of food stalls around them, offering an accessible and affordable way to sample local favorites. Whether you’re craving something sweet or savory, these stalls offer a sampling of Kyoto’s rich culinary heritage.

If you’re in Fushimi Inari, keep a lookout for a house near the exits of the shrine that sells this sweet rice porridge with ginger. For a truly immersive culinary experience, Nishiki market is a must visit. Nishiki Market offers an incredible array of fresh produce, local delicacies and enticing street food options.

It’s hard to practice self-restraint here. I tried so much food, meat and seafood skewers, wagyu beef, fishcakes, matcha desserts. We finished off with some Japanese whiskey. Also available from a stall in the Nishiki market before calling it a day. Amidst Kyoto’s vibrant energy lies a profound sense of serenity.

But it isn’t just found in the city’s physical space. It’s a feeling you yourself cultivate when you’re in the city. You could always find serenity in the moments in between. But moments of actual quiet also help. I found that strolling through Yasaka Jinja in the evening did that for me.

It was a stark contrast to the buzzing atmosphere the shrine had on the daytime. There was also the night illumination at the Kodaiji temple, which invites you to appreciate the beauty in the details. Many of Kyoto’s temples do night illuminations throughout the four seasons. Kodaiji does its one every season except winter.

I’ll link the schedule on the description box. Even Gion changes when the sun goes down. We strolled here at around 9 p.m. and the deserted streets offered a chance to appreciate Kyoto’s timeless beauty. Remember, Kyoto speaks to each visitor in its own way. Listen closely. Be open to new experiences and allow yourself

To be swept away by the magic of the city. Do you have any hidden gems you discover in Kyoto? Or tips for fellow travelers? Let us know in the comments below. Thanks for watching, mata ne. See you later. Bye!