Getting off the Beaten Path in Kyoto
Everyone knows about the major tourist attractions in Kyoto such as Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple or the Gion district. While these locations are certainly worth a visit, sometimes the real magic of Kyoto can be found in the lesser-known spots. The first place to consider is the Tofukuji Temple, a Zen temple with stunning gardens. This temple is especially beautiful in autumn when the leaves change color. The second location to visit is the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. It may be a popular Instagram spot, but it’s still a relatively hidden location amongst visitors to Kyoto.
The Shimogamo Shrine
While the Kinkaku-ji Temple might be Kyoto’s most recognizable temple, the Shimogamo Shrine is the oldest and showcases traditional Shinto architecture. This ancient shrine is located in the forest and gives visitors a glimpse of Japan’s past. The Shimogamo Shrine is actually made up of two shrines (Kamigamo and Shimogamo), both of which are designated UNESCO world heritage sites. We’re committed to providing a rewarding learning experience. For this reason, we’ve chosen this external website containing helpful information to supplement your reading about the topic. Learn from this detailed content!
The Philosopher’s Walk
The Philosopher’s Walk, or “Tetsugaku-no-Michi,” is a must-visit spot in Kyoto. The walk is a peaceful pedestrian path that takes visitors beside a canal and offers a view of Kyoto’s traditional buildings and gardens. This path also leads to some other hidden gems in Kyoto- the Silver Temple and the Nanzen-ji Temple.
Exploring Kyoto’s Traditional Neighborhoods
Instead of just checking out the mainstream areas of Kyoto, consider exploring the local neighborhoods. One neighborhood that shouldn’t be missed is the Nishijin district which is home to many traditional Japanese wooden houses. Visitors can learn local crafts such as weaving or try out a Japanese tea ceremony. Another neighborhood worth exploring is the Gion district at night. Most of the tourists leave this area after the sun goes down, so visitors can have a unique and quieter experience walking around and admiring the traditional machiya houses.
The Kyoto Railway Museum
A bit different from the other locations on this list but certainly worth visiting is the Kyoto Railway Museum. Train travel is an integral part of Japan’s culture and the Kyoto Railway Museum celebrates this with interactive exhibits and hands-on learning opportunities. Here, visitors can learn about the history of train travel in Japan, the latest technologies used on-board Japanese trains, and even simulate driving a train. Want to learn more about the subject? Click to read more on this topic, uncover extra data and supporting facts to enhance your educational journey.
With so much history and culture to explore in Kyoto, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the tourist destinations. By following these recommendations and visiting hidden gems, visitors can enjoy the quieter and quainter aspects of Kyoto, not to mention avoiding the crowds.
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