Kyoto & Nara

Fushimi Inari-Taisha is Japan's most famous shrine — and the country's most visited destination. Over 10,000 vermilion Torii gates form winding tunnels up the 233-meter-high Inari Mountain. The ascent through the endless gates is surreal, meditative, and one of the most unforgettable experiences in all of Asia.

The shrine is dedicated to the Shinto god Inari — the god of rice, fertility, and business success. Each of the thousands of Torii was donated by a company or individual — the inscriptions on the back name the donor and date. A small Torii costs ¥400,000 (~€2,500), the large ones over ¥1,000,000.

The path leads over several viewpoints and intermediate shrines to the top. The most famous passage is the Senbon Torii (Thousand Torii) directly behind the main shrine — here the gates are so close together that hardly any light penetrates. The entire circuit over the summit takes 2–3 hours (4 km), but most tourists turn back after 20–30 minutes — those who continue have the upper half almost to themselves.

At the foot of the mountain stand Kitsune (fox statues) — the messengers of the god Inari. Many wear a red bib and have a key or a rice ear in their mouths. The fox masks and Inari sushi (rice filled in tofu pockets) at the stalls at the entrance are must-have souvenirs.

The Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺, Golden Pavilion) is Kyoto's most iconic building — a three-story pavilion, the upper two floors of which are completely covered in real gold leaf and perfectly reflected in the tranquil pond in front of it. The image is world-famous and looks just as breathtaking in reality as it does in photos.

The history is dramatic: Originally built in 1397 as a retirement villa for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the pavilion was burned down in 1950 by a deranged monk — an act that inspired the writer Yukio Mishima to write his novel "The Temple of the Golden Pavilion." The current reconstruction dates from 1955 and was restored with new gold leaf in 1987.

Each floor has a different architectural style: The first floor (Shinden-zukuri) in the style of Heian aristocracy, the second (Bukke-zukuri) in samurai style, the third (Karayō) in Chinese Zen style — topped with a golden phoenix. The surrounding garden is a masterpiece of Japanese landscape design: arranged rocks, pine islands, and the perfect composition of water, greenery, and gold.

In winter, when snow lies on the golden roof, it creates one of Japan's most magical images — Yukigeshiki (snow landscape). Autumn with red maple behind the golden pavilion is also spectacular.

The Bamboo Grove of Arashiyama (嵐山竹林の小径) is one of Japan's most magical places — a path through a grove of towering bamboo stalks that close above you, creating a rustling, creaking sound in the wind, which the Japanese government has officially designated as a "Soundscape" (Nihon no Oto Fūkei).

The main path is only 400 meters long — short but overwhelming. The light filtering through the dense bamboo stalks creates an unreal, green glow. At the end of the path lies the Ōkōchi Sansō, the villa garden of a famous silent film actor (¥1,000, including matcha) — an underrated gem with breathtaking views over Kyoto and the mountains.

Arashiyama is more than just the bamboo grove. The entire district at the foot of the western mountains is full of highlights:

• Tenryū-ji: One of Kyoto's most important Zen temples (UNESCO World Heritage), with an exquisite 14th-century garden. ¥500 garden, ¥800 with building.
• Togetsukyo Bridge: The iconic bridge over the Katsura River — especially photogenic with the mountain in the background.
• Iwatayama Monkey Park: 120 Japanese macaques on a hill. 15-minute climb, then feed the monkeys with a view over Kyoto (¥550).
• Sagano Scenic Railway: Nostalgic train ride through the Hozukyō Valley (25 min., ¥880). Particularly spectacular during cherry blossom and autumn foliage season.

Gion (祇園) is Kyoto's most famous Geisha district — a labyrinth of wooden Machiya houses, teahouses (Ochaya), lanterns, and cobblestone streets, where time seems to have stood still. Here live and work the Geiko (Kyoto's word for Geisha) and their apprentices, the Maiko.

The best chance to see a Geiko or Maiko is in Hanami-koji, Gion's main street, in the evening between 5:30 and 6:30 PM, when they rush to their appointments in the teahouses. They wear elaborate kimonos, white makeup, and intricate hairstyles. Please remain respectful: do not block their path, do not touch, do not photograph without permission. Since 2024, strict photography bans apply in some alleys.

The Shirakawa area north of Shijo-dōri is Gion's most picturesque corner — a narrow canal lined with willow trees and traditional wooden houses with lanterns. In the evening, the atmosphere is enchanting. During cherry blossom season, the most beautiful trees in Kyoto stand here.

For a true Geisha experience: Some venues offer Geiko evenings for tourists — performances of traditional dances, drinking games, and conversations (with interpreter). Cost: ¥20,000–50,000 per person. Cheaper: The Gion Corner offers a daily one-hour summary of traditional arts (tea ceremony, Ikebana, Koto music, Bunraku puppet theater, Kyomai dance) for ¥5,000.

Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺, Temple of Pure Water) is one of Japan's most impressive temples — famous for its massive wooden platform that floats 13 meters above the hillside forest, offering a breathtaking panoramic view over Kyoto. The special feature: The platform was built in the 17th century without a single nail from 139 pillars and crossbeams.

The name comes from the Otowa Waterfall at the foot of the temple — three streams fall into a basin, and visitors catch the water with long sticks: one for health, one for success, one for love. Drink from only one — those who drink from all three are considered greedy.

The path to the temple leads through the steep, atmospheric alleys Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka — lined with traditional shops, candy stores, and teahouses in wooden Machiya houses. Here you will also find the famous Starbucks in a Machiya — a photo highlight.

Twice a year (spring and autumn) the Night Illumination takes place — the temple and the surrounding trees are bathed in blue and red light. In autumn, when the red maple covers the slope, Kiyomizu-dera is one of the most beautiful places in Japan.

Nara was Japan's first permanent capital (710–784) and today is a perfect day trip from Kyoto (45 min. by train, ¥720). The main attraction: Over 1,200 semi-tame Sika deer roaming freely through Nara Park and the temple grounds — they are protected as "messengers of the gods" and can be fed with special deer crackers (Shika Senbei, ¥200).

At the heart of the park stands the Tōdai-ji (東大寺, Great Eastern Temple) — a colossus of architecture. The main hall (Daibutsuden) is the largest wooden building in the world, and inside sits the Great Buddha (Daibutsu): A 15-meter-high, 500-ton bronze statue from the 8th century. The sheer size is overwhelming — photos cannot capture the dimensions.

Behind the Daibutsu, there is a pillar with a hole the size of a nostril of the Buddha statue. Crawling through it guarantees enlightenment in the next life — the queue for it is long but entertaining to watch.

Other highlights in Nara:

• Kasuga-Taisha: Shinto shrine with over 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns — all lit simultaneously in February and August (Mantoro Festival). UNESCO World Heritage.
• Kōfuku-ji: Temple with a five-story pagoda (50 m) — Nara's landmark, especially photogenic at night.
• Naramachi: Old town district with traditional Machiya houses, sake breweries, and cozy cafés.

The Japanese Tea Ceremony (茶道, Chadō — "Way of Tea") is much more than drinking tea — it is a meditative art form practiced since the 16th century. Every movement, every gesture, the choice of tea bowl, the arrangement of flowers in the room — everything follows a centuries-old choreography based on the Zen principles of Harmony, Respect, Purity, and Tranquility (Wa, Kei, Sei, Jaku).

In Kyoto, there are numerous opportunities to participate in a tea ceremony — from tourist short versions (30 min., from ¥2,000) to authentic experiences in private teahouses (60–90 min., ¥5,000–15,000). The best places:

• En: Tea ceremony in English in a historic Machiya house. 45 min., ¥3,500. Personal and authentic.
• Camellia Teahouse: In a 100-year-old house near Kinkaku-ji. In English, ¥2,500.
• Jotokuji Temple: Genuine ceremony in a Zen temple, less touristy. ¥5,000.

Procedure of a Ceremony: You enter the tea room through a low entrance (all are equal — symbolic humility), admire the calligraphy scroll and flower arrangement, kneel on tatami mats. The tea master prepares Matcha — the bright green of the powder, the whisking with the bamboo whisk (Chasen), the gentle aroma. You receive a sweet (Wagashi) beforehand, then the tea bowl. Turn the bowl twice in your hand before drinking — this is basic etiquette.

Kyoto's cuisine is Japan's most elegant — refined over centuries as an imperial city. Here are the key culinary experiences:

Kaiseki — Japanese Haute Cuisine

Kaiseki (懐石) is Japan's highest form of culinary art — a multi-course meal (7–14 courses) that combines seasonality, aesthetics, and perfection. Each course is a small work of art on hand-thrown ceramics. In Kyoto from ¥8,000 for a lunch menu, evenings ¥15,000–40,000. The experience is worth the price.

Yudofu — Tofu in Hot Broth

Kyoto's tofu is considered the best in Japan — thanks to the soft water from the mountains. Yudofu (湯豆腐) is simple boiled tofu in Kombu broth, but the quality of the tofu makes it special. Best at Junsei or Okutan (since 1635!) near Nanzen-ji.

Matcha & Wagashi

Kyoto is Japan's matcha capital. The Uji region south of Kyoto produces the country's best tea. Matcha latte, matcha ice cream, matcha tiramisu — all in a quality you never get at home. Plus Wagashi: artistic Japanese sweets that look like small sculptures.

Nishiki Market

Kyoto's "kitchen" — a 400-meter-long covered market with over 100 stalls: pickled vegetables (Tsukemono), fresh tofu, matcha mochi, grilled squid skewers, sake samples. ¥300–500 per snack, a walkthrough takes 1–2 hours.