Location: Kyoto
Top Things to do in Kyoto
10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Kyoto That You Shouldn't Miss
The shrines and temples of Kyoto offer a rare link between modern life in the city and its very ancient past. The Shimogamo Shrine dates to the 6th century and seems suspended in time, its serenity and spiritual power still palpable. Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, then see the life-sized Thousand Armed Kannon statues of Sanjūsangen-dō. Enjoy traditional geisha performances, then savor a tranquil meal at a restaurant overlooking the Kamo River.
Restaurants in Kyoto
1. Private English Tour in Kyoto
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 921 reviews
To contact us, please search with "Private English Tour in KYOTO", or "Takakazu Machi". Our tours are private tours using a car. Our guide can drive you to each site, go inside sightseeing spots with you, and explain everything about the site, culture, custom in Japan.
2. KYOTO Butoh-kan
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 110 reviews
Butoh is an avant-garde dance that was born in Japan in the 1950s. Expressing a Japanese physicality and spirituality, the unique style of Butoh was a fresh challenge to the dance aesthetics of the time, undermining them from the ground up. Since then, Butoh has had a lasting impact on the world of dance. Even now, Butoh enjoys especially high recognition abroad, but within Japan, information relating to Butoh is hard to come by, and the fact is that there are few venues where one can experience Butoh. Art Complex has revived an ancient Japanese storehouse-an intimate space limited to eight seats-which will be devoted to long-run Butoh performances, so that Kyoto becomes "the place" to see Butoh dance. Furthermore, we are creating a Butoh Web Portal that will serve as an international resource for information about Butoh.
Reviewed By aaronc191
I almost didn't blink the entire time. So intimate, so intense, so vivid, I've never seen anything like it. Really worth it if you enjoy the arts - especially for cutting edge and provocative tastes. What you don't realize is that this is a show for not more than 10 people - at all times we are just a few feet away from the actors and you are so close you can even see their sweat and hear their breath. It adds a whole new intense dimension to an already intense experience. Loved it.
3. Kyoto Samurai Experience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 647 reviews
Kyoto Samurai Experience This is an excellent chance for visitors to get a firsthand look into the world of the samurai. Get a glimpse into the philosophies of Bushido (the way of the warrior) and try your hand at wielding a real katana. Afterwards, practice some inward reflection with Zen meditation, used by the samurai to calm their minds during battle.
Reviewed By 842courtneyf
My partner and i had an amazing experience, the staff were incredible, welcoming, polite and knowledgeable. The whole experience was very well worth it !!
4. Ken’s Tours Kyoto
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 293 reviews
Dear travelers, Welcome to Ken's Tours Kyoto! I am Ken, your future Kyoto guide. I am here to help you discover new things, places and experiences. Kyoto has a lot of stories to tell, especially in Gion where the Geisha world, shrines and temples hold unique stories that will astonish you, that you'll fall in love with, and that will connect you to the history. I can't wait to see you guys and explore together! Sincerely yours, Ken Sakata
5. Ran Theatre Kyoto
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 322 reviews
The concept of RAN is to have a fun filled night with traditional music and local sake and beer. Here you can see all the famous traditional musicians under one roof. We invited musicians from all over Japan to come to Kyoto, the centre of Japanese traditional culture to entertain you with this exciting performance. There is a mix of classic songs and songs adapted from pop culture. We invite you to enjoy a few drinks from our selection of local sake and beer while you enjoy the show. We also ask you to join in on the fun by clapping along, waving your arms side to side and maybe even joining the band!
Reviewed By G3995HVsaral - Melbourne, Australia
Ran Theatre Kyoto's Friday night show is the highlight of my Kyoto trip thus far! Where else can you enjoy an intimate evening immersed in traditional Japanese music with 6 very talented musicians... who are so engaging and harmonised that it just took my breath away! The energy is dynamite from the start- the show is well balanced with upbeat songs, interspersed with slower, moving melodies, and also modern fusions that gave the music a rock edge at times. I loved how animated and engaging the musicians were, the way that they synchronised was just entrancing! Audience participation was a lot of fun and put a smile on everyone's faces- I loved learning how to play the Japanese drums- it is a memory i will cherish! The venue is intimate and you can enjoy a drink or two- we were right up front so had a fantastic view. It is so unique to have this opportunity to enjoy live music in the heart of Kyoto. I've seen a lot of performances/ theatre in the past and this show was just phenomenal. We booked tickets online for a discounted rate and enjoyed 80 minutes of incredible entertainment. We even had the chance to take photos with all the musicians which was another highlight:)!! We are a couple on our honeymoon and this show was just a brilliant way to absorb some precious culture, relax after several busy days of sightseeing and to enjoy some serious music talent:). We also learned about the musical instruments and learned about traditional folk songs. Excellent value and a top experience- please do yourself a favor and go to Ran Theatre Kyoto!
6. Konchi-in
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By JameAndDare - Woodstock, Canada
We happened upon this temple walking back to the subway from Nanzen-ji and decided to stop because it cost only about 400¥ each to get in. It looked peaceful and something was drawing us here. You follow the path going around the shrine in a circle, starting at a pond with koi fish in it. The gardens all around here are beautiful and the path is clearly marked. Make sure to wear bug spray. We got bit a bunch of times as it was muggy and the vegetation was thick in here. You come to the main shrine and it seems to be very historic. The trees open up to a huge zen garden and we just took off our shoes and sat here enjoying the peace and quiet. There was one other small group of people here at the time who were very quiet and respectful, so we basically had the place to ourselves. We sat for a good 20 minutes.
7. Saihoji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 268 reviews
Reviewed By nigela445
We were very fortunate in obtaining a pass to vist this temple and its beautiful gardens. Entry each day is limited and you must apply well in advance for an entry pass but it is worth it. Entry fee is 3,000 yen per person payable in cash. Google how to do it. The temple sits in beautiful grounds known as the moss garden and is nown locally as "Koke-dera", or moss temple. Adter entering the temple wuth about 60 other visitors we were requested to hand copy a "sutra" or text in Japanese which will be kept at the temple. As mentioned the gardens are simply beautiful to walk through. Nearest raleay station is Saga Arashiyma and a tax from there to the temple is about 2,500 Yen.
8. Shosei-en Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 240 reviews
This is the detached garden of Higashi Honganji, which was donated by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the 3rd shōgun, in 1641. It covers an area of about 33,000 square meters (8 acres) and was designed by Jōzan Ishikawa. The various structures in this garden were destroyed twice by fire in 1858 and 1864 and the present construction took place during the Meiji period. This garden is filled with many kinds of flowers throughout the year, and the colorful scenery is highly appreciated. Currently, Ingetsu-chi Pond in Shōsei-en Garden is undergoing renovation so we lower water levels in the pond from January 1, 2017 to March 25, 2017. Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation. Shinsetsu-kyō (Snow-capped Bridge) in Shōsei-en Garden is undergoing renovation due to deterioration. The renovation period is March 1, 2017 to the end of October 2017. Please cross Kaitō-rō (Chinese corridor-style Bridge) to get to Shukuen-tei (Tea House). Please watch your step when you pass someone on the bridge. Also, currently we lower water levels in the pond, Ingetsu-chi due to the renovation. Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation.
Reviewed By 373mauricew - Melbourne, Australia
We were early for our tea ceremony and decided to take a stroll in the adjacent streets and came across Shosei-en Gardens what an of peace and quiet the entry fee is 500¥ but it's worth it unfortunately I didn't have my DSLR camera and had to use my phones camera which was disappointing as there are so many photo opportunities in the gardens The time we were there there were only about 10 other people there and you have to keep reminding yourself that you're in the center of a city as it's so peaceful, thoroughly worth a visit when you in Kyoto
9. Gio-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 405 reviews
Reviewed By Caro3166 - Tannum Sands, Australia
Just beautiful. So we went here. If you love gardens you will really appreciate this temple. We went in mid December and there were still lots of autumn leaves.
10. Honen-in
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 279 reviews
Reviewed By jueying
This temple is a little off the beaten path, and much less visited than other temples in Kyoto. I appreciated the peace and tranquility, and found the moss-covered thatched roof of the front gate to be most charming and lovely.
