Interesting Things Do in Kyoto

Kyoto is probably the most interesting city to visit in Japan, with countless beautiful temples, gardens and shrines,and no less than 17 Unesco World Heritage sites! If you’ve read the book or watched the film Memoirs of a Geisha, then a visit to Kyoto is something you won’t want to miss. The movie was filmed here, and it was once the Imperial capital of Japan. In fact, compared to Tokyo, Kyoto has much more to see historically than manic capital, being a city resplendent with old-world charm.

With so many interesting things to see in Kyoto, one of the most popular things visitors do is to browse through the old Geisha districts, hoping to spot a geisha or two, no doubt. Working tea houses, shops and wooden townhouses give an authentic glimpse into the culture of the geishas, but do mind the proper etiquette here, as this is an important part of Japanese culture still at work. A good idea may be to take a walking tour with a guide, especially if you want to take photographs.

The old city is a beautiful as ever and remains somewhat resistant to change, so you are in for a treat in Kyoto for sampling traditional threatre, like Kabuki or taking part in local festivals, which are numerous. The lovely countryside around the city is also worth exploring, and when you feel like venturing out further, Kyoto is an excellent base for discovering nearby sites like Nara deer park and Nijo castle.