Kyoto, known as the cultural capital of Japan, is a city steeped in history and tradition. But it is also a city that has embraced sustainable tourism and offers a variety of eco-friendly options for visitors. Here are the top 10 sustainable destinations in Kyoto for eco-tourism.
【1】Arashiyama
This picturesque district on the western outskirts of Kyoto is known for its traditional temples, stunning bamboo groves and scenic hiking trails. Visitors can explore the area on foot or by bicycle, reducing their carbon footprint.
Arashiyama, located on the western outskirts of Kyoto, is known for its picturesque landscapes, traditional temples, and scenic hiking trails. It is a popular destination for tourists and its popularity has led to increased pressure on the area’s natural and cultural heritage.
However, there are a number of sustainable initiatives in place to minimize the impact of tourism on the area. For example, many of the temples and other tourist sites have implemented recycling and energy conservation programs. Visitors can also explore the area on foot or by bicycle, reducing their carbon footprint. Additionally, there are a number of local tour operators and guides that offer sustainable tours of the area, which aim to promote responsible and environmentally-friendly tourism.
Overall, it is possible to visit Arashiyama in a sustainable way, by choosing to stay in eco-friendly accommodations, using public transportation, and supporting sustainable tourism initiatives.
【2】Fushimi Inari Shrine
This popular shrine is famous for its thousands of torii gates that lead up to the summit of Mount Inari. The shrine is also home to a number of eco-friendly initiatives, such as recycling and energy conservation.
Fushimi Inari Shrine, located in the southern part of Kyoto, is a popular destination for tourists due to its thousands of torii gates that lead up to the summit of Mount Inari. The shrine is also home to a number of eco-friendly initiatives, such as recycling and energy conservation.
Additionally, the shrine offers a number of sustainable options for visitors such as walking or cycling instead of using cars or buses to get there, reducing their carbon footprint. Also, the shrine offers guided tours that promote responsible and environmentally-friendly tourism.
That being said, the popularity of the shrine can put pressure on the area’s natural and cultural heritage. So, it is recommended to avoid peak tourist season, and to be mindful of the impact of tourism on the environment while visiting.
【3】Kyoto Botanical Garden
This beautiful garden is home to over 10,000 species of plants and is committed to promoting environmental conservation and sustainable tourism.
Kyoto Botanical Garden is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit, and it is also a great destination for those looking for sustainable tourism options in Kyoto. The garden is home to a wide variety of plants, including many native species, and is known for its beautiful gardens, greenhouses and the research center on botanical science.
The garden has implemented a number of eco-friendly initiatives, such as recycling, energy conservation, and the use of solar power. They also have a program of composting, which helps to reduce waste and to use organic waste as a fertilizer for the plants.
Visitors to the garden can also choose to explore it on foot or by bicycle, reducing their carbon footprint. Additionally, the garden offers guided tours and educational programs that promote responsible and environmentally-friendly tourism.
Overall, visiting Kyoto Botanical Garden is a sustainable option for tourists as the garden’s management has implemented a number of eco-friendly initiatives and promotes sustainable tourism practices.
【4】Nijo Castle
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a beautiful example of traditional Japanese architecture and is also committed to reducing its environmental impact through energy conservation and recycling.
Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the center of Kyoto, is a popular destination for tourists due to its beautiful architecture and historical significance. The castle is also home to a number of eco-friendly initiatives, such as recycling and energy conservation.
Additionally, the castle grounds offer a number of sustainable options for visitors such as walking or cycling instead of using cars or buses to get there, reducing their carbon footprint. Also, the castle offers guided tours that promote responsible and environmentally-friendly tourism.
However, the popularity of the castle can put pressure on the area’s natural and cultural heritage. So, it is recommended to avoid peak tourist season, and to be mindful of the impact of tourism on the environment while visiting.
Overall, while it is possible to visit Nijo Castle in a sustainable way, by choosing to stay in eco-friendly accommodations, using public transportation, and supporting sustainable tourism initiatives, it’s important to be mindful of the impact of tourism on the area and to support sustainable practices.
【5】The Kyoto Tower
Kyoto’s tallest building is also the city’s most sustainable, with a number of eco-friendly features such as solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system.
Kyoto Tower is a popular destination for tourists looking for a panoramic view of the city. It is located in the heart of Kyoto and is the tallest building in the city. The tower has implemented a number of eco-friendly initiatives, such as recycling, energy conservation, and the use of solar power.
Visitors to the tower can also choose to explore it on foot or by bicycle, reducing their carbon footprint. Additionally, the tower offers guided tours and educational programs that promote responsible and environmentally-friendly tourism.
