So me and my couple are visiting Kyoto soon for the firtst time. We have looked up for some activities to do but I've been warned that Kyoto can be very "forced traditional for tourists" in some places.
So I was wondering if anyone who knows the city well could recommend some cool activity that isn't the typical.
Thanks to everyone in advanced 🙂
by ZINEXI
9 comments
What do you mean by “forced traditional”? The city has some very traditional areas but it’s literally like any city. Do you have any idea on what kind of “cool activity that’s not typical” you’d like? I’ve lived here for a bit, and even though I’d say you must 100% absolutely go to the touristy spots, there’s a lot of cool places around.
Pachinko? Starbucks? Aeon mall? Gyōza no osho?
It’s what the locals do. It’s not cool.
Shōgunzuka Seiryūden Temple (将軍塚青龍殿).
Relatively easy hike up and an excellent place to see Kyoto laid out below you.
Or a sushi making class. DM me for info about that if you like.
Just stop trying to see the “real” Kyoto. It’s right there before your eyes. Except for all the stuff you basically have to grow up with or marry into….
Ask a taxi driver to recite the poem by which everyone remembers the street names in order…
Go to Sannenzaka area after dark. Even tho all the shops and Kiyomizu dera is closed, you can see old traditional Kyoto in there and not so many tourists visit there at night. [https://youtu.be/2DfhHTQO_B0](https://youtu.be/2DfhHTQO_B0)
I really enjoy visiting Shima Corporation stores. Very authentic.
try kyoto university
I recommend you go to a neighborhood sento, and eat and drink in a little yakitori restaurant with red lantern(s) out front.
To to Arahisiyama by train, get a taxi at the station, go to Otagi Nenbutsuji (5 minute ride, 1200 yen). That’s one of the best thigns in Kyoto. Walk downhill back to the main part of Arashiyama. Stop at Adashino Nenbutsuji, Gioji, Rakushisha, and Okochi Sanso. By the time you reach the crowded bamboo forest, you won’t even be interested. You’ve already seen the best stuff.