Does anyone know of any hidden gems in Kyoto that only locals know about?

Question

Of course we will visit all of the temples and shrines. Is there any other activities that we should try?

Answer 1

♡I don't know if my suggestions would be considered 'hidden gems' to you, but they are things I totally enjoyed in Kyoto...You might want to take a ride on a 'rickshaw' and see some of beautiful Kyoto that way, it's an unforgettable experience!
http://cale.pancakesanddreams.com/Japan/Kyoto/Second_Trip/Rickshaw_with_Kyoto_Mountains.jpg
http://www.caringkiwi.com/japan/archives/Rickshaw.JPG
You must visit 'Gion Corner', "One of Kyoto's pride is its various traditional arts and entertainments that have been cherished in eternal history and tradition. Gion is the most precious district in Kyoto where history and tradition are surely still preserved, and that is where Gion Corner is. Since 1962, Gion Corner is a popular night spot where tourists can experience an overview of 7 kinds of Japanese traditional arts and entertainment in single setting: Kyoto style Dance, Flower Arrangement, Tea Ceremony, Japanese Harp, Comic Play, Court Music and Puppet Play."
http://kyotoguide.com/gion_corner/index.html
You should try a local favorite food: 'Obanzai &Tofu Ryori':
http://www.pref.kyoto.jp/visitkyoto/en/theme/dining/tofu/
And have a delicious and refreshing 'kakigori' (Japanese shaved ice with many delicious flavors):
http://www.nakamuraken.co.jp/img/menu/kakigori00.jpg
If you're traveling with a lady friend you could treat her to 'dressing up in traditional kimono' and (you can too!) and have your picture taken, a real treat and great memory of Japan:
http://www.yumeyakata.com/eng/index.html
Hope this helps! I love Kyoto and have done all of the above!♡

Answer 2

Well, there's this really great sushi place in south Kyoto. It's like giant sushi. It's really great. I can ask my fiance for the phone number and address, if you know how to get around. I hope so. Traffic in Kyoto really sucks. don't listen to that other person. All those places are famous, many are on the World Heritage list. Those aren't "hidden gems." Those are famous places. I went to the Golden Temple on my first trip. The Silver Pavilion is an ugly brown building. Very boring. You can go to Kokedera (Saiho-ji, Moss Temple in English). It's very beautiful, but you can only go there by appointment sent by post card. It's kind of a pain, but it's such a beautiful place. They only let a few people in every day. Another really nice temple is Byoudou-in in Uji, it's just to the southeast of Kyoto, but considered part of Kyoto. That's a really nice place too. There's a really nice Onsen in Kameoka to the west of Kyoto too, as well as many in Arashiyama. If you want more info, just send an email to my username at Yahoo. I hope you have great time in Japan. Kyoto is an interesting place, it's very beautiful and very ugly at the same time. Still, it's a great place to go. I strongly suggest not driving there. It's really bad in Kyoto. The rest of the Kansai area is fine, but Kyoto really sucks.

That sushi place is called 舌叫(Zekkyo), but she doesn't know the address. Sorry. It's in the south part of Kyoto. If you can find it, and get past the cigarette smoke, then I am certain you will love it. I hate smoking and I was fine. It's really a great place. No English though. You might want to find a cute local girl to help you out and you can invite her. It might be fun.

Just remembered something else, the building on the back of the ten yen coin (looks like a cross between a penny and a quarter) is Byoudou-in in Uji. You can take a look when you get there. It's a really great place, but don't go during summer. Too many bugs.

Answer 3

I found the Golden Pavillion to be very nice, but all the temples are great and fairly inexpensive to go in. Most sit on the subway lines, so it's easy to get around.

You can take a local train from Kyoto to Osaka for 500 yen, about $5 US. The ride is 45 minutes and well worth a visit. Osaka is the "New" city. People in this region are very friendly and most speak english, just ask: Eigo-ga dekimas-ka?

CoCo's has the BEST curry of anyplace, and you have to try thier flat bread called Nan.

Just enjoy your visit, that whole area is just fun to explore. The best time to go is during the Cherry Blossom festival when all the Cherry Trees are in bloom, but you will still enjoy it anytime of the year.

Answer 4

Kiyomizu-dera, a magnificent wooden temple supported by pillars off the slope of a mountain;
Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion;
Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion;
Heian Jingu, a Shinto shrine celebrating the Imperial family (built in 1895)
Ryoan-ji, famous for its rock garden
Shunkoin Temple
Kyoto Imperial Palace, home of the Emperors of Japan for many centuries;
Katsura Imperial Villa, one of Japan's finest architectural treasures;
Shugaku-in Imperial Villa, one of Japan's best Japanese gardens

Festivals
Aoi Matsuri - 15 May
Gion Matsuri - June-July, culminating in a massive parade on 17 July
Gozan Okuribi - 16 August
Jidai Matsuri - 22 October

Answer 5

I don't know exactly what Americans like. I recommend 'ukai'. You can see it in Arashiyama and Uji-city that is next to Kyoto-city. But it is performed only in summer, July to September. See the site below if you don't know what 'ukai' is.

Ukai Cormorant Fishing
http://phototravels.net/japan/ukai-cormorant-fishing.html

Answer 6

Some temples has annex or small museum of secret and historical gems which can be disclosed to the public.
However, not all temples has it. and those are not always open.
I don't know which temple has that annexes.

Answer 7

the hidden germs will stay hidden until someone has a problem with them, so just be cautious, but i doubt anything is harmful

Answer 8

Ask the locals silly!