[Kyoto] Philosopher’s Path: A Tranquil Stroll through Japan’s Scenic and Historic Heart

Kyoto is home to some of Japan’s most iconic temples, shrines, and scenic walks, but one of the most serene and contemplative routes is the Philosopher’s Path, known as Tetsugaku no Michi in Japanese. Running through the northern part of Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, this two-kilometer stone path follows a peaceful canal lined with hundreds of cherry blossom trees. The path is especially famous for its breathtaking sakura in spring, making it one of Kyoto’s most beloved spots for hanami (cherry blossom viewing). But regardless of the season, the Philosopher’s Path offers a tranquil walk through history and nature, providing visitors with a chance to experience the reflective atmosphere that inspired one of Japan’s greatest philosophers, Nishida Kitaro.

Kyoto

2025.07.06

[Kyoto] Experience Zazen Meditation, Kyoto Matcha Tea, and a Zen Garden Tour at Daisen-in Temple!

If you’re searching for an authentic Zen experience in Kyoto, Daisen-in Temple is one of the most tourist-friendly places to try zazen meditation in the ancient capital of Japan. Famous for its traditional Japanese architecture and beautifully preserved Japanese garden, Daisen-in offers visitors a chance to discover the art of meditation while exploring one of the country’s national treasures. Take the time to slow down, clear your mind, and experience true Zen in a deeply historical setting—an experience unique to Kyoto!

Kyoto

2025.06.22

[Kyoto] How to Travel Between Tokyo and Kyoto by Shinkansen, Bus and Flight

Tokyo and Kyoto are two of Japan’s most iconic cities, each offering a unique experience—one buzzing with futuristic urban energy, the other steeped in centuries of cultural tradition. For many international visitors, both cities are essential stops on a single itinerary, making efficient and reliable transportation a key part of the journey. If you're planning to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto by public transport, this guide breaks down the most popular options—such as the Shinkansen and highway buses—with travel times, costs and tips tailored for first-time visitors.

Kyoto

2025.06.14

[Kyoto] Gion Festival: Experience the Largest Summer Festival in Kyoto

Gion Festival (Gion Matsuri, 祇園祭り) is one of Japan most famous and historic festivals. Held every July in Kyoto, its long history dates more than 1100 years back, when it was first performed as a religious ceremony to calm and appease gods during an epidemic outbreak, and since then has evolved into a vibrant, month-long celebration deeply rooted in life of locals.

Kyoto

2025.05.18

[Kyoto] Explore Souvenirs at the Kyoto Handicraft Center, from Traditional to Modern Crafts

If you’re searching for the perfect souvenir to commemorate your trip to Kyoto, look no further than the Kyoto Handicraft Center! This comprehensive shopping and cultural experience spot has a wide selection of souvenirs, ranging from traditional crafts to modern artworks. In this article, we’ll delve into some of the many fascinating items you can find and purchase here, including popular souvenirs such as traditional furoshiki wrapping cloths, kokeshi dolls and other best-selling goods.

Kyoto

2025.05.13

[Kyoto] Say ‘Cheers’ in Kyoto! Sake Breweries in the City that Offer a Craft Beer Tasting Experience

[Kyoto] Experience cherry blossom season in Kyoto with these top 3 must-visit spots

[Kyoto] Take a Ride to the Kyoto Railway Museum and Discover the Amazing World of Trains!

Located just down the tracks from JR Kyoto Station, the Kyoto Railway Museum is a fantastic place to go for train lovers of all ages, or anyone with even a passing interest in Japan’s celebrated rail network. Here visitors can learn about the rich history and technological innovations of Japanese railways, with many large-scale and fun interactive exhibits designed to inform and entertain. The museum offers a real steam locomotive ‘SL Steam’ experience, along with a huge collection of original vehicles on display, plus moving models and train simulators – there is something for everyone!

