Kyoto, Japan: 10 Experiences to Immerse Yourself in Japanese Culture

Embrace Japanese Traditions in the Mystical Kyoto

The magnificent city of Kyoto is filled with the most beautiful temples, shrines and an ambiance that embodies the soul of Japanese culture. As the former capital of Japan for over 1,000 years, Kyoto has a much more traditional vibe than Tokyo with many traditions remaining intact till this day. With the Shinkansen, it’s only a 2.5hr ride from Tokyo and 15min ride from Osaka! Here are the 10 best experiences to have in this radiant city to immerse yourself in the true culture of Japan!

10. Sleep at a Ryokan; a Traditional Japanese Inn

Here on the Eclectic emissary blog, we typically provide the best travel budget tips to save you money. This is not one of them. A Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn and one experience you might want to consider despite the expensive price tag. Sleeping on a tatami matted floor is the closest you’ll get to ancient Japan and is surprisingly comfortable. It also includes various amenities such as a multicourse Kaiseki-ryori meal and an onsen (public hot spring). If you’re ballin’ on a budget, check out our Japan travel guide for more tips on visiting the country!