Japan Things to Do

In a country known for its modernity, fast pace and high tech gadgets, there remains a rich religious heritage evident in the countless temples and shrines scattered across Japan. You can’t say you’ve seen this country without seeing both sides, the old and the new. Here are a few of Japan’s most beautiful temples to add to your bucket list.

This post was originally published on Viator’s Kyoto Things to Do site. You can read the full article on Kyoto for Art Lovers there, but here’s a sneak peak! While Kyoto lacks some of the vibrancy of Tokyo’s contemporary arts scene, it holds all the cards when it comes to traditional art and architecture.

May is one of the perfect seasons to enjoy Kyoto! Why don’t you enjoy really fresh air in the cozy, late Spring weather strolling through the comfortable paths surrounded by beautiful green leaves and colorful flowers of Iris and Azalea. On 15th of May, Please do not miss a big festival in Kyoto: the Aoi Matsuri Festival!! This is one of the three big festivals in Kyoto along with the Gion Festival and the Jidai Matsuri (Festival of Ages)! The highlight is the gorgeous parade recreating the exact scene of the ancient Heian Court.

As the last of the summer heat begin to wane, Japan’s foliage undergoes its dramatic seasonal transformation. Through late November, a carpet of color spreads from the northern island of Hokkaido to the lower elevations of central and southern Japan.

Some trees around Kyoto remain colorful into early December. Here is a list of some of the best places to see kōyō (colorful leaves) towards the end of fall.

Kyoto has so many fabulous sights that deciding what to see can be quite overwhelming! While there are many wonderful temples, you’ll quickly become ‘templed-out’ if you try to see too many of them in too short a time. Here’s a hit list of my favorite sights.