Sakuraco Logo
snack box
お菓子の箱について
subscription
pricing
about us
私たちについて
subscribe
購入する
account menu button
Sakuraco Logoaccount menu button
snack box
お菓子の箱について
subscription
pricing
about us
私たちについて
subscribe
購入する
Top StoriesNewsFood & Drink
Categories
Top Stories
News
Food & Drink
search

Seven Things To Love About Kyoto: Japan’s Ancient Cultural Capital

James Lau

James Lau

Share:

A night time sthot of Kyoto's Yasaka Jinja Shrine.

The former capital of Japan, Kyoto, has retained its beautiful cultural heritage and customs. Each year, thousands of tourists flock to this seemingly frozen city to enjoy ancient Japanese traditions, and delicious meals and experience one-of-a-kind moments that can only be had in Kyoto.

There’s no denying that when most people think of the most beautiful city in Japan, Kyoto is the first that comes to mind. It is a city rich in culture, abundant in cuisine, and populated with traditionally built buildings and magnificent temples. Moreover, it’s recommended for any first-time Japan traveler and is always worth visiting. Let’s explore some of Kyoto’s charms together.

Geisha: Artistic, talented and elegant

Icons of traditional Japanese entertainment, Kyoto is one of the few places in Japan where one can enjoy a geisha’s hospitality. The word “geisha” means “entertainment” and “person,” and there is no better word when it comes to hospitality in Japan. 

Generally, most geisha start training for their profession from a young age. During this time, they learn different fine arts, including dancing and playing traditional instruments like shamisen or the koto and Japanese tea ceremony. They also learn calligraphy, flower arrangement, and conversing with a customer. 

A Kyoto geisha sits in the center of the tatami room, dressed in an elegant yellow kimono and white makeup.
The traditionally talented geisha are a hallmark of Kyoto. Image via Shutterstock

By the time they graduate from their apprenticeship and officially become a full-fledged geisha, they have already trained for years to stand in front of the customer. As a result, the geisha has become integral to Kyoto’s allure, and it’s not hard to see why.

Kabuki: Intense, dramatic and theatrical 

Kabuki comes from three kanji (ka meaning “sing,” bu meaning “dance”, and ki meaning “skill”) that, when put together, translates to “the Art of Song and Dance.” However, kabuki is much more than those two elements. Like Western musicals, kabuki also incorporates costumes, lighting, and other production elements to make an unforgettable experience. 

A Kabuki actor costumed in a long black wig, dramatic white makeup, is holding a lifesize goldfish prop, contrasting a against a deep watery blue stage.
The extravagant theater art form, Kabuki, is still cherished in Tokyo today. Image via Shutterstock

Kabuki plays come in three categories: jidaimono, sewamono, and shosagoto, or historical, contemporary, and dance. But generally speaking, kabuki is all about the experience and emphasizes impressing the audience with audacious sensory displays that will amaze them.

Interested in experiencing even more traditional Japanese culture through the enjoyment of snacks, especially from Kyoto? Sakuraco sends traditional Japanese sweets & snacks from across Japan to your door.

Gion Festival: Lively, festive and glowing

A festival that originated in the aftermath of the major Jogan earthquake, Emperor Seiwa ordered his followers to conduct a Shinto ritual to appease the angry spirits and console the souls of the dead. The ritual was a goryo-e and was a success, so much so that Emperor Seiwa declared it an annual celebration.

A group of shrine pullers dressed in all white, pulling an ornate shrine in the street. The ornate shrine is tall and orange.
The Gion Matsuri happens every July and is observed for the entire month. Image via Shutterstock

Gradually, the tradition morphed over time as artists and the merchant class began to sponsor the event, and the ritual became a celebration. Today, the Gion Festival is one of the most popular events in Kyoto. Massive wooden boats are painstakingly created and decorated while festival goers indulge in the celebration.

Nagashi Somen: Delicious, flowing and fun

In the heat of the summer, there’s nothing quite like cold noodles to cool you down. Nagashi somen is a unique experience that both children and adults enjoy. Somen is a soft white noodle that is thin in diameter (less than 1.3mm). 

Alone, it lacks impact, but with the addition of nagashi, prepared noodles are placed on a bamboo tube slide and into the waiting chopsticks of hungry diners. The noodles flow down the slide, and it is up to one’s chopstick skills if they’re going to have a good meal or go home hungry. 

