Today, the capital of Japan is known as Tokyo, but Kyoto once flourished as the country’s political and cultural center and it’s capital for nearly 1,000 years.
All that time, Kyoto soaked up a myriad of traditions, each generation adding its own flavor. When I savor Kyoto’s signature dishes or indulge in its tea (which was a hit among the shoguns), I am transported back in time.
There’s also the mesmerizing gagaku music and the captivating butoh dance, born right in the heart of this city. If you want to feel the authentic pulse of Japan, a stroll through Kyoto is like stepping into a living tale with a mix of old and new Japan.
1. Strolling around Kyoto in kimono 👘
My number 1 pick for things to do in Kyoto goes to walking around Kyoto in a Kimono, which also is one of my best overall things to do in Japan, a top pick among locals and the tourists I have spoken to that tried it!
Wearing a kimono in a historical building or in an elegant townscape will give you an extraordinary experience, as if you are traveling through the ages. Kimonos match very well with the scenery of the ancient capital and look great in photographs.
You will find that many Japanese people wear kimono in the streets of Kyoto, and I have seen a few tourists, so you will not be alone!
A I said many Japanese people including myself enjoy wearing kimonos in Kyoto, and I always find them to be very attractive. Strolling around Kyoto in kimono is uplifting, and I feel that it makes for that extra boost to the experience.
Kimonos are usually worn tight to prevent them from falling apart. The tightness may make it difficult to walk or a little painful if you do not get the fit right, but that is also a part of the unique experience of wearing a kimono.
Many rental shops exist, and you can enjoy a kimono dressing and hair set for about 4,000 yen.
Many people might not know this before visiting Kyoto and Japan, but it is also very common to see men wearing kimono!
2. Rickshaw rides in Kyoto 🏃♂️
One of the most popular places in Japan to experience a rickshaw ride is Kyoto.
The slow pace of a rickshaw ride through the ancient streets of Kyoto is like a trip through time.
Neither too fast nor too slow, the speed is just right for taking in the beautiful scenery to your heart’s content. A leisurely stroll, feeling the wind in your face and not surrounded by window glass, also increases your chances of discovering hidden gems, from narrow lanes to historical landmarks.
Furthermore, since rickshaw pullers are extremely knowledgeable about history and culture, you can learn about Kyoto’s deep historical and cultural background from their stories and feel the city’s charms deeply with every step you take.
3. Nagashi somen, a summer tradition on the Kawadoko at Kifune 🥢
Nagashi Somen is one of the food cultures enjoyed in summer. Thin noodles, or somen, are poured into a tube with water, which is then quickly taken and eaten.
It is enjoyed as a fun event to cool off on a hot summer day.
“Kawadoko” are terrace-type dining spaces located near the river. It is a traditional establishment where one can enjoy a meal while enjoying the cool breeze of the river and the sound of the murmuring stream.
This restaurant, Hirobun, is open from May to the end of September, so if you are visiting Kyoto during that period, you should definitely give it a try. For more of Kyoto’s seasonal events and when to visit check here.
4. Tea ceremony experience 🍵
Participants will learn how to make matcha (powdered green tea) with a tea whisk under the guidance of a teacher in the tea ceremony room.
In the tea ceremony, it is common to eat wagashi (Japanese sweets) before drinking tea, and you will learn the correct way to eat wagashi as well as the meaning behind this way of eating.
You will also learn about the meaning of the design of the tea house and garden, and experience the depth of the tea ceremony, which is more than just making tea.
Through this experience, you will be able to experience not only the traditions of Japan, but also the spirit of “wa” (harmony).
5. Kyoto confectionery making experience 🍡
In this experience, you will use colorful bean paste to make seasonal flowers and fruits using traditional tools. You will be able to feel the warmth of handmade traditional Japanese sweets and the spirit of craftsmanship.
You can make your own special wagashi (our name for traditional Japanese sweets and confectionery), paying close attention to shape, color, and texture.
The sweet wagashi you make yourself go perfectly with the tea you also make yourself.
