I have just had an amazing, short, first time visit to Kyoto, and am astounded at all of the things to see and do here. Dubbed as Japan’s cultural and traditional centre, I can tell you that you will have no shortage of activities to keep yourself busy. Here are my top 5 free things to do in Kyoto Japan, should you find yourself looking for ideas.
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Yes, this will most likely be on the top of everyone’s list. Not only is it free but it is seen so frequently on social media platforms. The bright orange torii gates are what bring most people to the site. While it is amazing to walk through these, I was overwhelmed by the number of tourists here, and did not really enjoy that part as much as I had anticipated.
What I will tell you is that there are a multitude of other things to see within this ancient complex. From shrines, to gardens, gates and ponds, and beautiful Japanese temples, take a picture of a map as you enter, and let yourself wander. You won’t regret the treasures that cross your path.
Nishiki Market
Located here, in a street that has been the hub of commerce for centuries, this covered street market is everything a Japanese foodie wants to be surrounded by. A somewhat small market, but for visitors wishing to see local food that is available at any given time of year, this is your one-stop shop.
View the bounty of the sea, butchers carefully carving kobe beef, the roasting of chestnuts and the curing of vegetables right before your eyes. All senses will be tingling as you marvel at the amazing food scene evolving right in front of you.
Kamo River
A beautiful shallow river that runs through the city of Kyoto. Along both sides at most points, is a wide esplanade or walkway. Here, especially on a sunny day you will see many people out walking, riding their bikes and having picnics along the picturesque river bank.
From any of the several bridges that cross, you can walk down to the river, and marvel at the scenery and natural beauty of the area. In the spring, blossoming cherry threes overhang and sway in the breeze. In the summer months, restaurants open up seating down here. An absolutely peaceful and lovely place to escape the crowds and have a slow saunter to bring on your zen.
Higashi Otani Cemetery
While I do make it a tradition to visit a cemetery in each place I visit, I don’t usually recommend these on my blogs of free things to do. However, Higashi Otani Cemetery offers to many things that I think it warrants a mention here.
Not only will you get to see how incredibly beautiful a Japanese cemetery is, but you will walk up the side of a hill doing so. Once at the top visitors will encounter stunning views of Kyoto city and the mountains beyond.
On your way down, have a lazy stroll back and forth through the rows of graves. Listen to the birds, take in the flowers and rare statues and marvel at the sheer size of this site. It might just be the largest cemetery you have ever seen.
Kiyamachi Dori
Or Kiyamachi Street in Kyoto. Unbenounced to you, you may have already seen pictures of this street, most commonly photographed in cherry blossom season. There is a canal that parallels the street, and over this, are a myriad of charming little bridges.
Kiyamachi Dori is actually comprised of three distinct sections. Most tourists only walk the middle, but traversing the entire length will allow you to see the beautiful history of Kyoto and its oldest port. There is a traditional cargo boat at one end, as well as the possible sighting of Takasegawa boats coasting up and down the canal.
Walk on the waterway side all the way up, then the street side back down. Here is where I saw my very first maiko, and wow, she took my breath away. Such a beautiful old part of the city to explore.
I could write and write about all of the things to see and do in Kyoto, they are endless. These were some of my very favourite ones and constitute most of my treasured memories from this visit. I hope you can enjoy these sites and so many more on your next visit to the cultural hub of Japan.
