Kyoto Travelers Recommend

Soak up Kyoto’s traditional atmosphere, see its most famous attractions (including UNESCO-listed sites), delve into its cultural heritage, and head out of town to explore a neighboring city. Here’s how to make the most of three days in Japan’s former imperial capital.

Day 1: Explore the City’s Top Attractions

A full-day coach tour whisks you around Kyoto to landmarks such as Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto Imperial Palace, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), and Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, with its vibrant torii gates. Prefer more independence? Private tours allow you to customize the itinerary. Or consider a hop-on hop-off bus tour to spend as long as you like at each place. 

Later, get off the tourist track, and unwind with food and drinks on a guided nightlife tour of locals’ favorite bars and restaurants. 

Day 2: Dive Into the Culture

Immerse yourself in Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage. For more insight into Japanese culture and tradition, opt for a private walking tour led by a scholar of a subject that interests you, such as Shintoism and Buddhism or Japanese gardens and landscapes. Other options include taking calligraphy or origami classes, participating in a tea ceremony, or learning taiko drumming. Foodie travelers can join a guided tour of sprawling Nishiki Market or a cooking class to learn how to make sushi and other Japanese dishes.

Round out your day with a visit to Gion, the entertainment district. Watch a performance by maiko (apprentice geisha) accompanied by traditional Japanese music, followed by a multicourse dinner. Or book a private meal with a geisha who entertains you with song and dance as you dine.

Day 3: Take a Side Excursion

A visit to the city of Nara is a popular day trip from Kyoto. With a guided tour, get to Nara and back within a day and still have time to see more of Kyoto. Tours typically visit Todaiji Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan and home to the country’s largest Buddha statue. You’ll also likely stop by Kasuga Grand Shrine, featuring thousands of stone and bronze lanterns, and Nara Park, home to free-roaming deer.

Spend your final evening strolling the atmospheric streets of Old Kyoto on a nighttime walking tour, exploring areas such as Pontocho, Kiyamachi, Kawaramachi Street, and Gion. Many tours include samples of regional food and drink.

The ancient Japanese capital of Nara has lots to offer visitors, including a range of UNESCO-listed sites like Todaiji Temple and a collection of gardens and parks. Here are some options to visit Nara on either a half- or full-day trip from Kyoto.

Half-Day Tours

See more of Nara in less time on a half-day trip covering highlights such as Nara’s Shinto-inspired Kasuga Shrine, the thousands of deer at the famous Nara Park, and the iconic Todaiji Temple with its “Daibutsuden” (Great Buddha Hall). 

Full-Day Tours

Full-day excursions offer a more leisurely opportunity to get to know the ancient Japanese culture and numerous landmarks in Nara. During your all-day visit, you’ll likely get to explore many of the sights mentioned above, plus other landmarks like Kofuku-ji Temple and Nijo Castle. Some full-day trips even offer optional side visits to Kyoto, or upgrades like a private tour or luxury transport. 

Things to Know

• Nara is situated 26 miles (42 kilometers) from Kyoto, and is easily accessible by either train or bus.

• Trains leave Kyoto twice an hour, and the journey to Nara takes 35 minutes.

• Guests with time for independent exploration should consider stops at other Nara highlights including Yakushiji Temple, Isuien Garden, and “Naramachi,” the city’s traditional merchant district.

• Nara lies in a temperate climate zone, with hot summers and chilly winter temperate. Make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the season.

Kyoto is hot and humid in the summer, but with so many beautiful outdoor attractions, such as parks and temples, you won’t want to spend your visit seeking indoor air-conditioning. Explore at a leisurely pace, and you can enjoy the best of Kyoto in the summer without getting overheated. Here are a few places and experiences you shouldn’t miss.

