Kyoto, Japan is a city full of history, traditional beauty, and tranquil landscapes. Known worldwide for its shrines, temples, and cultural events, Kyoto is often considered by travelers as a must-visit place in Japan. But beyond its famous landmarks, the city is full of hidden gems that offer a quieter, more intimate experience of Japanese culture. This article looks at Kyoto’s lesser-known spots that reveal the city’s subtle charm and elegance away from the usual tourist crowds.
Ohara The Village of Tranquility
Nestled in the northern mountains of Kyoto, Ohara is a tranquil village that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Famous for its rural beauty, Ohara offers a more rustic and peaceful side of Kyoto that’s perfect for travelers seeking relaxation and a break from crowded attractions.
- Sanzen-in Temple: One of the most tranquil temples in Ohara, Sanzen-in is surrounded by lush moss gardens and stately cedar trees. The temple is known for its beautifully designed Jizo statues that protect children and travelers. Visitors can stroll through the gardens and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal place for meditation and contemplation.
- Raigo-in Temple: Hidden among cedar and maple trees, Raigo-in Temple is less visited than Sanzen-in but is equally impressive. This temple is famous for its fall foliage, offering a vibrant display of red and orange leaves in the fall. The peaceful setting of the temple makes it an ideal place to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the scenery.
- Local delicacies: Don’t miss out on trying the local specialty yuba (tofu skin) and freshly picked vegetables from Ohara’s farms. There are small cafes and stalls serving traditional dishes using ingredients from the surrounding fields, adding a distinctive local flavor to your experience.
Kibune A riverside retreat
Kibune is a picturesque town in the mountains north of Kyoto, best known for its quaint riverside restaurants and beautiful nature. Visitors often come here in summer to escape the heat and enjoy the cool mountain breeze and sound of running water.
- Kibune Shrine: Dedicated to the god of water and rain, this historic shrine has been a place of worship for centuries. The stone lanterns that line the steps to the shrine are lit up in the evenings, creating a magical atmosphere. In summer, you can take part in a ritual called Mizuura-mikuji, which involves reading the future from floating paper in the shrine’s spring water.
- Dining at Kawadoko: One of the unique experiences in Kibune is dining over the river. From May to September, traditional platforms called kamaboko are erected over the water, allowing diners to enjoy their meals in a cool, refreshing environment. Many restaurants here specialize in kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine) meals, artfully prepared with seasonal ingredients.
- Hiking trails: For nature lovers, Kibune has hiking trails that connect to the nearby town of Kurama. The Kibune-Kurama hike is a scenic route that takes visitors through lush forests, mountain trails, and hidden shrines, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Kurama The Mystical Mountain
Kurama is another mountain village near Kyoto known for its hot springs, temples, and connection to mystical legends. Known as the birthplace of Reiki, a Japanese healing method, Kurama has a spiritual aura that attracts many people seeking peace and relaxation.
- Kurama-dera Temple: Located halfway up Kurama Mountain, this temple is a pilgrimage site for Reiki practitioners and anyone interested in Japanese mysticism. Statues and carvings symbolizing various spiritual elements are scattered throughout the temple grounds, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. The views from the summit are breathtaking, especially in autumn when the mountains are covered in vibrant colors.
- Kurama Onsen: After hiking or exploring the temple, visitors can relax at Kurama Onsen, a hot spring resort that offers both indoor and outdoor baths. The mineral-rich water is said to have therapeutic properties, providing a soothing experience amidst the tranquility of nature.
- Annual Fire Festival: Every October, Kurama hosts the Kurama Fire Festival, a unique event where locals parade through the streets carrying large, flaming torches. The festival is a spectacle of light and fire that honors the mountain gods and celebrates the changing of the seasons.
Uji The Tea Capital
Famous for its high-quality green tea, Uji is a small town just outside of Kyoto with a rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty. Often overlooked by tourists, Uji offers a mix of history, tea culture, and natural beauty.
