11 recommended experience spots in Kyoto! Enjoy and experience Japanese culture firsthand

Kyoto is a city that preserves many traditional elements of Japan’s ancient culture. It is a popular tourist destination bustling with foreign visitors and school excursion groups. Kyoto offers not only sightseeing but also interactive cultural experiences at various locations, such as temples and specialty shops, making it a favored destination for many.

It has been approximately 1,200 years since the capital was moved to what is now Kyoto, once known as Heian-kyo. The ancient capital of Kyoto is home to beautiful rock gardens and temples, surrounded by scenic landscapes that change with the seasons, making it a central hub of Japanese culture. Today, visitors can immerse themselves in Japan’s proud traditional culture, experiencing Kyoto in a tangible way. From transcribing sutras and crafting small accessories to participating in tea ceremonies and making traditional sweets, there are numerous ways to enjoy Japan’s cultural heritage easily.

1. Immerse yourself in the history of Hyakunin Isshu and the world of Japanese paintings at "Saga Arashiyama Museum of Arts & Culture"

Saga Arashiyama Museum of Arts & Culture, located in Saga Tenryu-ji, is renowned for its exhibitions themed around Hyakunin Isshu. It is situated beyond Togetsukyo Bridge, with Katsura River on the left, after walking straight from Hankyu Arashiyama Station.

On the first floor of the facility, there is a permanent exhibition and a gallery, while the second floor features a tatami gallery displaying exhibits that highlight the history of Hyakunin Isshu and the charm of Japanese paintings. From the second floor, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of a rock garden that showcases the beauty of the changing seasons, offering a true sense of Japanese elegance.

Additionally, the garden-facing café "Arashiyama OMOKAGE Terrace" provides a Kyoto-style atmosphere where visitors can enjoy Kyoto matcha and traditional Japanese sweets. It's the perfect place to relax and unwind.

2. Savor matcha and traditional sweets while admiring "Kinkaku-ji"

Officially known as "Rokuon-ji," Kinkaku-ji is a Rinzai Zen temple that was designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1994. Within the temple grounds, there is a tea house called "Fudo Kama Chasho," where visitors can enjoy matcha along with an exclusive Kinkaku-ji sweet called "Kinkaku" for an additional fee.

"Kinkaku" is also available as a souvenir, making it a must-buy item that can only be found at Kinkaku-ji. The sweet contains "Kinkaku-ji Natto," a unique ingredient that surprises the palate with its hint of saltiness. As you savor this delicious confectionery and matcha, you can also visually and spiritually appreciate the beauty of Kinkaku-ji.

3. Experience Zen meditation at "Myoshin-ji" and reset your mind

If you're feeling overwhelmed by stress and worries, why not take a step back and reset your mind through Zen meditation? At Myoshin-ji, a Zen meditation session called "Myoshin-ji Zendo-kai" is held on the 7th and 8th of every month. No prior reservation is required, and participants can choose to sit in either the traditional seiza position or cross-legged. The experience takes place in the temple’s main hall, where visitors can practice meditation for about 30 minutes from 6 AM, followed by a 60-minute lecture. On the second day, participants can also enjoy a casual tea gathering with sweets.

4. Try sutra copying at Kurama-dera Temple

Kurama-dera is the temple where Minamoto no Yoshitsune, known in childhood as Ushiwakamaru, spent his early years. The temple still enshrines his spirit in "Yoshitsune-do" and features historical sites such as "Ki no Ne Michi," a path where he trained in military strategy to defeat the Taira clan. These historic sites continue along the mountain path behind the temple’s main hall.

At Kurama-dera, visitors can participate in sutra copying sessions held on the 7th and 18th of each month. The sutra to be copied is the "Heart Sutra," and the experience takes place at the training hall in front of the temple's Niomon Gate, available between 10:30 AM and 3 PM. The process involves tracing over pre-printed characters, making it accessible even for those who are not confident in their kanji writing skills. Additionally, a free Buddhist sermon is held on the 7th of each month.

5. Enjoy a Buddhist sermon at Suzumushi-dera Temple

Suzumushi-dera Temple is widely known among young women seeking love and romantic success. One of its most famous attractions is the "Suzumushi Sermon," a unique lecture delivered while the sound of chirping bell crickets fills the room. The event is held in the temple's "Shoin" hall, which can accommodate about 200 people at a time, and no prior reservations are required.

