A Week in Kyoto: Beyond the Temples

When most travelers think of Kyoto, their minds often go to the iconic golden pavilions, Zen gardens, and rows of vermilion torii gates. But step beyond the well-worn paths of Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari, and you’ll find a city layered with modern creativity, culinary mastery, and cultural nuance. Here’s how to spend a week exploring the other side of Kyoto — the side locals live and love.

Day 1: Check In and Chill Out in Kyoto Station Area

Start your journey by settling into a boutique hotel or a stylish machiya (traditional townhouse) near Kyoto Station. The area is often overlooked but offers some of the best transport connections and emerging café culture. For dinner, try Kyoto Ramen Koji on the station’s 10th floor — a food court showcasing regional ramen styles from all over Japan.

Day 2: Explore Hidden Alleys in Gion’s Backstreets

Skip the tourist-heavy Hanamikoji Street and walk further into the backstreets of Gion Shirakawa. You'll encounter lantern-lit alleys, preserved wooden teahouses, and the soft echo of geta sandals. In the evening, book a performance at Gion Corner to witness traditional arts like tea ceremony, koto music, and maiko dances in a digestible format.

Day 3: Dive into Kyoto’s Modern Art Scene

Spend a day exploring Kyoto’s modern and contemporary art scene. Start at the Kyoto International Manga Museum, then make your way to the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art in Okazaki Park. Don’t miss Kaikado Café, set inside a beautifully restored 1920s warehouse, offering excellent coffee and art books.

Day 4: Arashiyama — But Offbeat

While Arashiyama’s bamboo forest can get crowded, the area has quieter gems worth discovering. Take a morning walk along the lesser-known Sagano Scenic Railway or rent a bicycle to reach the tranquil Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, known for its hundreds of whimsical rakan statues. End your day with tofu kaiseki at Shoraian, nestled in the forested hills.

Day 5: Craft & Culture in Nishijin

Nishijin, the historic textile district, is home to Kyoto’s fabric artisans. Visit the Nishijin Textile Center or join a hands-on workshop to dye your own handkerchief or weave silk on a loom. The nearby Kyoto Seishu Netsuke Art Museum, located in a former samurai residence, is a small yet captivating stop.

Day 6: Day Trip to Uji or Kurama

Take a break from the city buzz with a short train ride to Uji, famed for its matcha culture. Visit Byodoin Temple (featured on the 10 yen coin) and sip high-grade matcha at Tsuchiya. Alternatively, head to Kurama in the northern mountains for an onsen bath and a hike through cedar forests to the sacred Kibune Shrine.

Day 7: Market Morning & Farewell Views

On your last day, start with breakfast at Nishiki Market, tasting everything from tamago-yaki skewers to yuba (tofu skin) sashimi. For a final memory, hike or take a cab to the Kiyomizu-dera temple in the early morning before the crowds, where you’ll catch panoramic views of the city below.

Kyoto isn’t just a living museum of Japan’s past; it’s a thriving city where heritage and innovation walk hand in hand. Venture beyond the temples and you’ll find a side of Kyoto that stays with you — in its quiet alleys, thoughtful crafts, and unforgettable flavors.