Things to do in Kyoto

In this article, we will discuss the best things to do in Kyoto. There are various fun things to do in Kyoto that is enough to make your trip a memorable one. It is encircled with the hills of central Honshu. Kyoto is among Japan’s biggest cities. It is the learning hub of western Japan.  That is cuddled up with numerous universities and higher educational organization. It is among Japan’s biggest tourist destinations. It always manages to conserve much of the environment of the past. The only chief Japanese city to escape the destruction of WWII. Kyoto is popular as the house of the emperor. It has been  Japan’s main cultural center for around 1,100 years. Kyoto today, possesses several fine examples of paintings, sculptures and other artworks in its various museums and galleries. The city is also abode to the centuries old structural design. Much of it is inspired by Buddhism found in well-conserved temples. With around 30 of the city’s temples still working as centers of many Buddhist sects. It includes 200 Shinto shrines inside the city limits. A distinctive yet a nice place to visit. Here are a few suggestions for you to look for top things to do in Kyoto.

Top Things to do in Kyoto:

1.) Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle was the Kyoto house of the Tokugawa Shoguns. They governed Japan during Edo-era. It’s a flatland castle with 2 big moat systems. Inside this castle you will find 2 palaces. One which was under the Shoguns and another under the Emperor. The Shogun’s palace is open to the public. It has flooring which is called nightingale floors. It chirps when you walk over them. They were made as a protection against ninja assassins. Add this place to your list of things to do in Kyoto.

2.) Kyoto Station

Kyoto Station is a contemporary architectural wonder. It has won several international awards. It’s one of the biggest building in Japan. The station accommodates several train lines, hotel, a shopping mall, movie theater, department store and government workplace. All of it housed under a single 15 storey roof. It’s an attractive place to take pictures as the escalators at the distant end of the station seems to go off into infinity. Going to the Kyoto station is one of the most finest things to do in Kyoto.

3.) Kyoto Imperial Palace

The original Kyoto Imperial Palace was built in AD 794. It has been restored many times after getting ruined by fire. But, still it is among the city’s most visited historic locations. The current building was built in 1855. It makes a strong impression. It occupies a big area near the center of the city. The palace comprises lots of attractions. That comprises the finely festooned entrance, along with an option to see a number of the palace’s most significant rooms and structures. It also includes the Hall of State Ceremonies, the Emperor’s Residence, the Imperial Library and the Courtroom. The beautiful grounds of this Kyoto attraction are open to the public. But, the palace alone can only be visited as a part of a guided tour. It is managed by the Imperial Household Agency.

4.) Kinkakuji Golden Temple

Kinkaku-ji is a golden pavilion. It is situated in a dazzling Japanese walking garden. It’s among the most photogenic temples in the World. The innovative building dates back to 1398. In 1950, a 22 year old schizophrenic monk set fire in the temple and burned it to the ground. It was quickly reconstructed. Kinkaku-ji is among the most visited tourist destinations in Japan. Going to the temple is one of the most delightful things to do in Kyoto.

5.) Kiyomizudera Temple

This temple is recognized for its lofty wooden platform. It was built without using a single nail. It has endured earthquakes in the region since 1633. Kiyomizudera temple is a crowd entertainer which has been drawing tourists for centuries. The temple gives a number of traditions and rituals. For instance, it has 2 rocks of 18 meters or 59 feet at a distance outside a shrine devoted to love. It is said that, if you can walk between the 2 rocks with your closed eyes, you’ll have good luck in love. Kiyomizudera also has peculiarity such as a dark room which is said to replicate what it’s seems like in the womb. The temple is usually an interesting place with lots to see. Going to the place is one of the most amazing things to do in Kyoto.

6.) Entertaining Gion

Gion is among Japan’s most elite entertainment districts. Many of Gion’s lanes haven’t altered all that much in the last 300 years. Geisha establishments, fine restaurants and tea houses mark Gion’s streets. In this region, you have a fine chance to spot a Geisha or Maiko darting to work. If you are planning to visit Kyoto in July, remember to look out for the Gion Festival.

7.) Philosopher’s Path

The Philosopher’s Path is an amusing stone trail along a Sakura lined canal. It’s believed that Nishida Kitaro, one of Japan’s famous philosophers walked this path daily. Presently, there are several cafes, restaurants and shops along the 2 kilometer stretched paths. The path begins at Ginkakuji and ends close to Nanzenji temple.

8.) Sanjusangendo Hall

Going to this place can prove to be one of the most awesome things to do in Kyoto. Sanjusangendo Hall is a big Buddhist temple which has survived since 1164. The temple’s collected works include 1001 person sized figures of the deities of Mercy with 11 heads and 42 arms each. The temple’s chief building is the highest wooden structure in the world.

9.) The Kyoto National Museum and Municipal Museum of Art

In addition to its numerous fine old temples with their significant artworks. Kyoto also possesses a number of inspiring collections in its many first-class museums and galleries. Possibly the more delighting is the National Museum. It is an art gallery built in 1897. It is widely recognized as the most significant museum in Japan. The main focus is on pre-contemporary Asian arts, mostly from Japan. The museum was renovated in 2014. It includes several examples of applied and historic art extended across a number of buildings. Also, worth visiting is the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art. It was started in 1928 and showcases significant works by Takeuchi Seihō. He is among Japans’ top artists of the 20th century.

10.) Shimogamo Shrine

Include this Shimogamo Shrine in your list of things to do in Kyoto. The shrine displays its rich history. Shimogamo Shrine actually has two shrines. Both existed before Kyoto. These are among the earliest shrines in Japan. The shrines are located at the border of a holy forest known as Tadasu no Mori (meaning forest of correction). The forest is believed to protect Kyoto. Tadasu no Mori is a prehistoric forest that hasn’t experienced a fire in recorded history. This is notable because almost everything in Kyoto has burned down at one or the other point in history due to never-ending wars.