Kyoto was the second city I visited on my trip to Japan, and it felt so incredibly different from Tokyo. While Tokyo buzzes with futuristic energy and bright lights, Kyoto feels calm, grounded, and steeped in tradition.
When people talk about the Japanese aesthetic, it’s often the stunning architecture of Kyoto that springs to mind. The buildings here are truly unique to the city, and because Kyoto has taken such pride in protecting its heritage, many of these structures remain beautifully preserved.
Walking through Kyoto is like stepping into a living museum, except people still live, work, and eat among these time-honoured streets.
A Different Kind of Energy
It’s hard to put into words the shift in energy between Tokyo and Kyoto – you really have to experience it for yourself.
Kyoto, while still a bustling city, feels somehow quieter, more peaceful, and more serene. Despite its size (it’s still a very large city – don’t be fooled!) it actually feels more like a charming town than a sprawling metropolis.
There’s something about Kyoto that just feels more local, closer, warmer, almost homely. Cosy, even. That feeling stays with you, whether you’re sipping tea in a quiet café or wandering down a lantern-lit alleyway.
Architecture That Tells a Story
The buildings in Kyoto aren’t towering skyscrapers. Many are just two or three storeys high, often built in the traditional Japanese architectural style, with wooden facades, tiled roofs, and subtle, elegant details. It’s visually beautiful and incredibly atmospheric.
Every street is a visual treat, and you can’t help but imagine all the lives that have passed through these places over generations.
Nature Is Everywhere
One of the defining features of Kyoto’s aesthetic is its connection to nature. The city sits alongside the Kamogawa River, which brings a calming, tranquil presence to daily life.
It’s also surrounded by lush green mountains, which add to the peaceful atmosphere and make the city feel like it’s cradled by nature.
This natural setting isn’t just something you see—it’s something you feel. You sense it in the fresh air, the green spaces, and even in the way people move and live. Nature isn’t a backdrop in Kyoto—it’s part of the city’s rhythm.
Temples, Shrines, and Stillness
The other major element shaping Kyoto’s aesthetic is its temples and shrines. They’re absolutely everywhere. Whether grand and iconic or small and hidden, each one adds to the city’s quiet beauty.
I visited several during my trip (photos below!), and because I was there during the off-peak season—right in the height of summer—I was lucky enough to experience many of them in near silence. It was incredibly special to explore slowly and respectfully, without crowds.
I took my time, wandered gently, and absorbed the atmosphere from every angle. It felt meditative—almost sacred.
Hidden Food Gems
And lastly, I can’t talk about Kyoto without mentioning the food.
The quality here is unmatched. There are so many Michelin-starred and high-end dining spots tucked away throughout the city—sometimes hidden behind unmarked doors or located in quiet backstreets. It felt like a restaurant-themed treasure hunt.
Some of the best meals I had in Japan were here in Kyoto, in small dining rooms I stumbled across almost by accident.
The food scene is a big part of what made Kyoto feel so magical.
Final Thoughts
I loved Kyoto. I loved its aesthetic, its atmosphere, and the slower pace it offered. And as I mentioned, one of the things I appreciated most about my time there was how calm and uncrowded it felt. It gave me the space to breathe—and to really see.
If you’re drawn to traditional beauty, quiet moments, and an atmosphere that feels both grounded and elevated, Kyoto is the place.
