When in Kyoto, you must try these 8 experiences

Capturing photos at the iconic red gate shrine, bamboo forest, strolling along the Kamo River, trying on kimonos, or learning the art of tea are some of the must-do activities when visiting Kyoto, Japan.

When traveling to Kyoto, be sure to try these 8 experiences

As Japan's ancient capital for 1,000 years, Kyoto is often likened to a vibrant living museum of the nation's traditional culture. Visitors can feel the ancient, serene atmosphere on every street, house, and even in the daily routines. If you have the chance to visit Kyoto tourism, don't miss these unique experiences found nowhere else.

Capture photos at the famous red gate shrine

When talking about traveling to Kyoto, one cannot ignore the thousands-of-years-old shrines. But perhaps the most checked-in shrine is Fushimi Inari-taisha - famous for its thousands of distinctive red torii gates forming a striking red tunnel. These gates are votive offerings from individuals and companies to the shrine, wishing for luck in business. According to Shinto beliefs, the torii gate is considered as the entrance to the world of the divine, the transition between the mundane and the sacred realm. The vibrant red color symbolizes the sun and power. 10,000 torii gates stretch into a 4 km-long 'tunnel' and continue to be extended.

Located at the foot of Mount Inari, at an elevation of 233m above sea level. The path leading to the shrine is a network of multiple trails stretching about 4 km and takes about 2 hours to hike. The number of visitors here is very large every day. To capture a satisfactory photo, you will have to wait for a long time or arrive very early.

Strolling through the Sanago bamboo forest

Arashiyama is located in the outskirts of Kyoto city, boasting picturesque landscapes of mountains and rivers along with many distinctive check-in spots in this ancient capital. First and foremost is the wooden moon bridge, Togetsukyo, spanning 155m across the azure Katsura River. But the most famous here is the Sanago bamboo forest - a destination that travel bloggers worldwide fervently check-in to. The path is only about 500m long with towering, straight, and lush green bamboo, connecting Tenryuji Temple and Nonomiya Shrine. Amidst the scorching heat of summer, simply stepping onto this bamboo-lined path makes all fatigue vanish. This place is like an outdoor studio, perfect for wearing kimonos and taking photos.

Yet Arashiyama not only has the Sagano bamboo forest, the thousand-year-old Togetsukyo bridge… but also a complex of eateries, souvenir shops, kimono rental stores… Don't forget to 'get lost' on the traditional rickshaw rides of the energetic young men running along the quiet ancient streets. Spending the whole day in this area is never dull. When hungry, there are plenty of stalls, eateries selling delicious snacks lining the streets. You can enjoy beautiful scenery while savoring exotic dishes like matcha fish-shaped cakes, sakura boiled eggs, Udon noodles, matcha ice cream… at very affordable prices.

Experience matcha tasting

If kimono is the representative attire of Japan, then matcha is the symbol of the country's beverage culture. This is a traditional green tea powder, carefully selected, cared for, and harvested with the strictest requirements. From this exquisite ingredient, the Japanese create various beverages, foods… such as matcha latte, ice cream, matcha cakes… Matcha can be enjoyed anywhere in Japan but the best is still in the ancient capital Kyoto. Green tea here is renowned for its purity, rich aroma, previously used for royal rituals and in the imperial court. Don't forget to check in with a classic photo featuring a refreshing matcha ice cream against the backdrop of the Arashiyama bamboo forest, the crimson gate shrine Fushimi Inari-taisha, or the Golden Pavilion Kinkakuji…

Geisha District Exploration

Many tourists visiting Japan are curious about geisha and the mysterious stories surrounding these special women. However, nowadays in Japan, there is only one remaining geisha district located in Kyoto - the Gion district. Situated on the upper reaches of the Kamo River, the Gion district is a hub of entertainment, a famous tourist destination in Kyoto, where rare traces of ancient Japan are still preserved. It is also the only place in Japan where geishas still entertain guests, but their activities are very discreet and secretive.

Contrary to rumors about the dark side of the geisha profession, these women only serve drinks, engage in heartfelt conversations, and perform traditional songs for guests. They have to train for a long time, and not everyone can become a true geisha. Besides geishas, Gion is also famous for its streets lined with old wooden houses, traditional tea houses, and shops offering kimono and traditional yukata rentals.

Enjoying the Breeze by the Kamo River

Every major city has an iconic river. In Kyoto, that's the Kamo River. The clear, refreshing river, especially on hot summer days. The banks of the Kamo River are a wonderful place for a leisurely stroll, whether it's in the early morning, late afternoon, or even at night. At any time of the day, both banks are crowded with people sitting and enjoying the cool breeze.

Taking advantage of its excellent location, many restaurants and cafes are built on both sides of the river to serve as stopping points for tourists. In summer, they open up outdoor seating areas for guests to feel the cool breeze while enjoying delicious food and special drinks. These establishments are called kawadoko, serving authentic Kyoto specialties. Alternatively, visit a convenience store by the roadside to grab some snacks, a canned beer, and breathe in the air - it's equally satisfying.

Traditional Ryokan Stay

Ryokan is a traditional Japanese style inn with wooden architecture built using ancient techniques. Ryokans are often located away from the city center, surrounded by greenery, offering a secluded escape from the hustle and bustle. While ryokans can be found in most tourist cities in Japan, not all are authentic and evoke the atmosphere of the past. Kyoto is the ideal suggestion for those who want to experience this type of accommodation.

Ryokans may have higher prices than hotels and lack modern amenities. However, they are always beloved by tourists. You will become familiar with traditional elements such as sleeping on futons, tatami mats, wooden walls…, opening the door to see lush greenery, birds chirping, and cool breezes. Staying at a ryokan alongside locals to learn about Japanese culture, eating traditional dishes makes the experience even more special that everyone wants to try at least once.

Try on a Kimono

It's not difficult to find a kimono rental shop in Japan, even in the bustling Shibuya district in the capital city of Tokyo. But to find a picturesque setting, where every shot is a beautiful picture, there's nowhere else but Kyoto. The serene scenery, moss-covered landscapes, and slow, peaceful way of life here will make your photos more soulful than if taken elsewhere.

Kimono is not just a piece of clothing but also the epitome of Japanese culture, meticulously crafted from every stitch, seam, from fabric weaving, dyeing to tailoring. Wearing a kimono is not simple, and not everyone can complete all the steps on their own. It requires the expertise of Japanese artisans, carefully layering each garment, tying the obi belt, selecting appropriate accessories. In Kyoto, there are 2 locations, Gion and Arashiyama, with many renowned kimono rental shops for both men and women. The rental price for a full-day kimono is 3,000 yen, and if you add makeup and hairstyling, it's about 5,000 yen.

Experience a Traditional Tea Ceremony

Tea ceremony is one of the few traditional rituals still preserved today without fading away, combining tea drinking with the meditative spirit of Buddhism to enhance the art of tea appreciation. Despite its intricate and rigorous requirements, the number of enthusiasts and passionate practitioners of this art form remains significant.

Joining a 45-minute tea ceremony class, you will learn how to properly heat the water in the kettle, how long to boil it to reach the standard. The cup and spoon must be carefully selected. Which type of tea meets the requirements. Especially, tea drinkers must also perform certain rituals with the meaning of harmonizing with nature, cleansing the soul, and cultivating virtues in accordance with the Buddhist spirit.

By Nguyên Chi/Ngôi sao

Reference: Travel Handbook Mytour