Experiences for foreigners to enjoy in Kyoto! Recommended Sightseeing Spots and Cultural Experiences

Kyoto is a city with a strong traditional Japanese culture and is a popular tourist destination for many foreign visitors.

This article introduces experiences and attractions for foreigners to enjoy in Kyoto, as well as special traditional cultural experiences for the more affluent.

Traditional Cultural Experiences in Kyoto

Kyoto is a city with strong traditional Japanese culture and is a popular tourist destination for many foreign visitors.

In this city, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of Japanese history and culture through a variety of traditional cultural experiences.

Here we introduce some of the most recommended traditional cultural experiences.

Tea ceremony experience

Kyoto is also famous as the birthplace of the tea ceremony, an especially attractive experience for foreign visitors.

In the tea ceremony experience, visitors can learn about traditional Japanese hospitality and enjoy matcha green tea in a tranquil setting.

The tea ceremony is a traditional Japanese art form that emphasizes a series of gestures, such as making matcha (powdered green tea) and offering the bowl to the guest.

Often held in facilities with tea ceremony rooms and gardens, participants can learn more about the history and etiquette of the tea ceremony.

The tea ceremony program includes a tour of the tearoom, an explanation of tea utensils, instruction on how to prepare matcha (powdered green tea), and time to actually prepare the tea.

Tea rooms are usually quiet and ideal for calming the mind.

Enjoying the rich flavor of matcha green tea and the beautiful view of the garden, you can have a relaxing moment away from everyday life.

Also, here are some examples of stores that offer tea ceremony experiences in Kyoto.

Basic Store Information

Store Name: KIMONO TEA CEREMONY MAIKOYA KYOTO
Address: Ebiya-cho 329, Sanjo-sagaru, Gokomachi-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, 604-8074
Phone Number: +81 75-600-2830
Hours: 10:00 – 18:00
Official Website : https://mai-ko.com/jp/

Store Name: Nihombunkan Taiken an Kyoto
Address: 728 Inabando-cho, Matsubara-agaru, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, 600-8411
Phone Number: +81 75-343-0001 Hours: 7:30-22:00
Official Website: https://kyoto. nipponbunkan.com/special_feature/sadou

Wagashi Making Experience

In Kyoto, the experience of making traditional Japanese sweets is also popular.

Wagashi is beautiful to look at and has a seasonal feel.

In the experience, you can make your own wagashi under the guidance of an artisan and enjoy it with tea.

In particular, wagashi made with kneaded dough and rice cakes require detailed techniques, allowing visitors to experience both the difficulty and the pleasure of making these sweets.

The experience of making wagashi is not only a culinary learning experience, but also a good opportunity to understand the design and meaning of Japanese sweets according to the four seasons and events.

You can taste your own wagashi on the spot or take them home to show off to family and friends.

In the process of making them, you will be able to experience Japanese culture and the changing of the seasons.

Also, here are some examples of stores in Kyoto that offer wagashi making experiences.

Basic Store Information

Name: Kyoto Tower Sando Shichijo Kanshundo
Address: Kyoto Tower Sando 2F, 721-1 Higashishiokoji-cho, Shichijo-sagaru, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8216, Japan
Phone: +81 75-371-0801
Opening hours: 10:00-19:00
Official website: h ttps:// 7jyo-kansyundo.co.jp/pages/taiken

Store Name: Nihon Bunka Taikendokoro Jimmatsuan
Address: Berg Karasuma 2F, 135 Banjoji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8104, Japan
Phone: +81 80-9307-1873
Hours: 8:30 – 21:30
Official Website: https://kyoto. nipponbunkan.com/plan/an-kyo-0001

Kimono Rental and Strolling

Wearing a kimono and strolling the streets of Kyoto is one of those things you want to experience at least once.

Many rental stores are available, and professional staff will dress you.

Walking around temples, shrines, and old streets in kimono, you can enjoy the atmosphere of Kyoto even more.

Commemorative photo services by professional photographers are also popular.

Kimono rental stores offer a wide variety of designs and colors to choose from.

Strolling around in a kimono is especially recommended when visiting Kyoto’s elegant places, such as Gion and Arashiyama.

Capturing the beautiful scenery and yourself in kimono will make your trip to Kyoto even more special and memorable.

Also, here are some examples of stores offering kimono rentals in Kyoto.

