Secret Spots to Discover in Kyoto
Awesome Hidden Spots to Discover in Kyoto
Japan's steal-in-the-heart city, Kyoto, is teeming with secrets waiting to be uncovered by intrepid travelers! Step off the beaten path and find these enchanting, underrated gems that ooze charm and offer a taste of real Kyoto.
- Not-so-popular Day Trips
- Genuine Temples and Shrines
- Under-the-radar Shops and Eats
- Must-Visit Sites via our Tours in Kyoto
- More Things to Pique Your Curiosity
1. Not-so-popular Day Trips
Delve into the natural side of Kyoto with our carefully selected destinations for a perfect one-day escape!
- Wazuka Town
Embrace the tranquil atmosphere of Wazuka Town in Sagara County, Kyoto Prefecture. This picturesque spot is home to stunning tea plantations, yielding famous Wazuka tea (also known as Uji tea). Tickle your taste buds with matcha sweets and dishes that will leave you dreaming of Japan!
- Miyama
Escape the crowd and immerse yourself in traditional Japanese scenery in Miyama-cho, located about an hour's drive from central Kyoto. This charming town is nestled amidst stunning landscapes of farming and mountain villages, attracting nature enthusiasts year-round. Don't miss the chance to admire the 39 kayabuki roofed houses, a testament to traditional Japanese architecture and a national treasure!
2. Genuine Temples and Shrines
Escape the tourist throngs and discover Kyoto's hidden temples and shrines that exude centuries-old spiritual vibes.
- Rokkakudo
Dating back to 587, Rokkakudo is a centuries-old temple in the heart of Kyoto, featuring a uniquely hexagonal main hall. Marvel at the intriguing "navel stone," a mystical object deeply woven into the temple's history and deity.
- Nonomiya Shrine
Nestled in the serenity of Arashiyama, Nonomiya Shrine is a charming relic of antiquity with a quaint black wooden torii gate and small bush fence. Visit the bamboo grove nearby, known as "Nonomiya bamboos," for a glimpse of Japanese beauty at its finest. Pray for love, fertility, and good health at this revered deity's sanctum.
- Eikando
Feel the autumn-tinged magic at Eikando, a temple flaunting stunning fall foliage and a rich historical background. This Jodo sect temple is a must-visit in the fall, when the autumnal shades transform the temple grounds into a dazzling spectacle.
- Wakamiya Shrine
Founded in Gojobashi, Kyoto, Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine is renowned for blessings such as prayers for matchmaking, easy childbirth, and child-rearing. Don't miss the Wakamiya Festival and Pottery Festival held annually from August 7 to 10, where artisans gather to showcase their craftsmanship in a sacred atmosphere.
3. Under-the-radar Shops and Eats
Indulge your senses with these hidden treasures, offering authentic Kyoto dishes and goods crafted with traditional materials.
- SOU-SOU
Marvel at the pop and unique textile designs of SOU-SOU, a Kyoto-born brand dedicated to infusing Japanese seasons, customs, and traditions with contemporary flair. Explore their diverse range of products, from tabi shoes and kimonos to sweets and furniture.
- Ippodo Chaho Kisashitsu Kaboku
Recharge your spirit at Ippodo Chaho Kisashitsу Kaboku, a coffee shop located within the Ippodo Tea Shop Kyoto Main Store. With three distinctive spaces to choose from, you can sip on premium Kyoto tea and enjoy a matcha Frappuccino, café latte, or standard coffee in a tatami room.
- Nineizaka Yasaka Chaya
Experience the charm of traditional Japanese atmosphere at Nineizaka Yasaka Chaya, a 100-year-old teahouse. Savor their diverse menu options, including standard coffee, matcha Frappuccino, and café latte, while sitting back and admiring the original siren art.
- Un.donpuri Dessert Shop
Delight your taste buds with the photogenic Dongpuri Pudding at Un.donpuri, a sweet specialty store in Fukuchiyama, Kyoto. This dazzling dessert, reminiscent of Japanese donburi cuisine on the outside but brimming with sweet pudding on the inside, will leave you asking for seconds!
