19 Things to Do in Kyoto Beyond Temples and the Bamboo Grove

Kyoto is often painted as a city of shrines, temples, and quiet gardens. While those are absolutely beautiful, there’s a whole other side to Kyoto that’s playful, hands-on, and full of surprises.

We’ve been visiting since our first trip back in 2013, and over the years, we’ve found cool and unique things to do in Kyoto that go way beyond the bamboo grove and temple-hopping.

From family-friendly workshops and rainy-day escapes to romantic couple experiences, anime fan favorites, and even a few fun things to do in Kyoto at night, these are the spots and activities that keep us coming back.

Things to Do in Kyoto with Kids and Families

Kyoto is more than temples and gardens, it’s also full of hands-on activities that kids and adults can enjoy together.

From creative workshops to scenic adventures, these are the kinds of experiences that make the city feel fun, personal, and memorable for the whole family.

1. Make Your Own Mini Tatami Mat

Tatami mats are one of the most recognizable parts of traditional Japanese interiors, and in this hands-on workshop, you get to make your very own mini version to take home.

Under the guidance of skilled Kyoto artisans, you’ll first learn the history and cultural importance of tatami in Japanese homes, then roll up your sleeves to craft one yourself. The process is simple but meaningful, connecting you to a craft that has been passed down for generations.

This is still the activity we talk about every time Kyoto comes up…and for good reason. You’ll walk away with a beautiful, handmade souvenir that carries both your effort and a little piece of Kyoto’s heritage.

2. Become a Samurai for a Day

Step into Kyoto’s warrior past with an experience that’s part history lesson, part epic dress-up. You’ll suit up in authentic samurai armor, learn basic sword techniques, and try traditional combat stances under the guidance of skilled instructors.

It’s easy for beginners, fun for kids, and quite immersive for adults too. Plus, the photos you’ll take home will look like you stepped straight out of a historical drama.

3. Take a Scenic Hozugawa River Boat Ride

If you’re looking for a fun way to soak in Kyoto’s natural beauty, the Hozugawa River boat ride is hard to beat. This 16-kilometer journey flows from Kameoka to Arashiyama, winding past forested hills, unique rock formations, and the occasional heron or kingfisher.

The trip is run by skilled boatmen who not only navigate the changing currents but also keep things lively with local stories, jokes, and historical tidbits along the way.

The ride lasts about two hours and changes with the seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greens in summer, fiery foliage in autumn, and a serene, frosty charm in winter.

It’s a family-friendly ride that blends scenery, culture, and a touch of thrill when the river gets a little wilder.

4. Ride the Sagano Romantic Train

If you want to make the Hozugawa River trip even more special, pair it with a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train.

This retro train winds through the Hozugawa River valley, with sweeping views of mountains, forests, and the river below.

The open-air cars make it easy to soak in the scenery, which changes dramatically with the seasons.

It’s a slow, scenic ride that feels worlds away from the rush of central Kyoto, and it’s a great lead-in to your boat journey down the river.

5. Join a Kyoto Night Tour with Geisha Insights

Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, has a completely different atmosphere once the sun sets. The lanterns glow, the streets quiet down, and the air feels thick with history and mystery.

On this guided evening tour, you’ll wander through Gion’s narrow lanes while learning about the history, traditions, and daily life of geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha).

If you’re lucky, you might even spot a maiko hurrying between appointments. It’s a beautiful way to see a side of Kyoto that many visitors miss, and a memorable end to your day.

6. Make Your Own Miniature Kawaii Food at Bonchi Kyoto

If you’ve ever stopped in front of a restaurant in Japan and stared at the hyper-realistic plastic food in the window, this is your chance to make your own, in miniature, kawaii style.

At Bonchi Kyoto, you’ll join a hands-on workshop led by Mayuka, an expert in the art of fake food who also happens to be a fantastic storyteller. She’ll walk you through creating adorable, hyper-detailed pieces like tiny bowls of ramen or picture-perfect parfaits.

It’s creative, surprisingly relaxing, and one of the best things to do in Kyoto with kids because everyone gets to make something fun to take home as a souvenir.

Things to Do in Kyoto When It Rains

Kyoto might be best known for its outdoor sights, but rainy days don’t have to put your plans on hold. The city is full of indoor attractions and unique experiences that will keep you entertained while staying dry.

7. Try a Knife Making Experience

Rainy days are perfect for slowing down and trying out a new craft, and in Kyoto, you can try your hand at forging a traditional Japanese knife.

