7 Fun Things to Do in Kyoto Most Tourists Miss

When people think of Kyoto, they know it’s famous for quiet temples, red torii gates, and peaceful gardens. And yes, those are beautiful. But if you look closer, you’ll find a whole other side of the city. Beyond the postcard views, there are so many fun things to do in Kyoto that most travelers never even hear about.

You can swing a samurai sword in the morning, slurp ramen you made yourself in the afternoon, and step into a digital art world at night. There are endless things to do in Kyoto that most travelers walk right past. This guide will show you the hidden gems and unique experiences that make your trip better.

Ready to discover the most exciting fun things to do in Kyoto? Let’s dive in.

Kyoto was once home to powerful samurai clans, and now you can step into their world. In this kendo and samurai experience, you’ll wear traditional armor and hold a practice sword. Your instructor will guide you through basic moves, footwork, and battle stances.

You’ll bow, shout, and strike with purpose. The session is guided and safe, so even beginners like you can enjoy it. It’s both fun and empowering. You leave not just with photos, but with a deeper respect for Japan’s warrior history.

Sumo is one of Japan’s oldest sports, and seeing it live is powerful. At a Kyoto sumo show, you’ll watch trained wrestlers demonstrate their strength, speed, and ritual movements. You’ll learn about the history of sumo and the strict traditions that guide each match.

The best part? Some shows even include chanko nabe, the hearty hot pot that sumo wrestlers eat daily. Sharing this meal adds warmth and flavor to the experience.

If you think Kyoto is only about tradition, teamLab Biovortex Kyoto will surprise you. This immersive digital art space surrounds you with moving lights, glowing colors, and interactive projections. The walls shift, the floors sparkle, and the art reacts to your movements. Every step feels like entering a new universe.

What makes this one of the most exciting and fun things to do in Kyoto is how playful it feels. You don’t just look at the art; you become part of it. It’s also a perfect break from temple visits if you want something a bit more modern.

At TOEI Kyoto Studio Park, you walk straight into a movie set designed to look like Edo-period Japan. Wooden buildings line the streets. Samurai and ninja characters wander by. You can even watch live stunt shows and action scenes.

This park is part museum, part theme park, and part film studio. It’s fun for kids and adults alike. Dress up in kimono or ninja outfits and snap playful photos. It’s one of those Kyoto things to do and see that feels interactive and energetic.

Kyoto is famous for high-quality kitchen knives used by chefs around the world. In this Kyoto knife-making workshop, you work beside a skilled blacksmith to shape and polish your own blade. You’ll heat metal, hammer it carefully, and sharpen it under expert guidance.

It’s amazing to feel the rhythm of the hammer and see raw steel turn into a useful tool. The instructor ensures safety at every step. By the end, you’ll hold a handcrafted knife you made yourself.

This is one of the most rewarding and fun things to do in Kyoto because you leave with a real skill and a lasting souvenir.

Nishiki market is called “Kyoto’s Kitchen” for good reason. This narrow shopping street stretches for several blocks and is packed with colorful food stalls. You’ll find grilled seafood, sweet mochi, pickled vegetables, and fresh matcha treats.

Joining a Nishiki market food tour makes the experience even better. Your guide explains the history behind each dish and helps you choose what to try. It turns a simple snack break into a cultural adventure.

Ramen is one of Japan’s favorite comfort foods, and making it yourself is surprisingly fun. In this Kyoto ramen noodle class, you’ll knead dough, roll it thin, and cut perfect noodles. Then you’ll prepare broth and choose toppings to complete your bowl.

The teacher keeps instructions simple and easy to follow. Even if you’ve never cooked before, you’ll enjoy the process. Best of all, you get to sit down and enjoy the ramen you created from scratch!

FAQs about fun things to do in Kyoto

When you visit Kyoto, you can explore temples and shrines, but you can also join cooking classes, watch cultural shows, and try martial arts experiences. If you want your trip to feel exciting, add interactive experiences to your list of fun things to do in Kyoto.

You should do both classic sightseeing and local experiences. Visit famous temples early in the day, then spend your afternoon making ramen or watching a sumo show. This way, you enjoy both history and hands-on fun. 

Kyoto is best known for its temples, traditional tea ceremonies, and geisha districts. You’ll see beautiful wooden houses and peaceful gardens throughout the city. It was once Japan’s capital, so you can feel its deep history everywhere you go. At the same time, you’ll explore modern attractions that add even more Kyoto things to do and see beyond the classics.

If you want more than photos, choose activities where you can participate. You can train like a samurai, make your own knife, or cook a bowl of ramen from scratch. These experiences help you connect with the culture in a deeper way. Adding these fun things to do in Kyoto will make your trip better. 

Kyoto is full of surprises at every corner. Yes, the temples and gardens are beautiful, but there’s so much more waiting for you. You can cheer at a live sumo match, craft your own ramen from scratch, train like a samurai, or step into a glowing world of digital art. These fun things to do in Kyoto turn your trip from simple sightseeing into a fun adventure. 

So don’t just walk through Kyoto; say yes to new experiences, book that activity you’re curious about, and create stories you’ll talk about long after your trip ends!