Kyoto is a beautiful city full of historic temples, serene gardens, and vibrant cultural traditions. While visiting this iconic destination, it’s essential to respect local customs and avoid common tourist pitfalls to make the most of your trip.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll have a more enriching and respectful experience in Kyoto, immersing yourself in its serene beauty and timeless culture.
Here’s a guide to the most common mistakes to avoid in Kyoto and tips for a smoother, more respectful experience.
Read here Vegan food in Kyoto, 36 Hours in Tokyo, a guide to buy your JR Pass and Things to know before visiting Japan
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Mistakes to Avoid in Kyoto
1. Disrespecting Temple and Shrine Etiquette
Mistake: Walking straight into a temple or shrine without following the proper rituals.
What to Do:
Bow lightly before entering.
Use the cleansing station (chozuya) to purify your hands and mouth.
Refrain from taking loud or disruptive photos inside sacred spaces.
Don’t point your feet toward altars or sacred objects.
Tip: Follow the locals’ lead to understand the proper behavior at each site.
2. Visiting Only the Famous Temples
Mistake: Focusing solely on famous attractions like Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) or Fushimi Inari Taisha, leading to crowded and rushed visits.
What to Do:
Explore lesser-known gems like Shoren-in Temple, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, or Eikando Zenrinji for a quieter experience.
Visit the big attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Tip: Allocate time to stroll through hidden gardens and small shrines for a more serene experience.
3. Ignoring Local Customs and Behavior
Mistake: Being loud, eating while walking, or disregarding Kyoto’s cultural norms.
What to Do:
Keep your voice low, especially on public transportation and in residential areas.
Avoid eating while walking, as it is considered rude.
Wait in line patiently for buses, trains, or at popular attractions.
Tip: Observe and mimic the polite behavior of locals to blend in respectfully.
4. Misusing Public Transportation
Mistake: Assuming Kyoto is small enough to walk everywhere or misunderstanding the bus system.
What to Do:
Use Kyoto’s efficient bus and subway systems to save time and energy.
Purchase a Kyoto City Bus Pass for unlimited daily travel.
Board buses through the rear door and exit through the front to pay (if not using a pass).
Tip: Google Maps works well for navigating Kyoto’s bus routes.
5. Overpacking Your Itinerary
Mistake: Trying to visit too many attractions in one day and missing out on Kyoto’s peaceful ambiance.
What to Do:
Limit your schedule to 2–3 key attractions per day to enjoy them fully.
Take time to wander Kyoto’s neighborhoods, like Gion or Arashiyama.
Tip: Leave space in your itinerary for unexpected discoveries, like hidden cafes or quiet gardens.
6. Disrupting Geisha in Gion
Mistake: Chasing or blocking geisha and maiko for photos in the Gion district.
What to Do:
Respect their privacy; they are professionals going about their work.
Admire from a distance or book a cultural experience that includes a geisha performance.
Tip: Visit cultural centers like the Gion Corner to learn about traditional arts without intruding.
7. Skipping Seasonal Experiences
Mistake: Failing to plan your visit around Kyoto’s spectacular seasonal offerings.
What to Do:
Visit in spring for cherry blossoms or autumn for stunning fall foliage.
Enjoy winter’s peaceful atmosphere and snow-covered temples or summer’s Gion Matsuri festival.
Tip: Check seasonal calendars for festivals, garden illuminations, or special temple openings.
8. Eating Only at Tourist Restaurants
Mistake: Sticking to restaurants near major attractions that cater to tourists.
What to Do:
Venture into local neighborhoods to try authentic Kyoto cuisine.
Sample specialties like kaiseki (multi-course meal), yudofu (tofu hot pot), and matcha desserts.
Tip: Visit Kyoto’s Nishiki Market for street food or small family-run eateries for traditional meals.
9. Underestimating the Crowds
Mistake: Arriving at major attractions during peak hours and getting caught in long lines.
What to Do:
Visit popular sites like Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Fushimi Inari, or Kiyomizu-dera early in the morning or later in the evening.
Consider visiting less crowded spots during peak times.
Tip: Use weekdays for sightseeing and reserve weekends for quieter activities.
10. Missing Out on Traditional Ryokan or Machiya Stays
Mistake: Staying only in modern hotels and missing Kyoto’s unique accommodations.
What to Do:
Book a night in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) for an authentic experience with tatami rooms and futons.
Consider renting a machiya, a traditional wooden townhouse, for a private and historic stay.
Tip: Pair your stay with an onsen (hot spring) experience if possible.
11. Not Dressing Appropriately
Mistake: Wearing overly casual or revealing clothing, especially when visiting temples and shrines.
What to Do:
Wear modest, respectful attire, especially when entering sacred places.
Comfortable shoes are a must, as you’ll be walking a lot on uneven paths and stairs.
Tip: Avoid heels or flip-flops, as they can be impractical for temple grounds.
12. Skipping Local Crafts and Souvenirs
Mistake: Buying generic souvenirs and missing Kyoto’s traditional crafts.
What to Do:
Look for Kyoto specialties like Kyo-yaki pottery, Nishijin silk, and Yatsuhashi (cinnamon sweets).
Visit craft shops in the Higashiyama district or workshops offering hands-on experiences.
Tip: Opt for handmade items that reflect Kyoto’s heritage.
13. Ignoring Smaller Neighborhoods
Mistake: Focusing only on famous districts like Gion and Arashiyama.
What to Do:
Explore quieter areas like Nishijin (known for textiles) or Fushimi (home to sake breweries).
Visit Philosopher’s Path, a peaceful walkway lined with cherry trees.
Tip: Rent a bike to explore Kyoto’s less touristy neighborhoods at your own pace.
14. Forgetting to Check Temple Schedules
Mistake: Arriving at temples or gardens only to find them closed or under renovation.
What to Do:
Check operating hours and seasonal schedules in advance.
Some temples close early (around 5:00 PM), so plan accordingly.
Tip: Look out for seasonal events or limited-time illuminations at popular temples.
15. Ignoring the Importance of Cash
Mistake: Assuming credit cards are widely accepted everywhere.
What to Do:
Carry enough cash for small eateries, local shops, and public transportation.
Tip: ATMs at 7-Eleven or Post Offices are reliable for withdrawing cash with international cards.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.