- Byodo-in Temple: Featured on the reverse of the Japanese 10 yen coin, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Japan’s most beautiful temples. The temple’s Phoenix Hall is an architectural masterpiece surrounded by tranquil gardens and a reflecting pond, offering visitors an iconic view.
- Teahouses and Shops: Uji is known for producing some of Japan’s finest matcha (powdered green tea). There are several teahouses and shops where visitors can experience traditional tea ceremonies and sample a variety of matcha-based products, from tea to sweets. Popular options include matcha soba noodles and matcha ice cream.
- Uji River and Togetsu-kyo Bridge: Strolling along the Uji River and crossing the historic Togetsu-kyo Bridge is a relaxing way to enjoy the city’s scenery. The river is lined with cherry blossom trees, making it especially beautiful in spring.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest at Dawn
Although Arashiyama is well-known to tourists, visiting the bamboo forest at dawn offers a completely different experience. In the early morning, before the crowds arrive, the bamboo grove is bathed in a soft light that filters through the towering stems, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
- Tenryu-ji Temple: This Zen temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a stunning garden that reflects Japan’s seasonal beauty. An early morning visit allows you to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and explore the temple’s gardens before the crowds arrive.
- Hozu River Boat Ride: For a unique perspective on Arashiyama’s natural beauty, consider taking a traditional wooden boat ride on the Hozu River. The ride takes you through scenic gorges, and past lush mountains, and lets you experience the tranquility of the area.
- Monkey Park Iwatayama: Located on a hill in Arashiyama, Monkey Park Iwatayama is home to a horde of wild Japanese macaques. Visitors can hike up the hill and feed the monkeys while enjoying panoramic views of Kyoto from above.
Fushimi Sake District
Kyoto’s Fushimi district is famous for its sake breweries, thanks to the pure water from the Horikawa River that flows through the area. A visit to Fushimi offers a glimpse into Japan’s traditional sake brewing culture and the chance to learn about the brewing process.
- Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum: Housed in one of Japan’s oldest sake breweries, this museum offers a comprehensive look at the history of sake brewing. Visitors can see historic brewing tools, learn about the fermentation process, and sample some of Gekkeikan’s finest sake.
- Sake Tasting Tours: Many breweries in Fushimi offer tasting tours where visitors can sample different types of sake, from dry to sweet, and learn about the characteristics of each. Tasting fresh sake in Kyoto’s sake capital is a unique experience that lets you learn about the flavors and craftsmanship behind this traditional Japanese drink.
- Fushimi Inari Shrine: After a sake tour, a visit to the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its famous torii gateway, is a great way to end the day. Although the main shrine is popular, there are quieter spots along the way that provide a peaceful atmosphere for reflection.
Hidden Cafes in Gion
Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district, is home to many hidden cafes and traditional teahouses where you can escape the crowds and enjoy a quiet moment.
- Ichikawa Coffee: Hidden down a narrow alley, Ichikawa Coffee is a cozy cafe that serves hand-dripped coffee and traditional Japanese sweets. The cafe’s minimalist interior and relaxed atmosphere make it a great place to relax and experience Kyoto’s cafe culture.
- Yasaka Kaikan Tea Room: Located in Yasaka Kaikan, a historic building in Gion, this teahouse offers a more traditional tea experience overlooking the busy streets of Gion. It’s a great place to observe Kyoto’s cultural heritage while enjoying matcha and wagashi (Japanese sweets).
- Gion Komori: This hidden cafe specializes in sweet treats like anmitsu (a traditional Japanese dessert) and warabi mochi (a jelly-like candy). With its old-fashioned decor and cozy atmosphere, Gion Komori offers a taste of traditional Kyoto in a tranquil setting.
Conclusion
Kyoto’s hidden gems reveal a more intimate side of the city, showcasing its beauty beyond the famous temples and crowded attractions. From quiet mountain villages to historic sake districts, these off-the-beaten-path spots allow you to deeply connect with Kyoto’s culture, history, and natural landscapes. Exploring these lesser-known spots offers a unique and unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Kyoto’s timeless charm. more info…