The Atlas Obscura Guide To

Kyoto

14 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Kyoto, Japan

Unusual
Attractions
in Kyoto

Sagano Bamboo Forest

The sound of swaying stalks in this stunning grove has been voted to be a governmentally recognized sound.

EricGrundhauser

Added by EricGrundhauser

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

The Ten Thousand "Torii" Shrine.

Added by bebeto

Nishiki Market

This 700-year-old street food market features baby octopus and soy donuts.

clairedinhut

Added by clairedinhut

Yokai Street

This neighborhood thoroughfare is haunted by dozens of homemade monsters.

Added by justinalanarnold

Sanjūsangen-dō

1001 carved statues of the Buddhist God of Mercy, each with a unique face.

Josh

Ryōan-ji

The quintessential Japanese rock garden has existed for more than 500 years.

journeylism

Added by journeylism

Tenryu-Ji Shrine's Bamboo trail

A beautiful bamboo trail tucked in this famous Japanese Shrine.

Added by bebeto

Mimizuka

Burial mound for the ears and noses of thousands of mutilated Korean soldiers.

Allison

Added by Allison

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Unique
Food & Drink
in Kyoto

Shojin Ryori

Gastro Obscura

Ritual & Medicinal

Shojin Ryori

Japan's traditional temple cuisine features meals that are nutritionally and visually balanced.

Gastro Obscura

Anne Ewbank

Added by Anne Ewbank

Saezuri

Gastro Obscura

Saezuri

In Japan, whale tongue is a disappearing delicacy.

Gastro Obscura

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Added by Leigh ChavezBush

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Stories
About Kyoto

Sneaky foxes like to rob Nagaokakyo residents' shoe racks.

Found: Foxes Stealing Shoes in Japan

And they would have gotten away with 40 pairs, if it weren't for the police.

by Christina Ayele Djossa

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