Uncovering Hidden Kyoto: Beyond Gion, Gates and Golden Temples
Step away from Kyoto’s ultra-busy tourist spots and discover a few hidden gems
Despite being a very busy and sprawling city popular with tourists, there are plenty of quiet spots | Patrick Foto / Shutterstock
Author Phil Brown visited Kyoto in 2019
Kyoto is often celebrated as the cultural heart of Japan. The one-time capital offers an unparalleled blend of ancient traditions and breathtaking landscapes, broken up by an array of temples and historic buildings that contrast with the cityscape. Famous for its iconic attractions like Gion’s geisha district, the vermilion gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the resplendent Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto has become a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Japan.
However, beneath the well-known landmarks lies a city brimming with lesser-explored wonders that promise a more intimate and enriching experience.
If you’re ready to dive deeper into Kyoto’, this guide is your ideal starting point. With insights into less-travelled neighbourhoods, unique art and culture and lesser-known places to eat, stay and experience Kyoto’s culture, you’ll discover a side of the city that is as compelling as it is unforgettable.
Hidden Neighborhoods
Kyoto is a sprawling city defined by distinct areas and neighbourhoods. Naturally, the Gion district, famous for its geisha and theatres, is always jam-packed with tourists. But beyond the more obvious spots to visit, there are plenty of intriguing Kyoto neighbourhoods that are well worth a visit.
Kamishichiken District
Kyoto’s Kamishichiken district is less crowded that the more famous Gion district | SaraGlop / Shutterstock
Kamishichiken is Kyoto’s oldest geisha district. Unlike Gion, it’s far less crowded but equally atmospheric. The streets are lined with traditional wooden buildings, and during the Plum Blossom Festival, you can enjoy cultural performances in a serene setting. Geisha sightings are less frequent but feel more authentic, giving visitors a chance to appreciate the quieter elegance of this historic area. Take time to explore the small local tea houses that offer traditional sweets and matcha, providing a glimpse into the district’s understated charm.
Fushimi District
In the southern part of Kyoto, the Fushimi District is a must-visit for sake enthusiasts. Home to numerous sake breweries, the district offers tastings and tours that delve into the art of sake-making. Strolling along the canals lined with cherry trees is a bonus. Visit during the Fushimi Sake Festival in October to enjoy exclusive tastings and meet local brewers. Some breweries also host pairing events, combining sake with Kyoto’s traditional cuisine.
Shimbara
Once a bustling entertainment area, it now offers visitors a quieter, historic atmosphere. The Wachigaiya teahouse and Sumiya Pleasure House Museum provide a fascinating look into Kyoto’s history of arts and hospitality.
Ichijoji
Ichijoji offers plenty of quiet corners to grab a bite or pick up a souvenir | Jasonyan / Shutterstock
Ichijoji is a hidden gem for foodies and book lovers. Known for its cluster of ramen shops, it’s the perfect place to explore Kyoto’s take on this iconic dish. The area’s second-hand bookstores and quaint cafes add to its charm.
Nishijin
Nishijin is Kyoto’s historic textile district, where you can find traditional weaving studios and charming alleys lined with machiya houses. It’s a quiet area ideal for walking and soaking in Kyoto’s artisanal heritage.
Off the Beaten Track Temples
Kyoto is famous for its temples, with over 1,600 found within the city limits! Visitors always flock to the city’s most famous, the Kinkaku-ji golden temple, but did you know there are plenty of other less-busy Kyoto temples that still offer a touch of peaceful respite and an insight into spirituality in Japan.
Kurodani Temple
The Kurodani Temple is gorgeous to look at, without the huge crowds you can get at Kyoto’s better-known temples and shrines | Spyan / Shutterstock
Kurodani Temple (Konkai Komyoji), located in the northern Higashiyama district, is an oasis of calm, with ancient wooden buildings and a hillside cemetery offering panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple is particularly stunning in autumn when its grounds are ablaze with fall colors.
Myoman-ji Temple
Myoman-ji Temple, also known as the "Temple of the White Lotus," offers a tranquil setting with lush gardens and seasonal lotus blossoms. This Nichiren sect temple is seldom visited by tourists, making it an ideal retreat for quiet reflection.
Shisen-do Temple
The stunning garden within the Shisen-do temple complex | YUSHENG HSU / Shutterstock
Shisen-do Temple, a former samurai villa, offers meticulously maintained gardens that are especially stunning in autumn. This small temple is an ideal spot if you’re looking to escape the crowds while still experiencing Kyoto’s rich history and architectural beauty. The temple also holds small tea ceremonies, providing a peaceful way to learn about Kyoto’s tea culture. Its elevated location gives a panoramic view of the surrounding forests, adding to its secluded appeal.
