When in Kyoto: What to Do
Street view of Kyoto at dusk; January 2020
View of Kyoto from Higashiyama-Ku; January 2020
Beautiful gardens near Nijo Castle in Kyoto; January 2020.
Kinkakuji Temple in Kyoto, Japan; January 2020
… Kyoto was my favorite of them all.
It sounds bizarre, but the city immediately reminded me of the cities that I’ve been to in Switzerland, especially of Basel.
With the mountains surrounding the city, conspicuous buses and public transportation on every corner, the run-down-looking-buildings with random pieces of beauty every few corners, the bikers everywhere…
… I think that’s a part of the reason why I liked it so much, but also, it just has its own distinct vibe about it.
What is the Difference Between Kyoto and Tokyo?
Unlike Tokyo, which is to massive to get to know on a personal level, Kyoto is more walk-able and easier to discover all of the things many people get so excited about to do and see when they come to Japan.
Wondering about all the things I did in Kyoto that made me like it so much?
Thinking about what to do in Kyoto when you go yourself?
Here’s a list of everything that my friends and I did:
The Best Things to Do in a First Trip to Kyoto
1. Had a Miniature Japanese Lesson
On our way to Kyoto, our tour guide gave us a miniature Japanese lesson.
Learning Japaense in Kyoto; January 2020
I remember how to say ‘hello’, ‘good evening’, ‘thank you’, ‘yes’… and ‘two’.
… that’s about it. But hey, at least you and I both have this sheet for reference!
2. Visited the Motorikyu Nijo Castle
We had the experience of walking through a temple with our shoes off here.
View of Motorikyu Nijo Castle in Kyoto, Japan; January 2020
Then, we explored some of their gardens. I really liked how all of these gardens in Kyoto gave me the authentic “I’m in Asia” vibe that my photo album was begging for.
Wandering the gardens outside of Motorikyu Nijo Castle in Kyoto, Japan; January 2020
Lake near Motorikyu Nijo Castle in Kyoto, Japan; January 2020
Kinkakuji Temple in Kyoto, Japan; January 2020
… it was golden!
And the reflection against the water?!
Kinkakuji Temple in Kyoto, Japan; January 2020
When I showed this picture to my dad after coming back, his reaction was,
“Woah, that’s pretty…”
And I concurred, saying,
“I know, right?!”
4. Shopped & Wondered Around Kiyomizu-dera
This place has some great views of Kyoto…
View of Kyoto; January 2020
View of red temple in Kyoto; January 2020
Kyoto at sunset; January 2020
… as well as some of the cutest souvenir shopping I saw in all of Japan. This area reminded me of San Marino, Assisi, and San Gimignamo in Italy with its narrow streets and small, charming stores.
Exploring temples in Kyoto; January 2020
View of Kiyomizu Dera temple in Kyoto, Japan; January 2020
5. Explored Fushimi-Ku
There’s a lot to see at Fushimi-Ku!
Look guys… it’s the apple shrine emoji in real life!
I liked these temples and shrines more than the ones I saw in Tokyo, to be honest…
Ever seen those multiple series of shrines in YouTube vlogs or on pictures on google?
Infamous Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrines in Kyoto, Japan; January 2020
Yep… this is the place where these would be.
P.S. – this place has a lot of cool street food to try. Watch my vlog found at the end of this article to see us try some!
6. Had Unbelievable Falafel at Veggie Café
Okay… guys… let’s get something straight.
I’ve been to Israel, home of the falafel, and also – have had falafel in Le Marais in Paris, which apparently, is supposedly also some of the best falafel that you could have in the world.
Some of the best falafel that I’ve ever had… in Japan. In Kyoto! Who knew?!
This place is tiny, independtly owned, but man… it was worth the wait. It’s hands down some of the best falafel I’ve ever had in my life.
P.S. – Also struck up a great conversation with two Aussies from Melbourne who had recently moved to Perth.
P.S.S. – I love Aussies more than anyone else.
7. Stopped by Tenryu-ji Temple
I was really into the reflective lakes and gardens here, too.
Panoramic shot of the garden/lake at Tenryu-ji Temple in Kyoto; January 2020
Lake at Tenryu-ji Temple in Kyoto; January 2020
Loved these side pathways and asymmetric asian foliage!
There’s always time for artsy shots, like these :P
8. Walked Through a Bamboo Forest
When I signed up for this excursion, I expected a 45 minute walk through… this was 5 minutes.
Bamboo trees in Kyoto, Japan; January 2020
Still, there’s no better way to suddenly feel like you’re really in Asia then to be surrounded by these tall and skinny plants.
Walking through a bamboo forest near Tenryu-ji Temple; January 2020.
9. Hiked Up to the Top of a Monkey Zoo
Not going to lie, the thought of possibly being attacked by a money low-key terrified me. Plus, I was in an off mood given I had misplaced my hotel key. However, the views from the top…
Panoramic view of Kyoto from the top of Iwatayama Monkey Park!
… were well worth the trip to get there. It’s around ¥550 ($3.75 USD) to go inside, and the panoramic view of the city makes the ticket price valuable on its own.
Where is the Best View of Kyoto?
One of the best views in Kyoto is undoubtedly at the top of the Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama – and even though it’s a little hike to get up there, the views are well worth it.
View of Kyoto from Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama in January 2020.
10. Found the Pokémon Store in Kyoto
Entrance to the Pokémon store in Kyoto; Japan; January 2020
This was insane. Basically, anything you wanted Pokémon: a lunchbox, a stuffed animal, a phone case… it was here.
All the Pokemon cards you could ever want… would you believe that each pack was only 160 yen each?! (That’s only around $2 USD!!)
If I were a bigger fan, I would’ve strongly considered buying these travel stickers of Pikachu!
Look how cute!
11. Fulfilled Our Inner Child at the Hello Kitty Store
I remember being so confused as a six-year-old girl when I sometimes saw Hello Kitty advertised as, “Sanrio”.
Kind of a surreal moment for my six-year-old self, even as a twenty-one-year-old girl!
I bought a little Hello Kitty towel here for my future Paris apartment. Pretty great souvenir, if you ask me!
12. Ate Matcha Pancakes with Red Bean Paste & Soy Vanilla Ice Cream
It was the perfect ending to a perfect trip in Kyoto.
Playing Pokemon cards over a vegan Japanese dinner :)
My friends and I visited Ain.Soph Journey, and it was a great experience. The staff speaks excellent English, the atmosphere is soft, and they play sweet acoustic music in the background.
This fake Spanish tortilla and phony breakfast sausage… they were both so good!
The chick’n seitan burger was great!
I also really enjoyed marking my place on their map that keeps track of their visitors from around the world!
Inside Ain.Soph Journey in Kyoto, Japan; January 2020
And yes… while the pancakes were kind of bland in flavor (because that’s what matcha tastes like, to me), the red bean paste and soy ice cream part was indeed as good as it sounds.
Eating matcha pancakes in Kyoto, Japan; January 2020
There you have it guys! That’s everything that I did, saw and ate in Kyoto!
Want to see it all in action? Be sure to watch my Kyoto vlog below!
If you want to read more about Japan and its other cities, click here.
Last updated: June 23, 2025