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Kyoto

/ Japan

Orderly. Beautiful. Culture.

About

Just a short train ride from Osaka, Kyoto is one of Japan’s most beloved destinations, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and beautifully preserved streetscapes. While the city’s iconic shrines and temples draw countless visitors, the countryside of Kyoto hides breathtaking sights that are often overlooked. Thanks to an extensive and efficient transportation network, exploring Kyoto’s lesser-known gems is both easy and not to be missed. For those looking to experience a different side of the city—beyond the usual tourist spots—these hidden gems that I share in this space shall offer a fresh perspective on what Kyoto truly has to offer.

Recommended Stay: 4 days

Highly Recommended

PHILOSOPHER'S PATH

Kyoto

One of my favourite short and relaxing walks in Japan. It’s a rare place where Japan’s deep historical soul and its vibrant natural seasons coexist, allowing you to reset and escape away from the crowds in Kyoto.

YAMAZAKI DISTILLERY

Kyoto

Even as a novice, a tour of Suntory's Yamazaki Distillery offered the perfect introduction to one of Japan's most underappreciated treasures: its whisky. With free admission and a wide selection of affordable whiskys to sample, it’s an ideal place to explore the art of Japanese whisky-making.

KAYABUKI NO SATO

Kyoto

Kayabuki no Sato is a picturesque, historic village in Miyama, Kyoto, renowned for having one of Japan's highest concentrations of traditional thatched-roof farmhouses preserved amidst one of Japan's most beautiful scenic mountain landscapes.

AMANOHASHIDATE

Kyoto

Known as the "Bridge to Heaven," Amanohashidate features a breathtaking three kilometer sandbar lined with thousands of pine trees sweeping across Miyazu Bay. To capture its full magic, head to the mountaintop park and try the traditional matanozoki, peering upside down through your legs to see the sandbar float like a dragon suspended in the sky. While it takes a quick journey from central Kyoto, the tranquil atmosphere and iconic scenery make it an unmissable coastal escape.

BYODO-IN TEMPLE

Kyoto

A historic symbol as featured on the Japanese 10 yen coin, Byodo-in is one of Japan's most famous and treasured temples. With over 1,000 years of history, it stands as a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage.