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Kyoto: Top Highlights Full Day Trip
Kyoto, Japan offers a plethora of activities, historical spots, gardens, museums and temples – so much that it can be hard to know how to plan an ideal day in this incredible city. Below is a guide to what you can experience in one day in Kyoto, Japan.
Top Highlights of a Full Day in Kyoto Japan
The ancient city of Kyoto combines traditional culture with modern charm. With its many attractions, it can be hard to choose which sights and activities to experience in one day. Here is a guide to the top activities worth doing during a full-day trip in Kyoto.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
The first stop of the day should be Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of the most iconic spots in Kyoto. This shrine is famous for its path of thousands of vivid orange torii gates, known as senbon torii. Fushimi Inari shrine takes its visitors on a scenic walk along a beautiful landscape of vermillion torii gates, making it one of the most Instagrammable spots in Japan.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera Temple – or the temple of clear water – is one of the most famous temples in all of Japan and it’s another must-see if you’re spending a day in Kyoto. It’s made up of several buildings, including the main hall that stands tall atop a steep hill in the Higashiyama region of Kyoto and offers stunning views of the city below. The area around the temple is also filled with traditional souvenir shops, tea houses and restaurants, making it a good spot to take a break from sightseeing as well.
Gion District
No visit to Kyoto would be complete without exploring its famous Gion district. Gion is Kyoto’s most famous entertainment district, full of tea houses, traditional shops and restaurants. One must-see attraction here is the Miyako Odori performance, one of the popular traditional dance performances held at the Kaburenjo theater.
Sanjusangen-do Temple
Sanjusangen-do Temple offers an impressive sight of 1,001 life-size statues of Japanese Buddhist guardian figures known as Kannon Bosatsu, where you can explore the Buddhist art and architecture. It’s located only a few minutes away from the Gion district.
Nishiki Market
Another great stop when spending a day in Kyoto is the Nishiki Market. This bustling market is lined with over 100 shops and restaurants selling all kinds of local specialties such as pickles and snacks, fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables as well as traditional items like kimonos and pottery. The atmosphere at Nishiki Market makes it one of the most enjoyable places to explore in Kyoto.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
One more spot worth checking out during your full day in Kyoto is the Kyoto Imperial Palace. This was once the home to the imperial family and still stands today as an impressive reminder of Japan’s past. The palace grounds are a great place for strolling around and taking photos but unfortunately, the palace itself is only open to the public on certain days throughout the year.
Local Activities Worth Checking Out
When visiting Kyoto, it’s best to take advantage of its many local activities to further immerse yourself into the culture. Here are a few activities worth checking out:
Experiencing Traditional Tea Ceremony
One enjoyable activity you can do while visiting Kyoto is attending a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Held in a tatami room, this is a chance to enjoy the traditional Japanese hospitality while learning about the history and culture behind the artful ceremony. Many tea ceremonies also have special packages which include additional traditional experiences such as kimono rental or flower arranging.
Sakae: The Momentous Show
Sakae: The Momentous Show is another great activity to experience while visiting Kyoto. This show brings you into a world of traditional Japanese culture through stunning visuals, music, dance and storytelling. Enjoy glimpses into Japan’s oldest histories through elaborate costumes, compelling performers and captivating shows.
Making 7-Layer Bento Box at Ginnan
Another fun activity to do during your stay in Kyoto is joining a cooking class where you can make a traditional 7-layer bento box at Ginnan cooking studio. Learn the art behind making cute bentos from professional chefs and explore different flavors from all over Japan with samples unique to each workshop. You can also take your bento box back home with you as a souvenir!
When exploring Kyoto on your full-day trip make sure you take advantage of some of these activities; this will help make your experience more special as you explore all that Kyoto has to offer. To book these activities for your next trip to Kyoto visit GetYourGuide. With carefully planned activities fit for any traveler’s desires, you will find the perfect guide for your next destination!