The schedule varies by season, but as long as you pay the admission fee, you can attend the sermon. Following the Rinzai Zen tradition of "Cha-rei" (tea etiquette), participants are also served tea and sweets while listening to an engaging and easy-to-understand talk. At the top of the temple’s stone steps stands the "Happiness Jizo" statue, the only Jizo in Japan wearing straw sandals. According to legend, this Jizo deity will walk to the homes of those who make a wish at the temple.

6. Create confectionery-like soaps at "Kyoto Shabon-ya"

Kyoto Shabon-ya is a specialty soap store established in 2009 by "Kyo no Kusuriya," a health food company founded in 1948. The store specializes in handmade soaps made from 100% natural ingredients.

The shop is housed in a traditional wooden townhouse known as a "Kyomachiya," giving it a nostalgic and atmospheric interior.

Beyond just purchasing soap, visitors can also experience making their own. The process is incredibly simple—just mix an aromatic oil of your choice into a soap base and pour it into a mold.

The entire process takes only 40 minutes, and you can even create soap in the shape of Kyoto’s traditional dry sweets. This is a fun activity to enjoy with family or friends.

7. Experience gold leaf application on Buddhist ritual implements at "Kyo Butsugu Kobori Buddhist Craft Workshop"

With a history spanning approximately 240 years, "Kyo Butsugu Kobori" houses its own workshop, allowing visitors to observe the production and repair of Buddhist altars and ritual implements, as well as participate in a gold leaf application experience. The gold leafing process involves delicately placing gold leaf onto a sake cup using bamboo tweezers. The finished cup can be taken home as a souvenir.

To participate in the workshop or tour, visitors must check the schedule on the official website and apply at least one week before their preferred date. For groups of 30 or more, inquiries must be made via phone.

8. Walk on fire at Tanukidani Fudoin Temple in "Ichijo-ji"

Founded in 781 by Emperor Kanmu to protect the northeastern gateway of Heian-kyo, Ichijo-ji Temple has long been revered for its ability to ward off evil spirits, misfortunes, and disasters. One of its most famous rituals, the "Fire Walking Ceremony," takes place annually on the night of July 28 at Tanukidani Fudoin Temple.

In this ritual, following a protective fire-offering prayer for health and safety, participants walk barefoot over the embers. While walking on fire might seem intimidating, temple monks assist participants to ensure their safety. This rare experience only happens once a year, so those with courage should definitely give it a try! No prior registration is required.

9. Create a beautiful kaleidoscope at the Kyoto Kaleidoscope Museum

At the Kyoto Kaleidoscope Museum, visitors can purchase a kaleidoscope kit and participate in a hands-on workshop. Among the various kits available, the dry-type kaleidoscope is the easiest to make, and first-time participants need not worry, as the staff provides thorough guidance. The entire process takes about 30 minutes, and the final product is surprisingly intricate, revealing a mesmerizing world through the viewing hole.

10. Make a beaded prayer bracelet at "Oyado Ishicho"

Located along the Kamogawa River, "Ishicho Shogikuen - Oyado Ishicho" stands on the former residence of Kido Takayoshi (Katsura Kogoro), a historical figure from the late Edo period. The ryokan (traditional inn) offers exclusive hands-on experiences for its guests, among which the beaded prayer bracelet and protective amulet bag-making workshops are particularly popular. Solo travelers can also participate.

The beaded bracelet is crafted using seven colored beads, representing Kyoto’s Seven Lucky Gods. The largest bead features an engraved image of one of the Seven Lucky Gods, which has been blessed through prayer. Those interested in this experience should register when booking their stay. Other available activities include making Kyoto-style tofu and traditional Japanese sweets.

11. Experience authentic paper-making at Washi Club

Washi Club is a paper manufacturing company in Kyoto where visitors can experience traditional Japanese paper-making using a "suketa" (a bamboo screen mold). Even beginners can easily create beautifully patterned or customized paper, with guidance provided by the staff, who demonstrate each step of the process.

Participants can also add colors or illustrations to their handmade paper, making it truly unique. Washi Club is a popular spot among international tourists and school excursion groups. The workshop accommodates up to 15 people per session, and reservations must be made at least two days in advance via the official website’s booking form.

◎ Summary

From traditional crafts such as lacquerware and pottery to Japanese sweets-making, Kyoto offers numerous attractions where visitors can immerse themselves in Japan’s ancient culture. Whether you seek self-improvement through travel, wish to expand your knowledge, or simply want to try something new, Kyoto has countless experiences to offer. Why not explore these time-honored traditions and discover a new side of yourself?

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11 recommended experience spots in Kyoto! Enjoy and experience Japanese culture firsthand