25 Unique Activities To Add To Your Kyoto Bucketlist

People who visit Kyoto typically stick to the overly touristy attractions like Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kinkaku-ji, Gion District, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, and the numerous temples scattered throughout the city.

But let’s face it. Kyoto is facing massive overtourism right now.

While these sites are undoubtedly beautiful, focusing solely on these popular spots means battling massive crowds, contributing to the chaos of overtourism, and missing out on some of the more authentic and fun experiences Kyoto has to offer.

In this post, I’ll share a handful of less-touristy activities that allow you to see a different side of Kyoto—one that goes beyond temples and shrines.

From enjoying a peaceful picnic along the Kamo River to dressing up as a samurai or ninja, these experiences will help you connect with the city’s unique culture and charm in a more personal and memorable way.

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Stroll through Miyagawa-chō

Miyagawa-chō is one of the hanamachi or geisha districts in Kyoto. This large entertainment district on the banks of the Kamo River is almost as large as Gion.

For first-time visitors, the Miyagawa-cho district is a great place to begin. This charming neighborhood is located just east of Kyoto Station, and it is known for its traditional shops and restaurants.

Visitors can stroll down cobbled streets lined with traditional Japanese houses, or browse the wares of local artisans. There are also several temples in the area, including the picturesque Sanjusangen-do temple, which is home to 1,001 statues of Buddhist deities.

There are several ochaya (teahouses) and oikya (geisha houses) here. If you are here between the hours of 5:30 and 6:00pm, you might catch a glimpse of the maiko (geisha in-training) and the geiko (geishas) walking from their homes to their place of work!

Enjoy traditional matcha confectionaries

What To Eat Kyoto - Free Walking Tour Kyoto - Best Of Japan: The Ultimate Two Week Itinerary

Kyoto is practically the land of matcha.

The Uji region, located near Kyoto, is particularly famous for its high-quality matcha. The area sees moderate temperatures and misty conditions, and along with its fertile soil, is ideal for growing tea plants.

Also, because Kyoto has long been the cultural capital of Japan, many traditional arts (including the tea ceremony), have been preserved and refined here. This deep cultural heritage makes matcha a big deal here.

While you’re in Kyoto, definitely make time to try out some of the amazing matcha desserts in town. Here are some of my favorite confectionary stores, teahouses, and dessert shops:

YUGEN – An approachable alternative to the traditional tea house. The staff can advise you on the best teas to order as well as the right bamboo whisk for your at-home matcha kit.

Seien – Famous for their Kohaku Nagashi (agar jelly with seasonal fruit syrup which changes flavors on a monthly basis). These treats are often made into brightly colored seasonal and symbolic shapes. They’re used for events, tea ceremonies, and shrine offerings. They also have amazing kakigori (shaved ice) here!

Gion Tokuya – Compact sweet shop serving shaved ice, mochi, and typical Japanese desserts in an intimate setting.

Nishinotoin – This shop is one of the finest establishments in Japan and their motto is “making teas with quality as the highest priority”. This motto is reflected in every part of the store — and the merchandise! If you’re looking to bring home something really nice, grab a container of their ceremonial-grade matcha.

Hozugawa River Boat Ride

Hozugawa River Boat Ride - Unique Things To Do In Kyoto Japan

If a day out among lush forests, rocky gorges, and picturesque landscapes along the Hozu River sounds like your idea of a good time, you’re going to love this one.

The Hozugawa Kudari Boat Ride is one of the most fun things I’ve done in Japan. It’s not as exhilarating as whitewater rafting, but it’s equally as scenic! Plus, it’s a boat ride in Japan. Iconic.

This historical river route dates back more than 400 years (when goods used to be transported along the river). Today, you can enjoy the same river route on a leisurely boat ride through one of Kyoto’s most beautiful and underrated areas.

Along the ride, you’ll encounter all sorts of scenic views and wildlife (including turtles and cranes). There will be a few fun “rapids” you’ll slide through, plus many calm stretches of the river.

