Are you thinking about taking your partner out on a special date in Kyoto?
This Japanese city, which was once the country’s capital, is known for its
Buddhist temples, pristine gardens, imperial palaces, and Shinto shrines
It is rife with UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is even
Considered by many to be the cultural capital of Japan
The breathtaking scenery and rich history make
Kyoto a great destination for couples
Here’s our list of the 10 romantic things to do in Kyoto for couples.
Explore Kyoto like never before – by rickshaw!
An authentic Japanese rickshaw offers visitors the ride of a lifetime.
There is no better way to explore some of Kyoto’s
Most historic and picturesque neighbourhoods
This customised experience lets you choose which sites you want to see.
Options include riding to the west end of the city
Visiting the Bamboo Grove and shrines of Kyoto’s Arashiyama district
Or exploring the wooden buildings and stone alleys in the city’s Higashiyama district
With just you and your loved one cuddled in the rickshaw
This is a romantic option for all couples visiting Kyoto
Live like a royal for a day at Kyoto’s very own Imperial Palace.
Tours take you through all areas of the palace
From the Imperial Library to the Empress quarters and throne room
Surrounding the palace, visitors will find the most beautiful park in Kyoto.
The nearby parklands are filled with lush flora and fauna
Surrounding the palace, visitors will find the most beautiful park in Kyoto.
No trip to Kyoto is complete without stopping at Kinkaku-ji
Otherwise known as the Golden Pavilion
It is hands down the most famous temple in the city.
The three-story pagoda was originally built in 1397.
Today, the structure that stands in its place was built in 1955
As the original was destroyed in a fire in 1950
Visitors still come here to marvel at the temple
And take in its picturesque surroundings by the lake and forest
History and sake rolled into one – this tour can’t be beat!
The Fushimi Inari and Sake Brewery Tour takes you
On a journey through Kyoto’s popular Inari district
The day begins by walking through the iconic red gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine.
From there, you’ll make your way into the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
Where you’ll learn all about how sake is made
You’ll even get to indulge in some sake tastings!
Finally, your tasting continues in a local specialty shop located
Near the museum that sells over 80 kinds of sake
This is a great spot to grab a souvenir for your date!
Get out of the city and visit the first permanent capital of Japan: Nara.
Nara is a treasure trove for history buffs.
It is rife with some of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples.
Visitors will get to see Todaiji Temple, which is home to the country’s largest Buddha statue.
The main attraction though, is the Deer Park
Where you’ll find hundreds of deer roaming freely in the grass
You’ll have plenty of fun with your date feeding these cute mammals.
Visiting a teahouse is like a rite of passage in Japan.
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary tea ceremony experience.
You’ll learn the traditional philosophy behind how to serve a bowl of tea.
You can choose between a one-hour tea ceremony in a machiya
Or a 1.5 hour tea ceremony and kimono-wearing lesson
Where you’ll learn how to put on the traditional garment
Northern Kyoto Prefecture is an area often overlooked
But it is an ideal place for a romantic date
It is a lush, quiet haven north of the city that allows visitors
To escape the bustling streets of downtown Kyoto for a day
The area is known for three main attractions.
First, you’ll visit Monju Amanohashidate Park
Otherwise known as Kyoto by the Sea
Take the chairlift or monorail to the top and see the water and sand bar below.
Second is Ine no Funaya, a coastal town known for its wooden boathouses.
Finally, you’ll stop at a mountainous region called Miyama
Which is famous for its traditional thatched roof farmhouses
Experience Kyoto’s vibrant nightlife with a bar hopping tour in Nishiki and Pontocho.
You’ll be able to sample local cuisine, including tempura, kyoto vegetables, and fish.
And of course, there’s no drink more famous in Kyoto than sake!
Kyoto’s food culture is like nowhere else.
Gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the city’s food scene
On this Nishiki Market food tour
This market is also known as “Kyoto’s kitchen"
And is home to over 130 stalls and shops
You’ll have the option of trying fresh dishes at the market
Including tofu skin, rice balls, fried fish cakes, Japanese pike conger eel, and even sake.
Rest assured, you’re in for a wild culinary adventure with your partner.
Experience several aspects of Japanese culture all in one night!
This not-to-be-missed maiko performance features a traditional maiko dance.
Guests will also be wowed by a flower arranging performance
Gagaku court music, and authentic puppet theater
As one of the romantic cities in Japan, there is no shortage of activities for couples in Kyoto.
Whether you’re foodies looking for a great local food tour or history buffs
You’ll find it all in Kyoto, Japan
Find out 15 more Romantic Things to do in Kyoto for Couples
At OverseasAttractions.com