Explore Kyoto Must-Dos and Must-Buys: A Perfect Blend of Culture and Nature

Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital, boasts rich historical culture and stunning natural scenery. Whether it's your first visit or you've been to Kyoto several times, the unique charm of this city will always leave you enchanted. This article recommends some must-visit attractions in Kyoto and must-buy souvenirs, ensuring your trip is filled with surprises and memories.

Kyoto Districts and its tourist attractions

Kyoto covers a total area of 827.9 square kilometers and is divided into 11 districts, including Kamigyo, Nakagyo, Shimogyo, Sakyo, and Ukyo ku. If you want to visit more attractions in a short time, it’s recommended to start exploring around Kyoto Station. This area not only offers convenient transportation but there also are many attractions nearby such as Kiyomizu Temple, Hanamikoji Street, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Nishiki Market.

Districts in Tokyo, resources: Wikipedia

Famous Attractions in Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Fushimi Inari Taisha, renowned for its thousands of red torii gates, has a history of over 1,300 years. It is the main shrine of all Inari shrines in Japan. The endless rows of red torii gates extend along the mountain paths, creating a spectacular view. This shrine is dedicated to Inari, the deity of agriculture, commerce, and industry. Visitors can pray here for business prosperity and family happiness. The entire shrine area is dotted with smaller shrines and chapels, and walking to the summit offers a panoramic view of Kyoto, making it a great place to experience Kyoto's traditional culture and natural beauty.

How to get there:Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station and get off at Inari Station, then walk for about one minute.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Kinkaku-ji, also known as Rokuon-ji, was built in 1397 and officially registered as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1994. It is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks, famous for its dazzling golden exterior. When sunlight hits Kinkaku-ji, the entire building seems to emit a mesmerizing glow. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and a tranquil mirror pond, Kinkaku-ji offers different landscapes in the cherry blossom season of spring and the autumn foliage season.

How to get there:Take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station and get off at Emmachi Station, then transfer to bus number 204 or 205 and get off at Kinkakuji-michi stop.

Arashiyama

Arashiyama is known for its magnificent natural scenery and rich historical sites. The Bamboo Grove and Togetsukyo Bridge are must-visit classics here. The cherry blossom season from March to April and the autumn foliage season in November are the most popular times to visit Arashiyama. Walking along the 600-meter Bamboo Grove path, visitors can quietly enjoy a leisurely pace, away from the hustle and bustle, and immerse themselves in nature.

How to get there:Take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station and get off at Saga-Arashiyama Station.

Kiyomizu-dera (Kiyomizu Temple)

Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto's most famous temples, known for its wooden stage that juts out from the cliff, offering a breathtaking view of the city. The cherry blossoms in spring and the maple leaves in autumn make Kiyomizu-dera a popular spot for photography. This temple is not only a religious site but also a place rich in natural and historical charm. Founded in 778, Kiyomizu-dera's name comes from the pure waters of the Otowa Waterfall within the temple complex, which is believed to have wish-granting powers. Many visitors come here to pray for health, longevity, and academic success.

How to get there: Take bus number 206 or 100 from Kyoto Station and get off at Gojo-zaka stop, then walk for 10 minutes.

Hanamikoji Street

Hanamikoji Street, about one kilometer long, is lined with traditional wooden townhouses, exuding a strong Kyoto atmosphere. It is known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and geisha culture. In the evening, you can see geishas and maikos dressed in kimonos walking down the street, giving the feeling of stepping back in time. Hanamikoji also has many high-end restaurants and teahouses offering authentic Kyoto cuisine and tea ceremony experiences, making it the best place to feel Kyoto's unique cultural ambiance.

How to get there:Take the Hankyu Kyoto Line to Kawaramachi Station, then transfer to the Keihan Line to Gion-Shijo Station. It’s a one-minute walk from there.