The scenery was so unbelievably beautiful on our boat trip in May! But apparently, it gets better. If your trip happens to take place during cherry blossom season in the spring or during the autumn when the foliage becomes a sea of colors, the boat ride will be THAT much more scenic!

You can make your boat ride reservations on Klook.

👉 Pro Tip: The Hozugawa Kudari boat excursion starts in the town of Kameoka and ends in Arashiyama. Once you disembark in Arashiyama, you can explore the Arashiyama area, Iwatayama Monkey Park, Togetsukyo Bridge, and peruse the plethora of local businesses and gift shops in the area before heading back to the city center.

Kokedera Temple

A temple that actually feels tranquil? Check. A World Heritage site? Double check. An escape from the crowds? Triple check.

Kokedera Temple (Moss Temple), also known as Saihoji, offers an actual tranquil escape from the bustling and often too-crowded tourist spots in Kyoto.

The temple’s main attraction is its exquisite moss garden, which features over 120 varieties of moss, creating a lush, green carpet that matches perfectly with the peace and quiet found there.

To maintain this quiet environment, the temple limits the number of visitors per day, requiring reservations in advance, which means that you can actually enjoy the garden without the distractions of large and unruly crowds.

This is one of the reasons we love Kokedera — it’s still a hidden gem that contrasts sharply with the overtourism affecting other parts of Kyoto.

Stay at a ryokan

Nazuna Kyoto Gosho - Best Ryokans in Kyoto Japan
Nazuna Kyoto Gosho | Courtesy of Booking.com

For those looking to immerse themselves even more in the Kansai region’s traditional culture and history, a stay at one of the many ryokans in Kyoto is an absolute must.

Ryokans are traditional-style Japanese inns that typically offer traditional tatami mat rooms, beautiful gardens, and delicious half-board (dinner/breakfast) meals included with your stay. Nowadays, there are all types of ryokans, from those adhering to tradition to more modern and luxurious properties.

If you’re looking to understand the entire ryokan experience a little better, check out this post where I outline one of my very first ryokan experiences in Japan.

My top ryokan pick in Kyoto is Nazuna Kyoto Gosho, but there are actually a bunch of other ryokans within the city to choose from.

Splurge on a kaiseki meal

Kaiseki Meal

Kaiseki is essentially what pre-fixe fine dining looks like in Japan. This type of cuisine is popular in Kyoto due to the city’s emphasis on refined, seasonal cuisine.

This traditional multi-course meal highlights the artistry and balance of Japanese culinary techniques, with each dish meticulously prepared to showcase seasonal ingredients, the skills of the chefs, and aesthetic presentation.

While it can be expensive, it can be worth the money if you love fine dining and want to experience Kyoto’s culinary sophistication and tradition. The chef is working the entire time, preparing things fresh right in front of your eyes. The entire meal is like a multi-course show!

You’ll be spoiled with choice in Kyoto, but two of the restaurants we particularly love are Gion Moriwaki and Kikunoi Honten. Reservations are 100% required!

Feed all your senses at Nishiki Market

Nishiki Fish Market Japan

Nishiki Market is where you go for all things food-related, spanning from knives and cookware to fresh produce and seafood.

This market is housed in a narrow, five-block-long shopping street lined by more than one hundred shops and restaurants. If you’re looking to discover Kyoto’s gastronomic specialties and culinary delights, definitely don’t miss this market!

It’s a great place to pick up some sweets, dried seafood, picked goods, and even sushi. Some of the shops will give out samples and some of the food stands will sell small dishes and skewers meant to be eaten right then and there.

There are also a few small restaurants within the market if you’re looking for a larger meal.

👉 Crowd Levels: These days, Nishiki Market is a high-crowd attraction. For far fewer crowds, check out Sanjo Shotengai Shopping Arcade instead. It’s small, but packed of old, family-run establishments and local life.

Learn new skills at the Samurai Ninja Museum

Samurai and Ninja Museum

The kids (and wannabe samurai/ninja adults) will love the experiences offered at Kyoto’s Samurai Ninja Museum.

