Things to Do in Kyoto:
Get ready for a super fun day in Kyoto! Forget about the fancy guidebooks and strict plans, we’re in for a day filled with surprises and cherry blossom confetti! Kyoto is way more than just temples and tea ceremonies. It’s like a colorful adventure with playful monkeys, cute fox ears in shop windows, and ramen that’s like a cozy haiku from a geisha. So, hold on tight because we’re leaving the dusty history behind and diving into a Kyoto day full of laughs, yummy pancakes, and ancient secrets that’ll make you want even more (maybe some extra mochi too).
Kyoto is a city that makes you feel like you’re in a living museum.
Ian Morrison
Kyoto Map:
1. Visit Kinkaku-Ji (The Golden Pavilion):
- Imagine you’re walking in a calm garden, covered in soft moss, with wind bells whispering in the breeze. You see something amazing, a shiny, golden building called Kinkaku-ji.
- It’s like sunshine turned into a two-story house, reflecting in a quiet pond like a dragon’s skin. A mythical phoenix guards the roof, its wings outstretched as if ready to take flight.
- But Kinkaku-ji is not just fancy. It has a beautiful story: a leader built it as a home, it survived big fires (talk about strong), and now it’s a special place recognized by UNESCO.
- Feel the calmness, toss a coin in the pond for good luck, and take lots of pictures under its golden gaze. But remember, the real magic is in the feeling like you stepped into an old fairy tale, where every bit of gold tells ancient stories.
2. Try Matcha Ice Cream:
- Forget about sprinkles and gummy bears. In Kyoto, the coolest ice cream is the color of a super green field.
- Yep, it’s matcha, a special powder made from green tea leaves. A scoop so bright it’s like a happy meadow, sitting in a crispy cone or a soft mochi bowl. Take a bite, and WOW! Your taste buds dance with creamy, sweet goodness that’s like a cup of sunshine pretending to be dessert.
- It has a tiny bit of bitterness that makes you want more. But wait, there’s more fun.
- Kyoto’s matcha experts get fancy. Think about swirly white chocolate with matcha, crunchy red bean bits, or parfaits with whipped cream, chewy mochi, and even other flavors like strawberry or vanilla. It’s a party for your eyes and your taste buds. So, say goodbye to regular vanilla and jump into the matcha world.
- Trust me, your taste buds (and Instagram feed) will thank you.
3. Ride a Rickshaw in Arashiyama:
- Forget about taxis and walking tours in Arashiyama, you’ve got a cool ride waiting for you: A rickshaw painted like cherry blossoms, all set to take you through a magical bamboo forest.
- Feel the sunshine filtering through tall green bamboo, listen to sounds telling old stories, and breathe in the fresh air that feels as calm as vibes in a bottle.
- Your rickshaw driver, a local artist, knows secret paths and shares spots that only wind-trusting explorers discover. See hidden temples, green bridges with samurai tales, and maybe playful monkeys. The best part? Wind in your hair, fun talks, and the joy of feeling like a kid again.
- So, skip the guidebook, and set out on this laughter-filled ride.
4. Meet the Cute Deer in Nara Park:
- Japan has another exciting place for furry fun, Nara Park. It’s just a short ride on a super-fast train from Kyoto. Here, cute deer roam around freely, feeling like the fluffy kings and queens of the park. No need for zoos or safaris, these spotted cuties are your park buddies, all set to make you smile with their big, soulful eyes and playful moves.
- A sunny forest with old temples and lots of green trees. Suddenly, a group of fluffy deer with tiny crowns on their heads comes skipping over. Don’t worry, these deer are super friendly. They might give you gentle nuzzles or even a little bow if you have deer crackers.
- But be warned, be gentle with the deer, they’re wild animals, even if they are super cute.
- Don’t tease or chase them, they might get stressed, and that’s no fun for anyone.
5. Discover Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama:
Get ready to explore a forest of super-tall green bamboo. In Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, the bamboo sticks reach up and make the sky look like it’s wearing a green shirt. Sunlight plays peek-a-boo, making the paths all mossy and telling secrets in the rustling leaves. It’s kind of like walking into a movie by Studio Ghibli, with every turn showing a new, calm, and pretty scene. Follow the curve paths, enjoy the windy whispers, and take lovely pictures.
6. Eat Sushi at Nishiki Market:
- Say goodbye to dull lunch boxes and get ready for a super exciting food adventure at Nishiki Market. A burst of colors and yummy smells, tuna salad looking like precious jewels, chubby shrimp giving a little shine in the sunlight, and rice balls that sparkle with sesame seeds. Every food stand is like a little promise of tasty goodness, from tiny bites to towering sushi that even a sumo wrestler would be impressed by.
- But the amazing thing about Nishiki Market isn’t just the food. It’s like a lively show of Kyoto life. Nice shopkeepers sell their stuff.
- Try a stick of delicious salmon fresh from the grill. Take a bite of nigiri with the tastiest tuna on top, its rich flavor dancing on your tongue. Have a little tamagoyaki (sweet egg omelet) and let the flavors burst in your mouth.
- Each bite is like a small adventure, exploring the heart of Kyoto’s food culture. Forget fancy restaurants and go into the lively chaos of Nishiki Market. It’s a treat for your eyes, a delightful smell, and a party for your taste buds.
7. Take a Stroll in Gion District:
- Take a nice walk through the charming Gion District as part of your Fun Day in Kyoto. Gion is a special place full of history and tradition, like going back in time with a cool postcard. Walk on the bumpy streets next to pretty wooden houses where geishas and samurais used to be. See geishas looking super fancy as they move gracefully between tea houses, making everything feel elegant.
- Explore small paths, find cute shops, and enjoy the timeless beauty of Gion throughout the day. It’s a really nice journey that shows the awesome culture of Kyoto.
Frequently Asked Questions:
| Is Kyoto expensive? | Kyoto can be a bit pricier than other Japanese cities, but budget options for accommodation and street food can help. |
| When is the best time to visit Kyoto? | Some locals speak English, and learning basic Japanese is helpful, but smiles and gestures work well. |
| How do I get around Kyoto? | Buses and subways are convenient, walking is great, and bikes can be rented. Wearing a kimono is fun but not ideal for long walks. |
| What language should I speak? | Some locals speak English, learning basic Japanese is helpful, but smiles and gestures work well. |
| What food should I try? | Enjoy ramen, udon noodles, okonomiyaki, taiyaki, mochi, and matcha tea and desserts. |
| What should I avoid doing? | Show respect at temples and shrines, take off shoes indoors, avoid eating while walking, and keep noise down on public transportation. |
| What are good souvenirs to buy? | Consider kimono accessories, chopsticks, ceramics, tea sets, matcha-flavored sweets, and cute kawaii trinkets. |
| Any tips for first-time visitors? | Research but leave room for surprises, get a travel pass for transportation, wear comfy clothes, and be open to new experiences. |
Also Read: Why Travel to Japan
