Founded in 1324, Bukko-ji is a temple of the Jodo Shinshu sect known for its peaceful atmosphere and elegant wooden architecture.
The temple grounds feature traditional halls and seasonal beauty that reflect Kyoto’s quiet spirituality.
Highlights: Historic Pure Land Buddhist temple, serene gardens, and cultural heritage architecture.
Housed in Japan’s oldest elementary school building, this museum explores the evolution of education in Kyoto.
Exhibits include textbooks, teaching tools, and classrooms from different eras.
Highlights: Historic school architecture, educational exhibits, and insights into Kyoto’s learning culture.
Established in 1905, Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi Shop specializes in natural lacquer (urushi) and restoration of traditional crafts.
The modern gallery “Und.” showcases innovative uses of urushi in art and design.
Highlights: Traditional lacquer craftsmanship, gallery space “Und.”, and innovative urushi art.
Founded in 1764, Ichihara Heibei Shoten is a renowned chopstick maker preserving over 250 years of craftsmanship.
Each piece reflects the Japanese aesthetic of simplicity, balance, and fine detail.
Highlights: Handcrafted chopsticks, traditional techniques, and Kyoto-style gift items.
A refined Japanese-style café known for its elegant matcha parfaits and handcrafted sweets.
Located near Karasuma, Saryo Suisen offers a calm retreat where tradition meets modern Kyoto dessert culture.
Open: Monday–Sunday 10:30–18:00 Closed: Open daily
A Michelin Bib Gourmand ramen restaurant celebrated for its delicate broth and balance of flavor.
“Hanare” offers a calm dining experience with an emphasis on quality ingredients and Kyoto-style hospitality.
Open: Monday–Sunday 11:00–14:30, 17:30–21:00 Closed: Open daily
A buffet-style restaurant offering fresh, locally grown Kyoto vegetables.
The bright and casual interior serves as a perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner centered around healthy Kyoto produce.
Founded to honor the legendary onmyōji Abe no Seimei, Seimei Shrine is located on Horikawa-dōri in Kyoto and is known for its protective charms and the pentagram motif featured throughout the shrine grounds.
Highlights: Historic shrine, mystical atmosphere, star-shaped emblem, and easy access by bus.
Located in the historic Nishijin district of Kyoto, this museum-style living space “Tondaya” showcases the lifestyle and craftsmanship of traditional Nishijin weaving and Kyoto townhouses.
Highlights: Traditional townhouse architecture, Nishijin textile culture, quiet immersive visit.
One of Kyoto’s oldest geisha districts, Kamishichiken features the Kabukai theatre where maiko and geiko perform. The historic venue remains a living part of Kyoto’s cultural identity.
Highlights: Traditional geisha theatre, historic wooden performance hall, vibrant cultural atmosphere.
Dedicated to over 450 years of Raku–ware pottery, this museum presents works from the first master of the Raku family through current generations, framed within Kyoto’s tea-ceremony tradition.
Highlights: Raku pottery collection, tea-ceremony heritage, intimate museum experience.
A venerable Kyoto establishment specialising in chicken and broth-based dishes,
famous for its lunch-only oyakodon (chicken & egg rice bowl)
served in a century-old Kyoto townhouse in the Nishijin area.
A stylish Italian-based bistro grounded in the Nishijin district of Kyoto,
featuring international touches and creative cuisine in a cozy 8-seat L-shaped counter setting.
A well-known ramen shop in the Nishijin area offering a full lunch-to-evening service
with classic and salt-based ramen dishes — convenient for a hearty meal at almost any time.
Located in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, Yasui Konpira-gu is famous for its “En-kiri / En-musubi” stone — a sacred stone believed to help visitors cut off negative relationships and form positive new ones.
This unique ritual draws visitors seeking renewal and fresh beginnings.
Highlights: The “En-kiri En-musubi Ishi” stone, 24-hour accessible shrine grounds, and its deep connection to Kyoto’s spiritual traditions.
A stone-paved incline near Kiyomizudera temple, lined with traditional Kyoto machiya and souvenir shops, offering one of Kyoto’s most iconic and picturesque strolls.
Highlights: Authentic Kyoto atmosphere, historic buildings in a preservation zone, easy access to Kiyomizu-dera.
Founded in 1202 by 栄西 and backed by shogun 源頼家, this is Kyoto’s oldest Zen monastery, located in the heart of Gion and offering Zen gardens, art, and meditative spaces.
Highlights: “Fūjin & Raijin” screen paintings, exquisite Zen garden, cultural heritage site.