This immersive “museum” offers an engaging and interactive experience that both kids and adults will thoroughly enjoy. You can actually step into the shoes of iconic historical figures by dressing up in samurai armor or ninja outfits!

The museum also features live demonstrations of samurai swordsmanship and ninja skills, showcasing the techniques and artistry of these ancient warriors. You can curate your experience by participating in hands-on activities such as sword handling, shuriken (ninja star) throwing, and even trying out stealthy ninja moves.

Book your admission tickets in advance here.

Looking for more cool ninja experiences? This small-group beginners ninja class in a Kyoto dojo introduces you to the basics of ninja training. You’ll learn how to breathe, walk, and meditate like a ninja!

Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine - Best Of Japan: The Ultimate Two Week Itinerary

Yasaka Shrine is one of Kyoto’s most lively spots, and you don’t need to know much about religion to enjoy it! Located in the heart of the Gion district, this shrine is a feast for the senses.

As you approach, you’ll pass through a bright red gate that invites you into a very relaxing complex. Inside, the shrine grounds are bustling with energy—colorful lanterns line the pathways, and you’ll often see locals stopping by to pay their respects or make a wish.

Yasaka Shrine - Gion Kyoto Japan

Along the approach to the shrine, you’ll find lots of food vendors selling everything from grilled skewers to sweet treats like taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries filled with red bean or custard).

If you’re visiting in the evening, don’t miss the chance to sit on the steps near the shrine and watch the sunset. You’ll be able to see all the people walking along Gion’s main drag as the skies turns pink and orange. This was one of our favorite memories here!

This shrine is well known for its summer festival, the Gion Matsuri, which is celebrated every July and is quite possibly the most famous festival in all of Japan.

Have dinner at Pontocho Alley

Pontocho Alley - Kyoto Japan

Next up, head over to Pontocho Alley, one of my favorite spots to eat in Kyoto!

Pontocho is a narrow alleyway packed with all kinds of restaurants, bars, hostess clubs, and traditional teahouses. Many of the buildings in Pontocho date back to the Edo period, and the alley has a distinctly traditional feel–it’s got all the old-timey Kyoto vibes which is why I love it so much.

On our second visit to Kyoto, we decided to explore Pontocho Alley again. We arrived around 4:30 PM, only to find that most of the restaurants were still closed. At first, it seemed like bad timing, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

With fewer people around, we had the chance to leisurely stroll through the narrow alley, taking in its old-world charm without the usual crowds. The quiet atmosphere made it feel like we had the place to ourselves. It was wonderful.

That said, if you’re planning to eat at Pontocho (and you should—it’s a food lover’s paradise!), here’s my tip: show up about 20 minutes before the restaurants open, usually around 5:00 or 5:30 PM. Use that time to walk the length of the alley and check out the menus displayed outside each restaurant.

Pontocho is known for everything from cozy yakitori joints to upscale kaiseki dining, so take your time to pick the spot that calls to you. By the time you’ve made your choice, the restaurants will be opening their doors, and you’ll be ready to dive into an epic meal.

Most of the restaurants on the east side of the alleyway have a view of the Kamo River. Some even offer a dining platform over the river.

Meet a Maiko + Gion Walking Tour

A geisha walking through Kyoto

Gion is Kyoto’s most well-known geisha district, filled with shops, restaurants and ochaya (teahouses), where geiko and maiko entertain.

There are a few different experiences you can have while you’re in Gion. The streets between Sanjo and Shijo are where most people go in the evenings for bar hopping in Gion, but the district has so much more to offer.

On this unique experience, you’ll not only explore the charming alleys and teahouses of Gion but also meet a real maiko. Watch her perform traditional dances, listen to her share insights about her life and training, and even ask her questions over a cup of matcha.

