16 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.

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

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji

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

kyednock25

Added by kyednock25

See All 16 Things to Do in Kyoto See All 16 Places

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

Leigh ChavezBush

Added by Leigh ChavezBush

Are we missing a unique food or drink in Kyoto?

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Stories
About Kyoto

A flirty tanuki, or racoon dog, crafted by artist Masatami in the late 18th century.

These Cheeky Statuettes Were Part of Edo-Era Japan’s Answer to Pockets

Ornate netsuke were practical status symbols.

by Sabrina Imbler

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