Kyoto has a very special place in my heart. My first visit was in 2018 with a program called Remote Year – where you travel and live in one new country every month. Joining Remote Year was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life – it changed me deeply.
During the program, Kyoto became one of my favorite cities in the world. Kyoto is incredibly romantic, full of temples, peaceful gardens, intimate restaurants, beautiful hotels, and the friendliest people.
I have had a lot of friends ask me about my top recommendations for Kyoto, so I’ve compiled a list of 17 personal favorites that should not be missed during your visit to Kyoto.
Also, If you are looking for a hotel – I stayed at Four Seasons and wrote a hotel review HERE
1. Yasaka Pagoda
The Yasaka Pagoda, also known as Yasaka Pagoda Temple or Hokan-ji Temple, is a historic landmark that was originally built in the 7th century and is located in the Higashiyama District of Kyoto, Japan.
The five-story pagoda is associated with the nearby Yasaka Shrine and is often visited by locals and visitors alike to pay their respects and seek blessings.
2. Meditate at Kennin-ji temple (Kyoto’s oldest Zen Temple)
Kennin-ji was founded in 1202 and is one of the oldest Zen temples in the city. The temple holds great significance in Japanese Buddhism and one of its highlights is the impressive Dharma Hall (Hatto), which houses important Buddhist artwork and statues. Inside the temple, visitors can also find intricate Zen gardens and peaceful spaces for meditation.
3. Japanese Tea Ceremony
While many hotels in Kyoto organize their own tea ceremonies, I wanted to check out Maikoya which is very popular on Tripadvisor. At Maikoya, you have the option to book a private session or join a group for the tea ceremony, adding to the authenticity and charm of the experience. https://mai-ko.com/culture/tea-ceremony/
4. Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market, also known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” has a rich history that dates back over 400 years. Originally established during the Edo period, the market began as a wholesale fish district catering to the needs of local restaurants and households in Kyoto. Over time, it evolved into a bustling marketplace offering diverse fresh seafood, local produce, and traditional sweets. This is the perfect place for all my foodies.
Here is a food tour operator that I recommend – https://www.ninjafoodtours.com/kyoto-food-tours/nishiki-market/
5. Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari Taisha is a renowned shrine in Kyoto, Japan, dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity associated with rice and prosperity. Its distinct charm lies in the thousands of vivid red torii gates that create a mesmerizing pathway leading up to Mount Inari.
6. Fire Ramen Menbaka
Menbaka is famous for its signature dish called “Fire Ramen.” Customers are seated at a counter and the chef prepares the ramen in front of them. Just before serving, the chef adds a special oil to the ramen and then lights it on fire. The intense heat briefly chars the surface of the soup, adding a distinct smoky flavor to the dish.
Menbaka Fire Ramen is also known for its rich and flavorful broth, chewy noodles, and various toppings. It offers a range of ramen options, including vegetarian and spicy variations.
7. Bamboo Forest
The Bamboo Forest in Kyoto is one of the most famous attractions in Kyoto and is located in the Arashiyama district.
Walking through the Bamboo Forest is a sensory experience like no other. The tall bamboo shoots form a dense canopy, filtering sunlight and casting beautiful patterns of light and shadow. I recommend going early in the morning because the afternoons are super busy with tourists.
8. Nanzen-ji Temple
Nanzen-ji Temple is a historic and prestigious Zen Buddhist temple located in Kyoto, Japan. With a rich history dating back to the 13th century, Nanzen-ji is known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful gardens. By chance, we stumbled upon this temple during a leisurely walk after visiting Blue Bottle Coffee. I highly recommend going to Blue Bottle and getting a coffee or tea and then visiting Nanzen-ji Temple in the early morning to enjoy its serene beauty with minimal crowds.
9. Morning Walks in Higashiyama District
The Higashiyama District in Kyoto, Japan, is a picturesque area known for its preserved traditional streets, ancient temples, and cultural landmarks. Walking through this district feels like a journey back in time, with narrow cobblestone streets adorned with traditional wooden houses, charming shops, and tea houses.
10. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-Dera Temple is an iconic Buddhist temple located in Kyoto, Japan. Perched on a hillside, the temple offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding nature.
The main hall of Kiyomizu-dera, known as the Kiyomizu Stage, is a remarkable wooden structure built without the use of any nails and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.
11. Kara Kasu Michelin Guide Curry
Kara Kasu, a Michelin Guide restaurant with just 9 seats, serves European-style curry featuring two options: ‘Red’ and ‘Black’. Both dishes aim for mild spice and rich flavor. The ‘Red’ curry is cooked in vegetable broth and tomato sauce, while the ‘Black’ curry is an Italian-style blend with beef stewed in red wine. Their Chinese-style keema curry is prepared similar to mapo tofu, seasoned with minced meat and Szechuan pepper.
12. Geisha Night Walking Tour with Kyoto Fun
This guided tour with Niall provides an opportunity to explore Kyoto’s Gion District. During the tour, we learned insights into the geisha’s training, their distinctive attire, and the significance of their role in Japanese culture. We were lucky and spotted two geisha during our tour. Niall can also arrange for you to meet a geisha which I also recommend since it is not always easy to see geisha on the walking tours.
13. Snack Bar A-55 Kyotoshijo-Kawaramachi (All You Can Eat Candy)
Snack Bar A-55 in Kyotoshijo-Kawaramachi is truly one of a kind. This bar offers an extraordinary experience with its all-you-can-eat Japanese candy selection and a collection of classic Nintendo games. It’s a nostalgic haven where you can indulge in sweet treats while reliving the fun of old-school gaming.
14. Hikiniku To Come
Nagoya’s beloved hamburger restaurant, Hikiniku To Come, features a teishoku-style hamburger set that includes a 250g all-beef patty and six condiments. Alongside the hamburger, you’ll enjoy a serving of miso soup, a bowl of rice, a raw egg, and their housemade sanrajan spice for a mouthwatering tamago kake gohan (TKG) experience.
What sets Hikiniku apart is their incredible toppings, elevating their hamburgers beyond the ordinary. You have the option to add refreshing grated daikon radish with a sprinkle of shiso leaves, sautéed bean sprouts, and cabbage for a satisfying dose of veggies.
Make sure to get in line early because they do not take reservations!
15. Ichiran Ramen
Ichiran Ramen has an individual booth-style seating arrangement, where customers can enjoy their meal in private. This allows diners to fully immerse themselves in the flavors and textures of the ramen without distractions.
Ichiran Ramen is particularly known for its tonkatsu ramen, which features a rich and creamy pork-based broth. The noodles are thin and straight, complementing the flavorful broth perfectly. Toppings such as sliced pork, green onions, and their signature red sauce add additional depth to the dish.
16. Owl and Bengal Cat Cafe
In Japan, animal cafes are very popular, and Kyoto is home to both a Bengal Cat Cafe and an Owl Cafe. As an animal lover, I really enjoyed visiting both of these unique cafes and highly recommend them to fellow animal enthusiasts.
17. Kyoto Loves Gin Bar – Nokishita711 Liquid Cuisine
Kyoto Loves Gin Bar specializes in creating the most beautiful gin cocktails. It took the bartender 10 minutes to make my cocktail and as you can see above – the presentation was absolutely beautiful.
If you are traveling to Kyoto and in need of a tour guide, I highly recommend Niall from Kyoto Fun https://www.kyotofun.com/
