50 Things to Do in Kyoto

41. Eel and Rakugo at Kaneyo [Food & Drink]

Kaneyo is a well-respected eel restaurant on Shinkyougoku-dori. It's unagi donburi (a dish made of eel resting on rice) is made by grilling the eel with their treasured sauce that has been passed down for 100 years. They also have an original dish called "Kinshi-don," which is a dish with an egg on top of the eel. Once a month, they hold an event where you can enjoy rakugo (traditional comedic storytelling) as you eat your eel.

Japanese homepage: http://www.kyogokukaneyo.co.jp/info/

42. Pottery-making at Kashogama [Activity]

Kashogama has created pottery bowls and tea instruments for four generations at Sannenzaka in Kiyomizu, Kyoto. You can experience making your original tea cup or tableware using a pottery wheel, in approximately 30 minutes . Since they only allow a few people at a time, the friendly instructors can help you personally, so you can make your work of art in peace.

Japanese homepage: http://www.kashogama.com/school/index.html

43. Japanese liquor bar Takahashi　[Food & Drink]

This bar is a popular spot among adults, not far from the business district. You can enjoy an assortment of Japanese liquors, judged as the best by the bar master. The handwritten menu gives the bar a chic atmosphere. Many people also go to eat the soba noodles that the owner makes from buckwheat flour. It's a great place for travelers to go due to its calm atmosphere and its reasonable price.

Japanese gourmet website link: http://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260201/26004934/

44. World [Night Life]

At this club located in Kiya-machi, an area known for nightlife, you can enjoy dancing to music played by famous DJs. Often, famous people like celebrities and authors from Kyoto can be found here. The club is decorated artistically to resemble Europe in the Middle Ages. The age group of visitors is realatively high. If you want to experience Kyoto's nightlife, it's a spot you definitely should not miss.

Japanese homepage: http://world-kyoto.com/

45. Mamemo from Uragu Hacchi [Shopping]

This variety shop opened in Higashiyama Yasaka in 2013. They sell small items that are made as a suitable gift for  friends and families. An "umori" is a unique card with an envelope shaped like an amulet from a shrine that you can write your message on. Other items are like this "mamemo," a Japanese-style sticky note pad. You can spend hours in this adorable shop.

Japanese homepage: http://www.uragu.com/infomation/

46. Toei Uzumasa Eigamura (Toei Kyoto Studio Park) [Sightseeing Spots]

Photo by Tae-hyun Kim on Flickr

This theme park is a place where you can experience the world of historical plays through events and attractions. The arched bridge and the tea house were actually used as a part of a set for a historical movie. You can also take a commemorative photo with that as the scenery. There are events that will make you feel like you've gone back in time, such as experiencing being a ninja and courses on sword fighting. This park is very popular among children.

English homepage: http://www.toei-eigamura.com/en/

47. Yume Kobo's Oiran Experience [Activity]

Yume Kobo Staff's blog

"Oiran" were courtesans that entertained men in the red light district. Their beautiful outfits made them overflow with beauty and has become an aspiration for women nowadays. You can get dressed, have your hair and makeup done, and have a photography shoot for 5000 yen and up. 

Japanese homepage: http://www.kyoto-oiran.com/index.html

48. Otabe Dojo [Activity]

At the main store of the celebrated confectionery, Otabe, in the southern part of Kyoto, you can experience making sweets at their workshop. You can experience making nama-yatsuhashi, a type of sweet made with steamed ingredients wrapped in mochi and shaped into a triangle. You can also try many different flavors of yatsuhashi and look around the workshop. It's a perfect destination for a group tour.

Japanese homepage: http://otabe.dt-r.com/

49. Fushimi Sake Distilleries [Sightseeing Spots]

Fushimi is an area blessed with underground water, and thanks to that water's quality, it's become famous for sake production. Famous sake makers like Gekkeikan and Kizakura Kappa Kantori have their distilleries here. It's an ideal spot for people who like sake to taste different types of sakes. It's recommended to visit in fall as they open up private cellars that people usually can't visit.

Japanese homepage: http://www.fushimi.or.jp/

50.  Café Style Resort Sagano-yu [Food & Drink]

This cafe is a renovated bathhouse from the Taisho period. The bath tiles, mirrors, and shoe boxes were all left as they were, giving the place a nostalgic feel. The most popular items on the menu are the deluxe pancakes and the European-inspired curry. They also sell karinto (a type of fried dough snack) and original goods for souvenirs.

Japanese homepage: http://www.sagano-yu.com/

Bonus: Kimono & Yukata Rental

Photo by 2benny on Flickr

In Kyoto there are many stores where you can borrow kimono and yukata. They are located in Shijo/Gion, Kiyomizudera, Kyoto Station and Arashiyama.
Why don't you take a walk in kimono or yukaya as there are stores that help you not only with wearing kimono but also doing your hair?

List of Kimono/yukata rental shops whose information is available in English

Shijo/Gion

Yume Kyoto: http://www.yumekyoto-kimono.com/english/

Kyoto Gion-ya: http://kyoto-gionya.com/en.html

Kyoetsu Gion: http://kyoetsu-gion.com/en/

Teku Teku Kyoto: http://tekutekukyoto.com/en/

Bebeya: http://www.kyo-bebeya.jp/usa.html

Kyogokoro: http://kyogokoro.hotwire.jp/eng/index.html

Kiyomizudera

Okamoto: http://www.okamoto-kimono.com/english/index.html

Kyoto Station

Kimono Pro: http://kimono-pro.com/english.html

Arashiyama

Akahime: http://akahime.com/eng/

Ume Sakura: http://www.umesakura.net/english/

 

Are you inspired by the different charms that Kyoto reveals in each season? Kyoto is famous for being a city that many tourist repeatedly visit. You should come and visit Kyoto to find your own favourite spot

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