5 Local Experiences That Go Beyond the Classics: Kyoto City Edition

Since the founding of Heian-ｋyo in 794, Kyoto has flourished as Japan’s political and cultural center for over a thousand years. Today, it remains one of the country’s most popular travel destinations. The city is home to countless shrines and temples, including World Heritage Sites like Kiyomizu-dera Temple, but with so much to see, it can be a challenge to see them all efficiently. That’s where the Okoshi sightseeing bus comes in, offering a convenient way to experience Kyoto’s highlights in a short time.

The buses are equipped with a multilingual guidance system, and some courses provide earphone guides. This makes it easy to follow along even for first-time visitors or travelers who don’t speak Japanese.

A wide variety of tour options are available, from visiting iconic landmarks to enjoying a performance by maiko dancers. Among them, the popular “Kyoto Highlights” course takes you to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, famous for its tunnel of red “torii” shrine gates, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Tenryu-ji Temple and the Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, and the bamboo forest in Arashiyama. It’s an ideal way to see many of Kyoto’s iconic sightseeing spots in one efficient trip.

Yuzen dyeing is one of Japan’s most celebrated textile arts. The method originating in Kyoto, known as Kyo-Yuzen, boasts a history of more than 300 years and is recognized as one of the three great Yuzen crafts. Distinguished by its elaborate patterns and vibrant colors, every work is brought to life by the skillful hands of artisans.

At Okayama Kogei in Kyoto City, visitors can experience Kyo-Yuzen firsthand through a workshop tour and hands-on dyeing activity.

The visit begins with videos and displays explaining the kimono-making process, followed by a guided tour of the workshop. Kyo-Yuzen requires 10 to 20 steps in the process, each handled by different craftspeople. Here, visitors receive careful explanations of the delicate handwork involved, helping them gain a deeper understanding of the Kyo-Yuzen process.

The workshop is filled with unfinished kimono fabrics, paints, and tools, offering a rare chance to watch artisans at work.

After observing the masters’ techniques, visitors can join a trial class to paint a postcard-sized piece of fabric with brushes to color in the patterns. The class is beginner-friendly, with staff to walk you carefully through the process. The finished works can be framed and taken home as souvenirs.

English-speaking staff are available, along with English instructions, displays, and videos, making it a welcoming destination for international visitors.

While sightseeing in Kyoto often focuses on historical architecture, traditional gardens, and other culturally significant destinations, there are more outdoorsy options for those seeking adventure. The Keihoku Quad Tour is a unique activity, allowing visitors to tour the natural landscapes and clear streams of Kyoto’s Keihoku area on a 4WD buggy. This tour was launched by Kyoto Keihoku Kikori Village, an organization advocating for the protection of local forests and the revitalization of its community, to promote the charms of Keihoku.

Guests can choose from a variety of plans, including touring the rural landscapes through forests and rice paddies, taking a drive on kid-friendly, speed-restricted buggies, enjoying a more authentic buggy ride that ascends the mountain peak at 660 meters, and more. An instructor will accompany all the plans, making it safe for first-time guests and experts alike.

Nestled within the Gion district, one of Kyoto’s favorite tourist destinations, Gion Corner opened in 1962 to attract international visitors to Kyoto ahead of the first Tokyo Olympics. It has become a popular destination for those wishing to experience Kyoto’s traditional performing arts in the evening after temples and shrines have closed for the day.

On stage, a performance is held to give viewers a digest of Kyoto’s leading entertainment traditions. In the hour-long show, seven types of performing arts are introduced: “Kyomai” dance performed by maiko, tea ceremony, flower arrangement, koto music, “bugaku” dance, “kyogen” comedy, and Noh or “bunraku” puppet theater.

This is a great way to view the highlights of Kyoto’s traditional arts in one sitting, making it ideal for first-time visitors and those short on time.

In the quiet outskirts of Kyoto lies a temple surrounded by moss-covered cobblestone and fragrant, lush greenery. The temple is generally closed to the public, but you can book a private “wagashi” (Japanese confectionery) workshop to get exclusive access to the temple. The experience begins with the head monk sharing the history and culture of the temple, allowing participants to calm their minds in a serene atmosphere.

Then, under the guidance of an experienced wagashi confectioner, guests will try making “nerikiri,” a soft and moist confection made from sweet, white bean paste and glutinous rice flour. The vibrant colors and delicate shapes begin to appear as you mold the dough to completion. Limited to a small group of participants, the workshop is easy to follow even for first timers, allowing everyone to enjoy conversations while making the wagashi.

Once completed, participants will enjoy their freshly made sweets with a cup of matcha tea while admiring the peaceful garden. The workshop is approximately two hours long, and an English-speaking interpreter is available upon request. Taking you away from the bustle of the tourist attractions, this will be an unforgettable cultural experience where you can experience the serenity and beauty of Kyoto with all five of your senses.

Kyoto’s charms go beyond just sightseeing. The real fun awaits in experiencing its living traditions firsthand, riding through nature, and encountering locals. If you’re seeking a journey beyond the ordinary, now is the time to visit Kyoto. There’s sure to be something memorable for you to discover.