• Take a morning city tour to enjoy the cooler morning air before the heat of the day, visiting must-see sights such as the Golden Temple, Kiyomizu-dera, and the Arashiyama district.
• Sit back and relax on a traditional-style rickshaw tour of the bamboo forests of Sagano.
• Eat your way around Kyoto on an evening food walking tour.
• Learn about Zen Buddhism on a daylong retreat at a peaceful temple.
• Don a colorful, summer-weight yukata kimono and have photos taken to commemorate your visit during a professional photo shoot.
• Exercise your creative side with an a rts-and-crafts class, where you can learn traditional Japanese arts such as flower arranging and watercolor painting.
• Shop for high-quality souvenirs with a guide on a customized private shopping tour.

Winter is a magical time to visit Kyoto, when snow dusts the palaces and temples and tea and sake warm body and soul. Whether your interests run to high culture, Japanese cuisine, or flower arranging, here are a few ways to enjoy Kyoto this winter.

• Take a full- or half-day tour of Kyoto’s highlights and see such sights as the Golden Temple, Kiyomizu-dera, and Nijo-jo at their picturesque best.
• Enjoy a warming cup of Japanese tea prepared the traditional way, in a tea ceremony with a tea master.
• Stay warm and dry inside when you go back to school— samurai school, that is.
• Learn how to make delicious Japanese cuisine during a cooking class, many of which include a market or neighborhood tour.
• Stay warm in winter the way Japanese people do—with heated sake—during a sake-tasting experience.
• Immerse yourself in Japanese culture and get your heart pumping with a taiko-drumming lesson.
• Gain first-hand experience of the alluring geisha with a multicourse dinner with a maiko, or apprentice geisha.
• Try your hand at chopstick making, watercolor painting, or flower arranging at a Japanese arts and craft workshop.

Cherry blossom season is an annual event in Japan, a time when photographers and sightseers flock to Kyoto to marvel at city’s historic temples surrounded by pink flowers. Here are some ways to maximize your visit during this special annual period.

When to Go

The peak of cherry blossom (also called hanami) season usually happens between the last week of March and the first two weeks of April, with the peak period of blooms occurring around April 1. However, the specific time for this annual event depends on the current year’s weather conditions. Make sure to leave some flexibility in your travel plans to have the best chance of success.

Where to Go

Although the cherry trees will bloom throughout this UNESCO-listed city, a number of blossom spots have grown in popularity thanks to their combination of location and scenic beauty. Many blossom tourists head for the Imperial Palace, which offers great views of the palace complex alongside the pink blooms. The “Philosopher’s Path,” which offers a walkway alongside a canal linking Nanzenji and Kinkakuji Temples, is another great option. The urban street of Shimbashi is another highly-rated cherry blossom area.

How to Go

Many visitors choose to experience the cherry-blossom bloom on two feet. But for anyone looking to maximize their sightseeing time during this special period, tours by bicycle or rickshaw are also great options. The addition of wheels allows guests to cover more ground and avoid the crowds during the the busy viewing season.

The former capital of Japan is steeped in tradition and culture, which is reflected in its artwork and museums. But contemporary art also thrives here, and the city supports a lively art scene. See below for some of the top museums and experiences for art lovers in Kyoto.

National Museum of Modern Art

Commonly referred to as MOMAK, Kyoto’s premier venue for contemporary art was designed by Pritzker Prize–winning Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki. The permanent collection features around 10,000 pieces of art and includes Japanese paintings, textiles, and ceramics in addition to Western art. MOMAK is also known for a constant rotation of temporary exhibitions.

Kyoto National Museum

One of only four top-level national museums in Japan, the Kyoto National Museum houses an extensive collection of Japanese art and archaeological artifacts. Find the permanent collection in the spacious Heisui Chishinkan building and temporary exhibitions in the original main building, constructed in the 1890s.

Kyoto International Manga Museum

Formerly an elementary school, the Kyoto International Manga Museum features a collection of around 300,000 manga (Japanese comics) and exhibits, including contemporary manga art, foreign manga animations, and early manga examples. Visitors can read any piece of manga that line the walls of the museum.

