5 Must Do's in Kyoto: Unmissable Cultural Experiences in Japan’s Ancient Capital

Kyoto’s Enduring Allure

If you’re craving historical travel that’s still got soul, look no further than Kyoto. With its legacy as Japan’s imperial capital for over a thousand years, Kyoto still holds the essence of the nation in its winding lanes and ancient shrines. A city that lingers with you long after your trip is over, Kyoto is a tapestry of quiet rituals, ornate temples, and moments so still you can hear the rustle of bamboo leaves as if time itself paused.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or planning your very first visit, there are some experiences in Kyoto that transcend trends and time. From Geishas to good food, here are the five must do's to maximise your experience of Japan’s historic capital. Get ready and put your walking shoes on.

Wander Through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

As far as Wanderwell is concerned, few places in the world feel as otherworldly as the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. In this forest of towering green bamboo stalks, the only sounds are of rustling leaves and the soft creaking of swaying bamboo. Strolling down the winding path, it's easy to feel like you’ve stepped straight into a dream where bamboo sings.

This forest sits on the edge of the charming Arashiyama district, a place where nature and tradition still live side by side. From here, it’s a short stroll to the serene Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by landscaped gardens that change with the seasons. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the river’s edge to the Togetsukyo Bridge and take in the view of forested mountains that blaze with colour in autumn.

Now that you’ve taken in the serenity of Kyoto’s natural world, it’s time to explore its living culture—starting with one of its most storied neighbourhoods.

Step Into the Past in Gion and Spot a Geisha

Evening falls gently on Gion, a historic district in Kyoto known for traditional architecture, teahouses, and Geisha culture. The lanterns begin to glow, the streets glisten after a light rain, and somewhere in the distance, a shamisen (a three-stringed instrument) begins to play. Walking through Gion is like slipping into a chapter of old Japan. Wooden teahouses line the cobbled streets, and if you're lucky, you may catch a fleeting glimpse of a Geisha, or her apprentice Maiko, gracefully making her way to an engagement. Their presence is part of a living tradition, not a performance, and there's a magic in observing it from the respectful distance of a passerby.

Gion isn’t a place to rush through. Meander along Hanamikoji Street, where time feels suspended. Pop into an ochaya for dinner or a quiet sake tasting, and feel the elegance and grace seep into your spirit.

With Gion’s gentle glow behind you, Kyoto’s spiritual heart awaits. Next up is one of the city’s most iconic and captivating sacred sites.

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha’s Thousand Torii Gates

The Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto temple dedicated to the god of rice. The temple has captivated pilgrims and travellers alike for centuries. It’s most famous feature is the spectacular torii gates. Often painted a striking vermillion, torii gates mark the entrance to Shinto temples, and signify the boundary from the physical to the spiritual world. Ascend the hills behind Fushimi Inari Taisha, and you are in for a rare torii treat.

Brightly coloured torii gates are placed one after the other, stretching endlessly ahead. Each gate is a prayer, a wish, a thank-you carved into wood. It’s a walking trail like no other, a sacred tunnel winding up Mount Inari through quiet woodland and hidden shrines. The further you walk, the quieter it gets, until all that remains is the sound of your breath and the soft thud of your footsteps. At the summit, Kyoto stretches before you in a tapestry of rooftops and temple spires. It’s a welcome reward for those who seek more than an Instagram photo.

Having explored Kyoto’s sacred heights, it’s time to turn toward one of its most dazzling architectural treasures.

Marvel at the Golden Splendour of Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Nothing prepares you for that first glimpse of Kinkaku-ji. The Golden Pavilion rises above a large mirror-like pond, in which its reflection shimmers in the sunlight. Set against a backdrop of pines and mountains, this Zen temple and icon of Kyoto is a place of profound beauty. It’s no wonder it continues to inspire poets, painters, and dreamers from all over the world.

Originally built as a shogun’s retirement villa, the temple was converted into a sacred site after his death. Its top two floors are gilded in gold leaf, and the surrounding gardens are designed to evoke paradise itself. There’s a stillness here that invites reflection, even with the crowds. Take time to sit by the water and let the moment wash over you.

Now that you’ve basked in the glow of Kyoto’s most photogenic temple, your senses will be ready for a different kind of indulgence, that of your taste buds.

Discover Kyoto’s Culinary Soul at Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market is Kyoto’s beating belly, it's loud, fragrant, joyful, and irresistible. As you weave through the narrow arcade, you’ll encounter everything from fresh yuba (tofu skin) and sizzling yakitori to hand-crafted sweets and pickles in every colour imaginable. This is where you come to taste Kyoto, to feel the energy of a city in motion and smell the traditions that have seasoned its cuisine for centuries.

The market has been feeding Kyoto since the 1600s, and many of the family-run stalls have stood here for generations. Vendors chat with locals, offer samples with a smile, and proudly share the family stories behind their food. Taste the culinary pride here. Every ingredient, every skewer, every snack tells you something about the city's food DNA. Whether you're a curious foodie or simply hungry from all that walking, Nishiki welcomes you with open arms and a pair of chopsticks.

You’ve tasted, wandered, marvelled, and soaked in Kyoto’s spirit. Now it’s time to reflect on what makes these moments unforgettable.

Why These Moments Stay With You

Kyoto doesn’t rush to impress. It doesn’t need to. Instead, it reveals itself slowly, through the creaking of bamboo in a hushed grove or the golden shimmer of a temple bathed in sunlight. Our five must do’s offer windows into a way of life that values presence, reverence, and soul-stirring simplicity. From timeless walks through a Shinto prayer tunnel to the buzz of ancient markets, these are experiences that resonate deeply. When you’re ready to go, let Wanderwell be your guide to unlocking the very best this extraordinary city has to offer.

Want to read more? Best Ryokans in Japan for an Unforgttable Stay. High-End Dining Worth the Splurge in Tokyo: The Ultimate Gourmet Guide. The Ultimate Guide to Skiing in Japan: Top Resorts, Powder, and Culture.