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine, located at the base of Mount Matsuo, is known for its sake blessings and beautiful moss gardens. The nearby Matsuo sake breweries provide an excellent opportunity to learn about traditional sake production while sampling some of the best in the region. Many visitors pair a trip here with a gentle hike up the mountain trails, which lead to serene overlooks and smaller, hidden shrines.
Ninna-ji Temple
The pagoda of the Ninna-ji Temple | cowardlion / Shutterstock
Ninna-ji is famous for its late-blooming cherry blossoms. It’s less crowded than other cherry blossom spots, making it a peaceful place to enjoy springtime in Kyoto. The temple’s five-story pagoda and sprawling gardens are equally stunning in autumn, offering year-round appeal.
Kyoto’s Lesser-Visited Nature Spots
Although a sprawling city, Kyoto has no shortage of amazing green spaces both within the limits and further afield. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is the go-to for large groups of tourists, but there are plenty of unmissable green spaces where you won’t encounter the big crowds.
Ohara Village
Ohara Village is famous for its traditional wooden buildings | Taras Vyshnya / Shutterstock
Ohara Village, tucked away in the mountains north of Kyoto, offers an idyllic escape from the city. Here, you’ll find the peaceful Sanzen-in Temple, surrounded by moss gardens and cedar trees. The village is also a great place to enjoy fresh produce and local specialties.
Small guesthouses in Ohara provide an immersive experience where you can interact with local farmers and learn about their lifestyle. For a unique treat, try the local yuba (tofu skin) dishes served at family-run restaurants.
Takao
If you’ve packed your hiking boots, Takao is an enchanting area northwest of Kyoto. Takao is home to Jingo-ji Temple, which sits rights in mountains and offers breathtaking views, especially in autumn. The trail to the temple includes a charming suspension bridge and a riverside setting perfect for picnics.
Miyama
Miyama is only an hour away from Kyoto but well worth the trip | SRT101 / Shutterstock
This traditional rural village is about an hour from Kyoto by car, but you can of course take one of Japan’s extremely efficient trains. Miyama is known for its thatched-roof farmhouses (kayabuki) and slower pace of life. If really want to experience rural life in Japan, then you can book farm stays in the village or try your hand in a traditional craft workshop. The village is particularly picturesque in winter, when the traditional wooden-framed buildings are blanketed in snow.
Amanohashidate
Many travellers forget that Kyoto isn’t too far from the coast. If you have some additional time, then a trip to Amanohashidate, a stunning sandbar covered with pine trees that’s known as one of Japan’s three most scenic views, won’t disappoint.
Rent a bicycle to explore the area or take a chairlift to an observation point for panoramic views. The nearby Kasamatsu Park provides an additional vantage point and is home to quaint cafes where you can enjoy local delicacies. Boat rides through the surrounding bay offer a different perspective and a chance to spot marine wildlife.
Kurama and Kibune
Riverside dining is a local tradition in Kurama and Kibune | Shawn.ccf / Shutterstock
The Kurama and Kibune area is another gem. Located in Kyoto’s northern hills, it’s perfect for nature lovers. The trail connecting Kurama-dera Temple and Kibune Shrine takes you through lush forests and past natural hot springs. End your hike with a meal at a riverside restaurant in Kibune, where dining platforms are set over the flowing river in summer for a cooling experience known as kawadoko. In winter, the area transforms into a snowy wonderland, making the hot springs even more inviting.
Traditional Crafts
Kyoto’s artisanal heritage is one of its most fascinating aspects. During the Edo period, Kyoto was manufacturing hub for clothing and textiles, pottery, art materials and even weapons. There are still plenty of contemporary craftspeople who ensure Japan’s traditional industries continue to flourish in Kyoto.
Nishijin Textile Center
See how traditional kimonos are made at this dedicated center to Kyoto’s historic textile industry | Belle Hung / Shutterstock
Make sure you include a trip to the Nishijin Textile Center, where you can watch traditional kimono weaving demonstrations or participate in workshops to try weaving yourself. It’s a hands-on way to connect with Kyoto’s storied textile traditions. The center’s gift shop also offers beautiful handmade fabrics that make for unique souvenirs. Some demonstrations include the history of textile patterns, connecting the designs to Kyoto’s imperial past.
Kyoto Shibori Museum
For a completely different craft experience, visit Kyoto Shibori Museum, where you can learn about the traditional tie-dyeing technique of shibori. Visitors can participate in workshops to create their own hand-dyed scarves or fabrics to take home as keepsakes.