Kyoto Museum of Tradition Crafts and Art and Culture Experiences

Kyoto is one of the best places to explore traditional Japanese arts and art forms, such as calligraphy, shibori (fabric dyeing), and ikebana (flower arrangement). Get an overview and inspiration at the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts, then try your hand at a workshop or a private lesson.

Kyoto Art Center

Located in a Meiji-era elementary school, the Kyoto Art Center promotes contemporary art and artists and encourages interactions between artists and the public. The center is home to gallery space, artist studios, and an auditorium and also hosts frequent exhibitions, performances, and cultural shows.

Ryukoku Museum

One of the newest museums in Kyoto, the Ryukoku Museum is one of the largest museums in the world devoted to Buddhist art and artifacts. The permanent collection covers the beginnings of Buddhism in India, its spread through Asia, and its arrival in Japan. Special exhibitions are also held from time to time.

The cultural capital and spiritual heart of Japan, Kyoto is home to some of the country’s best-known icons—geishas, tea ceremonies, Zen Buddhism, bamboo groves, and cherry blossoms among them. Whether you’re interested in visiting temples and shrines (there are some 2,000 of them), exploring traditional Japanese architecture, treating your tastebuds to refined kaiseki cuisine, or soaking in the warm waters of an onsen, you can do it in Kyoto. There’s a lot to do, so plan ahead to make the most of your time, whether it be a day or a week. See below for our top picks of experiences you won’t want to miss while in Japan’s Ancient City.

The place in Japan to immerse yourself in ritual and tradition, Kyoto—known for its teahouses, temples, gardens, and geisha—is a modern city with a historic heart. Here’s how to see and experience as much as possible in just one day.

Morning: Hit the Must-See Sights

Begin your visit to Kyoto with a morning tour that takes you to some of the city’s UNESCO-listed temples and palaces. A guided bus tour—which typically includes entrance fees and hotel pickup and drop-off—introduces you to sights such as Nijo Castle, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), and the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Prefer more flexibility? Choose a hop-on hop-off bus tour, and spend as much time as you wish at the attractions along the route.

Afternoon: Delve Deeper

Continue sightseeing by joining a tour that focuses on more of Kyoto’s many attractions, such as Sanjusangendo Temple with its Kannon statues, the red and green Heian Shrine, and Kiyomizu Temple. Or go deeper: dress in kimono and participate in a traditional tea ceremony, tour sprawling Nishiki Market followed by lunch, or watch a Kembu sword performance. Some hands-on experiences include samurai swordsmanship and Zen meditation.

Night: Explore the Gion District

Round out a full day in Kyoto with a guided walking tour of the atmospheric Gion district. Immerse yourself in the culture of the famed entertainment and geisha quarter by watching a performance by maiko (apprentice geisha) accompanied by traditional Japanese music, followed by a multicourse dinner. Or, book a private meal with a geisha who entertains you with song and dance as you dine.

Kyoto is home to over 1,600 temples, making it a top destination for architecture lovers. With many dating back to the 11th century and hundreds built since then, it can be hard to decide which to see. Here are the temples you can't miss in Kyoto.

Ryoan-ji

Famous for its Zen garden made of seemingly arbitrarily (but in fact, very purposefully) placed stones, Ryoan-ji is a favorite temple among locals and tourists. The rock garden is the highlight, and the grounds have the air of a secret, unspoiled piece of nature. 

Honen-in

A moss-covered gate greets visitors at the small Honen-in Temple. Step in a few feet further, and you will be greeted with a small bridge that crosses a scenic pond. Honen-in is a must for nature lovers seeking a little piece of solitude in a busy city. 

Ginkaku-ji

The "Silver Pavilion" is one of Kyoto's most famous temples. The view from behind the temple complex spans over Kyoto, with mountains rising in the distance, and some of the best spots on the temple grounds include the moss garden and a sand garden. 