Basic Store Information

Store Name: Sakuto
Address: 570-118 Gion-cho South, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0074, Japan
Phone Number: +81 75-525-5025
Opening Hours: 9:00-18:00
Official Website: https://sakuto.jp/

Store Name: Kyoto Kimono Rental Warin
Address: 217 Chotokiri-cho, Muro-machi Nishiiru, Banjoji-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8438
Phone Number: +81 75-343-1515
Business Hours: 9:00-18:00
Official Website: https://walin.jp/

zazen (seated Zen meditation, usu. in a cross-legged position)

In Kyoto, there are many temples where you can experience Zen meditation.

Zazen provides valuable time to calm the mind and face the inner world.
Many sessions are open to beginners, and monks provide careful guidance so that even first-timers can participate.

One temple that is particularly recommended for a zazen experience is Ryosokuin.
At this temple, you can find peace of mind through Zen meditation.

Ryosokuin is an attractive temple with beautiful gardens and historical buildings, and the experience of zazen in a tranquil setting is exceptional.

For more information, please visit Ryosokuin’s official website.

Zazen allows you to stabilize your body, regulate your breathing, and quiet your mind, allowing you to feel inner peace away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The experience of Zazen in a historic temple in Kyoto is a special one, due to the combination of the quietness and solemnity of the place. Through zazen, you will feel refreshed and mentally stabilized.

Nature Experiences for Foreigners in Kyoto

Kyoto is a place blessed not only with traditional culture but also with abundant nature.

Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of each of the four seasons and fully appreciate the charm of Kyoto through experiencing nature.

Here we introduce some popular nature experience spots for foreigners.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

The Arashiyama area of Kyoto is known for its beautiful natural scenery, and the bamboo grove path is a particularly popular spot.

This bamboo grove is one of the most iconic landscapes in Japan and attracts many tourists.

As you stroll through the bamboo grove, you will be soothed by its serenity and beauty.

The path through the bamboo grove has a fantastic atmosphere, as if you have wandered into another world.

With tall bamboos covering the sky and soft light streaming in, a stroll through the area will make you forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Especially in the early morning and evening, there are fewer tourists, and you can enjoy its charm even more.

A tour through the bamboo grove on a rickshaw is also recommended, where you can learn more about the history and culture from a guide.

There are many other attractions in Arashiyama, which should also be visited, such as Togetsu Bridge and Tenryuji Temple.

The autumn leaves are especially beautiful in fall, and the snowy landscape can be enjoyed in winter.

Arashiyama’s natural beauty changes with the seasons, making it worth a visit throughout the year.

Also listed below are a few examples of stores that offer experiences for enjoying the bamboo grove path in the Arashiyama area of Kyoto.

Basic Store Information

Store Name: Ebisuya Kyoto Arashiyama Sohonten
Address: 3-24 Sagatenryuji Kakanobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 616-8385
Phone Number: +81 75-864-4444
Hours: 9:30 – sunset (varies depending on season)
Official Website: https:// ebisuya.com/branch/arashiyama/

Store Name: Yume Kyoto Arashiyama Ten
Address: 26 Sagatenryuji Setogawa-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, 616-8384, Japan
Phone Number: +81 75-871-2233
Business Hours: 9:00 – 18:00
Official Website: https://kyoto-arashiyamakimono. com/

Stroll along the Kamo River

The Kamo River is a beautiful river that flows through Kyoto City, and strolling along the river is a favorite pastime for locals.

Visitors can enjoy the scenery in each of the four seasons: cherry blossoms in the spring, fireflies in the summer, and autumn leaves in the fall.

A promenade along the Kamo River provides a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Sitting on a bench along the river and watching the water flow by is also recommended.

The Kamo River is home to many wild birds and ducks, making it a great place to enjoy nature observation.

Rent a bicycle and cycle along the river.

Stylish cafes and restaurants are scattered along the Kamo River, where visitors can take a break and enjoy delicious meals and sweets.

In particular, the area around the Kamogawa River delta is bustling with young locals and tourists, giving visitors a sense of the vibrancy of Kyoto.

A stroll along the Kamo River is a unique Kyoto experience, where you can feel the harmony between nature and the city.

Gourmet experiences unique to Kyoto

Kyoto is a gourmet treasure trove of ancient traditions and refined culture.

