Kyoto prefecture is full of shrines and temples with beautiful architecture and gorgeous natural landscapes, and similar to the rest of Japan, there are great food and shopping experiences here too. However if you want something truly unique to Kyoto, try one of these 4 activities to make the best of your visit here.
Enjoy a Meal Over a River
Want to enjoy the best of Kyoto’s nature and food at the same time? Try Kawadoko dining, where you’re eating on decks that are built over rivers. Open during the summer months, the restaurants that offer kawadoko meal experiences are perfect places to cool off, with the cool air of the natural environment around you and the crystal clear waters to dip your feet into.
These restaurants can be found in Kibune, a town in northern Kyoto. One such famous restaurant is Hirobun, which offers a truly unique experience. If you’re lucky, you’ll be sitting right across from a small waterfall, and in front of the table are long pipes where portions of soba noodles are sent down, ready for you to scoop them up and dunk them into the dipping sauce. However, be prepared for long queues and waiting times for this popular establishment.
You can find similar restaurants in Kamogawa as well, where such places are known as Kawayuka instead, and the platforms are built much higher above the water. While you might not be able to enjoy the cool rush of water, the Kawayuka dining experience gives you fantastic views of the Kamogawa River.
Go Monster Spotting Along a Japanese Street
In a neighbourhood away from the touristy spots, you’ll find Yokai Street. While there are no big shops or souvenirs stores here, with most of the shops catering to the locals of the neighbourhood, what makes this street so unique are the roughly 30 Yokai (monster) statues standing in front of the stores.
These quirky statues are made by the owners of the local business, and you’ll find a mishmash of proper sculptures and statues that were formed by bits and pieces of different materials, some cute, some weird, and some downright creepy. There’s not much to do along this street, so finding these strange creations makes for a quick activity if you want to take a break from all the sightseeing
Feed Monkeys on a Mountain
If you’re a big fan of nature and animals, be sure to make a trip to Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama. In this park, there are over a hundred Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, roaming the grounds. There is even a rest hut where you can buy food for the monkeys and feed them from the inside! Outside of the hut, there are still plenty of monkeys around, but be sure not to stare at them or to touch them. Also, the clever creatures are able to open your bags, so always keep an eye out for any cheeky monkeys.
Even if monkeys aren’t your thing, the hike up to the peak of the mountain is still worth a trip. After around 30 minutes of walking, you’ll be rewarded with a viewing platform that grants you the perfect panorama of Kyoto below.
Address: 8 Arashiyama Genrokuyama-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 616-0007
Opening Hours:
Spring and Summer (15th March - 30th September): 9am - 4:30pm
Autumn and Winter (1st October - 14th March): 9am - 4pm
Hours may change depending on prevailing weather conditions and movement of the monkeys
Admission:
Adults (16 and above) : 550 yen
Children (4 - 15): 250 yen
Children (3 and below): Free
Read from a Collection of 50,000 Manga
A fan of manga and anime? The Kyoto International Manga Museum has got you covered, with three floors of bookshelves holding 50,000 manga books that go as far back as 1970. What makes this museum so unique is that the books aren’t just for show; you’re able to read any of them and however many you want! Though most of the collection is in Japanese, there are English translations and other languages as well.
Seating isn’t limited to a certain area either; you can lounge on chairs and benches, plant yourself at a corner of the staircase, or even lie under the sun at the open field in front of the museum. Whichever way you choose to read, you’ll be sure to spend hours engrossed in your favourite stories.
As this is a museum, you’ll also be able to learn about the history of manga and how the medium has evolved over the decades. A permanent exhibition showcases not only original illustrations by various artists, but also plaster casts of the artists’ hand, solidifying their importance in the industry. There may also be live events, where the artists are invited to talk about their stories or do live drawings. Workshops are also available for you to have a more hands-on experience, and you can even have yourself drawn into an anime character!
If you’re feeling hungry after all the reading, be sure to drop by the cafe, which has a wall filled with drawings and autographs of famous manga artists. Also, don’t forget to drop by the gift shop to get some nice merchandise or even art supplies of your own!
Address: 452 Kinbukicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0846
Opening Hours:
Thursday - Tuesday: 10am - 6pm (Admission until 5:30pm)
Admission:
Adults: 800 yen
