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.

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 16 Things to Do in Kyoto See All 16 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.

Are we missing a unique food or drink in Kyoto?

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Stories
About Kyoto

The Ghostly Japanese Fireball Spirits That Live On in Pokémon

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

by Sabrina Imbler

October 29, 2019

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.

October 11, 2019

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