10 Traditional & Cultural Experiences in Kyoto You Should Really Try

Japanese culture indeed remains alive in Kyoto, Japan’s old capital. This city is filled with everything ancient – from arts and crafts to traditional events and sightseeing trips. 

Looking for the perfect way to explore Japanese culture and appreciate its well-preserved heritage? Kyoto is your best bet, with different activities like guided tours and workshops that are made for every traveler. Whether you want to join pottery classes for teacup making or join samurai sword dances, Kyoto definitely won’t disappoint. 

Check out our guide to the best traditional and cultural experiences worth trying in Kyoto on your next visit!

1. Join Japanese Calligraphy Classes

Before the usual way of writing using ballpens and pencils, the Japanese people wrote letters and documents with an ink-dipped brush, called calligraphy or Shodo. Today, Japanese calligraphy is still an important part of the local culture.

Joining Japanese calligraphy classes is a unique traditional experience in Kyoto. It can be more challenging than it looks, but trying it out is definitely worth it! Thankfully, Kyoto has different workshops everywhere if you really want to learn Japanese calligraphy. 

2. Japanese Tea Ceremony Experience

Tea ceremonies are also a must try traditional experience in Kyoto! It showcases the ancient way of how Japanese people would prepare the tea for their guests. There are several temples and shrines in Kyoto that host tea ceremonies, including beautiful ryokans. 

Besides drinking green tea, these ceremonies are also a way for you to learn about the ceremony’s traditional etiquette, including how you should drink the tea with the right utensils. Most ceremonies also include tea rooms where you’ll drink the tea while enjoying the lush views of a garden. 

3. Rent A Kimono and Go for A Photoshoot 

Kimonos are traditional clothing in Japan, and ancient people wore them daily in the past. However, today, the locals only wear kimonos during certain occasions and life events. 

Fortunately, renting a kimono has also been a thing in Kyoto for travelers. Kimono rental shops are everywhere in the city, and you can even ask a hairstylist to fix your hair and match the kimono you’re renting!

To help you out, we compiled a list of the best Kimono rental shops in Kyoto so make sure to check it.

To make the most out of your kimono rental, we recommend joining a photoshoot session too! Choose a beautiful kimono that matches your favorite color, and hire a personal photographer to capture the most stunning shots.

To hire a photographer, you can use Photo Trips services. You can find the best Kimono photoshoots in Kyoto here and the booking process is really easy. Choose your favorite photo experience, select your desired date and time, make the booking and you are good to go!

4. Experience Everything About Sake

Did you know that Kyoto is one of Japan’s biggest sake-producing areas? You can find a wide range of sake breweries in Kyoto for a complete sake experience. Besides trying out different flavors and tasting notes, discover the traditional sake-making process.

Visit Kyoto in autumn and winter, and you might witness first-hand how local manufacturers make sake. After a quick tour, prepare yourself for a tasting journey of sake made straight out of the brewery.

5. Take Part in Maiko Shows

Maikos are the apprentice Geishas and you can see them in the streets of Gion for example. It’s still quite rare to encounter them so we recommend you to join a Maiko experience so you can enjoy their show.

They are amazing performers and you will discover a lot of Japanese traditions during the shows. You may also be able to play old Japanese games with them and ask them any questions.

6. Relax in Hot Springs (Onsen)

Dipping in onsens or Japanese hot springs is another traditional experience you should join in Kyoto. This is indeed a therapeutic experience that not only relaxes your body but also brings medicinal benefits that can help relieve fatigue and body pain. 

Kyoto has several onsen resorts and ryokans with hot springs in which you can indulge. Most accommodations also feature guest rooms with private baths if you prefer to dip in the water by yourself without interacting with other travellers. 

If you want to explore the area around Kyoto and try out awesome onsen baths, you can also visit an onsen town located not too far from the city. For more info, check out this article: Best Onsen Towns Near Kyoto.

7. Fabric Dyeing 

Unleash your creativity and try dyeing different fabrics and textile materials in Kyoto. This is the perfect experience if you’re an art enthusiast who fancies vibrant colors and sharp contrasts. Choose from different Japanese designs, or make your own! 

We highly recommend painting anything you want during these dyeing workshops because you get to play with different hues and patterns. 

8. Master Sword Dancing

Have you ever heard of sword dancing or Kenbu? It's an old Japanese art that includes dancing with a katana and a fan. It aims to portray the lifestyle of the Samurai by combining dance poetry and sword-fighting skills. 

One of the most popular places to master sword-dancing in Kyoto is Samurai Kembu Theater. Join sword-dancing classes or Kenbu workshops to learn the basics about samurai etiquette, fan dances, and sword-play techniques. You can even wear traditional samurai attire while practicing!

9. Pottery and Ceramic Art Experience

Another art experience in Kyoto is joining pottery and ceramic art workshops. These classes let you make your own bowls, cups, and plates, depending on your chosen design style! 

For the best experience, you can check out Zuikou Kyoto-Kiyomizu Studio that is located near popular sightseeing spots like Kiyomizu Dera temple.

10. Join an Ikebana Class

Do you like flowers and want to learn how to arrange them? If you do, an Ikebana Class might be the best way to experience Kyoto’s traditional culture! This ancient capital holds famous Ikebana floral arrangement workshops and classes where you can learn about getting the right style and arranging each flower to match the colors and variations. 

Ikebana classes normally take around 2 hours, and you can find professional florists who can speak in English for better communication. 

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With these cultural and traditional experiences, you can never run out of things to do and explore in Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital. Moreover, these experiences can make you truly appreciate Japanese culture.