22 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Kyoto - Atlas Obscura

Unusual Attractions in Kyoto

Sagano Bamboo Forest

The sound of swaying stalks in this stunning grove has been named a governmentally recognized sound.

Nishiki Market

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

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

The Ten Thousand "Torii" Shrine.

Yokai Street

This neighborhood thoroughfare is haunted by dozens of homemade monsters.

Sanjūsangen-dō

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

Ryōan-ji

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

Tenryu-Ji Shrine's Bamboo trail

A beautiful bamboo trail tucked in this famous Japanese Shrine.

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji

Twelve hundred stone carvings guard this off-the-beaten-path Buddhist temple.

See All 22 Things to Do in Kyoto See All 22 Places

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Tea picking and Hiking in Wazuka Kyoto

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Unique Food & Drink in Kyoto

Shojin Ryori

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

Saezuri

In Japan, whale tongue is a disappearing delicacy.

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