We tried it for ourselves: Kyoto, off the beaten track
- Published on : 03/12/2025
- by : Phoebe
- Youtube
Clément in Japan
@Japan Experience
With its exceptional gardens and centuries-old temples, Kyoto is one of Japan's most popular destinations. And yet, the ancient capital abounds in charming places that are little-known to the general public. At Japan Experience, we carefully select activities that allow you to discover Japanese culture from the inside. Experiences we've tried and tested ourselves, like our new guided tour "Kyoto, off the beaten track". Discover the secrets of a must-see city with our product manager!
Clément, manager at Japan Experience
Clément has been working at Japan Experience for 10 years. Initially working as one of our house angels in Kyoto then taking on managerial roles in Paris, the young man has now been working in Tokyo for 3 years as manager of the product team. It's a job he's particularly passionate about:
I manage a team in charge of supplier negotiations for our 300 products, from the definition of new products (train passes and tickets, activities, tours, internet connectivity solutions, rental houses, etc.) to their launch on our site and/or with our partners. I'm also in charge of social networks, as well as creating and updating the 12,000 articles on the site. It's a very varied job: I go from a project to launch new train routes on our site to setting up a tour to be featured in a major European newspaper. I'm in charge of a team of ten or so people from several countries, which makes the exchanges all the richer!
Clément, manager at Japan Experience
@Japan Experience
What do this team of experts have in common? A passion for Japan. It's an interest shared by our manager, who's an enthusiast of the traditional arts.
Unlike the (small) majority of people who are attracted to Japan, I didn't tick the 'manga - anime' box, but was rather interested in traditional Japanese arts, particularly garden design. Gastronomy and the magic of baths (sento, onsen) also appeal to me.
"To live in Kyoto was such a privilege!" he confides. That's why this Kyotoite at heart was more than willing to try out our new activity: "Kyoto, off the beaten track."
Kyoto, off the beaten track
Designed as a 4-hour half-day, our activity allows you to familiarize yourself with a specific area of Kyoto, while leaving enough free time to wander the city at your leisure.
For Clément, << It's the ideal format: halfway between a full-day guided tour and a 1.5-hour visit like the Gion night stroll. >>
The adventure begins on the outskirts of Kurodani Hill, near the district of Gion, easily accessible by bus and subway from Higashiyama Sanjo station. But make no mistake: this has nothing to do with Kyoto's most touristy district!
The Shinnyo-do temple, famous for its pagoda and cemetery, offers a bird's-eye view of the city. A stone's throw away, Murin-An Garden, a Meiji-era nugget hidden away in an alleyway, offers a breath of fresh air—and matcha—with its Giyofu-style pavilion (a fusion of traditional Japanese and Western styles from the late XIXᵉ century).
Honen-in (Kyoto)
@Japan Experience
In fact, it's what our garden lover preferred!
<< It's so pretty! >> he confides. << Calm, facing the mountains surrounding Kyoto, with a river and a small pond reminiscent of Lake Biwa—and many other metaphors to discover with the explanations of your Japan Experience guide! >>.
Although the tour focuses on the city's more confidential sites, it's still a great way to discover the ancient capital, even for those visiting Japan for the first time.
Contrary to what you might think, this activity is for everyone: 4 hours away from the crowds, visiting little-known places in the company of a guide. You'll still have enough time afterwards for the often crowded "classics" like Gion, the Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, or Fushimi Inari.
The only downside? << Perhaps strollers should be avoided, >> admits Clément. << But for the rest, it will be of interest to both children and adults alike! >>.
Murin-an (Kyoto)
@Japan Experience
Kyoto, off the beaten track
For travelers looking for a peaceful getaway to Kyoto's secret corners, away from the crowds, the "Kyoto off the beaten track" tour is the ideal morning experience. Step away from the usual tourist routes and explore a quieter, more authentic side of the city with a local guide who knows its hidden corners. Departing from Murin-an Garden, this 4-hour experience takes you to discover peaceful temples, refined gardens and intimate shrines that many travelers miss, ideal for visitors looking for a serene and culturally rich trip to Kyoto.
Otoyo Shrine (Kyoto)
@Toomore Chiang on Flickr, CC BY 2.0
Around Kurodani Hill
Located to the east of Kyoto, Kurodani Hill is a haven of peace, famous for its historic temples, including the great Konkaikomyo-ji complex. Far from the hustle and bustle of Gion, this verdant area invites you to stroll between its ancient staircases, stone lanterns and panoramic heights.
It's a district that Clément warmly recommends, particularly for its green spots near the Shinnyo-do temple:
While the outer garden, surrounding the temple, is magnificent in autumn, with its brightly-colored maples and ginkgo trees, the inner garden, much more confidential and accessible through a small door, conceals rooms adorned with fusuma paintings, a contemporary Japanese garden, as well as a dry garden evoking a famous Buddhist episode.
Near Murin-An Garden, Clément also recommends Nanzen-ji ("the temple of tigers"), with its painted doors and dry garden.
In terms of gastronomy, our adventurer suggests the Korai-tei restaurant, whose adorable staff serve okonomiyaki, cooked in front of the customers' eyes, in a warm atmosphere. He also recommends Café Sunaba, run by one of our guides.
From Kurodani Hill (Kyoto)
@Japan Experience
Clément's recommendations for a successful trip to Japan
For Clément, getting lost in the little streets is the best way to discover the country:
Don't hesitate to visit cities on foot or by bike, and let yourself be carried away by a street, a hidden restaurant or a secret garden: Japan isn't so easily revealed, but there are rarely any nasty surprises!
Visiting Kyoto? Let our activities seduce you!
The key to a successful stay? Leave ethnocentrism at home and enjoy cultural differences to the full.
Don't try to look at Japanese culture with our Western "software": it's a "modern" country, but not Western; what you see today has only been forged from over 5,000 years of unique, insular culture, with little contact with the West.
And if there's one city you must visit, it's beautiful Kyoto:
Kyoto is one of the ten cities in the world worth living in, according to Nicolas Bouvier (quote from Chroniques japonaises). And I more than agree with him! Beyond the dozen or so places that have fallen victim to "over-tourism", a huge part of Kyoto remains unknown to visitors. These places, in turn, are rather victims of "under-tourism"!
Now you know what to do on your next trip to Japan!
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