4. Must-Visit Sites via our Tours in Kyoto
Take the hassle out of planning and discover Kyoto's hidden treasures with our expert-led tours, specially designed for an unforgettable cultural adventure!
▶Kyoto 8h Private Custom Highlight Tour with Licensed Guide←Navigate Kyoto's most iconic spots and dive deeper into its culture with this insightful, one-of-a-kind private tour.
Book Here ↱
▶Meet a Geisha in Kyoto: Guided Walk in Gion and Enchanted Time with Maiko←Join us on an extraordinary journey through Gion, Kyoto's geisha district, for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with a real maiko.
Book Here ↱
▶Explore Nishiki Market: Food & Culture Walk←Savor Kyoto's culinary delights and immerse yourself in its rich culture with a guided food walk through the historic Nishiki Market.
Book Here ↱
▶Kimono Experience←Adorn yourself in traditional Japanese kimono and roam around Kyoto like a resident, capturing the essence of this ancient city.
Book Here ↱
5. More Things to Pique Your Curiosity
Gathering more gems to delight your senses and spirit as you journey through the heart of Japan!
- Alternate Path at Fushimi Inari Shrine: Discover a more serene side of Fushimi Inari with fewer tourists by exploring the park's lesser-known routes.
- Tofukuji Temple: Delight in the beautiful Zen garden and experience the beauty of Japan's autumn foliage at Tofukuji, one of Kyoto's principal Zen temples.
- Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum: Glean insights into the history and production of sake at this entertaining museum, with optional brewery tours and tastings.
- Otsu City by Lake Biwa: Take a short trip outside of Kyoto and bask in the beauty of old Japan charm, breathtaking lake views, and ancient temples.
- Nishiki Market's Side Streets: REPLACEMENT FOR Nishiki Market Getaway: Forget the usual tourist trail and sample Kyoto's local culture by exploring the less crowded side streets around Nishiki Market.
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest's Lesser-Known Paths: Walk the forest's less frequented trails to discover the unspoiled, tranquil beauty that lies hidden from the masses.
- Kamigamo Shrine: Experience the peacefulness of one of Kyoto's oldest shrines, with fewer crowds and a serene atmosphere.
- Gion Shirakawa: Stroll through the picturesque, tranquil streets of Gion Shirakawa, lined with traditional Japanese architecture and shimmering canals.
- Kurama Onsen: Escape the city and unwind in the healing hot serenity of Kurama Onsen, a hot spring resort nestled in the mountains north of Kyoto.
- Fushimi Momoyama Castle: Witness the stunning rooftop views of Kyoto from Fushimi Momoyama Castle, a lesser-known castle with a beautiful garden offering a unique perspective of the city.
These obscure attractions will grant you glimpses into the authentic culture and breathtaking beauty of Kyoto that the typical tourist trail rarely reveals. Embrace the exciting journey ahead!
- Follow the Alternate Path at Fushimi Inari Shrine for an undisturbed walk through the scenic park with fewer crowds.
- Take a moment to appreciate the serenity of Tofukuji Temple and admire Japan's breathtaking autumn foliage in one of Kyoto's principal Zen temples.
- Learn about the history and production of sake at the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, followed by optional brewery tours and tastings.
- Venture outside of Kyoto to the charming city of Otsu City by Lake Biwa, embracing the old Japan charm and breathtaking lake views.
- Discover the local culture by exploring the side streets around Nishiki Market, offering a glimpse into Kyoto's less touristy side.
- Traverse Arashiyama Bamboo Forest's Lesser-Known Paths to uncover the untouched, peaceful beauty hidden from the masses.
- Kamigamo Shrine invites you to experience the serenity of one of Kyoto's oldest shrines, away from the tourist crowds.
- Wander through the picturesque and tranquil streets of Gion Shirakawa, lined with traditional architecture and shimmering canals.
- Experience a rejuvenating escape at Kurama Onsen, a hot spring resort nestled in the mountains north of Kyoto.
- Capture the unique perspective of Kyoto from Fushimi Momoyama Castle and its beautiful garden, offering a lesser-known rooftop view of the city.
These hidden gems will give you a glimpse into the genuine culture and stunning beauty of Kyoto that you may not find on the typical tourist trail. immerse yourself in the exciting adventure ahead!