Kinkaku-ji

After seeing the Silver Pavilion, your next stop should be the Golden Pavilion, or Kinkaku-ji. Situated on a pond, this structure is a majestic sight. Dense, lush forest paints a colorful backdrop behind the temple. 

To-ji

The five-storied wooden pagoda at To-ji temple is the tallest of its kind in Japan, and it is easily accessible from within Kyoto's city center. For pagoda lovers, it's a must-see temple.

Kiyomizu-dera

This interactive temple is fun for the whole family. An open-air pathway wraps around it, allowing visitors to take in the outer view and the temple at the same time. The Otowa Waterfall is also on the premises, and visitors can drink from the falls using instruments provided.

Shoren-in

Nestled at the foot of the Hagashiyama Mountains, Shoren-in Temple is a hidden gem in Kyoto. The temple is peaceful and even illuminates a spectacular garden pond in the evenings during some parts of the year.

Tenryu-ji

The landmark temple in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto, Tenryu-ji should not be missed. This mountain escape boasts a pond that stretches all the way to a forest, which gives way to mountains rising in the distance.

Japan is not a cheap country to travel around, and that’s especially true in major cities such as Kyoto, but with a little advance planning, you can make it affordable. Here are our top tips for enjoying the best of Kyoto on a modest budget.

Book a Combination Tour

The charming city of Nara is close to Kyoto, making it possible to explore both in one day. Book a tour that includes both cities, and not only will you save time, you’ll also save the cost of transportation. Look for tours that include entrance fees and lunch for the best value.

Charter a Private Vehicle

Although the up-front cost of hiring a private vehicle to take you around the city’s attractions looks steep, it can actually be a money saver if you’re traveling with a group. And, for less than the combined cost of individual tours, your group can customize its itinerary.

Choose a Tour That Includes a Meal or Tastings

Instead of a booking a regular walking tour, choose one that includes food tastings: That way you can see the city while filling up. Some experiences, such as cooking classes and maiko (apprentice geisha) performances, even include a full meal. Finally, save money on drinks by booking a barhopping tour that includes beverages.

Buy a Travel Pass

If you’re planning to travel in the wider Kansai region, it might make sense to purchase a multi-day pass that allows unlimited train travel. Sometimes the price of the pass is lower than the cost of buying a return ticket.

With two days in Kyoto, you have time to explore UNESCO-listed temples and ancient palaces—plus delve into Japanese traditions and participate in a tea ceremony, learn about geisha culture or the way of the samurai, and sample the local food scene. Here’s how to spend 48 hours in Japan’s former imperial capital.

Day 1: Get an Overview of Kyoto, Old and New

**Morning:**Find your bearings and check off the city’s top attractions with a guided bus tour, taking in famous sites such as Nijo Castle, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), and the Kyoto Imperial Palace. For more flexibility, create your own itinerary with a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

**Afternoon:**Enjoy a taste of Kyoto’s food culture on a tour of sprawling Nishiki Market, known as “the kitchen of Kyoto.” Explore the market’s many vendors, sample their dishes, and learn about both typical and lesser-known Japanese ingredients—then conclude your tour with a cooking lesson and lunch.

**Night:**Kyoto is known for its traditional culture, but you can experience the more contemporary side of the city with a guided evening tour that takes you off the tourist track and into locals’ favorite bars and restaurants. Tours typically include a few dishes and drinks along the way.

Day 2: Immerse Yourself in Cultural Heritage

**Morning:**Begin your day with a walking tour featuring a serene stroll among the bamboo groves and temples of Arashiyama and Sagano. Or join a food-focused tour through these districts, visiting many of the same sites and stopping by restaurants and stalls to try local dishes.

**Afternoon:**Delve deeper into Kyoto’s rich culture, heritage, and history. Don a kimono and participate in a tea ceremony, discover ancient samurai traditions, or attend a Kembu sword performance. Some hands-on experiences include swordsmanship and Zen meditation.

