Travel Guide: Your First Trip to Kyoto, Japan

Japan has been at the forefront of many modern technological advances over the last century and its cities boast a wonderful blend of the modern and traditional. Kyoto is one city that has worked to keep its traditions alive as much as possible, while still embracing the future. With 1.5 million people living in the former capital, it has a delightful culture that should be explored.

"Kyoto is really the heart of the nation," says Eleanor Yamaguchi, Associate Professor at Aichi Prefectural University and Kyoto resident for nearly 15 years. "Even today you can get a sense of the history of Japan just by walking the streets of Kyoto. It's the one place where traditional sits right next to modern."

Home to more than 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, Kyoto is a must-visit for anyone interested in religious architecture. It's also home to a full range of Japanese cuisine, ancient specialty shops and tearooms, excellent museums, and stunning scenery. If you want a taste of Japan’s roots, then you've come to the right place.

Buddhist Temples

In the Northern Higashiyama district, a massive San-mon (gate) greets you as you approach the Zen Buddhist temple Nanzen-ji, one of the region's most frequently visited temples. The spacious main hall is a national treasure. The expansive, luxurious grounds contain the Leaping Tiger Zen Garden, numerous sub-temples, and a secret waterfall grotto.

If you visit Kyoto in spring or fall, then try to attend one of the many illumination events held at temples and shrines throughout the city, they are an incredible sight to see and a perfect way of learning more about the culture and traditions of Japan. Shorenin Monseki illuminates an especially magical blue light from its temple.

Tofuku-ji features a spectacular garden, 24 sub-temples, and the oldest San-mon in Japan. Take a Zen meditation beginner session here — in Japanese only.

Shinto Shrines

The Japanese intended the Shinto shrines to house one or more spirits and to safeguard sacred objects. Heian-jingu features replicas of the Imperial Court Palace of the Heian period (794–1185). Explore the shrine buildings and the lush garden, featuring a large pond, bridge, wisteria, irises, and cherry trees.

Shimogamo-jinja, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies in a wooded area that is said to be a good place to sort disputes because you can't hide lies here. "This is my favorite shrine," says Yamaguchi. "It's fairly well known but not usually crowded with tourists."

Parks Galore

Fans of samurai films and anime will get a kick out of Toei Kyoto Studio Park, a theme park of sorts where you can take a walk around one of the film sets at Toei Kyoto Studio. You’ll be able to see a depiction of an Edo period street, which is featured in over 200 films per year.

Kids will have fun with the Iga-ryu throwing contest, where they aim to hit a target using a real ninja weapon. They can also test their agility on the Sword 'N Go obstacle course and the 3D Ninja Fort.

If you're looking for a more natural type of park, then Kyoto has an abundance of them. Walk or ride a bike through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The thick green stalks tower above you unlike any other greenery and are the ideal setting for pictures. On the way, visit the Tenryu-ji Temple, which is nearby.

Locals and tourists alike spend afternoons enjoying Maruyama-kōen in southern Higashiyama. Stroll among tranquil ponds stocked with carp and admire the cherry tree-filled gardens.

Fuel for Your Visit

Kyoto offers the full spectrum of Japanese cuisine, from noodle houses and sushi bars to kaiseki, Japan's gourmet cuisine. A few local specialties include:

• Shojin Ryori, Buddhist vegetarian cuisine: Try this for lunch at Shigetsu, inside the Temple Tenryu-ji.
• Tousuiro: Tofu — give it a try, this is nothing like the tofu you’ve had before. Visit Tousuiro for an incredible variety of tofu, vegetable, and seafood dishes.
• Kyo-wagashi: These Kyoto sweets are usually served with matcha tea and often made with red bean paste and rice flour, then formed into tiny works of art.
• Kaiseki: Splurge on a meal at Kikunoi, led by Michelin-starred chef Mutara. Here, as with other kaiseki restaurants, food is an art form made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Expect an elegantly prepared and served meal that includes many, many courses.

Whether you have a day or a week in Kyoto, a visit to this captivating city will give you a sense of traditional and modern Japan against a lush natural backdrop.

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