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.
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.
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.