A Mini Trip to Kyoto: 8 "Kyoto Experiences" to Discover at Once

By Chen Guanxin, compiled and reported by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network

 

This summer, if you're planning a trip to Kyoto with family and friends, besides visiting famous sights like Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, and Nijo Castle, would you like to try something a bit different yet full of authentic "Kyoto flavor"? Then why not hop on a scenic small train, experience traditional Japanese incense and tea ceremonies, stay in a geisha's home, and taste classic old-style Kyoto sushi — immerse yourself in a mini Kyoto trip that delights all five senses.

The national treasure-level, over 400-year-old store Gyokudo is dedicated to promoting and popularizing the incense ceremony. On the third floor of its main store, it has opened an incense ceremony experience classroom aimed at the general public. This kind of incense ceremony experience classroom is quite rare not only in Kyoto but also throughout Japan. Before starting the incense-smelling game, there is also a 30-minute introduction to the history of the incense ceremony.

 

[INFO]

Address: Horikawa-dori, Nishihonganji-mae, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

Phone: 075-371-0162

Established in 2011, Aoi KYOTO STAY is a machiya (traditional townhouse) lodging group. Although it's a relatively young company, it has been involved in the related industry for nearly ten years and has accumulated rich experience in renovating old townhouses and providing inn services. As a result, within just one year of focusing on private lodgings, it quickly expanded to five villa-type accommodations in Kyoto. Each villa accommodates only one group of guests. Aside from Aoi 'Shimmachi', the rest are situated by the water, each with its own unique charm. What remains constant is the blend of the elegant nostalgia of machiya and the design style of Nordic homes. One of the buildings, “Aoi 'Kamo River Villa'”, is over 100 years old and was once the residence of a geisha. With the Takase River on the left and the Kamo River on the right, it offers views of the four seasons by the riverside, is just a 10-minute walk from Shijo-Kawaramachi, and features exclusive, in-house butler service. Whether in terms of scenery, convenience, or privacy, it’s simply impeccable.

 

[INFO]

Address: 145-1 Kamiryuujin-cho, Timber Town-dori, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 145-1 (Aoi KYOTO STAY Office)

Phone: 075-354-7770

Note: For guest privacy, detailed accommodation addresses are provided by staff after booking, and staff will arrive at the agreed time to check you in.

Spanning 150 tsubo and 50 meters in length, “Buson” is the former residence of the renowned Japanese literati painter and poet Yosa Buson, and is also the largest surviving machiya in Kyoto. Originally built as a shop-cum-residence for a kimono-making merchant in the early Showa period, it is still in operation today. Therefore, it is only open to the public as a café during weekends outside of business hours, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty of the layout between the traditional machiya courtyard, inner rooms, and storehouse (kura).

 

[INFO]

Address: 49, Buson-cho, Nishidani, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

Phone: 075-341-0624

The tea ceremony is a way of hosting guests and also a spiritual tea-drinking experience. In other words, the main purpose of the tea ceremony isn’t simply to drink tea, but to embody the spirit of “ichi-go ichi-e” (one time, one meeting). At Koshoan, the tea room of the Seikei Art Museum, you can enjoy watching the process of preparing matcha from Urasenke while tasting traditional Japanese sweets. Even if you don’t fully grasp the intricacies of the tea ceremony, the act of drinking tea will bring you closer to Japanese culture and allow you to experience its deeper essence.

 

[INFO]

Address: 6-3, Shigetsu-ji-cho, Okazaki, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, within the Seikei Art Museum

Phone: 075-752-5555