At this workshop, you’ll change into a traditional blacksmith outfit and learn the basics of knife-making from skilled artisans. The focus here is on “forging,” the essential process that shapes the blade, so even complete beginners can follow along.

In just a couple of hours, you’ll go from a raw piece of metal to a finished blade that’s sharp, functional, and completely your own.

It’s a rare chance to make something you’ll actually use back home, and it comes with a deeper appreciation for Kyoto’s long-standing metalworking traditions.

8. Hang Out in Kyoto Station

Kyoto Station isn’t just a transport hub where you get in and out, it’s practically a small city within a city. On a rainy day, you can easily spend hours here exploring its many shops, restaurants, and hidden viewpoints.

Browse Japanese fashion brands, pick up Kyoto-themed souvenirs, or indulge in a multi-course meal without ever stepping outside.

Don’t miss the station’s rooftop garden and skywalk for panoramic city views: the covered walkway keeps you dry while still giving you that scenic fix.

It’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy the city when the weather isn’t cooperating, and you’ll probably forget you’re in a train station at all.

9. Visit the Kyoto Railway Museum

If you’ve ever been curious about Japan’s world-famous rail system, the Kyoto Railway Museum is the perfect place to go (cue the excited screams from Sheldon Cooper lol).

From gleaming Shinkansen bullet trains to vintage steam locomotives, the exhibits cover over a century of rail history in Japan.

You can step inside the trains, watch intricate model railways in action, and even try your hand at driving a train through a realistic simulator. The museum blends nostalgia with cutting-edge tech, making it a hit with both kids and adults.

It’s a surprisingly fun and interactive way to spend a rainy afternoon, and you’ll probably walk out with a new appreciation for Japan’s train culture.

Things to Do in Kyoto for Anime Fans

Kyoto might be famous for its shrines, gardens, and tea houses, but it also has a quieter otaku side worth checking out. From one of Japan’s best manga collections to spots that mix tradition with pop culture, anime lovers can still find plenty to enjoy between temple visits.

That said, if you’re hunting for non-stop anime experiences, Tokyo is where it’s at…we’ve even put together our full guide to things to do in Tokyo for anime fans.

10. Explore the Kyoto International Manga Museum

If you love manga, this place will feel like paradise. The Kyoto International Manga Museum is home to the famous “Wall of Manga,” an impressive display of around 50,000 volumes you can actually take off the shelf and read.

There’s also a Manga Expo corner featuring translated works from around the world, so even if your Japanese isn’t fluent, you can still go deep into the stories.

The permanent exhibitions walk you through the history of manga, from its early roots to modern trends, and the museum shop is packed with over 3,000 manga and anime-related goods.

It’s a calm, cozy escape where you can spend an hour or an entire afternoon just soaking in Japan’s manga culture.

Bonus: admission is free on November 25 for Kansai Culture Day.

Things to Do in Kyoto for Couples

Kyoto is already one of the most romantic cities in Japan, with its lantern-lit streets, peaceful gardens, and centuries-old tea houses.

But beyond the usual sightseeing, there are unique activities here that are perfect for two: whether you’re looking to unwind together, try something new, or just soak in the city’s timeless warm bath.

11. Relax at Fufu no Yu Onsen

Tucked away in Arashiyama, Fufu no Yu Onsen is the perfect couples’ escape after a day of sightseeing. The onsen has open-air baths framed by a small Zen garden, plus indoor pools, a steam room, a sauna, and even a cold plunge for the brave.

The mineral-rich waters are known for their soothing properties, melting away sore muscles and leaving you feeling refreshed. It’s quiet, calming, and a great way to slow down together before diving back into Kyoto’s busy streets.

12. Stay at a Machiya

For a romantic Kyoto stay that feels straight out of history, book a night in a machiya: a beautifully restored traditional townhouse. With their wooden facades, sliding doors, and tatami rooms, these homes capture the charm of old Kyoto while offering modern comforts.

Many machiya are tucked away in quiet neighborhoods, so you can wake up to the sound of rustling leaves instead of city traffic.

If you are looking for a traditional machiya that’s charming and affordable, our top pick is the Kyo-Machiya, just 6 minutes from Karasuma Station.

13. Enjoy Yudofu

Yudofu, or hot tofu stew, is a Kyoto specialty with roots in temple cuisine. Made with the region’s famously pure water, the tofu is delicate, silky, and full of subtle flavor.

