1. Kibune
Kyoto is known for its magnificent temples, shrines, and gardens. However, you can also find some off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods that offer a different view of the city. One of these neighborhoods is Kibune. Kibune is a beautiful village located in the mountains in northern Kyoto. The village is famous for its Kifune Shrine, which is dedicated to the god of water. The shrine is located in a beautiful forest, which is particularly stunning in autumn when the trees are ablaze with red, orange, and yellow foliage.
Apart from the shrine, Kibune is also famous for its kawadoko restaurants. Kawadoko is a unique experience where you dine on a deck built over the river, and enjoy the scenic beauty while you eat. Kibune’s kawadoko restaurants are particularly popular in the summer months when the weather is hot, and people come to escape the heat in Kyoto.
2. Ohara
Ohara is a rural neighborhood located about 20 kilometers north of central Kyoto. The neighborhood is home to some of Kyoto’s most beautiful temples and gardens and is a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The area is particularly popular in spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom and in autumn when the leaves change color.
One of the most famous temples in Ohara is Sanzen-in. The temple was founded over 1,200 years ago and is home to beautiful gardens with ponds, bridges, and streams. Another famous temple in Ohara is Jakkoin, which is known for its impressive gate and beautiful garden. If you are interested in art, then you can also visit the Ohara Museum of Art, which houses a collection of modern and contemporary art.
3. Kurama
Kurama is a small village located in the mountains in northern Kyoto. The village is famous for its hot springs and hiking trails. The Kurama Temple is one of the most outstanding and picturesque temples in Kyoto, which is well worth the trip in itself. You can hike to Kurama Temple from the train station, which usually takes about 45 minutes. The hike can be challenging, but it is incredibly beautiful as it goes through dense forests and has amazing views of Kyoto.
The Kurama Hot Springs are also quite popular, especially in winter when it is freezing outside. You can soak in the hot springs inside or outside in a beautiful setting surrounded by trees and mountains.
4. Fushimi Inari-Taisha
Fushimi Inari-Taisha is one of Kyoto’s most visited temples, and you have probably seen pictures of its famous torii gates. However, most tourists only visit the main temple area, and there is a lot more to discover in the surrounding neighborhood. Fushimi is a residential neighborhood with narrow streets and local restaurants and shops.
You can walk up the hill behind Fushimi Inari and discover a small shrine with its own set of torii gates. Above that, you can find an observation deck with a beautiful view of Kyoto city. Or, you can go south from Fushimi Inari and explore the sake district. The sake district is a lovely collection of old sake breweries and traditional shops which make for a unique and charming atmosphere.
5. Takao
Takao is a mountainous area located in the northwest of Kyoto, nestled in a scenic valley. The neighborhood is known for its awesome mountain scenery and ancient temples. Among the most important temples in Takao are Saimyoji, Shojiji, and Jingo-ji. Each of these temples is unique, beautifully located in the forest, and offers magnificent views of the valley and surrounding mountains.
Takao is also famous for its soba noodles. Soba noodles are a traditional Japanese dish made from buckwheat flour and served cold in summer and hot in winter. Takao is one of the most famous places in Japan for soba, and you can find many restaurants serving quality soba noodles made from the local buckwheat. Want to know more about the topic covered in this article? Kyoto Free Walking Tour https://www.kyotolocalized.com, filled with additional and valuable information to supplement your reading.
Kyoto has many popular neighborhoods to visit, but these five lesser-known neighborhoods provide a unique experience with a calming escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Visiting these areas will not only provide historical insights and spectacular sights but also uncover more of Kyoto’s less explored culture and traditions.
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