With so much unrest south of the US/Canada border this year, many Canadians opted for more peaceful vacation destinations, whether exploring the vast Canadian landscape or taking a bucket-list trip to Europe. This summer, we went east—indeed far east—and found that serenity in Kyoto. “Kyo,” the Japanese word for capital (as seen in Tokyo, meaning eastern capital), meant capital city when applied to Kyoto, which held the title until the late 1800s. In a historically fortuitous decision, Kyoto’s ancient infrastructure was spared in World War II because the American Secretary of War recognized its immense historical and cultural significance.
At first glance, Kyoto stands in contrast to the scale of Tokyo, a city of over 37 million and home to the world’s busiest train station and intersection. By comparison, Kyoto’s train, subway, and bus system is simple and, at times, tranquil even when travelling to sites at the far reaches of the city. And if you’re looking for a retreat in this age of distraction, it is Kyoto’s spiritual centres that just might soothe your soul.
Kinkaku-ji, commonly known as the Golden Pavilion
When visiting religious sites, it is important to realize that there are two main religions—Shinto and Buddhism. Shinto can be seen as the state-sponsored religion, often extolling the spirits of past emperors who still “inhabit” the grounds. Their shrines are usually known by the torii gates, which look like large bird perches, demarcating where ordinary life ends and the sacred begins. Buddhist temples, on the other hand, usually have very large sanmon gates, guarded by two warrior statues called nio, one with its mouth closed and the other open. Locals and visitors suggest that visiting too many can leave you with “temple or shrine burnout,” but here are a few must-see suggestions.
Built by the same Ashikaga Shogunate family, both the Golden (Kinkaku-ji) and Silver Pavilions (Ginkaku-ji) are known for their contrasting elements. The former, covered in gold leaf, is a striking example of opulence and grandeur, stunningly reflected in the pond that surrounds it. The latter, crafted by the grandson of the Golden Pavilion’s owner, is understated and serene, and makes for a one-with-nature stroll through the meditative gardens. And if centring yourself is part of your pilgrimage, the Okochi Sanso Villa created by the Japanese actor Denjiro Okochi over the span of 30 years, offers unmatched vistas, mossy garden trails, and a tea house to complement the Zen atmosphere.
Yasaka Pagoda, also known as the pagoda of Hōkan-ji Temple
If you are looking for true feats of ancient engineering, you will want to visit the Yaska Pagoda, a 46-metre-tall marvel originally built in the sixth century. Its five-tier, winged structure represents traditional Japanese architecture, ornamented with a shimmering tile roof. The nearby temple, Kiyomizu-dera, is similarly stunning. Nestled in the foothills of Mount Otowa, it provides spectacular views of the city. You might question how such structures were created without a single nail or screw. Speaking of images you will never forget, the Sanjusangendo Temple houses the 1001 Kannon, or goddesses of mercy, with accompanying guardian deities. Each goddess is unique and intricately carved from cypress wood, adorned with gilded leaf to punctuate each statue’s multiple arms or faces. If you’re lucky enough to be there on the second Sunday of January, you’ll see the spectacular coming-of-age archery tournament featuring about 2,000 young adults.
When visiting shrines, perhaps the most memorable is the Fushimi Inari Shrine, built in 711 and known for its thousands of torii gates that form a tunnel through a mountain pathway. Unlike temples, shrines have free entrance due to the tradition of playing official roles in cultural and state ceremonies.
One of Kyoto’s most iconic districts is Gion. However, the summer of 2025 saw increased misbehaviour by tourists who failed to respect Japanese norms and culture, engaged in clickbait antics, and treated traditional customs as novelty. With this in mind, when visiting the Gion district, it might be worth investing in a tour guide who can help you understand the historical significance of the centuries-old traditions, as well as how to approach it with reverence and respect. If Japanese culture can sometimes seem esoteric (no tipping, minimal garbage receptacles), appreciating Gion, including which streets and areas are off limits, can help preserve the integrity of the area.
Of course, even though Kyoto is adept at preserving historical sites, its modern conveniences reflect the technology and innovations Japan is known for worldwide. For example, their toilet technology is second to none, and if you’re bringing children, you might have to give them a crash course on a tablet-driven tank system. Likewise, ramen and conveyor belt sushi houses may expect you to order directly from touchscreens rather than wait staff—a situation where a picture may be worth a dozen meals.
However, if old-world charm and modern variety are part of your culinary journey, you will not want to miss the Nishiki Market. Estimated to be over 400 years old, its bustling five-block-long intoxicating atmosphere is where you can find staples like wagyu beef skewers and sashimi (fresh raw fish), or brave new delights such as Yuba (soy milk skin), Tako Tamago (octopus with a quail egg inside its head), or warabi mochi, a jelly-like treat of macha from nearby Uji— the first place in Japan where green tea was cultivated. If serenity is your desired vacation goal, perhaps the Philosopher’s Walk in the northern part of Kyoto’s Higashiyama district might be the perfect destination, or the stunning natural wonder of the bamboo forest in the Arashiyama district might make you simply glad to be alive. It’s in the integration of nature’s riches with skilled creativity, the functional and the spiritual, the modern and the historical, that there seems to be a sense that this once capital city has something to offer our fractured selves. And in a Western world that seems to want to maximize divisions, Kyoto might have the answer we’re all looking for.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Matthew DeJong
Matthew DeJong teaches English and Philosophy in the Peel District School Board, ON and has been a travel writer for over twenty years. His new short story series, The Jordan Stories, has been published by Nelson’s Edwin division and appears in thousands of classrooms throughout Canada and around the world.
This article is featured in Canadian Teacher Magazine’s Winter 2026 issue.
