Touristic Suggestions
There is so much to see and do in Kyoto, we’re sure everyone will find something and enjoy it. Here are just a few suggestions among others.
Be sure to check out our other web pages with suggestions and information to enable you to prepare and enjoy your stay in Kyoto — Visiting KYOTO
Taking photos of Maiko
The author admires Maiko and Geiko in Kyoto’s Hanamachi districts and urges respectful photo etiquette when encountering them. They stress not to obstruct, use flash, or demand poses, underscoring the performers’ humanity and work. The piece concludes by encouraging silent admiration without cameras to fully appreciate their elegance and presence.
Hanami – Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto
With over 200 photos, this photo ebook will not only show you the beauty of the cherry blossoms in Kyoto but will explain and describe the way the Japanese people enjoy this season. It will provide you with information and suggestions to discover and enjoy this most wonderful season…
Empty Kyoto
For everyone interested in or in love with Kyoto, I'd like to suggest you have a look at this upcoming photo book from landscape photographer Daniel Sofer. 2020 and 2021 were very special years due to the pandemic. Japan was closed and the streets and temples were...
Cooking Lessons in Kyoto
We're often asked about Japanese cooking lessons in Kyoto. I'm glad to introduce Keiko san, a cooking instructor who can provide Japanese home cooking lessons in English in her home kitchen or a rental kitchen.She offers various menu items from which you can choose....
Shinnyo-do Temple
Shinnyo-do, or as it is officially named, Shinshogokuraku-Ji or the"true temple of paradise", is a Buddhist temple of the Tendai sect located in the east of Kyoto. Being off the tourist's beaten tracks, Shinnyo-do is a great spot to enjoy beautiful fall colors in a...
Light-Ups in Autumn
Enjoy the beautiful Autumn foliage by taking advantage of the evening opening and illumination of these gardens. Here is a list of some of this year’s light ups around Kyoto, together with the dates and opening time.
Kawazu Zakura
Walking around the city near a place I used to live, I was pleasantly surprised to discover several cherry trees in full bloom in a parking lot up the street. This was the first time after the many years I passed nearby that I saw these trees. The plums are currently...
Ao Momiji – New Maple Leaves
After a beautiful cherry blossoms season, things slow down a bit and all is quiet for a while. Then, around the middle of the month of May, is the perfect time to look around the temples and the mountains for the maple trees having new leaves.
Kuromontsuki Kimono
If you walked around one of Kyoto’s Hanamachi (flower town or Geisha District), early January, you may have seen Maiko and Geiko beautifully dressed in their formal black “Kuromontsuki” kimono, and wearing a real rice stalk “kanzashi” or ornamental hairpin.
Gion Matsuri, User Manual
The Gion Matsuri, the most important festival of the year in Kyoto takes place in July. This is not just Kyoto’s biggest festival, it’s one of Japan’s biggest annual events. It’s a month-long series of events, culminating with the spectacular Yamaboko Junko Parade on July 17.
Spring has come at Jônangû Shrine
When we talk about the spring in Kyoto, images of cherry blossoms come to mind. But the flower season actually starts much earlier, in February, with the blossoming of the plum flowers. One of the best places in Kyoto to enjoy these is a lovely shrine located in southern Kyoto, Jōnangū.
Magical evening at the Byodoin Temple
The Byodoin Temple in Uji is only illuminated and open to the public a few evenings a year. We were quite lucky to find out about it and see the amazing Phoenix Hall under such conditions.
Byodoin Temple is a striking example of Buddhist Pure Land (Jodo) architecture.
Shugakuin Imperial Villa
The Shugaku-in Imperial Villa is a set of gardens and outbuildings in the hills of the eastern suburbs of Kyoto. It was built in the 17th century by Emperor Gomizuno and consists of the Upper, Middle and Lower Villa areas, each featuring gardens and buildings of the traditional imperial style.
Japanese Tea Ceremony
The Tea Ceremony (the way of tea, or Chado or sado, as the ceremony is known) is one of Japan’s traditional cultural art. During the ritualized preparation and drinking of a cup of green tea (matcha), you will share spirituality, culture, history, and get a better appreciation of the Japanese mind and Zen culture.
Kôyô – The Fall Foliage in Kyoto
Kôyô, the Japanese term for the fall foliage season, is a beautiful and magical time in and around Kyoto. Starting from the surrounding mountains and hills, every temple, every garden burst with a combination of yellow, orange and red colors. This photo book, full of suggestions and inspiration,
For photographers
The Photographer’s Guide to KYOTO — A 94-page e-book giving you the best and broadest coverage of Kyoto’s most photogenic locations. The book includes a Bucket List locations and includes over 100 photographs, maps, suggested itineraries and planning essentials . . .
Relaxation Massage
After a long day visiting temples and gardens, or walking shopping, there is nothing more soothing and relaxing than a good massage. When traveling, the problem is often to know where to go! Well, we may just have a good address for you: Yuga, Refresh Salon
Hanami Party in Maruyama Koen
Hanami (“flower viewing”) is the traditional Japanese custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers. This often involves a picnic party to enjoy the cherry blossoms as well as food and drinks. People have a Hanami party with friends, family or colleagues . . .
Honen-In Temple
This is definitely one of our favorite temples in Kyoto. Honen-in, is small, only fully opens twice a year for a short one-week period, but it is a very special place for its atmosphere and its calm beauty. Its entrance gate is quite spectacular especially...
Okame Cherry at the Chotokuji Temple
This year’s cherry blossom is a bit late…. But there are still various places where one can see and enjoy cherry flowers. The Omake Cherry Tree in front of the Chotokuji Temple is one of the first to bloom in Kyoto. And it’s been an amazing view for the last few days.
Arashiyama Hanatouro 2016
“Light and Blossoms Pathway” is the way this year’s illumination of the whole area of Arashiyama is called. Hundreds of lanterns placed along the way, inside temples and gardens, and mainly along the famous Bamboo Grove, make it easy to move around.