Kyo-Yuzen dyeing is another intricate Kyoto craft, and workshops are available at studios like Marumasu Nishimuraya. This method of hand-painting patterns onto silk dates back centuries and offers a fascinating insight into the artistry behind kimono designs.
Kiyomizu Pottery Village
For pottery enthusiasts, the Kiyomizu Pottery Village is a hidden treasure. Located near Kiyomizu-dera Temple, this area is filled with small studios and shops where you can meet local artisans and even try your hand at pottery-making. Some studios offer multi-day workshops, allowing participants to fully immerse themselves in the craft. Many of the pieces made here reflect Kyoto’s seasonal changes, with designs inspired by cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
Rakushisha
The thatched cottage that is Rakushisha offers a glimpse into life during Japan’s intriguing past | KPG-Payless / Shutterstock
To dive into traditional crafts, visit Rakushisha, the former home of poet Basho’s disciple, Kyorai. This quiet spot not only showcases Japanese poetry but also offers opportunities to learn calligraphy or haiku composition in a historic setting.
Seasonal haiku contests are held here, adding a lively cultural element to your visit. Pair your visit with a stroll through nearby bamboo groves for a poetic retreat into nature.
Hidden Dining Spots
Kyoto’s culinary scene has hidden delights for food lovers. Alongside the Japanese and international staples you’ll probably be used to, there are plenty of regional and traditional dishes and specialities unique to Kyoto and surrounding areas.
Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market is full of incredible flavours, dishes and ingredients | im_Chanaphat / Shutterstock
At Nishiki Market, you can sample unique local snacks, from soy milk donuts to pickled vegetables. Vendors are happy to explain their offerings, making it a great place for learning about Kyoto’s food culture. Early mornings are the best time to visit, as the market is less crowded and vendors are more likely to engage in conversations. Don’t miss trying grilled seafood skewers and seasonal fruit parfaits.
Honke Owariya
Established in 1465, Honke Owariya is Kyoto's oldest restaurant, specializing in traditional buckwheat soba noodles. The establishment uses fresh Kyoto spring well water to prepare its soup broth, maintaining a legacy that has attracted Japan's royal family.
Heihachi Jaya
Founded in 1576, this historic restaurant is situated on the bank of the Takano River. Heihachi Jaya has been featured in literary works and traditional Kyogen theater plays, offering a dining experience steeped in history.
AWOMB
This minimalist Kyoto restaurant offers a modern twist on traditional sushi dining. Guests are provided with a tray of fresh local obanzai (traditional Kyoto side dishes) and are encouraged to craft their own sushi rolls, blending flavors, textures, and colors in a personalized culinary creation.
Menbaka Fire Ramen
Known for its fiery twist on traditional ramen, this establishment serves bowls with flames dancing above, adding a smoky aroma to the flavorful broth. The intimate ambiance reflects traditional Japanese ramen houses, making it a memorable dining experience.
Less-Busy Kyoto Annual Events
Kyoto is home to a range of lesser-known annual events that provide a deeper look into local culture.
Setsubun Festival
Traditional costumes are used to drive away evil spirits at Setsubun | Shawn.ccf / Shutterstock
In February, the Setsubun Festival at Yoshida Shrine offers traditional rituals to drive away evil spirits, including bean-throwing ceremonies and vibrant performances. The shrine’s lively atmosphere during the festival makes it a memorable experience.
Takigi Noh
In June, the Takigi Noh performances at Heian Shrine present a rare opportunity to watch traditional Noh theater under the glow of bonfires. This atmospheric event is a unique way to engage with Japan’s classical performing arts.
Kurama Fire Festival
The Kurama Fire Festival, held every October, is a dramatic spectacle featuring towering torches carried through the streets of Kurama. This ancient ritual honors the spirits and provides an unforgettable cultural experience.
Aoi Matsuri
The traditional Aoi Matsuri procession is held each May | gritsalak karalak / Shutterstock
For a lesser-known spring event, the Aoi Matsuri in May is one of Kyoto’s oldest festivals, featuring an elegant procession of participants in Heian-period costumes. The parade starts at the Imperial Palace and travels to Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines.
Jidai Matsuri
During November, the Jidai Matsuri (Festival of Ages) showcases Kyoto’s history through a grand parade of participants dressed in period costumes. Starting at the Imperial Palace, the procession offers a vivid look at Kyoto’s rich heritage.
Arashiyama Momiji Festival
For something quieter, the Arashiyama Momiji Festival in November celebrates the beauty of autumn leaves with traditional boat processions on the Hozugawa River. This event captures the serene charm of Kyoto’s seasonal transitions. Many locals participate, offering a warm and inclusive atmosphere.
