Kyoto is a trip back in time you will not want to miss. It attracts all possible travellers with its beautiful history and culture. Kyoto is where you will find yourself with an experience that stays with you long after you visit, from ancient temples to tranquil gardens. In this guide, you can find all of the highlights you need to have an amazing trip!

Discover the Historic Temples

There are many beautiful temples in Kyoto, each lovely in its own way. The most well-known is the Golden Pavilion, that beautiful golden building set in that pond. Peace is found in its tranquillity.

Another notable site is Kiyomizu-dera. Surrounded by lush greenery, this temple is situated on a hill overlooking the city. This majestic scenery is most common in spring around the cherry blossom season, when the entire scenery is a beautiful pink colour. The temple’s original wooden stage and the Otowa Waterfall, where visitors can catch water in a cup, can also be visited.

Wander Through Traditional Districts

Scattered in its old districts, you can see slivers of immediacy. A visit to Gion, where the geisha culture is the most famous, is also a must. While wandering around its narrow alleys, visitors can enjoy the sight of the wooden machiya houses and might even see a geisha on her way to an appointment.

Another charming area is Arashiyama. Bamboo Grove. This is an outer district with only Bamboo Grove being part of it. The feeling of walking among those towering bamboo stalks is otherworldly, at least early in the morning when you have the place to yourself.

Enjoy the Natural Beauty

Kyoto’s natural beauty is captivating. The Philosopher’s Path, a tree-lined walking trail with cherry trees. This beautiful walkway goes along with a canal and contains some smaller temples and shrines. It is a nice place to take a walk, especially in spring and autumn.

If you’re a garden lover, the Ryoan-ji Zen garden is a great attraction. This zen-looking minimalist rock garden is an invitation to reflection and a great example of Japanese architecture. People hang out here for peace and serenity.

Experience Traditional Arts and Crafts

Kyoto is famous for traditional arts and crafts. Visitors can participate in experiences such as tea ceremonies that provide a glimpse into the local customs of the country itself. A number of local venues offer the possibility to immerse yourself in this practice, which focuses on mindfulness and reverence.

If you like crafts, then a trip to a traditional ceramic workshop is also a must. Here, participants might be able to make gorgeous ceramics with the help of capable artisans.

Savour the Local Cuisine

A trip to Kyoto isn’t really a trip without tasting its food. Food is one of the major attractions this city has to offer, turning heads and tantalising the taste buds of many. Kaiseki: A traditional multi-course meal, kaiseki is a great way to experience the delicate, seasonal ingredients and meticulous preparation that characterise Japanese cuisine. An experience at a kaiseki restaurant is a glimpse into Kyoto’s culinary arts.

Street food is also popular. Nishiki Market, where locals and tourists alike flock to treat themselves to goodies. Some are translated from meats on skewers to sweet mochi.

Participate in Festivals

Various festivals are also held in Kyoto throughout the year, and they provide special insights into local traditions. One of the most notable ones is the Gion Matsuri which takes place in July. There are colors, parades, traditional music, and colorful floats.

Daimonji Fire Festival in August. Outside the city, giant bonfires laid out in the shape of characters burn on the surrounding hills. The end of the Obon season for honouring ancestors.

Embrace the Modern Side

Kyoto has a history, but it also has modernity. The Kyoto Station area is a vibrant hotspot. It also has shops, other restaurants and a roof garden. This would be a nice place to start from and explore the city.

The Kyoto National Museum fuses traditional and contemporary art for those interested in either. The collections cover hundreds of years of Japanese art.

See also: Top 10 Exciting Things to Do in Osaka for First-Timers

Conclusion

Kyoto is a beautiful mixture of history and modernity. There are so many things to do in Kyoto, from historic temples to lush gardens. This guide to the city is a mere taste of what Chicago has to offer, leaving the true magic for guests to discover. Kyoto, with its rich history, ancient traditions, and delectable food, offers a world of endless discovery to be had, be it through amazing cultural experiences, mouth-watering food, or festivals that take place throughout the year.