I’ll be honest – Kyoto can feel overwhelming at first. You’ve got over 2,000 temples scattered around the city, narrow streets that look like they haven’t changed in centuries, and cultural rules that aren’t always obvious to outsiders. But here’s the thing: once you get the hang of it, Kyoto becomes absolutely magical.

After spending time there myself and talking to locals, I’ve learned that most visitors make the same mistakes. So let me save you some embarrassment and help you experience this incredible city the right way.

What You Should Definitely Do

Take your time at temples and shrines. Look, I get it – you want that perfect Instagram shot. But these places are still active religious sites where people come to pray. Take off your hat and sunglasses when you go inside, give a little bow before entering the main halls, and actually read those “no photos” signs. Trust me, some of my most peaceful moments in Kyoto happened when I put the camera away and just soaked it all in.

Before you approach the main shrine, stop at that stone basin with the wooden ladles (they call it temizuya). Wash your hands, rinse your mouth – it’s a purification ritual that locals take seriously, and it’s actually quite centering.

Dress like you’re visiting someone’s grandmother. That’s how I think about temple visits. Cover your shoulders and knees, wear socks (you’ll be taking your shoes off), and skip the flip-flops. I learned this the hard way when I showed up to Kiyomizu-dera in shorts and a tank top on a sweltering August day.

Learn a few magic words. You don’t need to be fluent, but “sumimasen” (excuse me) and “arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you very much) will open doors. Literally. I’ve had shop owners light up and start conversations just because I made the effort. And bow – even a little head nod shows respect.

Whisper in the historic neighborhoods. Gion isn’t Disneyland, even though it can feel touristy. Real people live and work in these wooden houses. I once saw a group of tourists whooping and hollering at 7 AM outside someone’s front door. Don’t be those people.

Eat where the locals eat. Skip the English menus near major tourist sites. Duck into that tiny ramen shop where you have to buy tickets from a machine, or find a family-run place that’s been serving the same dishes for generations. Some of my best meals in Kyoto happened in places where I had no idea what I was ordering.

What Will Make You Look Like a Tourist (And Not in a Good Way)

Chasing geishas with your camera. I’ve seen grown adults literally run after these women, blocking their path and shoving phones in their faces. These are professional entertainers trying to get to work, not theme park characters. If you’re lucky enough to spot one, just enjoy the moment from a respectful distance.

Treating temples like jungle gyms. That 400-year-old wooden beam isn’t there for you to lean on for a selfie. Those stone lanterns aren’t seats. I watched a tourist climb onto a sacred statue once, and the collective gasp from the Japanese visitors was mortifying.

Eating your ice cream on the go. This was hard for me to get used to, but eating while walking is considered pretty rude in Japan. Find a bench, step into the shop, or just wait until you get to your destination. It’s actually kind of nice to slow down and savor your food.

Ignoring the “no photos” signs. Some places ban photography to preserve the spiritual atmosphere, others because flash damages ancient artwork. I know it’s frustrating when you’ve traveled thousands of miles, but respect the rules. Sometimes the most beautiful moments can’t be captured anyway.

Being the loud foreigner. Japanese culture is all about not disturbing others. That animated conversation you’re having on the train? Everyone can hear it, and they’re probably not thrilled. Keep your voice down, especially on public transport and in temples.

Real Talk About Timing

If you can avoid visiting during cherry blossom season or peak autumn colors, do it. I know those photos look incredible, but you’ll be shoulder-to-shoulder with crowds. I visited in late November once – still beautiful colors, but I could actually breathe and take photos without someone’s elbow in my shot.

When you do visit popular spots, get there early. I’m talking 7 AM early. The Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama at sunrise? Pure magic. The same place at noon? A traffic jam of selfie sticks.

The Bottom Line

Look, you’re going to make mistakes. I certainly did. I once tried to tip at a restaurant and deeply confused the staff. I wore the wrong shoes to a temple and had to borrow slippers from a kind elderly woman. But that’s part of travel.

What matters is that you approach Kyoto with curiosity and respect. This city has been preserving its traditions for over a thousand years, and you get to be a small part of that story. Don’t just visit Kyoto – experience it. The city will reward you in ways you never expected.