However, it’s important to note that visiting a tower like Kyoto tower might not be considered as a sustainable activity as it doesn’t offer much educational or environmental value, and it’s mostly a place to get a view of the city, which could also be achieved by going to a viewpoint.
【6】Tofuku-ji Temple
This ancient temple is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, and it also has a commitment to reducing its environmental impact.
Tofuku-ji Temple is a popular destination for tourists due to its beautiful architecture and historical significance. The temple is also home to a number of eco-friendly initiatives, such as recycling and energy conservation.
Additionally, the temple grounds offer a number of sustainable options for visitors such as walking or cycling instead of using cars or buses to get there, reducing their carbon footprint. Also, the temple offers guided tours that promote responsible and environmentally-friendly tourism.
The temple also features beautiful gardens and a pond that are a great place to relax and appreciate nature. Visitors can take part in Zen meditation and other activities which can be an opportunity to learn about the temple’s history, culture, and sustainable practices.
Visiting Tofuku-ji Temple can be a sustainable option for tourists as the temple’s management has implemented a number of eco-friendly initiatives and promotes sustainable tourism practices. Also, it offers an opportunity to learn and appreciate the culture, history, and nature of Kyoto.
【7】Higashiyama
This charming district is known for its traditional streetscapes and stunning temples, and it also offers a number of eco-friendly options for visitors.
Higashiyama is a district in Kyoto known for its traditional architecture, temples, and shrines. It is a popular destination for tourists due to its cultural and historical significance. The district is also home to a number of eco-friendly initiatives, such as recycling and energy conservation.
Additionally, visitors can explore the district on foot or by bicycle, reducing their carbon footprint. The district offers a number of walking tours that take visitors through the area’s temples, shrines, and traditional streets, providing them with an opportunity to learn about the area’s culture, history and sustainable practices.
However, it’s important to note that the popularity of the district can put pressure on the area’s natural and cultural heritage. So, it is recommended to avoid peak tourist season, and to be mindful of the impact of tourism on the environment while visiting.
Visiting Higashiyama in Kyoto can be a sustainable option for tourists as it offers an opportunity to learn and appreciate the culture, history, and nature of Kyoto. It’s important to support sustainable practices and to minimize the impact of tourism on the area by choosing eco-friendly accommodations, using public transportation and avoiding peak tourist season.
【8】Kinkaku-ji Temple
Also known as the “Golden Pavilion,” this temple is a stunning example of traditional Japanese architecture and is also committed to reducing its environmental impact through energy conservation and recycling.
Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a popular destination for tourists due to its beautiful architecture and historical significance. The temple is also home to a number of eco-friendly initiatives, such as recycling and energy conservation.
The temple grounds offer a number of sustainable options for visitors such as walking or cycling instead of using cars or buses to get there, reducing their carbon footprint. The temple also offers guided tours that promote responsible and environmentally-friendly tourism.
Additionally, the temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which means that it is protected by international agreements and conservation efforts.
【9】The Kyoto Imperial Palace
This ancient palace is a beautiful example of traditional Japanese architecture and is also committed to reducing its environmental impact through energy conservation and recycling.
The Kyoto Imperial Palace is a popular destination for tourists due to its historical significance and cultural importance. The palace grounds are a UNESCO World Heritage site, which means that it is protected by international agreements and conservation efforts.
The palace also offers guided tours, which provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about the palace’s history and sustainable practices. Additionally, the palace grounds are open for visitors to explore on foot or by bicycle, reducing their carbon footprint.
【10】Ryoan-ji Temple
This ancient temple is known for its beautiful rock garden and is also committed to reducing its environmental impact through energy conservation and recycling.
Ryoan-ji Temple is a popular destination for tourists due to its beautiful Zen garden and historical significance. The temple is also home to a number of eco-friendly initiatives, such as recycling and energy conservation.
The temple grounds offer a number of sustainable options for visitors such as walking or cycling instead of using cars or buses to get there, reducing their carbon footprint. The temple also offers guided tours that promote responsible and environmentally-friendly tourism.
Additionally, the temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which means that it is protected by international agreements and conservation efforts.
Summary
Kyoto is a city that offers a variety of options for sustainable tourism, from ancient temples to beautiful gardens, and it also offers a variety of eco-friendly options for visitors. By choosing to visit these sustainable destinations, visitors can enjoy the beauty and cultural heritage of Kyoto while also supporting the city’s efforts to promote sustainability.
However, it’s important to note that the popularity of these destinations can put pressure on the area’s natural and cultural heritage. So, it is recommended to avoid peak tourist season, and to be mindful of the impact of tourism on the environment while visiting.
Make sure to book a private sustainable tour with HiddenWalks during your next visit to Kyoto!
