Kyoto is a city that is steeped in history and culture, making it one of the most fascinating and unique destinations in Japan. As the former capital of Japan for over a thousand years, Kyoto is home to countless temples, shrines, and other historical sites that offer a glimpse into the country’s rich past. The city is also known for its traditional arts, including tea ceremonies, kimono-wearing, and calligraphy.
As you all know, Japan dropped COVID border measures in May 2023, and international traveling to Japan is expected to increase to levels equal to that of pre-pandemic times. Also, there are many large new commercial and entertainment facilities opening in Japan in 2023, and Kyoto is no exception. From high-rank hotels, restaurants, and shopping establishments, to cultural events revivals after several years of suspension.
In this article, I will introduce to you our picks for the 10 best things to do in Kyoto in 2023. Hopefully, this article will give you some ideas for you in case you are planning on coming to Kyoto for sightseeing.
Apart from this list, if you’re looking for a list of things to do in Kyoto for your first-ever visit, you can also check out our list of the 30 best things to do in Kyoto in general from the following article.
1. New Hotels Opening in 2023
If you’re planning on staying in Kyoto, why not try making reservations at one of the brand-new hotels that are opening in 2023? As I previously mentioned, inbound tourism in Japan is expected to increase in 2023, and with that, all kinds of fresh new hotels will be waiting for your arrival.
One of the most anticipated hotels to open in 2023 is definitely Dusit Thani Kyoto, which is owned by Dusit International. Dusit Thani Kyoto is a luxury hotel planned to open in September 2023. It is located within a kilometer of Kyoto station, making it a new strong option for those searching for a luxurious experience.
Other highly anticipated hotels to open in Kyoto include the Kaya Kyoto Nijo-Castle (opened in April 2023) and the DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama (planned to open in August 2023).
2. Take part in the revival of Gion Festival 2023
The Gion Festival (祇園祭), or Gion Matsuri, is one of the most famous and biggest festivals in Japan, held annually in July in Kyoto. The festival is known for its grand parade of elaborately decorated floats, called yamaboko, which are pulled through the streets of downtown Kyoto.
The festival is named after the Gion district, where it takes place and features various traditional events and ceremonies, including street stalls selling local food and drinks, tea ceremonies, and traditional music and dance performances. The Gion Festival has a long history dating back over 1,000 years and is a great way to experience the culture and traditions of Kyoto.
This important festival has had large restrictions in the past years due to COVID, but now that restrictions are completely dropped, this long-running tradition will be revived to its fullest in 2023. If you happen to visit Kyoto during this period, there is no reason not to take part in this grand festival!
3. World’s Best Restaurant Noma
Ace Hotel Kyoto is a stylish and contemporary hotel located in the historic district of Nakagyo. The hotel’s design combines traditional Japanese elements with a modern aesthetic, creating a unique and memorable atmosphere that has made it popular among travelers.
In the spring of 2023, the world-renowned restaurant Noma will open a limited-time restaurant in this hotel. Noma is a three-star Michelin restaurant headed by founder and head chef Rene Redzepi. It’s a world-renowned restaurant that has been ranked as a No. 1 five times in the “World’s 50 Best Restaurants”.
For more information about this new restaurant, be sure to check out the following article!
World’s Best Restaurant Noma is Coming to Kyoto in Spring
4. Jean-Georges at The Shinmonzen
The Shinmonzen is a small luxury hotel in Kyoto, located in the historic Higashiyama district. The hotel features beautifully designed traditional Japanese rooms with modern amenities and a lovely courtyard garden. Its location is perfect for exploring nearby temples and shrines, and the staff provides excellent service to guests.
Jean-Georges at The Shinmonzen is the new restaurant that opened in this hotel in March 2023. If you’re a connoisseur of modern-French cuisine, you will know that Jean-Georges Vongerichten is a highly renowned Chef owning over 60 high-end restaurants around the world.
This new restaurant at The Shinmonzen will offer an original fusion of French, American, and Asian tastes, using local ingredients at their fullest potential.
5. Explore the essence of Kyoto at Gion Shijo
Gion Shijo (祇園四条) is a bustling area in Kyoto known for its traditional architecture, shopping, and dining. The area is particularly famous for geisha sightings, as many of the city’s geisha houses are located here.
Visitors can also explore the nearby Yasaka Shrine or stroll along the Kamogawa River, where during summer, cafes and restaurants open outdoor seating areas that overlook the river. This creates a relaxing and picturesque atmosphere, where visitors can enjoy a refreshing drink or meal while taking in the beauty of the river and the surrounding cityscape.
New cafes in this area are opening in 2023 such as “Kacto” which just opened in February 2023. This is an area that you will not want to miss during your Kyoto trip.