Enjoying Kyoto’s food culture is one of the main attractions for visitors to the city.

Here are some of the special gourmet experiences you can have in Kyoto.

How to Enjoy Kyoto Cuisine

Kyo ryori is a traditional cuisine nurtured by Kyoto’s rich nature and long history.

To enjoy beautifully presented and delicately flavored Kyoto cuisine, which makes the most of seasonal ingredients, we recommend visiting a high-class ryotei or a restaurant in a renovated traditional townhouse.

Each dish of Kyo ryori is like a beautiful work of art, and each dish is designed to bring out the natural colors and shapes of the ingredients to the fullest.

For example, the menu features dishes that emphasize the seasons, such as wild vegetables and cherry sea bream in spring, pike conger and sweetfish in summer, matsutake mushrooms and chestnuts in fall, and crab and Kyoto vegetables in winter.

Kaiseki and kaiseki cuisine, in particular, are luxurious experiences that allow visitors to experience the four seasons through their meals.

At Kyoto’s ryotei restaurants, you can enjoy not only the food, but also the environment together with the gardens and architecture.

A time to relax and enjoy a meal while gazing at the tranquil garden is a special moment that can only be experienced in Kyoto.

Reservations are often required, so it is advisable to check in advance when visiting.

Eating at Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market, also known as Kyoto’s kitchen, is a market where a wide variety of foods and Kyoto’s unique gourmet delights are available.

The market, which is approximately 400 meters long, is lined with approximately 130 stores, ranging from traditional food stores to new-style eateries.

The market offers a wide variety of fresh seasonal produce and specialties unique to Kyoto.

For those who enjoy eating, vivid Kyoto pickles, sushi made with fresh seafood, and freshly baked dashimaki tamago (rolled egg) are recommended.

Also worth trying are sweets made with matcha green tea and Kyoto-style delicacies.

Nishiki Market is open from morning to evening, and visitors can enjoy the bustling atmosphere any time of the day.

It is a valuable experience for tourists to stroll through the market and experience Kyoto’s food culture firsthand.

Enjoy mingling with the locals and find your favorite dish.

Attractions of Kyoto

Kyoto is a city steeped in Japanese history and culture, and its beautiful seasonal scenery and traditional events attract visitors.

This chapter details the history and culture of Kyoto, as well as the charms of its four seasons.

Kyoto History and Culture

Kyoto flourished as the capital of Japan for more than a thousand years since the capital was relocated as Heian-kyo in 794.

Throughout this long history, Kyoto has developed as a political, economic, and cultural center, and many historical buildings and cultural assets remain.

Kyoto is home to 17 World Heritage sites, including some of the most famous temples and shrines.

For example, Kiyomizu Temple, Kinkakuji Temple, and Nijo Castle are spots that visitors cannot miss.

In these places, visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery that strongly reflects Japanese architectural techniques and aesthetics.

Kyoto is also a city where traditional crafts and performing arts are still alive and well.

Examples include traditional crafts such as Kyo-yuzen and Nishijin textiles, and classical performing arts such as Noh and Kyogen.

These cultures can be experienced in person at various locations throughout Kyoto, and they deeply impress visitors.

Four Seasons in Kyoto

Kyoto is widely known as a place where one can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons.

The beauty of nature brought by each season is appealing: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy landscapes in winter.

In spring, there are many cherry blossom viewing spots.

The cherry blossoms along the Philosopher’s Path, Maruyama Park, and Arashiyama are especially breathtaking. During the cherry blossom season, many tourists visit and enjoy viewing the blossoms. They can enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms while picnicking along the river or in the park.

In summer, various festivals are held, including the Gion Festival.

The city of Kyoto is full of vitality. Along the Kamo River, you can enjoy dining at Noryokoko. You can enjoy delicious food while feeling cool.

In the fall, there are many places of interest with spectacular autumn foliage.

In particular, the autumn foliage at Arashiyama, Tofuku-ji Temple, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple should not be missed. During the autumn foliage season, the temples are illuminated at night. Visitors can enjoy fantastic scenery against the backdrop of beautiful autumn leaves.

In winter, visitors can enjoy the snow-covered landscape of Kyoto.

The snowy scenery of the Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji temples is especially impressive to visitors. In addition, Kyoto in winter offers a wide variety of gourmet foods to enjoy the cold, such as hot springs and hot pot dishes.