See the Eikando Zenrinji Temple

Eikando Zenrinji is a hidden gem that comes alive during autumn when its maple trees explode into a sea of red and gold. But even outside peak foliage season, the temple’s pretty gardens, ponds, and winding paths make it a peaceful escape from Kyoto’s busier spots.

Don’t miss the iconic “Mikaeri Amida” statue, a unique Buddha figure looking over its shoulder—it’s said to bring good luck!

Take a ninja weapon-making class

Channel your inner ninja in this hands-on weapon-making workshop where you’ll craft your own Shuriken (throwing stars) or Kunai (dagger-like tools).

Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, you’ll learn about the history of these iconic weapons and the techniques used to make them.

Plus, you get to take your creation home as a unique souvenir—just don’t test it out on your friends at home.

Take a ramen cooking class

In Japan, ramen isn’t just a quick food you scarf down when you’re short on time—it’s an art form. In this fun, interactive ramen making class, you’ll learn how to make authentic Japanese ramen from scratch, from crafting the perfect noodles to simmering a rich, flavorful broth.

By the end, you’ll sit down to enjoy your homemade bowl of ramen, and you’ll leave with the skills to recreate it at home.

Enjoy freshly grilled unagi

Unagi Restaurant in Kyoto Japan

If you love unagi like I do, one thing you’ll quickly notice while in Kyoto is that there sure are lots of restaurants specializing in eel dishes.

Eel is considered a delicacy that is often enjoyed during special occasions and seasons. Kyoto’s longstanding appreciation for refined, seasonal cuisine has led to a large number of specialty eel restaurants, offering everything from unagi-don (grilled eel over rice) to kabayaki (grilled eel with soy-based sauce).

These restaurants are certainly not cheap, but if you’re looking to splurge on some truly delicious and freshly grilled eel, Kyoto is one of the best places to do it!

Here are three of my top recommendations:

Unagi Sora – has three kinds of “brand name” eels (similar to how there are fancy beefs like Kobe, Tajima, etc). These are the Tsukushi golden eel, Tosa’s Igossou, and Tenku Eel. They also have a more affordable eel from Kagoshima Prefecture, with quality that’s comparable to branded eel.

Doi Katsuman – We had an amazing unagi dinner meal here. They give you the option of choosing how many pieces of eel you want for your meal, but no matter what you get, the eel will be grilled fresh. The fresh-off-the-grill taste is unbelievably delicious!

Kyo Unawa – Another highly rated spot that I bookmarked for a future trip! This traditional Japanese restaurant spotlights eel dishes, and has private dining rooms for you to enjoy too.

Sunset and picnic along the Kamo River

Kamo River Kyoto Japan

If it happens to be a nice and warm day in Kyoto, head to the banks of the Kamo River to soak in the local vibes! During the warmer seasons, the banks of the Kamo River become a popular spot for locals to unwind and hang out.

The area near Pontocho Alley (by Gion Shijo Station) is especially popular for its pretty sunset views, creating a perfect backdrop for a relaxed evening before dinner.

Walk along Philosopher’s Path

If you enjoy being among nature, add a quick walk along Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku No Michi) to your Kyoto itinerary. This pedestrian path is lined with cherry trees and leads to one of Kyoto’s most iconic temples, Nanzen-ji.

The path got its name from the philosopher Nishida Kitaro who was known to take walks along this very path to think and reflect on life.

The best time to visit is during cherry blossom season when the trees are in full bloom.

Travel back in time at the Toei Kyoto Studio Park

Kawagoe Japan - Kurazukuri District

Step back in time to the Edo period in Japan at Toei Kyoto Studio Park (Toei Uzumasa Eigamura), the only theme park in Japan that’s also an open-air film set for period drama films!

You can watch exciting performances, dress up in period costumes, learn fun skills like sword fighting, and enjoy a number of other entertaining attractions.

The Cinema Culture Museum is also a movie buff favorite, where the personal belongings of director Akira Kurosawa and others are displayed.

The studio park is located in between Kyoto’s city center and the Arashiyama area.

