Kyoto is a beautiful city with plenty to offer its visitors. Kyoto is a city with an ancient culture and history that makes for an interesting tourist attraction. The city is home to many famous temples and castles, as well as a wide variety of shopping areas and nightlife options. One of the most popular activities in Kyoto is taking free walking tours around the city. These walks offer a unique perspective on the city and its history, making them perfect for tourists who want to get a little bit more out of their visit. Another popular tourist attraction in Kyoto is Yoyogi Park, which is home to some of the best views in the city. Visitors can enjoy a day of relaxation at Yoyogi Park, whether they are looking for a peaceful walk or something to do during their stay in Kyoto. There are also some incredible free activities to enjoy! If you are looking for an authentic Japanese experience, you should definitely check out a tea ceremony. Here, you will be led by a professional tea master as they teach you about the history and spiritual importance of this ancient drink.
Walk the Philosopher’s Path
Kyoto is a city that embraces the old ways and still has many traditional arts and crafts. Whether you visit the historic Gion district or wander the machiya (traditional Japanese townhouses) in the Nishijin textile district, you can find an abundance of ancient speciality shops.
If you’re looking for an activity to enjoy while exploring Kyoto, walking the Philosopher’s Path is a great option. This canal-side strolling path stretches about 2 kilometres along the Lake Biwa Canal and is famous for its beautiful views during cherry blossom season.
The path runs between Ginkakuji Temple and Nanzen-ji Temple. It’s named after a famous Japanese philosopher, Nishida Kitaro, who walked it as a daily exercise before WWII.
Rent a Kimono
If you want to experience a unique Japanese cultural activity while exploring Kyoto, renting a Kimono is a great choice. You can explore the city in traditional clothing while taking photos with stunning backdrops.
Right by Fushimi Inari Shrine and a short four-minute walk from JR’s Inari Station, Kyoto Aiwafuku is a top Kyoto kimono rental shop. They also offer hair styling and makeup services, so you can be ready to go sightseeing in a flash!
The shop is a convenient location for sightseeing, including Kodaiji Temple (a one-minute walk), Kiyomizu Temple (a five-minute walk), and Gion (a 10-minute walk). Plus, it has foreign language support, so you can easily communicate with staff in English and Chinese. They even provide free Kyoto maps and guides. With such easy access, you can fully immerse yourself in the beautiful city!
Visit the Samurai Kembu Theater
Located just a short walk east of Sanjo station, the Samurai Kembu Theater offers a traditional martial arts experience that lets you enter the world of samurai warriors. During your visit, you’ll learn about the history of samurai culture and the art of sword dance through informative narration on stage before watching a series of Kembu demonstrations.
The performers are dressed in hakama (traditional Japanese divided skirt) and adorned with family crests, and they fluidly perform familiar samurai moves including sword drawing, paper fan manipulation, and spear-wielding. The performance is accompanied by a classical kanzashi or waka poem, and it’s an engaging way to learn about the ancient samurai world.
Wander the Ichijo-dori Street
Kyoto is a city with a rich cultural history. One of the best ways to discover this is to take a tour with a local guide.
The guide can show you some of the most popular sights in the city, as well as some lesser-known gems. This can help you experience a true taste of Kyoto without spending a fortune!
In northern Kyoto, there’s the Path of Philosophy, a two-kilometre walking path that follows a canal. It’s gorgeous during cherry blossom season and is a great place for people-watching.
Visit the Kyoto City Zoo
A visit to the Kyoto City Zoo is a fun way to spend an afternoon with your kids. It’s located on the east side of the Okazaki Museum District, in Northern Higashiyama, and is a quick walk from such famous spots as Heian-Jingu Shrine and Nanzen-ji Temple.
It’s also a great place to introduce your kids to the animals of Japan, as they’ll be able to see some species they may not otherwise have the chance to see. Plus, you can learn about them from the knowledgeable staff at the zoo.
In 2015, the zoo underwent a 7-year renewal process that included new facilities that allow for closer interaction with the animals. It also hosts several lectures and nighttime viewings throughout the year that are sure to captivate your children!
Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine is a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike, and it should definitely be included in any travel itinerary to the city. As one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan, Fushimi Inari is known for its thousands of bright orange torii gates that form a stunning pathway through the forested mountain. Visitors can explore the shrine and its surrounding hiking trails for hours, taking in the natural beauty and spiritual significance of the area. For more information on this incredible destination, be sure to check out our article on Kyoto’s Free Charm: 5 Fun Activities, which includes Fushimi Inari Shrine as a must-see attraction.