Fun Things to Do in Kyoto When Traveling Alone

This post is brought to you by AsiaTravelBug.   The great thing about traveling to Kyoto, Japan is there are a number of things to do and see, even when vacationing alone. Whether looking to get some quiet time, experience the culture, or meet other solo travelers, Kyoto has a lot to offer. It is also a pretty safe place for travelers who prefer to go alone. Here are some fun things you can do in Kyoto that are perfect for the solo traveler.  

Visit the Honganji Temples In the middle of Kyoto are two very gorgeous and enchanting temples a solo traveler can visit. There, you can see and experience Buddhism at its finest. At the West Honganji, there are two large halls, Amidado Hall and Geido Hall, which are amazing structures to see. Not only are they beautiful, but the temples are also free to visit. Get a peaceful, quiet moment at East Honganji, which is the tallest wooden structure in all of Japan. Check Out the Geisha District Gion, the most well-known geisha district, is another great place to check out if traveling alone to Kyoto. With many shops and restaurants, traditional merchant houses, and lots to see, this can be a great cultural experience. See the Gion Tatsumi Bridge Also, in the Gion district, you can check out and take pictures of the beautiful Tatsumi Bridge. This is a great place to visit in the daytime or nighttime. At night, it is lit up, so you can see the river water clearly. If you happen to be there in the springtime, the Cherry Blossoms may be in bloom, making it an even more beautiful place to see. Find Love at the Jishu Shrine The Jishu Shrine is known for its ability to produce successful relationships to those who visit. Especially if you are a solo traveler looking for love, you may have come to the right place. By closing your eyes as you walk through the two stone pillars, that are considered “fortune tellers”, you are said to be able to find true love.  If you already have found true love elsewhere, you can find some great souvenirs at the gift shop and enjoy the lovely view. Meet Other Solo Travelers There are many places for solo travelers to stay, which can allow you to meet other solo travelers. In the Gion district, there is the JAM Hostel Kyoto Gion, where you can meet other visitors at the bar and get a restful sleep. There is also K’s House Kyoto, which is the biggest and most social place to stay if you are interested in meeting other people. It has a lot to offer with a rooftop lounge, bar, restaurant, and of course great accommodations. By far, the best area to stay in Kyoto is going to be anywhere you can meet other travelers and get a great experience. Visit the Kimono Forest Featuring pillars filled with beautiful kimono fabric, this forest is a great place to visit for the solo traveler. Visit at night or during the day as it is lit up every night after 9:00 PM. Legend has it that if you put your hands into the Dragon Pond’s water, located inside the Kimono Forest, you will be blessed with happiness in your life. This is a fun place to visit that you will not be able to find anywhere else in the world! Find Peace at the Imperial Palace Park This park is serene and peaceful, especially when the gardens are in full bloom during the springtime.  The cherry trees are the perfect place to put out a blanket and have a picnic or take a snooze.  The best time to visit is between March and April when all the flowers are in full bloom. Find some peace and quiet time during your trip or enjoy lunch under the weeping cherry trees. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a great place to visit for the solo traveler that will make you feel like you are in another universe entirely. There is no other place in the world quite like it. While there are many pictures or people walking through the forest on the internet, it doesn’t even begin to capture the experience of being there.

As a solo traveler in Japan, there is so much to accomplish while you are in Kyoto. It may take more than one trip to get to see everything you hope to. There are so many beautiful and scenic places to visit whether you are looking to have a good time or find peace. There is nothing quite like visiting Kyoto with its great culture where you can experience the everyday life of living there. This safe city in Japan can give you the best vacation you’ve ever had.