Iwatayama Monkey Park

Iwatayama Monkey Park Best Of Japan: The Ultimate Two Week Itinerary

Disclaimer: I have an obsession with monkeys, so this just had to be on my Japan itinerary (any chance I get to be steps away from monkeys, I’m in!).

The Iwatayama Monkey Park is home to over 120 Japanese Macaque monkeys. This is not a sad zoo, as the monkeys are free to roam in their natural habitat in the countryside. It’s truly a sight to see and be in their presence, especially if you love monkeys!

Not to mention the dozens of baby macaques hanging out happily with their mothers… the sight of them is too cute not to see for yourself. There is a feeding hut, where you can buy food to feed the monkeys from inside the fenced hut. It is such a fun experience!

Allocate about 2 hours for your visit. Do note that you’ll have to briefly hike up to the top to where the monkeys are, so dress appropriately.

Togetsukyo Bridge and Shopping

Kyoto During Fall Foliage Season

If you’ve chosen to spend a day in the Arashiyama area, stroll along the Katsura River and enjoy the view of this historic wooden bridge and all the boats floating lazily in the river.

Because I absolutely love nature, this is always a must for me when I find myself in Kyoto. The trees on the hillsides are so pretty, especially in the fall!

When you’re across, you’ll find a ton of various restaurants, souvenir shops, and ice cream booths selling matcha soft-serve. Spend an hour or two perusing and eating up all the soft serve you can fit in your belly.

Matcha in Kyoto - Best Of Japan: The Ultimate Two Week Itinerary

Chances are, it’ll be pretty crowded here throughout the day. If you’re getting hungry, just look for a restaurant that a) doesn’t have a line and b) has good ratings on your maps app.

During our most recent visit, we ate at a random local restaurant that served cold udon lunch sets and kakigori. The food was so satisfying and we had a wonderful view of Tenryu-ji Temple’s entrance (great people watching opportunities).

Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street

Kyoto Preserved Streets
Not many people make their way to Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street!

If you still have energy after all the walking you’ve done in the Arashiyama area, I’ve got more for you. Walk north to the Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street.

You guessed it, it’s a preserved street (from the Meiji period), lined with traditional townhouses that have since been converted into souvenir shops and restaurants.

This charming street offers a historic glimpse of what a merchant town would have looked like in the Meiji period. Most of the thatched-roof buildings here are now restaurants serving kaiseki cuisine.

Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple

- The Ultimate 2 Week Japan Itinerary

Adashino Nenbutsuji is a great alternative to the overcrowded Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. This little temple is located at the end of the Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street. The great thing about it? It’s not on the usual tourist path!

The temple was founded in the early 9th century and was meant to be a temple dedicated to the repose of souls who have died without families to remember them.

Today, the temple grounds are covered by hundreds of stone statues to commemorate these souls. In the back of the temple, a short path leads through a bamboo forest.

There is a small entrance fee to the temple. If you don’t want to pay it, you can still visit and enjoy the peaceful and lush grounds.

Just look at all that pretty moss lining the walking paths! It’s such a tranquil place to explore (and way less crowded than some of the other major landmarks in Kyoto).

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple

Best Of Japan: The Ultimate Two Week Itinerary

A ten-minute walk north of the Adashino Nenbutsuji sits the Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, which we also mentioned previously. This lesser-visited temple is known for its 1,200 stone statues of rakan, devoted followers of Buddhism, each with a different facial expression!

In addition to its beautiful statues, the temple also features a pretty garden with a pond and a waterfall. The garden is particularly lovely in the springtime when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

There is a small entrance fee to the temple, but it’s well worth a visit.

Shop for local handicrafts

Kyoto is an awesome place to pick up expertly crafted home goods and design products. Some of my favorite shops to browse, buy goods, or even just window shop are:

  • D&DEPARTMENT – Great place for well-made Kyoto souvenirs. Everything here is so well curated with authentic and local products like glassware, ceramics, lifestyle goods, etc. There’s also a cafe here with really good food.
  • Graphpaper Kyoto – local designer clothing; pricey but so my vibe.
  • For even more shopping, head to the Shijo Kawaramachi area. You’ll find international brands, vintage stores, souvenir shops, and so much more there.