**Night:**Conclude your visit to Kyoto with a guided walking tour of the famous Gion district, known for geisha and teahouses. Watch a performance by maiko (apprentice geisha) accompanied by traditional Japanese music, followed by a multicourse dinner. Or, book a private meal with a geisha who entertains you with song and dance as you dine.

Kyoto is a fairly compact city, making it easy to explore and navigate without a car. Public transit, biking, and walking are all great options, and taxis are plentiful, though fairly expensive. See below for your best options for getting around Kyoto.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Start your visit with a hop-on-hop-off-bus trip to get your bearings. Grab a seat on the upper level of an open-top, double-decker bus for the best views of top attractions such as Kinkakuji Temple and Kyoto Imperial Palace. Audio guides in different languages provide additional insight into points of interest.

Public Transit

Kyoto’s public transit network comprises trains, subways, and buses. Six intercity and intracity train lines serve Kyoto, and the city’s two subway lines run north–south and east–west. The bus network is extensive and covers just about everywhere in town.

Walking Tours

Kyoto is a great city to explore on foot, whether you want to wander around the central sightseeing districts or hike in the surrounding hills, and walking tours are popular. Some cover several sights within walking distance of each other, while others focus on a specific area or interest.

Biking Tours

Kyoto’s flat terrain, relatively simple layout, and typically pleasant weather make it ideal to explore on two wheels. Join a guided bike or e-bike tour, or opt for a rental bike to explore the city on your own. Many popular attractions offer designated bike parking, though it may be more difficult to park in the city center.

Rickshaw Tours

For a unique perspective, explore Arashiyama or Higashiyama on a guided tour in a traditional Japanese rickshaw. Rides typically last from 20 to 120 minutes and include the Bamboo Grove and temples and shrines of Arashiyama or the historic wooden buildings and stone alleyways of Higashiyama.

Spring is a lovely time to visit Kyoto—flowers are in bloom, the parks and temple gardens come to life after the winter, and the temperatures are warm. Cherry-blossom-viewing parties ( hanami ) are a popular local pastime and a fun way to experience Japanese culture and nature. Here are a few other must-do activities to enjoy in Kyoto this spring.

• Take a city tour to visit must-see sights such as the Golden Temple, Kiyomizu-dera, and the Arashiyama district.
• Learn about the traditional art of the tea ceremony from a tea master.
• Dip into Japanese history by training like a samurai at a samurai school.
• Relax on a sightseeing rickshaw tour of the bamboo forests of Sagano.
• Get an intimate perspective of Kyoto’s historic neighborhoods—such as famous Gion—on a guided walking tour.
• Gain some new cooking skills by taking a Japanese-cooking class, many of which include market or neighborhood tours beforehand.
• Experience the best of Kyoto’s drinking and dining scene on a nightlife tour.
• If you’re in Kyoto when the cherry trees bloom, don’t miss a local cherry-blossom-viewing party.
• Dress in traditional Japanese clothing and have some special souvenir photos taken on a professional photo shoot.

Kyoto is one of the most culturally rich cities in Japan, offering many opportunities to see and experience traditional Japanese culture. As well as the city’s temples, palaces, and manicured parks, a few top-notch museums should be on your travel itinerary. Here are some top picks.

Samurai and Ninja Museum

The Samurai and Ninja Museum displays armor, weapons, and other artifacts related to Japan’s famous samurai and ninja warriors. The museum holds workshops on how to use ninja weapons, offers dress-up opportunities for kids (and adults!), and more.

**How to Visit:**Take a guided tour of the museum and then enjoy watching a samurai show afterwards. 

Kyoto Railway Museum

Most travelers ride a Japanese train at some point, and the Kyoto Railway Museum offers the chance to learn more about a form of transportation that’s so important in the country. See old steam locomotives, ultra-modern, high-speed trains, and exhibits on the history of rail in Japan.

