10 ALTERNATIVES FOR CONSCIOUS TRAVELERS TO EXPERIENCE KYOTO
Kyoto is undoubtedly one of the most iconic cities in Japan. The rich historical and cultural heritage and the unique sense of tradition and modernity that exudes from the fusion of ancient and contemporary times make Kyoto stand out in the travel scenery as a one-of-a-kind world destination.
Conscious travelers who wish to explore Kyoto at a slower pace should consider these ten alternatives to boast an unforgettable travel experience by engaging all the senses.
However, it is not without its challenges, given that Japan and Kyoto, especially, have seen a massive surge in travelers in recent years. This fact has prompted the country to take significant actions to preserve its uniqueness, from its breathtaking natural scenery to the day-to-day lives of its citizens in major cities.
In today's fast-paced world, travelers who aim to travel more consciously and sustainably must reflect on the purpose of their trip according to personal interests and values before booking their next travel experience. It all comes down to one essential question: how can travelers who visit Japan contribute positively to the country and the environment?
In this new era of travel, it not only matters where one desires to travel but also how to travel consciously. Choosing quality over quantity is a fair starting point. In long-distance travel, staying longer in the selected destination will enhance the quality of the travel experience, allowing travelers to discover diverse parts of the country at a slower pace.
The recommendation is to spend at least three weeks traveling throughout Japan for a fully immersive travel experience, exploring various destinations from lesser-known locations to famous cities like Kyoto, especially for first-time visitors.
Plenty of information is available about what to do when visiting Kyoto, but not much when referring to lesser-known places that offer a distinctive and more personally enriching travel experience.
These are ten tried and tested alternative ways for conscious travelers to explore the vibrant city of Kyoto at a slower pace:
1) GET IMMERSED IN THE LOCAL ARTISTIC SCENE
Japan has a deep-rooted craftsmanship tradition. Due to its rich history and heritage, Kyoto has a lively and diverse artistic scene. Therefore, it is considered one of the country's most relevant art capitals.
Engaging with local artists while visiting Japan is one of the most genuine ways for travelers to immerse and learn how modern societies and art seamlessly blend through artisanship. Kyoto is home to several artists' workshops where visitors can experience their time-honored traditional handcraft techniques in pottery, paper fan making, and kimono tailoring, among other arts and crafts.
Within the well-known Arashiyama area in western Kyoto, with the emerald green waters of the Katsura River as a backdrop, travelers can visit the Yusai-tei gallery. The historic building, which dates back about 150 years, showcases artworks by the host Yusai. The artist developed the highly prised Yume-kôrozome, an innovative fabric dyeing technique that changes color in response to light. The beauty of the space is truly remarkable, and it is also a scenic spot for those who wish to appreciate the exceptional splendor of the surrounding nature in a leisurely way.
2) VISIT THE STUNNING KURAMA-DERA TEMPLE
Located in the far north of Kyoto, amidst the breathtaking Mount Kurama, the Kurama-dera temple has a distinct flair for its natural beauty, wilderness surroundings, and historical significance, which origins date back to the 8th century CE.
Kurama-dera is an unspoiled temple in Kyoto that is beloved by its inhabitants for quiet contemplation due to its remote location atop Mount Kurama, with its unparalleled views of the local wildlife. It is a popular place for spirituality and worship for Japanese people, which they visit on special occasions throughout the year.
Exploring Kurama is worth at least a half-day visit. It can be reached in about an hour from the north of Kyoto by train and funicular. Ascend to the Kurama-dera temple and contemplate an idyllic environment of stillness and silence.
3) ENJOY A BREAK IN A LOCAL CAFETERIA
Touring Kyoto also involves getting to know the varied food culture in the city. Besides restaurants, local cafeterias have assorted offerings with homemade specialties. Venturing outside the city center and finding a cafeteria that serves high-quality food and coffee in a meticulously designed and cozy space filled with the fragrant aroma of freshly brewed coffee feels like the ideal plan to enjoy a break, refuel, and continue discovering Kyoto.
Travelers can experience the delightful cafeteria Wife & Husband, located in the northern part of the city. Ikumi and Kyoichi, a couple passionate about coffee, antiques, and the art of picnicking, own and operate the coffee shop, which perfectly embodies the Wife & Husband concept. The menu features exceptional specialty coffee, delicious toasts, and cakes, enhancing the flavors of the Japanese philosophy of modern times.
4) DISCOVER THE SINGULAR TURTLE STEPPING STONES
The popular turtle-shaped concrete stepping stones carry a special meaning for its residents since they provide a unique river crossing in central Kyoto. These unusual 83 stepping stones, made of different sizes and forms, catch people's eye as they stroll along the Kamo River. Locals, especially younger ones, typically go to this area to unwind and play. Visitors can see them in a group of friends hopping from stone to stone to cross the river as quickly as possible.
The Turtle Stepping Stones is one of Kyoto's most characteristic views. Located at the confluence of the Kamo and Takano Rivers, this spot is known as the Kamogawa Delta since one can encounter a little peninsula of land between the two rivers. Soaking in the gentle sound of the water rushing around at this place can be a very soothing moment.
5) SLOW DOWN AND ENJOY DINNER AL FRESCO
After a day of exploring Kyoto, travelers might agree that there is nothing better than enjoying an evening stroll along the Kamo River as the sun sets. It is the ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, taking in some fresh air while listening to the sound of the river flowing.