Known as “Rokudō-san”, this temple sits at the historical entrance to the burial grounds of ancient Kyoto and is surrounded by legends of the boundary between life and death — a deeply atmospheric site.
Highlights: The “Maidono” bell for the Obon festival, the legendary “Well of the Underworld”, and a rare sense of time’s passage.
Founded in 1606 by Kita-no-Mandokoro (also known as Nene), the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi,
Kōdai-ji is a temple rich in Momoyama-period elegance and serenity.
The temple’s architecture, lush gardens, and tranquil bamboo grove invite visitors to experience the refined aesthetics of classical Kyoto.
Highlights: Exquisite lacquer art known as “Kōdai-ji maki-e,” the serene Zen gardens designed by Kobori Enshū,
seasonal night illuminations, and breathtaking views of cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
The Ryozen Kannon features a 24-meter tall statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, built in 1955 to commemorate the fallen soldiers of World War II. Its serene garden and memorial hall offer a peaceful atmosphere overlooking the city of Kyoto.
Highlights: Giant seated Kannon statue, war memorial, tranquil garden with seasonal flowers, panoramic Kyoto views.
Located just steps from the scenic streets of Higashiyama, Waraku offers a wide selection of beautiful kimono for rent — perfect for strolling around Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka, or Gion while fully immersed in Kyoto’s traditional charm.
Highlights: Easy same-day rental, professional dressing service, optional hair styling, and multilingual staff support.
Gion Corner is a theatre located in Kyoto’s famed Gion district offering a digest of seven traditional Japanese performing arts — including kimono-dance by maiko, tea ceremony, ikebana, koto and more.
Highlights: Short 1-hour performance, chance to see maiko/Geiko dance, conveniently located next to Gion Kobu Kaburenjo in Gion.
Established in 1930 in Kyoto’s Gion district, Hisago is famous for its silky-soft oyakodon and Kyoto-style nishin soba, made with carefully selected dashi from Hokkaido kelp and mackerel.
A cozy Japanese diner serving home-style Kyoto dishes made with seasonal ingredients. Known for its flavorful miso soup, grilled fish, and obanzai side dishes. ([tabelog.com](https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260301/26032164/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
A serene café near Yasaka Shrine offering Kyoto-grown matcha sweets, parfaits, and soft-serve. A perfect rest stop after exploring Gion. ([charura.jp](https://charura.jp/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
A stylish bar and café nestled in the Gion-Shimogawara district.
Enjoy coffee during the day and cocktails at night, surrounded by traditional Kyoto townhouses and warm lighting.
A favorite among locals and travelers for its calm, intimate ambiance.
Founded in the 14th century, Shokoku-ji is one of Kyoto’s five great Zen temples.
The tranquil grounds, elegant Zen gardens, and the sound of wind rustling through the pine trees offer a glimpse into Japan’s contemplative spirit.
Highlights: Historic buildings, seasonal gardens, and the famous Jotenkaku Museum.
A serene museum that immerses visitors in the refined world of the Japanese tea ceremony.
Explore exhibits featuring exquisite tea utensils, historic scrolls, and the timeless philosophy of “wa-kei-sei-jaku” (harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility).
Highlights: Seasonal exhibitions, tea utensils used by Sen no Rikyu, and a serene, contemplative atmosphere.
Dedicated to the guardian deity of sports and ball games, Shiramine Jingu combines Shinto tradition with a modern spirit of dedication and discipline.
The serene courtyard and the ancient camphor trees create an uplifting and sacred atmosphere.
Highlights: Unique “Kemari” ball game rituals and a sacred, peaceful atmosphere.
Discover the artistry behind Kyoto’s traditional confectionery, “wagashi.”
This charming museum showcases seasonal sweets crafted with beauty and precision, reflecting the essence of Kyoto’s aesthetic culture.
Highlights: Seasonal confection displays, tea room exhibits, and demonstrations of wagashi making.
A cozy café offering homemade sweets and light meals in a relaxing, sunlit atmosphere.
Perfect for a quiet afternoon break or a casual chat over coffee.
A popular spot known for its rich, spicy “soupless” Tantanmen noodles and flavorful Mapo tofu.
The perfect comfort food for those who love bold, aromatic dishes.
Closed: None Open: Daily 11:00–21:00 (varies slightly by season)
A local ramen shop serving flavorful bowls made from carefully selected ingredients and a rich, umami-packed broth.
A hidden gem for noodle lovers seeking authentic Kyoto ramen.
