Visiting Kyoto was a memorable experience filled with history, charm, and delicious food. Known as Japan’s cultural capital, Kyoto is home to over 1,600 temples, each whispering stories of emperors, monks, and centuries-old rituals. Whether you’re wandering down lantern-lit alleys or sipping matcha in a traditional teahouse, Kyoto offers a unique blend of old-world elegance and modern convenience.
Helpful Apps
Traveling via bus is the most common in Kyoto. Make sure to download the Suica app to use as your bus card!
Google Maps is the best and most common way to get around. The times are accurate with Kyoto’s buses!
Food
What really surprised me was Kyoto’s unexpectedly multicultural food scene. My first meal there? A burger — and honestly, it tasted just like something I’d order back in the States — juicy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. Beyond burgers, I discovered Kyoto offers a wide range of cuisines, from hearty pasta dishes to fragrant Thai curries. Of course, I couldn’t skip trying ramen — and despite being picky about my ramen, I have to say it was surprisingly good! I also tried a traditional Japanese meal served in small portions across multiple dishes. While nothing particularly stood out, everything was fresh, well-prepared, and enjoyable!
Activities
There’s no shortage of things to see and do in Kyoto, but I’m only going to highlight what I really think is worth checking out. While some might recommend places like the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, I personally found it a bit underwhelming. It’s a rather short walk, and aside from the bamboos themselves, there’s not much else to see — so it may not be as impressive as some expect.
- Gion (Old Neighborhood)
One place I do recommend exploring is Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district. It’s an old neighborhood that can be tricky to find, but you’ll know you’re there once you stumble upon a narrow alleyway lined with tall wooden buildings and sliding doors. Walking through Gion feels like stepping back in time. The area is filled with restaurants, but beware — it’s a bit of a tourist trap, so prices tend to be higher, and the food may not always be as authentic as some of Kyoto’s hidden gems.
- Fushimi Inari Shrine
Another must-see is the Fushimi Inari Shrine, an impressive walk through what feels like hundreds of shrines. Each shrine is lined up closely against the next, with characters inscribed on them indicating when and why they were constructed. It’s a peaceful and unique walk, unlike anything you’d typically see elsewhere. However, be warned — it can get super congested, with crowds of people making their way through. To avoid the heavy foot traffic, try to visit as early as possible.
- Nishiki Market + Teramachi Shopping
If you’re looking for a more casual stroll, Nishiki Market and Teramachi Shopping Street are worth a visit. As an Asian-American, I didn’t personally have anything I wanted to eat or buy at either place, but it’s still a nice walk to see what locals sell and to people-watch. Since both spots are close to each other, checking out both is easy and worthwhile.
Scenery
Beyond the landmarks and food, Kyoto’s scenery itself is something special. The city offers a unique blend of nature and urban life — one moment you’re surrounded by serene gardens and riverside paths, and the next you’re back in bustling streets filled with shops and cafes. For a major city, it is definitely one of the most peaceful and quiet cities I have ever visited. This mix of old and new, quiet and busy, gives Kyoto a charm that’s hard to describe but easy to appreciate.
Lifestyle
One thing I really appreciated about Kyoto was how safe I felt traveling there as an Asian female. Even when I was alone, I never felt uneasy or worried. The peaceful atmosphere and respectful culture made it incredibly easy to relax and fully enjoy my surroundings. I often found myself strolling through quiet streets at night without a second thought, something I wouldn’t feel as comfortable doing in every city. Locals were polite, and even busy areas felt calm and orderly. Interestingly, I felt like I had a better experience with the locals than even while in Tokyo! To read about my Tokyo experience, click here!
Leave a Reply