In 2024, Kyoto has introduced several exciting new tourist guides and experiences aimed at enhancing the visit for international travelers. These guides focus on cultural experiences, shopping, dining, and other activities where English support is available to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
New Tourist Guides and Attractions (2024)
- Kyoto Digital Experience Tours
- Newly introduced in 2024, these interactive digital tours allow visitors to explore Kyoto’s historical landmarks using augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Available in major tourist spots like Kinkaku-ji, Fushimi Inari Taisha, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace, these tours provide English translations of historical facts, stories, and 3D reconstructions of ancient Kyoto.
- These tours can be accessed via mobile apps or rental devices provided at select tourist information centers.
- Shopping Guide with English Support
- Kyoto Station Shopping Mall (The Cube): Known for its variety of souvenirs, fashion, and local food products, this shopping center offers English-speaking staff in key stores, such as traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi) shops and fashion boutiques.
- Nishiki Market: Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” this market has implemented more signage and bilingual (English-Japanese) guides for 2024, helping foreign visitors navigate and sample local delicacies like fresh tofu, pickles, and matcha-flavored treats. Many of the market’s vendors now provide English menus and instructions.
- Shijo Kawaramachi Shopping District: A popular shopping area that includes both luxury brands and traditional Kyoto crafts. Stores like the Kyoto Handicraft Center offer English-speaking staff and tax-free shopping, making it easier for visitors to purchase kimonos, ceramics, and other cultural items.
- Cultural Workshops with English Support
- Kyoto Artisan Village (new in 2024): This cultural hub offers hands-on workshops where visitors can experience traditional Kyoto crafts such as Kyo-yaki (Kyoto pottery), Nishijin weaving, and gold-leaf art. All workshops are conducted in English, and visitors can interact with local artisans, learn about the historical significance of these crafts, and create their own souvenirs.
- English Tea Ceremony Experiences: Expanded in 2024, tea ceremony workshops in key temples such as Kodaiji and Ginkaku-ji now offer English explanations throughout the session, allowing visitors to understand the rituals, history, and etiquette involved in this quintessentially Japanese practice.
- Zen Meditation Classes: Many temples, including Tofuku-ji and Kennin-ji, have increased their English-language Zen meditation offerings. Classes include guided meditation sessions with English-speaking monks, giving foreign visitors a chance to experience mindfulness practices firsthand.
- Dining with English Menus
- Pontocho Alley: Famous for its traditional Japanese restaurants (kaiseki cuisine), this area has added more English-language support in 2024, with English menus and explanations of seasonal dishes available in most restaurants. There are also several izakayas (Japanese pubs) in the area that offer English-friendly dining experiences.
- Gion District: In this historical area known for geisha culture, many of the tea houses and restaurants now provide English menus, and several traditional establishments offer English-speaking staff to help visitors understand Kyoto’s unique dining culture.
- Kyoto Vegan Guide: In 2024, Kyoto launched an updated vegan and vegetarian dining guide, helping visitors find plant-based options at local restaurants. This guide is available in English and includes recommendations for vegan ramen, sushi, and Kyoto-style sweets (like yatsuhashi) across the city.
- Nighttime Experiences
- Illuminated Temples and Gardens: Kyoto’s temples and gardens have become popular evening attractions with their stunning illumination events. In 2024, locations such as Kodaiji Temple and Eikando Zenrinji have increased their English-language signage and audio guides for these nighttime experiences. Visitors can now enjoy a serene, English-narrated tour of the illuminated gardens.
- Kyoto Tower Night View: The 2024 updated guide for Kyoto Tower includes a digital guide in English available through smartphones or tablets, providing detailed explanations of the landmarks visible from the tower’s observation deck, including historical sites and modern highlights.
Recommended Shopping Areas (2024)
- Kyoto Takashimaya Department Store
- Located in the Shijo Kawaramachi area, this large department store offers a wide range of international luxury brands, Japanese cosmetics, and traditional Kyoto crafts. The store has English-speaking staff in most sections and tax-free shopping for international visitors. There is also a tourist information desk with English assistance to help navigate the store’s offerings.
- Kyoto Handicraft Center
- Specializing in Kyoto’s traditional crafts, the Kyoto Handicraft Center is a must-visit for those looking to purchase high-quality souvenirs such as pottery, calligraphy tools, and textiles. In 2024, the center expanded its English-speaking staff and offers workshops where visitors can try crafting their own items, such as painting Kyo-yaki pottery or making Japanese paper (washi).
- Aeon Mall Kyoto
- A large shopping complex located near Kyoto Station, Aeon Mall offers a mix of Japanese and international brands. In 2024, the mall introduced a bilingual shopping guide with details on tax-free services, and many stores now have English-speaking staff to assist foreign customers. The mall includes fashion, electronics, food courts, and souvenir shops, making it a convenient stop for tourists.
New Visitor Services in 2024
- Expanded Tourist Information Centers
- Kyoto’s tourist information centers have increased their English-language services in 2024. Located at Kyoto Station, Gion, and other key areas, these centers offer detailed information on transportation, cultural events, and dining options. Visitors can also book tours, reserve workshops, and get assistance with English-speaking taxi services.
- Kyoto City Bus English Service
- In response to increasing demand from international visitors, Kyoto’s city bus service has implemented more English signage and audio announcements in 2024. The popular Raku Bus, which serves major tourist spots like Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji, offers real-time route information in English via a mobile app. Bus stops now have English instructions, making it easier for foreign visitors to navigate the city’s bus network.
- Kyoto Digital Pass
- New in 2024, the Kyoto Digital Pass allows visitors to access a wide range of cultural sites, museums, and workshops using a single digital ticket. The pass can be purchased online and includes English-language guides and app support. The pass covers major attractions like Nijo Castle, the Kyoto Railway Museum, and several Zen temples.
With these new additions and improvements in 2024, Kyoto continues to enhance its appeal to international visitors, offering an even broader range of experiences with comprehensive English support. From cultural immersion to modern conveniences, Kyoto remains a top destination for those looking to explore Japan’s rich history, craft, and culinary scenes.