**How to Visit:**Take the kids along to this one, as there are lots of hands-on facilities for the whole family.

Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts Fureaikan

Travelers interested in learning more about Kyoto’s traditional crafts—from kimono to incense sticks—will love this museum, commonly called Fureaikan. You can even take workshops to learn to make your own crafts.

**How to visit:**Download an English-language audioguide from the museum’s website before you visit and listen to it on your own device (alternatively, you can rent an audio guide at the museum).

Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

Housed in an old sake brewery building that’s more than 100 years old, the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum provides an easy-to-understand introduction to sake making. Sample sake from one of Japan’s most popular brands at the museum.

**How to visit:**You must join a guided tour around the museum. For special access to the brewery, book a tour in advance.

A spirit made with fermented rice, sake is Japan’s most iconic drink. And the heart of the country’s sake industry lies in Fushimi, a city known for its ultra-pure spring water and long history of brewing tradition. But you can taste the best sake Fushimi produces while visiting the former Japanese capital of Kyoto. Here are some sake tasting options and tours to consider, with some suggested pairing activities to make the most of your trip. 

Sake Tastings

Let your palate be your guide as you sample some of Japan’s finest sake on a tasting-themed excursion. Stop by a top sake brewery or sake bar to savor their latest creation, or pair your sake tasting trip with food-themed activities like a cooking class or trip to Kyoto’s famous Nishiki Food Market.

Brewery Tours

Pay tribute to Japan’s sake brewing traditions by exploring its production process. Learn the ins and outs of this unique drink by visiting brewing facilities like the famous Gekkeikan and its adjacent Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, or tour a more modern distillery like Matsui Shuzo. Some trips even pair your brewery visit with stops at nearby landmarks like Fushimi Inari Shrine.

Particularly during the fall and spring months, Kyoto is prone to downpours. However, a wealth of indoor attractions means that your day will be far from ruined if rain does strike. Here are some of the best places in Kyoto to stay dry during your vacation.

• Ascend to the top of the tallest nonsteel structure in the world with a ticket to Kyoto Tower.
• Master the art of Japanese cooking during a cooking class and tour of the covered Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s Kitchen.
• Head inside Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle during a tour that reveals the rich history of each.
• Learn about and sample Japan’s national beverage during a tasting tour of a sake brewery.
• Take part in a traditional tea ceremony, followed by either a Japanese meal or cultural performance.
• Spend the day soaking in the thermal waters of an onsen —upgrade to include a spa treatment such as a massage.

Kyoto's history as the former capital of Japan and a leader in architecture and design makes it one of the best cities to see traditional Japanese gardens. From temple zen gardens to lush green spaces, here are the spots you won't want to miss.

Ryoan-ji

This temple is one of the most popular in the city, famous for its zen rock garden frequented by monks and travelers. Wander the grounds and find peace at the sparse, dry garden before checking out the temple's main buildings. If you're interested in learning about dry landscape gardens, consider a scholar-led walking tour of Kyoto's landscape.

Okochi-sanso Villa

The Okochi-sanso Villa is one of Kyoto's best gardens for a stroll thanks to its lush green environment. A stone pathway winds through the area, where green growth of every variety greets visitors. Okochi-sanso Villa is a popular stop on Arashiyama and Sagano walking tours—be sure to also visit the nearby Sagano bamboo groves.

Tenryu-ji Temple Built in 1345 and declared a UNESCO World-Heritage site in 1994, this zen temple features a beautiful garden with a circular pattern that surrounds the Sogen Pond. Tenryu-ji was designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty of Japan for good reason.

Myoshin-ji Temple

The pond garden at Myoshin-ji is one of Kyoto's most modern outdoor spaces. Constructed in the 1960s, the garden shows off design from the Showa period meant for contemplation and appreciation of beauty. 

Sento Gosho Garden

The walled garden in the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park is reminiscent of ancient era when moats and wide-open spaces were more common than towering high rises. You'll find more greenery and ponds than buildings at Sento Gosho, which can only be visited on guided tours.

