24 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 24 Things to Do in Kyoto See All 24 Places

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Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Kyoto

Nishiki Market

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

Starbucks Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya

This Kyoto Starbucks takes coffee drinkers back in time.

Honke Owariya

One of Kyoto's oldest food establishments has supplied soba noodles to temple priests and the Imperial Palace.

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Stories About Kyoto

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

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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

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