If you're traveling to Japan for the first time, Kyoto is probably high on your list of must-see destinations. And while the iconic temples and shrines will fill any first time in Japan itinerary, there’s another side of Kyoto waiting to be explored. The locals here have their own cherished spots – places many tourists overlook or unaware exist. Tapping into those insider tips (almost like having tours by locals in Kyoto as your personal guides) can transform how you plan a trip to Japan. Below, we highlight four hidden gems shared by Kyoto residents through the KABIN Now section of the KABIN app. These spots offer unusual things to do in Kyoto that will make your visit truly unique. From secret gardens to mountaintop retreats and creative hangouts, get ready to experience Kyoto like a local.
Open Garden Lab – A Machiya Tea Sanctuary and Nighttime Hideout
Hidden among the narrow lanes of traditional townhouses, Open Garden Lab (simply known as Garden Lab) invites you into a beautifully restored machiya that sat empty for nearly 40 years. Today, this century-old building is buzzing with life as a rare tea bar by day and an eclectic lounge by night. By afternoon you can savor artisanal brews – think single-origin Japanese green teas or creative tea cocktails – all while overlooking a serene courtyard garden anchored by a 100-year-old maple tree. In the evenings, the vibe shifts to a cozy bar atmosphere blending tradition with modern mixology.
What makes Garden Lab a favorite among Kyoto locals is its blend of old and new. The lovingly preserved wooden architecture and garden create a tranquil backdrop, but the offerings are refreshingly contemporary. You might find a seasonal tea-infused craft beer or Kyoto-brewed sake on the menu alongside the oolong and matcha. This “lab” isn’t just about drinks either – it’s a community hub. Housed within a cluster of machiya that also features a coffee roastery and creative spaces, Garden Lab often hosts events, workshops, and art showcases. It’s the kind of place where local artists, remote workers, and neighbors gather to unwind and swap stories. In short, Garden Lab embodies the spirit of Kyoto: a harmony of heritage and innovation. It’s an ideal first stop if you’re curious about unusual things to do in Kyoto beyond the typical sights – a chance to relax in a secret tea garden that Kyotoites themselves treasure.
Hieizan Cable Car – Kyoto’s Mountain Escape with a View
When Kyoto’s hustle fades into the distance and cedar forests close in around you, you know you’re on the Hieizan Cable Car climbing Mount Hiei. This quaint funicular line has been carrying city dwellers up into the hills since 1925, and it remains a beloved weekend escape for many locals. In fact, the cable car route rises about 561 meters in elevation – the greatest height gain of any funicular in Japan – earning it a little place in the record books. The ride itself is an adventure: the track zigzags up steep slopes (up to 27.9 degrees incline) and tunnels through lush greenery. In about 9 minutes you’re whisked from the outskirts of town into cooler mountain climes with sweeping vistas at every turn.
What’s at the top? Pure peace and panoramic views. Stepping off the cable car, you can transfer to a ropeway that zips up to Hiei’s summit in a few minutes more. From the observation decks you’ll gaze down at Kyoto City on one side and expansive Lake Biwa on the other. It’s a scenic thrill in all seasons – cherry blossoms speckle the mountainside in spring, deep greens surround you in summer, and autumn paints the slope crimson and gold. (In winter, you might even ascend from a mild day in the city to find the temple peaks dusted with snow!) Many Kyoto families have childhood memories of these mountaintop outings; it’s a quiet retreat where you might find locals picnicking or visiting the ancient Enryaku-ji temple complex nearby. If you time it right, an evening ride in summer treats you to a glittering Kyoto nightscape below – a popular date idea for those in the know. The Hieizan Cable Car may not appear on every tourist radar, but it’s a local’s favorite for how to plan a trip to Japan that balances city sightseeing with nature. Don’t forget to try the quirky local custom at the mid-station: toss a small clay dish off the platform (called kawarake-nage) to cast away bad luck and make a wish for your journey!
Bukkoji Temple – History, Tranquility, and a Temple Café Gem
Ever wonder where do locals eat in Kyoto when they want somewhere peaceful and authentic? One surprising answer is Bukkoji Temple. Tucked just a few blocks west of the busy Nishiki Market street, Bukkoji is a Zen-like oasis in the city center – and remarkably, it hosts its own design shop and café right on the temple grounds. This temple is no tourist trap; it’s actually the headquarters of its own Jodo Shinshu Buddhist sect and dates back to 1324 (though it moved to the current site in 1586 at the request of warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi). Despite its grand lineage, Bukkoji remains relatively uncrowded, making it a hidden gem for those seeking a moment of reflection or a taste of local life.