The capital of traditional Japanese dining, Kyoto has a food scene as rich as its history. The local cuisine, known as Kyo-ryori, is defined by delicate flavors and many vegetarian meals. To experience it, here are some can't-miss dishes and activities for foodies.

Must-Try Dishes

The word obanzai refers to home-style cooking with a bent toward seasonal ingredients, and a typical obanzai ryori meal comprises several small, simple dishes prepared skillfully to highlight natural flavors. There's also kaiseki ryori, a traditional multi-course fine dining experience. Shojin ryori, strictly vegetarian dishes developed by Buddhist monks, can be sampled on the grounds of the city's temples.

Meanwhile, seafood plays a starring role in many restaurants, with dishes like sushi, fried fish cakes, saikyo-zuke (miso-marinated fish) and Japanese pike conger eel, a popular summer item in the region. A bento box is a great way to try several dishes at once; these can include pickled vegetables, miso soup, tempura, fish, rice and kinpira gobo, a side dish of root vegetables simmered in a sweet soy sauce.

Kyoto is also famous for its sweets, especially mochi, sweet pastel-hued rice cakes, and wagashi, a traditional Japanese confection made from a variety of ingredients and often served with green tea.

Must-Do Experiences

• Put your finger on the pulse of the city's foodie culture with a tour of the 400-year-old Nishiki Market and its 130 food shops and stalls.

• Learn how to prepare regional dishes or popular Japanese fare during a cooking class in a local home.

• Set aside time for a traditional Japanese tea ceremony or sake tasting and brewery tour. (Beverages are just as important in Kyoto as food.)

• Spend an evening dining with a geisha at a private restaurant, a uniquely Kyoto experience.

• Join a food walking tour to get to know one of Kyoto's vibrant neighborhoods such as Arashiyama or Kamogawa and sample Japanese treats along the way.

Traditional Kyoto dining relies on vegetables, tofu, and rice—a simple but elegant diet of delicacies that for centuries have catered to monks and vegetarians. To try Kyoto cuisine, or Kyo-ryori, for yourself, here are five essential ingredients.

Pickles Order a meal in almost any restaurant in Japan, and the entrée will undoubtedly be served with pickled vegetables. This rings true in Kyoto, where three main types of pickles are specialties of the region. The first is senmaizuke,thinly sliced turnip pickled in salt and seaweed with sugar sprinkled on top to add unexpected sweetness. Shibazuke is salty, pickled eggplant with a hint of ginger, while suguki, or pickled turnip, is fermented in salt.

Fu It's hard to describe fu, translated as wheat gluten, but the protein-rich, elastic, textured substance replaces meat in many contemporary diets. Other cultures refer to the dish as Seitan and wheat meat. Having been produced in Kyoto for over 100 years, the meat substitute is served in a variety of ways, including as a popular ingredient in soups.

Tofu The staple of Kyoto is tofu, made from soybeans. The healthy protein is abundant and fresh across the city, usually hand-made. While every region of Japan produces the meat substitute, Kyoto is renowned and revered for its production and version of the dish. Found in soups, stir fry, alongside rice and sometimes simply paired with pickled vegetables, Kyoto reveres its tofu. In the bustling Nishiki Market, patrons can also purchase and sample the local delicacy yuba, or tofu skin.

Seasonal vegetables Fresh, regional vegetables have been a mainstay in the Kyoto diet for centuries, and they are vast and varied— emi imo is a variety of yam easily distinguished by its prawn-like pattern on the skin; horikawa gobo is a root vegetable from burdock; kamo-nasu is a type of eggplant; and kintoki ninjin is a long, thin, red carrot. These vegetables and many others can be found everywhere from house kitchens to large restaurants.

