Curator’s statement
Kyoto holds a deeply personal significance for me, stemming from its unparalleled blend of historical richness and cultural depth. Its ancient temples, majestic gardens and preserved traditions speak to a profound sense of continuity and reverence for the past. Each visit to Kyoto feels like a journey back in time, offering a glimpse into Japan's storied heritage and the enduring spirit of its people. Moreover, Kyoto's serene beauty and timeless elegance never fail to inspire and rejuvenate my soul, making it a place of solace and reflection amid life's hustle and bustle. In essence, Kyoto is more than just a destination. It's a sanctuary where the past and present converge, inviting us to pause, contemplate and appreciate the beauty of life's fleeting moments.
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Things to do in Kyoto
Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): Marvel at the stunning golden pavilion set amid beautiful gardens, reflecting in the tranquil pond.
Explore Fushimi Inari Taisha: Wander through the iconic vermilion torii gates of this Shinto shrine, nestled on the wooded slopes of Mount Inari.
Stroll through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Lose yourself in the ethereal beauty of this enchanting bamboo forest, located in the Arashiyama district.
Experience a Tea Ceremony: Immerse yourself in Japanese culture with a traditional tea ceremony at one of Kyoto's historic tea houses.
Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Discover the iconic wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera, offering panoramic views of Kyoto city and the surrounding mountains.
Explore Gion District: Wander through the historic streets of Gion, Kyoto's famed geisha district, and catch a glimpse of geiko and maiko in their elegant attire.
Admire the Philosopher's Path: Take a leisurely walk along this scenic path lined with cherry trees, especially breathtaking during the cherry blossom season.
Discover Nijo Castle: Step back in time at Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.
Visit Kyoto's Imperial Palace: Explore the former residence of Japan's imperial family and stroll through the expansive grounds and gardens.
Day Trip to Nara:
Morning:
Departure from Kyoto: Start your day early from Kyoto Station. Take the JR Nara Line to Nara Station. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes.
Visit Todai-ji Temple: Upon arrival in Nara, head to Todai-ji Temple, one of Japan's most iconic Buddhist temples. Marvel at the colossal Great Buddha (Daibutsu) housed within the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall), which is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world.
Explore Nara Park: After visiting Todai-ji Temple, take a leisurely stroll through Nara Park, a vast green space home to hundreds of friendly deer. Purchase deer crackers (shika senbei) from vendors to feed the deer and enjoy the picturesque scenery.
Midday:
Lunch in Naramachi: Head to Naramachi, the historic merchant district of Nara, for lunch. Explore the charming streets lined with traditional machiya (townhouses) and dine at one of the local restaurants serving delicious regional specialties such as kakinoha sushi (sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves) or kuzu mochi (arrowroot starch dumplings).
Afternoon:
Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine: After lunch, make your way to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful vermilion-lacquered buildings and hundreds of stone lanterns lining the paths. Take a leisurely stroll through the shrine's tranquil forested grounds and soak in the serene atmosphere.
Explore Naramachi: Spend the afternoon exploring the Naramachi area further, visiting traditional shops, galleries and cafes housed in beautifully preserved historic buildings. Don't miss the opportunity to sample some local sweets or pick up souvenirs such as handmade crafts or ceramics.
Evening:
Return to Kyoto: Head back to Nara Station and catch the train back to Kyoto.
Places to eat & drink in Kyoto
Kikunoi Honten: Indulge in exquisite kaiseki cuisine at this renowned three Michelin-starred restaurant, offering a multi-course dining experience that showcases the finest seasonal ingredients.
Mizai: Experience the art of tofu cuisine at Mizai, where each dish is crafted with precision and elegance, highlighting the delicate flavors and textures of this Japanese staple.
Hyotei: Delight in the refined flavors of traditional Kyoto cuisine at Hyotei, a historic ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurant) that has been serving aristocrats and dignitaries for over 400 years.
Tempura Matsu: Savor the crisp perfection of tempura at Tempura Matsu, where the freshest seafood and vegetables are expertly fried to golden perfection and served with seasonal accompaniments.
Kaiseki Yoshiyuki: Immerse yourself in the artistry of kaiseki dining at Kaiseki Yoshiyuki, where Chef Yoshiyuki Takazawa creates innovative and visually stunning dishes that pay homage to Kyoto's culinary heritage.
Drinks:
Bar K6: Enjoy sophisticated cocktails in an intimate setting at Bar K6, where expert mixologists craft innovative libations using premium spirits and locally sourced ingredients.
The Bar at The Ritz Carlton Kyoto: Experience luxury and elegance at The Bar, located within The Ritz Carlton Kyoto, offering an extensive selection of fine wines, rare whiskies and signature cocktails in a refined atmosphere.
Wabisuke: Discover the art of Japanese whiskey at Wabisuke, a stylish whiskey bar specializing in rare and vintage bottles from renowned distilleries across Japan.
Pontocho Alley: Explore the historic Pontocho Alley, lined with traditional tea houses, izakayas and bars offering a diverse selection of sake, shochu and craft cocktails.
La Maison de la Nature Goh: Indulge in organic wines and natural wines at La Maison de la Nature Goh, a chic wine bar and shop showcasing a curated selection of biodynamic and sustainable wines from around the world.
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Travel Advisor
Alberto Mussali
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Kyoto. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Jaime Felix’s guide, First Timer’s Guide in Kyoto, Japan.