Go all-you-can-eat strawberry picking

My jaw dropped when I first discovered that Japan offers all-you-can-eat strawberry-picking sessions. This is a dream come true for a strawberry lover like myself!

Osazen Farm in Yawata City is one of the largest strawberry-picking farms in Kansai, with 21 greenhouses filled with berries. In each of these large houses, every aspect is controlled to create the optimum growing environment for strawberries based on years of study.

You can enjoy all-you-can-eat strawberries for 50 minutes which includes two varieties, “Akihime” and “Beni (red) Hoppe”. You can even bring in toppings or purchase some there, allowing you to enjoy the strawberries just the way you like them (condensed milk, whipped cream, and ice milk are available).

Osazen Farm also sells various strawberry products, such as jams, sauces, and sweets and offers a café with treats such as mini parfaits specially made with the farm’s own strawberries.

In addition, the farm holds unique workshops where you can learn more about strawberries and “night strawberry picking,” only available in Kyoto, where you can pick strawberries in a unique atmosphere.

Kyoto International Manga Museum

Okay, manga is not everyone’s cup of tea (it’s not mine), but where else could you sit down and browse through thousands of old manga books and experience the history of how manga has evolved?

The Kyoto International Manga Museum is more like a library where you can sit down and read any manga you choose from the shelves. It’s super cool to find manga from decades ago and compare it to how manga is nowadays.

There is a small selection of manga in different languages, but the majority are in Japanese.

Hike from Kurama to Kibune (+ Kurama Onsen)

Trade Kyoto’s city buzz for a refreshing hike through the forested hills between Kurama and Kibune. The trail is dotted with small shrines and offers a super peaceful escape from the throngs of crowds that plague the city.

Once you reach Kurama, reward yourself with a soak in the outdoor baths of Kurama Onsen! You can choose from the indoor tubs that include all kinds of extras, or the bare bones outdoor pools which are framed by pretty greenery.

The cost for the outdoor bath only: ¥‎1000 for adults, ¥‎700 for children 4-12.

Outdoor bath and indoor bath (face towel, bath towel, and yukata included): ¥‎2500 for adults, ¥‎1600 for children 4-12.

Plan an overnight trip to Kinosaki

Kinosaki Onsen Itinerary

If you’ve made it to this part of my travel guide, I’m giving you an extra nugget of info that I’ve only shared with my friends/family over the last few years: visit Kinosaki Onsen!

Kinosaki Onsen, just about 2 hours by train from Kyoto, is known for its seven healing hot springs, traditional atmosphere, and amazing seafood. If you’ve never heard of Kinosaki, you’re welcome, now you have.

Kinosaki Onsen is best known for its seven public bathhouses, each with very different vibes and all worth soaking in.

Perhaps the most famous is Goshonoyu Bath, known for its grandeur Japanese architecture inspired by Kyoto’s Imperial Palace and its impressive outdoor baths with a waterfall view. Truly, words do not do this view justice!

Morizuya - Kinosaki Japan Travel Guide

Another one of the unique pleasures of visiting Kinosaki Onsen is strolling through the town in a yukata, a casual summer kimono provided by your ryokan.

Wait, you’d essentially be wearing a bathrobe out in public? Yes, this is totally normal in Kinosaki.

We’re all about escaping the crowds, and Kinosaki is a totally magical experience that’s still relatively hidden from the masses. Here’s how to spend 2 perfect days in Kinosaki.


Planning Your Trip To Japan?

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Tokyo

Kyoto

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Japan In General


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AUTHOR

Elle Leung

My name is Elle and I'm a travel blogger and adventurer based in California. I love helping people plan trips and create unique itineraries based on their interests and their budgets. I'm a huge fan of outdoor adventures and doing off-the-beaten-path things in my state (and all around the world too)!

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