If you would like to try both the wagashi making and tea ceremony experience, you can sign up for the wagashi making since many of them are combined as a set. The price for just the wagashi experience is 1,500 yen, while the tea ceremony experience as a set costs about 2,500 yen.
6. Zazen experience 🧎
Zazen is a meditation method that pursues calmness of mind through deep concentration.
This meditation provides a precious time to temporarily distance yourself from the hustle and bustle of daily life and face your inner self.
Not only does it sharpen your concentration, but it also leads you to a deeper awareness of your emotions and the movements of your mind, and to a deeper understanding of yourself.
If you lose concentration during meditation, you will be beaten with a flat stick to stimulate and improve your concentration. It is not a painful form of punishment and is only for those who wish it.
The zazen experience is a rare opportunity to directly experience Japanese Buddhist culture and its spiritual values.
7. Bamboo forest in Arashiyama 🎋
The bamboo forest is covered with countless bamboo, and the sunlight leaking through the bamboos, which seem to reach to the heavens, is extremely beautiful. The sound of the wind rustling the bamboos also calms us.
In mid-August and mid-December, the bamboo is illuminated for a limited time. Also, during the daytime, visitors can see the scene illuminated by sunlight from above, but during this season, the bamboo forest is brightly lit from below, making visitors feel as if they are walking through a tunnel
The scenery is fantastic, unique and very popular.
This place is so special i put it in my one day itinerary for Kyoto, even for a short visit it is a recommend!
Japanese patterned lights are placed on the street and a path of light is created, which you can walk through to get a sense of Japan.
8. Take a ride on a trolley and enjoy the view of the valley 🚞
Arashiyama is famous for its bamboo groves, but the Sagano Trolley, a sightseeing railroad, is also very popular, so much so that it is impossible to board without an early reservation.
Especially during Japan’s cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, the view from the train window is spectacular, and the time spent relaxing in the atmosphere of the old railroad is the best.
9. Eat Kyoto sweets 😋
It refers to sweets unique to Kyoto that are characterized by their moderate sweetness and elegance, and is slightly different from the recommended Japanese traditional confectionery in this article.
Many of the sweets are made using Kyoto’s specialties, with Uji green tea and anko (red bean paste) being typical examples. They are characterized by beautiful designs and shapes created by delicate and precise handwork.
For more detailed information on sweets in Kyoto, please visit the best local must-eat food in Kyoto.
10. Watching traditional dances and songs of maiko and geiko (geisha) / having dinner 👘
Maiko and Geiko, often known as Geishas in Tokyo, are the present-day representatives of Kyoto’s traditional performing arts. Watching their sophisticated dances and songs is an experience that can only be had here.
There are several venues in Kyoto where you can see performances, and they are usually held around April and October. Some performances can be viewed for as little as 4,000 yen for a special seat.
Dining with these women is often held at an upscale ryotei restaurant, so it is an expensive experience, costing several tens of thousands of yen.
However, it is a valuable time to talk with them about their daily lives and geiko culture, if you have the financial power it could be a truly unique experience.
11. Feel the atmosphere of pontocho 💭
There are long-established ryotei restaurants and modern bars and cafes, and the stone-paved wooden streets and wooden buildings give the atmosphere of the old capital.
In the early hours of the morning or evening, you may see maiko and geiko in beautiful kimonos walking around. There are also several places where they perform butoh here.
12. Relaxing along the Kamo River 😌
Kamo River is a large river that runs through Kyoto City. Every evening, many people sit along the Kamo River, chatting and relaxing. The sound created by the slow flow of the water provides us with a very relaxing time.
Morning walks and runs are also very relaxing.
Conclusion
Kyoto is the perfect place to experience the depths of Japanese tradition and culture. From tea ceremony and zazen to traditional Kyoto confectionery making, these experiences will leave a deep imprint in the hearts of visitors.
A trip to Kyoto is a rare opportunity to experience the essence of Japan. For more Kyoto goodness check my best places to visit in Kyoto article, thanks for reading!
