Oh, the Land of the Rising Sun! Nothing beats travelling the old streets of Japan.

The most popular tourist spots recommendations are Kiyomizu-Dera, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkakuji Temple, and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.

These places have attracted so many tourists that sometimes the point of visiting it doesn’t make sense anymore. When all you see are selfie sticks and the herds of faces photo-bombing your horizon, you’ll wish you’ve planned better! But, that’s just my opinion.

In this blog, I’ll give you 4 places to visit if you just want to have peace of mind travel style. Most of these are not famous, but equally as beautiful and meaningful per se.

1. Nanzen-ji

Famous for its roman-styled ancient aqueduct, you will definitely not miss this temple, as it has the biggest main entrance I’ve seen in all of Kyoto! It has one of Japan’s darkest history, but beauty incomparable to any, and did I mention this aqueduct? I would recommend visiting this temple the earliest, as it also tends to attract the herd. But don’t worry as this temple is close to most of the places I recommend, so planning won’t be the hardest.

2. Lake Biwa

I honestly just stumbled upon this lake while walking to my bus stop going to the next temple. But Lake Biwa captured my heart from its simplest scenery of a fountain in the middle of the lake and the unappreciated silence a walk on its sides offer. On top of this, if you find the stairs below the bridge, you’ll see an old train rail leading up to nothing. Further south a room with old wheels, which will definitely intrigue the curious. Just a heads up, I’m not sure if that place was meant for tourists, so maybe check if there are any securities lol.

3. Yoshida Temple

A temple on top of another temple! Yoshida Temple is another place I’ve bumped in while trying to escape the crowd of Kiyumizu-Dera. This temple is one, if not the most mysterious places I’ve visited because not one tourist can be found in this temple! A fish garden can also be located in its center, followed by huge trees and divided paths!

4. Ponto-Cho

I would include this street on the side of Gion District, cause not much tourist appreciates its beauty! Honestly, if you’re looking for a place to chill, walk for minutes, and back alleys with Japanese lanterns on it, I would highly recommend having a stroll in here!

And there you go, friends! My shortlist of “off the beaten path” sights that you shouldn’t miss when you visit Kyoto. Let me know in the comments below if I missed anything!