17 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.

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

The Ten Thousand "Torii" Shrine.

Nishiki Market

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

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 17 Things to Do in Kyoto See All 17 Places

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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Stories
About Kyoto

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The digital descendants of 'yōkai' can be spotted in many Japanese games.

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A baker makes fortune cookies at Hougyokudo in Kyoto, Japan.

The Japanese Bakeries Still Selling Fortune Cookies

Although widely considered Chinese American, the well-known treat was invented in Japan.

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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.

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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