8 Must-Do Things in Kyoto - History, Culture and Nature
Kuromaru
Kyoto is the ancient capital of Japan with a history of more than 1,000 years.
It is a city where the good old traditional culture of Japan remains strong, while at the same time it is a fusion of modern charm.
Foreign tourists visiting Kyoto for the first time may be at a loss as to what to do.
Here are eight must-do activities in Kyoto.
Enjoy the history, culture, and nature, and make your trip a memorable one.
- Become a cool ninja at Ninja Experience Cafe Kyoto Gion
- Spend an elegant night in Kyoto with a tatami room experience with geisha
- Enjoy walking around Kyoto in a fashionable kimono
- Nishiki Market, the kitchen of Kyoto with 400 years of history
- Experience the Japanese sense of beauty in a tea ceremony room
- Hiking from Kibune to Kurama to explore Japanese history and nature
- Experience traditional Japanese culture! Walking around Gion area
- Walk along the Kamogawa River, a place of relaxation for Kyoto citizens
【Let's experience culture】
1. Become a cool ninja at Ninja Experience Cafe Kyoto Gion
Ninja are mysterious beings that have lurked in the shadows and played a dark role in Japanese history.
Since you have come to Japan, how about dressing up in ninja clothes and practicing shuriken and katana skills?
There are walls and floors with tricks, and even more original Ninja food.
It will be a memorable experience not only for children but also for adults.
Ninja Experience Cafe Kyoto Gion's official website
2. Elegant night out in Kyoto, a tatami room experience with geisha
A dinner with geisha(maiko, geiko) is one of Kyoto's traditional cultural experiences.
Tasting traditional Kyoto cuisine and watching the splendid dance performances of maiko and geiko, an ozashiki experience is the perfect way to spend an evening in Kyoto in elegance.
At an ozashiki, you can experience traditional Japanese culture firsthand.
Even if you do not speak Japanese, you can rest assured that some ozashiki has an interpreter who assist you.
Read our Ninja Blog article for more information! Secrets of "Geisha" - How to enjoy a night in Kyoto
3. Enjoy walking around Kyoto in a fashionable kimono
Kyoto is an ancient capital city that retains a strong sense of traditional Japanese culture.
Strolling the streets of Kyoto in a fashionable kimono will make you feel as if you have stepped back in time.
If you rent a kimono, there is nothing to worry about as a professional dresser will dress you in the perfect kimono.
You can visit famous tourist spots such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Kinkakuji Temple, or walk through the streets of Gion and take pictures that look like a scene from a movie.
Read our Ninja Blog for more information! A trip to Kyoto and Tokyo Asakusa to discover the charm of Kimono
10 Places in Kyoto to Dress Up in Traditional Kimono | tsunagu Japan
【Foodies】
4. Nishiki Market, Kyoto's Kitchen with 400 years of History
Nishiki Market, the kitchen of Kyoto, is full of attractions that can only be enjoyed in Kyoto!
The market offers a variety of foods that support Kyoto's food culture, such as fresh Kyoto vegetables, seafood, pickles, and Kyoto sweets.
Walking through the market, you will be surrounded by a lively atmosphere and delicious smells, and experience Kyoto's food culture through all five senses.
You can also eat your way through the market, so we recommend finding your favorite ingredients and tasting them on the spot.
For a break, we recommend tasting matcha green tea sweets at a cafe in a renovated Kyoto machiya(old traditional-style house).
5. Experience the Japanese sense of beauty in a tea ceremony room
If you are visiting Kyoto, why not experience a tea ceremony?
The tea ceremony is more than just the act of drinking tea; it is a traditional culture that embodies the Japanese sense of beauty.
The time spent in the quietness of a tea room, calming the mind, making matcha (powdered green tea), and enjoying sweets will soothe your soul away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
You will experience the spirit of the tea ceremony, "harmony, respect, purity, and solitude," and come into contact with the Japanese sense of beauty.
Read our Ninja Blog article for more information! Invitation to Tea Ceremony - A journey of surprise and inspiration
And this Ninja Blog for The best tea ceremony experience in Kyoto - Top 5 stores
One of tea ceremony houses's official website
【Experience the history and nature】
6. Hiking from Kibune to Kurama to explore Japanese history and nature
Kibune and Kurama are nature-rich areas in the northern part of Kyoto City.
Visitors can enjoy hiking while visiting historic temples such as Kibune Shrine and Kurama Temple.
7. Experience traditional Japanese culture! Walking around Gion area
Gion in Kyoto has long flourished as the center of traditional Japanese culture.
Walking along the cobblestone alleys lined with traditional Kyoto townhouses and long-established restaurants, you will feel as if you have stepped back in time.
If you are lucky, you may even see a geisha(maiko, geiko).
The Gion area is also home to historic temples such as Yasaka Shrine and Kodaiji Temple, where you can fully appreciate the Japanese sense of beauty.
A Guide to Gion District in Kyoto | Must-See Attractions & Popular Activities
8. Walk along the Kamogawa River, a place of relaxation for Kyoto residents
A walk along the Kamogawa River, which flows through the center of Kyoto, is an ideal way to spend a peaceful moment.
During cherry blossom season, the rows of cherry trees create a beautiful sight, and the scenery changes with the seasons.
Forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life and listen to the sound of the Kamogawa River flowing by.
Exploring Kamo River in Kyoto, Japan | Outdoor Activities & Attractions
What are we?
We run Ninja Experience Cafe in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, Japan.
Here you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture through experiencing ninja training.
Both adults and children are welcome to try their hand at defeating the ninja master inside the cafe.
The cafe is an indoor interactive zone, so it can be enjoyed even on rainy days.
If you are thinking "I want to be a real ninja too!” or interested in becoming a real ninja, please visit us.
Reservations can be made here.
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