We traveled to Kyoto, sampled distinctive flavors, visited awe-inspiring temples and sights and we present everything you must do if you find yourself there.
Imperial Kyoto is exactly what you expect to see in Japan. It’s the city straight out of a postcard: gilded temples and shrines adorned with scarlet-red gates torii, kimono-clad geisha gliding silently along cobbled alleys, and matcha tea served with ritual precision, always in keeping with tradition. As the imperial capital for more than a thousand years, the city drew wealth and culture, and that rich history remains vibrantly alive today. We traveled to Japan, visited Kyoto, were captivated by its beauty, and crafted a guide to the musts so you can make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Photos at Kinkaku-ji Temple
Kinkaku-ji ranks among the top 3 temples you must visit in the entire country. Therefore, if you find yourself in Kyoto, the gilded temple awaits you.
Food tour at Nishiki Market
A trip to Japan without a lot (a whole lot) of food is unthinkable! So be ready to visit Nishiki Market hungry, and also to leave any qualms about food behind and try as many delicacies as you can handle! Nishiki Market is a popular covered market in central Kyoto. Some of the must-tries include: sashimi from ultra-fresh fish, Tako-tamago (the viral little octopus with the egg - not to everyone’s taste but worth trying for the fomo), beef sushi, tamagoyaki (the Japanese omelet), oysters, Matcha Warabi Mochi, and generally lots of mochi in various flavors!
Tip: Carry cash, as many stalls do not accept cards.
Visit to the «unknown» Sanjūsangendō Temple
This is a place where photos are not allowed, so you should go, because you’ll see something you’ve never seen even on the internet! Sanjūsangendō Temple houses a vast hall with 1,001 golden statues of the Buddhist deity Kannon (life-size) with a thousand arms - indeed, some of them date back to the temple’s founding in 1164. Kannon uses her many hands to extend help to those in need, making her a symbol of compassion and mercy.
Passing through the iconic gates of Fushimi Inari-Taisha
If you pick up a postcard from Kyoto, it will most likely depict the Torii (the gates) of Fushimi Inari-Taisha. Your stroll through this iconic place will begin at the «foothills» of the shrine, where you’ll pass dozens of little shops with street food and souvenirs. Reaching the gate, you’ll see the torii unfurling. Since at the beginning there will likely be quite a few tourists, climb higher and you’ll surely find a quieter spot to take photos. The shrine lies within the sacred Inari forest and the Torii Gates reach 233 meters in height. So get ready for a short ascent that will surely reward you.
Pro tip: If you have a business or are a freelancer, bring a business card. There is a special spot where everyone places them, like «votive offering» for better business.
Stroll in Gion, the geisha
Gion is considered the best area in Kyoto for an evening stroll and entertainment. Filled with atmospheric teahouses, cute little shops, and a strong artistic spirit, it stands out for its aesthetics and traditional character. Naturally, the area is world-famous as the «Geisha neighborhood», as here you can -if you’re lucky- see real geisha in the streets (yes, we were lucky, and we wish the same for you because it’s an awe-inspiring experience).
An interesting fact: in Kyoto, geisha are called geiko, while apprentices are maiko. To be honest, we didn’t linger «lying in wait» on the streets hoping to see one - and it’s good to remember that many tourists dress in traditional kimono, so it’s not always easy to tell them apart! The most famous street in the area is Hanami-koji, with its iconic row of traditional wooden houses. There you’ll find quite a few refined restaurants where you can try authentic Japanese cuisine in a truly special setting.
Pro tip: In the area you’ll see that performances featuring traditional Japanese arts are quite popular. You’re better off attending a matcha ritual instead! We attended one of these and… we wouldn’t recommend it!
Exploring the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
This is a bamboo forest that extends across a large park. The bamboo is very tall and creates a very interesting photographic landscape.