Locals spend plenty of time around the Kamo River, especially in the warmer months of the year, as it holds deep cultural significance. Picnicking, walking, cycling, and dining al fresco in the restaurants overlooking the river are some of the most cherished activities. With its tranquil ambiance and captivating charm, the Kamo River is one of the most treasured and unmissable gathering places for locals and curious visitors.
6) EXPLORE THE PHILOSOPHER'S PATH & EIKANDO TEMPLE
Appreciate a contemplative walk along the Philosopher's Path, one of Kyoto's most picturesque paths in the northern part of the Higashiyama district. Slow down at the Eikando Temple, known as Zenrinji Temple, which is very close to the Philosopher's Path. Entering this Buddhist temple, founded in 853, feels like arriving in a little oasis of peace with several historic buildings surrounded by a lush pond garden.
Eikando Temple is worth a visit at any time of the year. However, the autumn foliage and colors make this place a truly sensory experience for travelers. One highlight of Eikando Temple is the Taho-to Pagoda, atop the hills within the temple complex, which offers stunning views of Kyoto city.
7) LEARN THE TRADITIONAL ART OF WASHI PAPER MAKING
Supporting small local businesses can also be an excellent opportunity to engage with Japanese culture, history, and customs. Washi paper is deeply appreciated by the Japanese and by people all over the world. Interested travelers can get familiar with its ancient origins, the labor-intensive extraction techniques, and the particular uses in art, interiors, and other crafts by visiting one of the many specialized washi paper ateliers in Kyoto.
A few-hour workshop is advisable for those who want to delve deeper into the world of washi paper handmaking. Today, only a few hundred families in rural regions continue to create washi paper the traditional way. Following an eco-friendly process from start to end, using natural fibers like mulberry (Kozo), and recycling all the water needed during the production, getting to know the time-honored washi paper production will make for a unique travel experience in Japan.
8) OPT FOR SMALL AND LOCAL ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodation plays a significant role in enjoying a more eco-conscious and exclusive vacation in Japan. Lodging in small hotels run by locals is a smart choice for travelers who want to experience Japanese hospitality and design while upholding local activities and Kyoto's cultural legacy.
Small, beautifully designed, and intimate hotels are the best option for conscious travelers looking to slow travel in Japan and leave a positive impact on local communities and the environment. Sustainable practices are in place to manage their environmental footprint in the best way possible while maintaining high standards for their guests' comfort and attentiveness.
Staying in a century-old Machiya in Kyoto, renovated to adapt to travelers' needs with top-notch finishes that combine traditional and contemporary design, will surely make for an unforgettable travel experience.
9) TOUR KYOTO ABOARD THE HISTORICAL RANDEN TRAM
The Randen tram is a lesser-known public transport network with two historic tram lines. These lines are fully functional and serve locals in their everyday lives. For travelers who want to enjoy a pleasant journey, they connect some areas west of Kyoto city through a scenic route. The lines are named Arashiyama and Kitano. From Shijo-Omiya Station to Arashiyama Station, the Arashiyama Line spans from east to west. The Kitano Line splits off at Katabiranotsuji Station from the Arashiyama Line and travels north to Kitano-Hakubaicho Station.
In its peculiar purple color, the Randen is today the only remaining piece of a network of tram lines that formerly connected the entire city. Thanks to the well-preserved Randen tram lines, local people feel proud to enjoy all the nostalgia and romanticism of older times in Kyoto. The private company Keifuku operates the historic line known as the Keifuku Randen Tram Line.
10) VENTURE OUT ON A DAY TRIP TO UJI
A day trip to the neighboring city of Uji, within the Kyoto prefecture, is an excellent alternative for travelers who want to focus on exploring lesser-known locations. A quick 20-minute train ride to the south of Kyoto will make visitors embark on a slow journey in Uji, a beautiful and well-preserved city with a unique Japanese vibe and a far smaller population than the lively Kyoto.
Uji is home to several historical locations gathered along the Uji-gawa River. Start exploring the Uji-bashi bridge, one of the oldest in Japan, and its green hills in the surroundings. Continue to Byodo-in Omotesando Street towards the Buddhist Byodo-in Temple, one of the two World Heritage locations in Uji constructed in 1053. With its intricated wooden structure that has stood the test of time since the Heian Period, the Byodo-in is one of Japan's most renowned temples. Travelers can spend some time wandering around the entire enclosure while taking in all the beauty of the magnificent temple and garden. Undoubtedly, there will be unexpected discoveries made along the route. The Ujigami Temple, another World Heritage Site in Uji, is located near the Byodo-in Temple and can be reached by a 10-minute walk across the river. Founded around 1060, it is one of the oldest standing temples in Japan.
For travelers who wish to get involved in the Japanese tea ceremony, Uji is one of the most emblematic places to revel in this centuries-old ritual. There are numerous places in Uji where guests can experience a private tea ceremony conducted by locals and visit one of the tea farms just outside the city. Learning about the origins of the traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, traced back to the 9th century CE, grinding the leaves of the different tea specialties with a stone grinder by hand, and seeing how they transform into the first-class scented green tea powder known as matcha is a recommended activity for tea-lovers. To cap it off, participating in the profound tea ceremony practice—which embodies the essence and flavors of Japanese culture— is genuinely a sensory experience worth engaging in when traveling in Japan.
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY: SENSORY TRAVEL
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