Must-Buy Kyoto Souvenir List

Uji Matcha

Located in the southern part of Kyoto Prefecture, Uji is famous for producing high-quality matcha, a finely ground green tea powder. Uji matcha is celebrated for its vibrant green color, rich aroma, and smooth, nuanced flavor. Besides the matcha powder itself, you can find various matcha-infused products like chocolates, cookies, and ice cream, all offering delightful tastes and health benefits. Uji matcha plays a significant role in Japanese tea ceremonies, making it a meaningful souvenir. It not only allows the recipient to enjoy authentic Japanese flavors but also offers a glimpse into Japan’s profound tea culture.

Uji Matcha, resource: photo AC

Yatsuhashi

Yatsuhashi is one of Kyoto's most iconic sweets, with a history dating back to the Edo period. There are two main types: baked yatsuhashi and raw yatsuhashi (nama yatsuhashi). Baked yatsuhashi is made from rice flour, sugar, and cinnamon, resulting in a crispy exterior with a sweet, cinnamon-flavored inside. Raw yatsuhashi is a soft, chewy treat typically filled with sweet red bean paste or other flavors like matcha, chocolate, or strawberry. Its smooth texture and rich taste are beloved by both locals and visitors. Besides being delicious, yatsuhashi's beautiful packaging and variety of flavors make it a popular souvenir from Kyoto.

Kiyomizu-yak, resource: photo AC

Kiyomizu-yaki

Kiyomizu-yaki refers to the renowned ceramics from Kyoto, known for their exquisite craftsmanship and unique designs. Named after the Kiyomizu Temple area, where many pottery workshops are located, each piece of Kiyomizu-yaki is handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail. From tea cups and bowls to vases, these ceramics showcase both utility and artistic value. Owning a piece of Kiyomizu-yaki means bringing home a part of Kyoto’s cultural heritage and the skilled artisans' dedication. As souvenirs, these ceramics offer elegance and a tangible connection to Kyoto’s rich traditions.

Kyogashi, resource: photo AC

Kyogashi

Kyogashi refers to traditional Kyoto sweets, renowned for their beautiful appearance and delicate taste. These confections are often used in tea ceremonies, perfectly complementing the experience. Made from natural ingredients like red beans, rice flour, sugar, and seasonal fruits, kyogashi is crafted into colorful, intricate shapes. Some resemble seasonal flowers, while others depict traditional stories and cultural motifs, making each piece a work of art. Packaged beautifully, kyogashi not only provides a delightful treat but also embodies Kyoto's cultural and aesthetic values, making it an ideal souvenir.

Kyogashi, resource: photo AC

Kyo-sensu

Kyo-sensu are traditional handmade folding fans from Kyoto, celebrated for their elegant designs and superior craftsmanship. These fans are typically made from bamboo and Japanese paper, with artisans painting beautiful scenes of nature, classical literature, and more on the fan surfaces. Kyo-sensu are not only practical for staying cool in summer but also serve as lovely decorative items, adding a touch of sophistication to any home. Lightweight and portable, they make excellent gifts or keepsakes, allowing recipients to appreciate the unique blend of utility and artistry that Kyoto represents.

Kyo-sensu, resource: photo AC

These souvenirs are not only delightful to use and admire but also serve as meaningful tokens of Kyoto's rich cultural heritage and artistic excellence.

LuggAgent: Your Trusted Luggage Delivery Assistant

After several days of traveling in Kyoto, you must be feeling both exhausted and fulfilled. You've visited many historically significant attractions and bought numerous unique Kyoto souvenirs. Your spirit and luggage are surely enriched by these experiences.

However, accumulating more joyful memories also means that your return journey will be burdened with heavier luggage. Having already traveled back and forth in Kyoto for several days, you must be feeling quite tired. Carrying heavy luggage to the airport or your next hotel can undoubtedly dampen the end of your trip.

This is where LuggAgent's delivery service can make your journey more relaxed and give it a perfect ending. We offer the fastest and safest luggage delivery service, so you don't have to worry about carrying a lot of souvenirs and luggage. Regardless of how many souvenirs you've bought, you can enjoy the last moments of your trip with peace of mind. Just leave your luggage at the hotel reception or luggage storage when you check out, and we will personally collect it and deliver it to your designated location, whether it's the airport or another hotel.
You can easily enjoy your final moments in Kyoto without the hassle of carrying your luggage, allowing us to be your helpful travel assistant!