See & Do
Explore the Hidden Gems of Kyoto
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See & Do
Explore the Hidden Gems of Kyoto
The "Hidden Gems of Kyoto" is a project that brings Kyoto's lesser-known, but equally fascinating local areas to the forefront.
Embark on an adventure away from the bustling city center and most famous tourist destinations. You can find the hidden beauty of Kyoto not only deep in the heart of nature but also only a step away from the city's main attractions.
Embark on an adventure away from the bustling city center and most famous tourist destinations. You can find the hidden beauty of Kyoto not only deep in the heart of nature but also only a step away from the city's main attractions.
Fushimi
The Fushimi area is located in the southern part of Kyoto City. It is most famous for the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and its pristine water that made it into one of Japan's foremost sake brewing centers.
Those who visit it can enjoy taking a canal cruise passing by traditional sake brewery buildings, view the biggest horse race in western Japan and enjoy the numerous and varied restaurants it has to offer.
Takao
Takao is an area located on the north side of Arashiyama, famous for its beautiful autumn leaves and the Kiyotaki-gawa river, flowing down from the mountains. It boasts a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site with 1,500 years of history - the Kosan-ji Temple.
Tourists can enjoy viewing not only its nature and architecture, but also its special dishes. A popular winter speciality is the wild boar hotpot. In Mizuo, a village located in Takao, yuzu is an important ingredient of various foods and condiments, as well as an aromatic addition to baths.
Ohara, located in the northeastern part of Kyoto, is home to stunning mountain landscapes and ancient temples. The highlight of the area is the Sanzen-in Temple and the Jakko-in Temple.
Despite its mountainous geography, Ohara is also well known for its vegetables. Travelers can spend their time taking in the beautiful sights before resting at one of the cozy local restaurants and cafes.
Nestled in northern Kyoto, the Keihoku area is a haven of abundant nature. Throughout history, it served as a vital source of building materials for the Kyoto Imperial Palace, as well as a producer of various goods and foods for the court.
Today, Keihoku is often frequented by people interested in outdoor adventures, trying out local delicacies and lodging in farm stays.
Nishikyo is located in western Kyoto, near the famous Arashiyama area. It is best known for having having the largest number of bamboo groves in Kyoto, as well as many beautiful shrines and temples, such as the Matsunoo Taisha Shrine and Yoshimine-dera Temple.
Yamashina
Yamashina is an area located in the east side of Kyoto. It is famous for its lush nature, numerous temples as well as traditional handicrafts, particularly Kiyomizu-yaki ceramics.
From the Lake Biwa Canal Boat Cruise, through the temple dedicated to praying for good fortune in romance to the numerous cafes and pastry shops; Yamashina offers an abundance of interesting destinations to its visitors.
Ohara
Ohara, located in the northeastern part of Kyoto, is home to stunning mountain landscapes and ancient temples. The highlight of the area is the Sanzen-in Temple and the Jakko-in Temple.
Despite its mountainous geography, Ohara is also well known for its vegetables. Travelers can spend their time taking in the beautiful sights before resting at one of the cozy local restaurants and cafes.
Keihoku
Nestled in northern Kyoto, the Keihoku area is a haven of abundant nature. Throughout history, it served as a vital source of building materials for the Kyoto Imperial Palace, as well as a producer of various goods and foods for the court.
Today, Keihoku is often frequented by people interested in outdoor adventures, trying out local delicacies and lodging in farm stays.
Nishikyo
Nishikyo is located in western Kyoto, near the famous Arashiyama area. It is best known for having having the largest number of bamboo groves in Kyoto, as well as many beautiful shrines and temples, such as the Matsunoo Taisha Shrine and Yoshimine-dera Temple.
This district has put great effort in its cycling infrastructure, making it a prime location for a bicycle ride. Take your time exploring the breathtaking nature, Japan's one and only bamboo museum and the temple of the god of sake.