Kyoto, the cultural soul of Japan, is an irresistible destination that entices millions of tourists annually. Laden with history, customs, and natural beauty, Kyoto provides a window into Japan’s affluent history and serves as an oasis of peace within the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From gorgeous temples and gardens to lively festivals and lip-smacking cuisine, there are plenty of things that make Kyoto a must-visit destination. In this article, we’ll look at some of the top reasons to visit the thousand-year capital, Kyoto to help you with your travel planning.
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Temples, shrines, and historical landmarks
Kyoto’s ancient landmarks and temples are a dream come true for history lovers and architecture aficionados. This city was Japan’s capital for over a millennium and is filled with tons of incredible cultural sites. The city is also teeming with thousands of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Kiyomizu-Dera, and Fushimi Inari Taisha are just some of the iconic places you’ll find in Kyoto. All of these landmarks showcase the beauty and complexity of Japan’s traditional architecture. These UNESCO World Heritage sites also offer an incredible glimpse into Japan’s spiritual and artistic legacy.
Exquisite natural beauty
Kyoto is famous not only for its monuments but for its stunning natural beauty as well. The city is breathtakingly beautiful in the springtime, especially with cherry blossoms or sakura in full bloom, transforming the city into a sea of delicate pink and white petals. The scenery in areas like the Arashiyama district makes Kyoto ideal for nature lovers. Not only are the bamboo groves and landscapes here great for a peaceful walk, but the Arashiyama Monkey Park gives you the chance to mingle with some friendly Japanese macaques and take in the breathtaking mountain views. If you’re up for a bit of a hike, Kyoto’s mountains have plenty of trails to explore, especially the popular one to Fushimi Inari Taisha.
The Zen gardens
Kyoto has numerous Zen gardens renowned for their beauty and serenity. Most visitors find peace and tranquility in these gardens that offer them a chance at silent contemplation. Some popular Zen gardens worth a visit include Ryoan-ji Temple’s enigmatic rock garden and the perfectly manicured gardens of temples like Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) and Tenryu-ji. These gardens are also one of the best escape places for people wanting to remove themselves from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Festivals and cultural celebrations
Kyoto is renowned for its lively festivals that give you a peek into the city’s vibrant customs. People here celebrate three significant festivals that are arguably some of the world’s oldest ones. The Gion Festival, one of Japan’s most significant and elaborate festivals, takes place in July and features grand processions, traditional music, and dance. The Aoi Matsuri, a procession between the Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines led by the Imperial Messenger, is another important one. The Jidai Matsuri, the third and newest one has been around for a century and puts an emphasis on historical reenactments.
Traditional Geisha culture
Kyoto is one of the few places in Japan where the traditional geisha culture still thrives. This culture originated in Kyoto, and the Gion neighborhood serves as its spiritual center. The geisha, known as geiko or maiko in Kyoto dialect, are highly skilled in traditional arts such as dance, music, and conversation. Witnessing a geisha performance or encountering a geisha can be an enchanting experience even if you are not familiar with the culture.
The easiest way to see a geisha is to wait in the traditional eateries and wooden teahouses of beautifully preserved neighborhoods like Pontocho and Hanami-koji Street. You can also watch a public performance by the maiko and geiko if you go to Kyoto during the Miyako Odori festival in April. Visitors can also partake in a traditional tea ceremony, where they can learn about the intricacies of this ancient ritual and savor the flavors of matcha green tea.
Delectable cuisine
With a long history of culinary innovation, Kyoto boasts a diverse range of culinary traditions. The city’s culinary scene is a treat for food lovers, offering a delightful blend of traditional and innovative flavors. Apart from purely traditional eateries, Kyoto is famous for having the second-highest number of Michelin stars, only behind Tokyo. This includes both an astounding number of eateries specializing in international and modern cuisine as well as the haute cuisine practiced in Japan traditionally called kaiseki ryori.
Matcha lovers also have a lot to try out in Kyoto. Anywhere you go, you can find matcha desserts like ice cream, cookies, cakes, cream puffs, and chocolate as well as traditional yatsuhashi sweets.
Kyoto is an incredible place to explore, boasting a unique combination of ancient and modern vibes. Its incredible history, stunning scenery, unique foods, and traditional customs make it a must-see destination for anyone looking for a cultural experience. Visiting Kyoto will give every traveler a deeper appreciation of Japanese culture and some amazing memories that are sure to last a lifetime.
Wondering how to plan a trip to Kyoto? Travel-Wise is at your service. Our trip planner can help you anticipate everything you will need for your travel. If you want detailed travel itineraries, browse for itineraries here.