A photograph of a wooden table in front of a bamboo slide for nagashi somen , a fun and popular way to eat food in Kyoto.
Nagashi somen is a traditional fun fit for anyone. Image via Shutterstock

The somen is often accompanied by tsuyu or a savory dipping sauce that compliments the noodles. In Kyoto, there’s a special restaurant where customers can enjoy this experience while overlooking a flowing river.

Kyoto Cuisine: Classical, exquisite and varied

There’s no other way to describe Kyoto’s cuisine as anything but Japanese cuisine in its purest form. Kyoto is most famous for its renowned kaisekiryori. This multi-course meal uses natural, seasonal ingredients that come on beautiful plates. In addition, there is also obanzai-ryori, or Kyoto-style home cooking, that allows one to eat traditional Japanese foods in a more comfortable environment. 

A plate of haute cuisine, which is very popualr in Kyoto.
Kyoto cuisine is carefully selected for the diner’s enjoyment. Image via Shutterstock

For those looking for an experience off the beaten path, there’s also shojin ryori, or vegetarian Buddhist cuisine, that follows the tenets of Buddhism when creating a meal. These examples are just scratching the surface, but rest assured, there’s nothing quite like the food in Kyoto.

Kyoto Sweets: Delightful, delicate and magnificent 

Just like its cuisine, the desserts in Kyoto take the tradition of Japanese cuisine and create balanced sweets known as wagashi. Some more popular desserts include the crepe-like yatsuhashi to the skewered and sweet mitarashi dango. With these classics, Kyoto has more than enough appeal to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. 

A photograph of different kinds of matcha green tea flavored desserts, including chocolate, ice cream and cake.
Matcha is used to flavor many different Kyoto sweets. Image via Shutterstock

Not only does Kyoto have seasonal foods, but it also has seasonal desserts like mizu manju. This dessert uses kuzu starch to create a dewdrop effect that can draw anyone’s attention. Because of this, Kyoto’s desserts are famous for being very enticing.

Zen Buddhism: Tranquil, reflective, thoughtful 

Sprawled across the Kyoto landscape are a number of Zen Buddhist Temples that are as beautiful as they are tranquil. Travelers can simply enter and enjoy the feeling of being in a temple as beautiful as they are peaceful.

A Zen Buddhist monk with a prayer book, sitting at an altar.
Some of the oldest Zen Buddhist temples are in Kyoto. Image via Shutterstock

Each temple usually has its own garden, and many people marvel at the effort to create perfection. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, a temple is the perfect place. Have you ever been to Kyoto? What have you experienced? Let us know in the comments below!

Enjoy new Japanese sweets, snacks & tea every month

Discover authentic flavors with Sakuraco

Enjoy new Japanese sweets, snacks & tea every month $32.50 USD

Get Sakuraco package

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Articles

A hibiscus flower in Okinawa.

Hibiscus Flower: Everything You Need to Know!

The hibiscus flower in Japan has been admired for centuries for its beautiful and vibrant blooms. With various colors, shapes, and sizes, the hibiscus has become a beloved symbol of Japanese culture and is found everywhere, from gardens to artwork.

March 28, 2024
A Japanese castle in Ehime Japan.

Ehime Japan: Five Amazing Locations to Visit!

Join us to uncover five remarkable locations that make Ehime a must-visit destination.

March 28, 2024
A bunch of fans that depict Japanese art.

Japanese Art: Five Amazing Types to Explore This Year!

Explore five fascinating Japanese art forms: calligraphy, origami, ukiyo-e prints, ceramics, and lacquerware.

March 28, 2024
Kurashiki City at night.

Kurashiki City: Five Amazing Sights to Behold!

In the heart of Okayama, Kurashiki City also has beautifully preserved Edo-period buildings and canals. Here are the top five places to explore in Kurashiki City!

March 28, 2024
Footer background patternFooter background pattern
Sakuraco
Subscription & gifts
PricingUpcoming Month’s BoxPast Month’s Box
Today's Offer
Personal GiftCorporate Gift
Support & Information
FAQContact UsCompare to Bokksu

Be the first to know!

Join our newsletter and receive tasty news and deals

AnIchigo Logobrand.
Copyright © 2024 Sakuraco™. All Rights Reserved.

Accepted Payments

Visa payment availableMastercard payment availableAmerican Express payment availableDiscover payment availablePayPal payment available