Walk through the modest temple gate and you’ll likely spot Kyoto residents reading or sipping tea under the shade of a towering ginkgo tree. In fact, Bukkoji is famous among locals for its stunning golden ginkgo leaves each autumn, when the temple courtyard turns into a carpet of vibrant yellow. The atmosphere is magical yet peaceful – a welcome escape from downtown noise. But what really sets Bukkoji apart is the D&Department Kyoto Café and Shop on site. In collaboration with the temple, the long-life design brand D&Department has created a space where you can dine and shop in a very “Kyoto” atmosphere. Picture sitting on tatami mats in a refurbished wooden hall, enjoying a healthy set meal or craft coffee made with Kyoto-sourced ingredients. All around you are carefully curated local artisan products and books on display (yes, everything from the ceramic dishes to the furniture is likely for sale, in case you want a piece of Kyoto to take home). This unique integration of a temple with a contemporary café/gallery makes Bukkoji a living cultural hub. Locals come here to appreciate the architecture, attend periodic events, or just have lunch in an inspiring setting. For a traveler, it’s the perfect chance to soak in Kyoto’s heritage and modern creativity all at once – something a standard guidebook might never include in a first time in Japan itinerary. Don’t leave without wandering the temple halls for a few minutes of quiet contemplation; you might hear the echo of chanting or catch the scent of incense that reminds you this is still a sacred place at heart, even as it embraces the community in new ways.
1G – Kyoto’s Creative Culture Shop and Bar Secret
Down a dim alley in Kyoto’s west side, marked only by some old couches and a couple of vintage cars, you’ll find a refrigerator door… Open it, and you’ve entered 1G – one of Kyoto’s coolest underground bars. This place is the epitome of a local hidden gem: a psychedelic garage turned into a multi-purpose creative hangout. Inside, 1G feels like part best-friend’s clubhouse, part DJ lounge, part record shop all fused into one. The decor is a funky mix of graffiti art, string lights, vinyl records, and comfy mismatched sofas. On any given night, you might encounter an eclectic music event – 1G is known for its refreshingly diverse DJ sets, spinning everything from jazz and funk to techno. Kyoto’s indie music lovers and artists often gather here, giving the bar a friendly, community vibe. It’s the kind of spot where after a few minutes you’ll find yourself chatting with the person on the next barstool as if you’ve known them for years. No wonder 1G has become a go-to for those craving a truly unique vibe in Kyoto’s nightlife scene.
What’s more, 1G almost didn’t survive this long. The project began as a temporary experiment, originally slated to run just three years – perhaps adding to its elusive mystique. But thanks to the outpouring of love from loyal regulars and even the support of the building’s owner, this little haven defied the odds and is still going strong. (In fact, they’ve announced they’ll keep the party going until at least the end of 2025 now!) For Kyoto locals, 1G is a testament to the city’s creative pulse – a space where subcultures thrive and everyone is welcome. Travelers who stumble upon it often say it was the highlight of their Kyoto trip, a chance to experience the city’s contemporary youth culture far away from touristy bars. Whether you drop in for a craft beer, peruse the vinyl collection upstairs in the loft, or dance shoulder-to-shoulder with Kyotoites to an up-and-coming DJ’s set, 1G offers a memorable night out. It’s not just an unusual bar; it’s a slice of modern Kyoto life. Just remember, finding it is half the fun – and yes, that old fridge door is indeed the entrance to one of Kyoto’s best-kept nightlife secrets.
Dive into Kyoto’s Local Treasures with KABIN Now
These four spots are just a taste of Kyoto’s local favorites – the kind of places that might not be on the standard tour, but will leave you with stories to tell. The beauty of Kyoto (and really, of traveling anywhere new) is in those unexpected discoveries and authentic moments. With the KABIN Now section of the KABIN app, uncovering tours by locals-style tips and hidden gems becomes easier, letting you venture beyond the guidebook and see the city through resident eyes. If you’re eager for more, don’t stop here. There are countless alleyway ramen joints, artisan workshops, and secret gardens that await beyond the usual attractions. So go ahead and explore – Kyoto rewards the curious!
Ready to experience Kyoto like a local? Download the KABIN app here (KABIN Now’s recommendations are updated in real time by real Kyoto locals) and start bookmarking even more of these insider spots for your trip. And when it comes to planning the rest of your Japan adventure, remember that where you stay in Japan for the first time can shape your experience. Book your stay with KABIN Hotels in Kyoto or Osaka – our Kyoto property sits conveniently near many of the locales mentioned above, so you’ll have Kyoto’s hidden gems right at your doorstep. From all of us at KABIN, happy travels and see you in Kyoto!
