Title: 5 Fun Things To Do In Kyoto
We’ve touched on Japan before, and specifically the wonderful city of Tokyo, which ought to be on just about everybody’s travel list. Kyoto gets a little bit less attention from international tourists, but it’s equally fascinating in some ways. These are some of the things you can try to see and do to enjoy a stay there.
Saiho-ji
The idea of Japanese zen gardens has become popular all over the world, and has even morphed into various forms. For instance, while some even in the West aspire to construct actual zen gardens in their homes’ back yards, others content themselves with (somewhat gimmicky) interior zen garden features. There is even an app that allows users to tend this kind of garden, said to bring peace and tranquility to iOS devices. Actually, the app works rather well, serving as a soothing, almost meditative digital experience. But it’s worth keeping in mind that this whole concept is based on the real thing – that is to say, unique, relaxing, and beautiful gardens often found in Japanese cities. Saiho-ji is just such a garden, and one of the best in the world. It’s designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and with good reason. A still pond, moss-covered ground and trees, and a general sense of peace and quiet make it well worth a visit.
Kiyomizu Temple
Japan’s greatest cities are marked by incredible old temples, and Kyoto is certainly no exception. This is a particularly large temple, and one situated in an absolutely beautiful manner. It’s on Otowa Mountain, and a sort of porch on the main level affords visitors stunning views of the surrounding forest (with the main city in the near distance). It’s a particularly incredible spot to behold the famous cherry blossoms of Japan come spring time.
Geisha Walking Tours
Geishas are often misunderstood, and have almost become legendary over the years. Some have a misconception that geishas are the same as escorts, as they’ve been portrayed in some works of fiction. Others believe geishas are primarily inventions of fiction. A video game online may have taken the fairest approach to these characters and their culture. Using geishas as theme characters for a slot machine, the game preview begins with, “Enter the mysterious world of the Japanese geisha.” That’s what it is – a mysterious world of service and hospitality – almost like the early-20th century butler culture explored by author Kazuo Ishiguro in The Remains Of the Day. Anyway, you can actually experience a little bit of this culture in Kyoto, a city known for its geishas, by taking an authentic walking tour. You’ll explore geisha districts, perhaps see some in action, and learn about this most unique cultural quirk of Japan.
Nishiki Market
It wouldn’t be a visit to a major East Asian city without a bustling market. In this case, Nishiki Market may not be too much to look at (unless you simply love the concept of crowds and authentic culture, which is perfectly valid), but it’s a great deal of fun to explore. It’s essentially a sprawling food market with over 100 stands and kiosks, where you’ll naturally find some of the more authentic cuisine in the city. International visitors may be surprised at some of the offerings, given that the version of Japanese cuisine that’s typically taken up abroad is somewhat limited. But rest assured you’ll find some delicious things to eat, even if you have to take a few leaps of faith.
Club World K-Pop
I can’t say I have personal experience with this – but, if you’re from Korea or interested in Korean culture and you’d like to find some of it in Kyoto, word has it there is k-pop to be found in the Kyoto nightlife scene! Specifically, Club World, which is one of Kyoto’s largest nightclubs, cycles through different kinds of music from night to night, and apparently features k-pop some of the time. In all seriousness the club scene in Kyoto is fairly strong in general, and Club World should make for a good night out whether or not it’s featuring k-pop on a given night.
YES! I was only in Japan for about five days, but I spent most of my time in Kyoto. I really enjoyed being there. The market was amazing, and seeing the geishas was definitely a highlight. I also felt that the city just had such a calm vibe to it. Would love to go back to Japan at some point!
!It’s one of the Japanese cities I think I could live in.
I LOVED Kyoto on my trip there so many years ago now. I did everything you mentioned… except that K-Pop thing..Not sure I’d want to go to Japan to see K-Pop since I’m in Korea with it all over everywhere already hahaah. That temple was gorgeous and learning about geishas was really interesting too. Great info.
it’s such a beautiful city!
Surprisingly, Tokyo has always been low on my to-visit list, with Kyoto (+ Nara, & Hiroshima), being so much higher. I think it was watching the Memoirs film that truly sparked my interest in Japan, but also the beautiful shrines. I hadn’t heard of Saiho-ji, so I’ll be adding that to my list, for my future trip to Japan. Also, the Club World K-Pop just for the experience lol I’ll have to share that with my k-pop obsessed friends.
I think Tokyo takes up all the hype but then you realize there’s so much more to Japan. I still have so many places to see there on my list.
I LOVED Kyoto so much!! But I will admit that after a couple days of temple and zen garden bingeing, they started to blend in haha. My favorite was the silver pavilion. OMG and geisha!! I saw a few of them and was geeking out so hard. Did you spot any? How long were you in Kyoto?
I think the Geisha are becoming as elusive as bigfoot! It’s heartening to see culture being preserved but it must be a pain to do what they do.
Me too!!! My intro to geisha was “Memoirs of a Geisha” (novel first then movie). This should be uber interesting. I would love to go back to Japan and explore these sites… and a lot more. Japan has become a much more interesting place than the Tokyo Disneyland I remember, lol!
My next trip I want to be able to see the Miyazaki theme park! I hope its up and running by the time I go back!
I’m with Karla on this one – a Geisha walking tour? Sign me up. But where, how much and how. Info please!
Geisha Walking tour sounds fun! I really want to see an actual geisha. Were you able to take a picture or interact with a geisha?