Ochazuke This tea-flavored rice might be the most quintessential Japanese dish, made from the country’s two major staples: rice and green tea. The simple dish is prepared by pouring green tea over rice and adding savory toppings like pickled plums, seaweed, salmon flakes or even broiled eel. Normally eaten as a simple snack or a late-night meal, ochazuke is Kyoto comfort food.

Kyoto could well be called Japan’s City of Love, thanks to its atmospheric streets, picturesque gardens, and rich traditional culture. If you’re in Kyoto with your special someone, you’re in luck. From the glowing lamps of Gion to cozy traditional teahouses, here are some ways to get romantic in Kyoto.

Stroll Through Arashiyama

There’s something undeniably romantic about walking hand in hand through the tunnel of bamboo at Arashiyama’s Sagano Bamboo Grove. Be sure to snap a selfie on the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge and spend some time exploring the Tenryu-ji Temple UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Spend an Evening with Geishas in Gion

Geishas have become an icon of Kyoto, though often misunderstood. Uncover the secrets of the geisha during a romantic dinner for two in Kyoto’s historic Gion neighborhood. A typical dinner includes a multicourse kaiseki (haute cuisine) meal accompanied by a maiko (apprentice geisha).

Take a Romantic Rickshaw Ride

Sit back and relax as you visit some of Kyoto’s many temples, gardens, and Buddhist shrines on a rickshaw ride through its historic streets. It puts a romantic twist on a typical day of sightseeing.

Say “Ahh” at the Spa

Treat yourselves to an afternoon of bliss at a traditional Japanese spa. Give your feet a break with a warm mineral-water soak infused with Japanese tea leaves or seasonal flowers, or opt for a longer couples massage.

Capture Your Visit

Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply a romantic getaway, capture memories to take home with you during a professional photo shoot in the streets of Kyoto. Traditional Japanese clothing rental is often included.

Fall is a beautiful time of year to visit Kyoto, with cooler temperatures after the hot summer and vibrant autumn leaves in the parks and temple grounds. Experience the city’s cultural and natural attractions at their finest this fall. Here are some you shouldn’t miss.

• Tour Kyoto’s many temples and palaces on a half- or full-day guided tour of highlights such as Nijo-jo, the Golden Temple, and Kiyomizu-dera.
• Enjoy a warming cup of green tea while learning about the Japanese tea ceremony.
• Take a walking tour of the Gion or Arashiyama district to get an up-close experience of local life.
• Dive into authentic Japanese cuisine during a cooking class or on a tour of markets and foodie districts.
• Get dressed up in traditional Japanese clothing and have some special photos taken on a professional photo shoot.
• Whether you want to have a drink or just enjoy the city lights, find the best places to go after dark on an evening tour.

Among Kyoto’s record-breaking 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, you’ll also find some excellent shopping opportunities. Here are your options for top Kyoto shopping spots, whether you’re after quirky Japanese souvenirs, traditional handicrafts, or designer clothes.

Shijo-dori

The undisputed shopping hub of Kyoto is Shijo-dori, a bustling street that attracts both domestic and international tourists with its three department stores—where you can find both commercially popular and high-end brands—and several stores specializing in traditional Japanese kimonos.    

Nishiki Food Market

Though more focused on food, Nishiki Food Market (nicknamed the Kitchen of Kyoto) is a must-visit in Kyoto. As well as offering fresh-off-the-boat seafood and sushi, the market sells classic Japanese dishes and local produce such as roasted chestnuts, rice wine vinegar, and Japanese spirits.

Kyoto BAL

Travelers seeking a sophisticated shopping experience should look no further than the Kyoto BAL, which is famous for its stylish souvenirs and designer boutiques. To ensure a relaxed shopping experience, the mall is limited to only 33 stores, which cover international and Japanese brands.

Kyoto Handicraft Center

As its name implies, this 3-floor building is entirely dedicated to Kyoto’s vibrant art and craft scene. The local cooperative showcases the best work from local artisans and encourages visitors to try their hand at making a souvenir to take home. You also can step into observation studios to watch craftspeople at work.