Kyoto

If you want to find peace of mind, travel to Kyoto. First book a room in one of the shikubos, or temple lodgings. Then visit the famous temples of Kyoto. There are 47 temples at Myoshin-ji full of Buddhas and surrounded by serene temple gardens. You just might catch glimpses of monks chanting mantras. Then visit the temple of Tenryu-ji with its waterless waterfall, an inspiring place to meditate, as are the Zen gardens of Kyoto, all perfectly manicured and everything in its place. Once you feel refreshed, take a riverside walk along the Ponto-Cho in Kyoto if you want to change your pace and find lively nightlife and restaurants.

Top 10 things to do in Kyoto

1. Visit the temples. Seventeen of Kyoto’s temples and shrines are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and most visitors to Kyoto will want to take in a few. Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkaku-ji in particular are must-sees. Though both are heavily visited by tourists, it’s for a good reason: they are among the most distinctive sites in Japan.

2. Meditate in the Zen style at Taizo-in or Shunko-in. This can be expensive, and reservations are needed, but those who are able to partake will find the experience a truly memorable one. In addition to a traditional meditation session, visitors are offered thought-provoking explanations on the history and significance of Zen meditation. There are several temples that offer a meditation introduction (and you can stay and work at some of them as well), but Taizo-in and Shunko-in are particularly well regarded.

3. Attend a festival. Kyoto, like everywhere else in Japan, has festivals throughout the year. Six months out of the year, Kyoto celebrates major festivals, which are breathtaking and unforgettable. These are a chance to glimpse traditional culture in many ways at once: from food, to music, to dance. Check when you’re going and make sure you set aside a day if you’re lucky enough to be there during one!

4. Shop in Gion. Gion is the historical redlight district of Kyoto, and although it’s far from seedy these days, you just may spot a geisha (or a maika, a geisha in training) if you’re lucky. The road leading to Kiyomizu Temple has an “Old Kyoto” feel to it, and souvenir shops and small cafes line the streets.

5. Visit an Imperial Palace or Villa. These are several of these in Kyoto, but getting in can be tricky. Reservations are the usual way, and foreign travelers need to apply for a spot through the Imperial Household Agency’s website. As these are overbooked, lots are drawn to decide who receives tours, but those who do have access to a piece of Japanese history, breathtaking gardens, and an interesting explanation of all of it in English (at the Imperial Palace only, not the other palaces and villas). Walk-ins are possible on rare occasions.

6. Sleep in Ryokan. It’s an experience unto itself. Ryokans are traditional Japanese-style inns, and although they’re typically more expensive than Western-style hotels, there are cheap ones in Kyoto to be found. If possible, you should spend at least one night in one.

7. Take a self-guided walking tour. Visitor centers have a “Kyoto Walks” pamphlet available, which can also be found online. This is even better if one rents a bike. A surprising amount of great things can be seen in a leisurely afternoon walk.

8. Take in the cherry blossoms at Arashiyama. Sakura (cherry blossoms) only bloom for a short time in the spring, but even when they’re not in bloom, Arashiyama is an attractive and romantic place to take a stroll. Food stalls feature prominently and offer cheap and delicious fare, a good way to sample a variety of foods.

9. Eat some matcha flavored treats. While you should definitely take in some green tea at any of Kyoto’s numerous teahouses, Kyoto also offers green tea flavored (matcha) treats and drinks at many restaurants, confectionaries, and coffeehouses. While matcha desserts are available in many places in Japan, Kyoto is particularly famous for it.

10. Drink sake in one of Kyoto’s laid-back, back-alley bars. Kyoto is not as known for its nightlife as, say, Tokyo or Osaka, but it is home to many quiet neighborhood bars. Kyoto’s sake is well known, and locally-brewed options will be available in many bars and izakayas (Japanese-style pubs).

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