Kyoto

2025.03.10

[Kyoto] Pontocho Alley in Kyoto: Kamo River Kawayuka Dining, Kamogawa Odori & More

Kyoto is a city where history and modernity coexist beautifully, and nowhere is this more evident than in Pontocho Alley. This atmospheric district, tucked between the Kamogawa River and a row of traditional machiya townhouses, is one of Kyoto’s most iconic geisha districts. Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable riverside dining experience during summertime, hoping to catch a glimpse of elegantly dressed maiko (apprentice geisha), or simply wanting to soak in the ambiance of Kyoto by night, Pontocho is the perfect place to start.

Kyoto

2025.02.15

[Kyoto] Kyoto’s All About Choice with Vegan and Gluten-free Ramen Options

[Kyoto] Meet the Japanese Monkeys of Kyoto in Arashiyama Monkey Park

Japanese monkeys, also known as Japanese macaques or snow monkeys, are a unique species that live exclusively on the Japanese archipelago, excluding Hokkaido and Okinawa prefectures. Among all the popular destinations across the country where tourists can observe wild Japanese monkeys, Arashiyama Monkey Park, peaked on Iwatayama Mountain in Kyoto is especially recommended for its breathtaking location, easy accessibility, and the unique opportunity to interact with the monkeys in their natural habitat. Set on a scenic hillside, the park offers stunning panoramic views of Kyoto, making it a perfect spot to combine wildlife observation with a bit of light hiking and photography.

Kyoto

2024.12.01

[Kyoto] Step Into the World of Samurai and Ninjas at SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM KYOTO With Experience

If you are planning a visit to Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, you will likely want to include some historical and cultural experiences in your itinerary. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply curious, don’t miss the SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM KYOTO With Experience. Located in Kawaramachi, this interactive museum offers a wide range of unique activities, from exploring an extensive collection of samurai displays to participating in immersive ninja experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

Kyoto

2024.11.29

[Kyoto] A Taste of Traditional Japanese Culture at Kyoto’s Gion Corner

Nestled in the heart of Gion, one of the most famous geisha districts in Kyoto, Gion Corner is a traditional Japanese performing arts show held in the Annex Theater of the city’s cultural venue Gion Kobu Kaburenjo. This unique program features seven traditional performing arts (six during wintertime), including an elegant Kyomai dance by maiko (apprentice geisha), an authentic chanoyu tea ceremony, and the intricate art of ikebana flower arrangement, and more. For Japanese culture lovers, this is the place where you can immerse yourself in the essence of Japanese heritage, whether exploring independently or with a group.

Kyoto

2024.11.14

[Kyoto] Breathtaking Seasonal Scenery from the Windows of Kyoto’s Sagano Romantic Train

Nestled between lush green mountains in western Kyoto, the Sagano Romantic Train is a unique locomotive designed specifically for sightseeing. This charming five-car passenger train runs along tracks that follow the scenic Arashiyama area and the winding Hozukyō Gorge, offering passengers stunning views of Kyoto's breathtaking natural landscapes.

Kyoto

2024.10.30

[Kyoto] Matcha Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto: Where and How to Make Your Own Matcha

A Taste You’ll Love—Uji Matcha.
This powdered green tea packs a punch! And its beloved throughout the world for the robust flavor it lends to various desserts and candies. But have you ever drunk a bowl of pure matcha? Better yet, have you ever tried it in Kyoto, a place renowned for the tea ceremony? 

The first record of tea drinking in Japan dates back to around 1,200 years ago, when the custom was introduced to the Japanese aristocracy by scholarly monks returning from China. It is believed that tea cultivation in Japan began around this time, and Zen Master Eisai (1141-1215), also known as Yōsai, played a significant role in popularizing tea in Japan during his lifetime. 

Over the years, tea consumption in Japan evolved into a cultural tradition known as the Japanese tea ceremony, also called sadō, chadō, or chanoyu. During the Muromachi period (1336-1573), tea ceremonies became a popular way for hosts to entertain guests through the meticulous preparation and presentation of tea, sweets, and sometimes meals.

Kyoto

2024.10.04