One of the best ways to enjoy it is at a traditional Kyoto restaurant with a garden view, where the serene atmosphere matches the simplicity of the dish. It’s a slow, calming meal that feels worlds away from the rush of sightseeing, making it perfect for a peaceful lunch or dinner together.

If you are in the Arashiyama area, stop at Sagano Yudofu for a nice warm lunch!

14. Join a Tea Ceremony in Kiyomizu

Try a traditional tea house in Kiyomizu and experience the art of Japanese tea firsthand. You’ll be welcomed into a serene space overlooking a perfectly kept garden, then watch as a tea master prepares matcha with precise, graceful movements.

After the demonstration, you’ll learn how to whisk and brew your own bowl of matcha, pairing it with a delicate Japanese sweet. It’s quiet, mindful, and a beautiful way to share a moment together, and you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for this centuries-old tradition.

15. Meet a Geisha Maiko and Explore Gion

Gion is Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, and seeing it with a local guide takes the experience to another level. On this walking tour, you’ll explore its narrow streets lined with teahouses, lantern-lit alleys, and traditional wooden machiya townhouses.

The highlight is meeting a maiko (an apprentice geisha) in person. You’ll get to watch a short performance, chat with her and a former geiko, and even take photos together.

Hearing their stories firsthand gives you a rare, authentic glimpse into a world that most visitors only see from a distance. It’s intimate, memorable, and a perfect way to wrap up your day in Gion.

16. Take an Arashiyama Rickshaw Ride

Exploring Arashiyama is magical on foot, but seeing it from a rickshaw makes it feel even more special. Your driver takes you through the famous Bamboo Grove, along quiet backstreets, and even down an exclusive path reserved just for rickshaws.

You’ll stop for photos at spots like Nonomiya Shrine, and if you go early in the morning, you can enjoy the scenery without the heavy crowds.

It’s a slow-paced way to see one of Kyoto’s most beautiful districts, and it’s especially romantic when you’re bundled together in the seat.

Day Trips and Scenic Spots to Explore from Kyoto

Kyoto’s charm doesn’t stop at its city limits. Just a short train or bus ride away, you can find tea fields, quiet fishing villages, and coastal views that feel like a completely different world.

These day trips and scenic spots are perfect for mixing up your Kyoto itinerary while still keeping that blend of culture, history, and gorgeous landscapes.

17. Travel to Uji and Enjoy a Matcha Grinding Experience

Just 20 minutes from Kyoto, Uji is Japan’s matcha capital, and there’s no better place to enjoy the world of green tea.

At Chazuna, you can take part in a hands-on matcha grinding workshop, using a traditional stone mill to slowly turn tea leaves into the fine, fragrant powder Kyoto is famous for.

Between the smell of freshly ground tea, the peaceful garden views, and the chance to taste your creation, it’s a sensory experience from start to finish.

You’ll also learn about Uji’s tea history and production process, making this more than just a tasting.

18. Explore Arashiyama Beyond the Bamboo Grove

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove might be the star attraction, but the whole area is worth spending half a day (or more) exploring.

Once you’ve walked through the towering bamboo stalks, you can wander to the Katsura River for peaceful water views, cross the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, or hike up to the Iwatayama Monkey Park for panoramic city views and a close-up look at the park’s friendly residents.

Along the way, you’ll find charming streets lined with traditional shops and cafes, perfect for a snack break or souvenir hunt.

Here’s our more detailed guide on things to do in Arashiyama.

19. Take a Day Trip to Amanohashidate and Ine

If you’re up for a full-day adventure, Amanohashidate and Ine offer some of the most unique scenery near Kyoto.

Amanohashidate is known as one of Japan’s three most scenic views: a narrow sandbar lined with pine trees that stretches across the bay like a natural bridge. You can walk or bike across it, or take the chairlift up to a viewpoint for the famous “upside-down” view.

From there, head to Ine, a quiet fishing village where traditional funaya houses line the water’s edge. These unique boat houses have been used for centuries, with the first floor serving as a boat garage and the second as a home.

Conclusion

Kyoto has so much more to offer than its temples and the picture-perfect bamboo grove.

From hands-on matcha experiences in Uji to scenic coastal escapes, and from meeting a maiko in Gion to wandering through charming riverside towns, these spots add depth and variety to your trip.

They’re the kind of places and moments that balance Kyoto’s famous landmarks with more personal, memorable experiences…the ones you’ll be talking about long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase.