Hidden gems in Kyoto

Beyond the main tourist circuit, Kyoto contains specialized sites ranging from the 8,000 stone statues of Adashino-Nenbutsudera to the traditional washi paper collections at Yamato-shi. Ruriko-in Temple offers seasonal views of polished interior reflections, while the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum in Fushimi details brewing techniques dating back to 1637. For a look at local folklore, Yokai Street features handmade monster sculptures along the Taishogun Shopping Street, commemorating the legendary Night Parade of One Hundred Demons.

Kyoto's Hidden Gems — Map

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Adashino-Nenbutsudera Temple

Adashino Nenbutsu-ji is a Buddhist temple in Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan. In 811 Kūkai is said to have founded a temple, then Honen altered it to…

Jonathan Bouaziz / CC-BY-SA

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Yamato-shi Paper Shop

This store offers a wide range of various Japanese washi - traditional handmade paper.

Mti / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Ruriko-in Temple

Located at the base of Mount Hiei, this temple is known for its polished black floors that reflect the surrounding maple foliage. It is typically open to the public only during specific periods in spring and autumn.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

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Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

Housed in a former brewery from 1909, this museum in the Fushimi district showcases the history of Gekkeikan, founded in 1637. Exhibits include traditional wooden tools and the step-by-step process of sake production.

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Yokai Street

Also known as Taishogun Shopping Street, this area is lined with handmade statues of Japanese spirits and monsters. The theme references a legend from the Heian period about a supernatural parade occurring along Ichijo-dori.

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