20 Amazing Places to Experience the Charm of Kyoto in the Karasuma Area

Top 10 Essential Places to Visit in Karasuma

1. Honno-ji Temple

 

Many people are surprised that such a small and quiet temple stands right next to the busy downtown area of Kyoto. This unexpected location is overflowing with the history of Japan and has become a part of Kyoto's charm. Despite it being a famous historical location in the downtown area, not many people come here, so you can visit the temple and explore at a leisurely pace. 

2. Kamo River

Strolling beside the river in the cool air is also a great way to refresh after drinking alcohol. There are many restaurants along the Kamo River, so it is highly recommended to have a meal here and relax as you look out over the river. 

3. Kyoto Tower

Kyoto Tower is a famous Kyoto landmark. Looking out over the scenery of Kyoto is not the only way to enjoy Kyoto Tower. Of course, you can look down from above at all of Kyoto's world heritage sites and national treasures, but you can also partake in the restaurants, public bath, sky lounge and even hotel that they have here.

You can enjoy a beautiful evening here as you look out over the night view of Kyoto's streets from the 100-meter-high tower. There are ways to spend time here that would suit anyone, including families, couples, and groups of friends. Don't just be satisfied by seeing the tower from the outside, take a look inside too!

4. Umekoji Park

The grounds cover 13.7 hectares and include the feel-good lawn area that's green as far as the eye can see, a river bed playground where you can splash around, and the Shichijo Iriguchi Plaza where events are held.

5. Kyoto Railway Museum

A big plus is that you can enjoy being next to actual railroad cars. In addition, there are attractions that young children will have an especially keen interest in, such as the railway history learning zone and railroad car construction. There is also a kid's park, so the museum can be enjoyed by everyone. 

6. Shinsen-en

The vibrant red bridge over the pond in Shinsen-en is a popular subject for beautiful photos, as it looks stunning alongside the natural greenery. Depending on the season, it is combined with the lovely pink hue of cherry blossoms and azaleas, which makes for a gorgeous photo. Come here to get in touch with the beauty of nature. 

7. Takase River

Trees adorn Takase River so you can see the best views here all year round. The scenery is especially perfect when the cherry blossom trees that line the river are in full bloom. The trees are also illuminated at night, so you can enjoy nighttime cherry blossom viewings too. 

8. Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine

There are many unusual things here, including a strange type of fortune-telling called karakuri omikuji where a mechanical lion delivers you your fortune slip, a picture story show performed by a robot, and "miracle stamps". These are things you normally can't find at other temples, so make sure not to miss it! 

9. Shiunzan Choho-ji Temple

One of Rokkaku-do's unique features is that although it is in the vicinity of Karasuma Street lined with buildings, time flows here in a calm and relaxed state. Because this is an urban area, there are many hotels and ryokan (traditional Japanese inns), so it's a great option to stay nearby and visit here for a morning or evening stroll. 

Top 5 Places to Visit Near Karasuma Station

1. KyoARUKI Kyoto Shijo Main Branch

If this sounds good to you, walk two minutes from Karasuma Station to Kyo Aruki Shijo Honten to rent a kimono before you begin your tour of Kyoto. This location is easily accessible in the heart of Kyoto, and better yet, it's possible to return the kimono at your hotel afterwards.

2. Nijo Castle

Inside the magnificent estate you will feel as though you have slipped back in time. This is another perfect place to learn about Japanese history that even people who aren't that interested in history will enjoy. The Japanese garden on the vast grounds is extremely beautiful and even the light-up display is a popular sight.

3. Nishiki Market

There so many restaurants here that you can't find anywhere else, so you should take the opportunity to walk around and eat. A host of delicious smells waft through the market. It can be hard to make up your mind about what to eat. In the market there are also stores selling delicacies like chocolate croquettes, so if you find one, don't pass up the opportunity! 

4. Ippodo Tea

There are also days when they hold tea brewing classes, so this is something a tea lover should definitely check out. This is a great way to spend some time, learning about the unique qualities of matcha, gyokuro, sencha, and hojicha teas while also enjoying drinking them.

5. Kyoto International Manga Museum

You can experience manga with all five senses, such as reading manga out on the feel-good lawn, looking at the original drawings of manga artists, listening to original unknown episodes, actually having a go at creating your own manga, and even eating "character goods". You can spend a whole day here without getting bored.

Top 5 Secret Spots to Visit in Karasuma

1. Iyemon Salon Atelier Kyoto

Plenty of matcha is used in the lovely sweets such as parfait, pancakes, and tarts, so you can happily experience some of Kyoto's gourmet delights. After walking around Kyoto, how about stopping here to take a rest while savoring the delicious side of Kyoto?

2. Sauna no Umeyu

 

The sento was renovated and reopened, keeping its traditional appearance while focusing on a sense of freshness. There are various kinds of baths, such as a jet bath, a bath-of-the-day, electric bath, and cold underground spring bath. There's no mistaking that this will refresh your body and mind. This is a place you can experience Japanese culture, so visitors to Japan are highly recommended to come here.

3. Kyoto Shijo KUON

 

On the second floor there is also kotatsu seating, which is a low table over a hole in the floor, where you can comfortably enjoy their specialty dish. After eating keema curry udon, it's great to try some of their Kyoto sweets. The Kyo Cream Zenzai (red bean soup) with your choice of matcha or hojicha tea is lovely just to look at and is highly recommended. 

4. Bistro WARAKU Shijo Yanaginobamba Branch

The reason this place is popular is because you can eat food that is worth more than the price for a reasonable price. Another reason for its popularity is the polite customer service that invites you into the stylish store. Relaxing at a trendy wine bar such as this after touring Kyoto is simply divine.

5. Harvest Days

In addition, the sweets made using seasonal fruits are highly popular. You can enjoy treats such as fruit parfait and soft serve ice cream after your lunch. You can also take plenty of great photos so come enjoy this stylish restaurant and its trendy foods.

Feel the Essence of Kyoto in Karasuma to Experience Its Rich Culture and Nature

Karasuma, Kyoto is a hotspot for the culture and landscape of traditional Japan. You can experience a charm particular to Kyoto in places here, even wearing a kimono if you like. Take a break at a small cafe and enjoy views of the city at night or ease the stress of daily life at a sento. There are many more unfathomably charming places for you to discover, from classic tourist spots to unknown secret spots. The friendly city of Kyoto is waiting for you, whether you're travelling alone, with friends, as a couple or family.

Header Image: Kristi Blokhin / Shutterstock.com

 

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Translated and republished with permission from: SPIRA (formerly known as Relux Magazine)

By the way, you can book a hotel through Relux (run by SPIRA) by clicking here!