Popular Tourist Spots for Foreigners

Kyoto is a very attractive destination for foreign tourists due to its rich history and cultural heritage.

Here are some of the most popular attractions.

Kiyomizu Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of Kyoto’s most popular tourist attractions and is registered as a World Heritage site.

Founded in 778, the current main hall was rebuilt in 1633.

From the stage of Kiyomizu, you have a wonderful view of the whole city of Kyoto.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple takes its name from Otowa Falls, where clear water gushes forth.

The water from this waterfall is believed to be beneficial for health, longevity, and academic achievement.

When you visit, do not forget to drink the water from this waterfall to experience it.

In addition, traditional souvenir stores and teahouses line the streets around Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

It is a fun area to just stroll around.

The beautiful scenery of the four seasons is also an attraction, especially during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, when many tourists visit.

Kinkakuji Temple

Kinkakuji Temple (formally known as Rokuonji Temple) was built in 1397 by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate.

Its beautiful golden exterior is world famous and attracts many tourists.

Kinkakuji Temple is characterized by its architectural beauty in harmony with the garden, and its reflection in the pond is especially spectacular.

Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the garden and enjoy the different scenery of each season.

The snow-covered Kinkakuji Temple in winter is especially worth seeing.

Also on the grounds is Yukatei, Yoshimitsu’s favorite tea house, where visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of the tea ceremony along with the beauty of the garden.

Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine (in Kyoto)

Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of the 30,000 Inari shrines in Japan and one of the most famous shrines in Kyoto.

Founded in 711, it is believed to be the god of a good harvest and prosperous business.

The most distinctive feature of this shrine is the myriad vermilion-lacquered torii gates, known as “senbon torii.

The torii gates that line the approach to the shrine are a sight to behold, creating a fantastic landscape.

The experience of walking through this tunnel of torii gates is one of the highlights of sightseeing in Kyoto.

The entire mountain of Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine, and the path to the top of Mt. Inari is a popular hiking course.

Along the way there are many small shrines and beautiful scenic spots.

If you visit early in the morning, you will have a special experience of walking through the torii gate in a quiet atmosphere.

Motenas Japan for traditional cultural experiences for wealthy foreigners

For wealthy foreigners who wish to enjoy Kyoto’s traditional culture in a private setting, Motenas Japan’s services are highly recommended.

Motenas Japan offers special experiences not only in Kyoto, but also in Tokyo and other cities in Japan.

We offer special programs that you cannot experience anywhere else, such as Kyoto cuisine at a luxury ryotei restaurant, a private tea ceremony in a historic building, or a Zen meditation experience at a temple or garden that is not open to the public.

Dedicated guides provide in-depth background and cultural information on each experience, providing participants with an in-depth understanding.

Unlike most experience plans, you will be able to feel the essence of traditional Japanese culture through this special experience in a private space.

To make your stay in Kyoto even more special, we invite you to take advantage of Motenas Japan’s services.

For more information, please visit the official website.

summary

Kyoto is a fascinating tourist destination rich in Japanese history and culture, and a special experience for foreign visitors.

In this article, we introduced some of the experiences and attractions for foreigners to enjoy in Kyoto, as well as some special traditional cultural experiences for the wealthy.

Traditional cultural experiences in Kyoto offer a deeper understanding of Japanese culture through special experiences such as tea ceremony, making Japanese sweets, kimono rental and strolling, and Zen meditation.

In addition, nature experiences such as walks in the Arashiyama bamboo grove and along the Kamo River allow visitors to enjoy Kyoto’s beautiful scenery.

In addition, as a gourmet experience unique to Kyoto, we introduced how to enjoy Kyoto cuisine and eating at Nishiki Market.

Through these experiences, visitors can fully enjoy Kyoto’s culinary culture.

And for affluent foreign visitors, we recommend the special experience programs offered by Motenas Japan.

We offer special traditional cultural experiences not only in Kyoto, but also in Tokyo and other parts of Japan, such as Kyoto cuisine experiences at luxury restaurants, private tea ceremony experiences, and Zen meditation experiences at temples and gardens that are closed to the public.

Click here to contact Motenas Japan

To make your stay in Kyoto richer and more special, please visit the experiences and sights described in this article.