Newsletter Signup
Join Our Community!
Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive insights, and more.
Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive insights, and more.
To see how we may use your information, take a look at our privacy policy.
%EF%BC%88%E5%A4%A7%EF%BC%89.png)
Kyoto has long inspired creatives of all stripes, from artists and writers to designers and craftspeople. Nobel Prize-winning novelist Yasunari Kawabata captured Kyoto’s spirit in The Old Capital, drawing deeply from the city’s tranquility and aesthetic beauty, while writer Junichiro Tanizaki portrayed the city’s nuanced yet traditional atmosphere in works like In Praise of Shadows. But it’s not just homegrown creatives who have been inspired by Japan’s ancient capital—Steve Jobs integrated Kyoto’s Zen philosophy into Apple’s minimalist aesthetic, while David Bowie, a great admirer of the city, found inspiration here for his visionary costumes and imagery.
Following our article highlighting the tangible resources that Kyoto offers international entrepreneurs, we now delve into the city’s spiritual and creative heritage, which has fired the imaginations of so many leading lights. From scenic walking paths to exquisite traditional arts and crafts, we’ve curated a selection of places and experiences to enrich your life while you pursue your entrepreneurial dream in Kyoto.
Many great artists, writers, composers and thinkers have found walking to be a source of inspiration. Kyoto’s peaceful and scenic environment is perfect for this practice. While tourists might flock to well-known spots like the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove or the Philosopher’s Path, there are lesser-known areas in Kyoto that offer a quiet, meditative atmosphere that is ideal for reflection and inspiration.
Tucked away in a secretive quarter of Gion, Shirakawa Canal is a historic waterway lined with willow trees, traditional wooden townhouses (machiya), and stone-paved paths. In spring, cherry blossoms hang over the water, creating a picturesque view and making the nearby Tatsumi Bridge a perfect photo spot.
Situated in northern Kyoto, Takaragaike Park consists of a large pond surrounded by walking trails. The park is filled with greenery and seasonal flowers, providing a tranquil environment for reflection and relaxation. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to escape the urban noise for a moment or two of peace and clarity.
Located behind Kyoto University, Yoshida Hill is home to the historic Yoshida Shrine. The gently sloping path up to the shrine wends its way through dense forest, offering occasional views of the city. Less frequented by tourists, locals are drawn to Yoshida Hill for its blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
While the Imperial Palace itself is a busy tourist destination, the surrounding grounds include expansive and typically uncrowded gardens. The spacious pathways are lined with pine, cherry, and maple trees, immersing visitors in cherry blossoms in spring and colorful leaves in autumn.
Close to Kyoto Station, Shosei-en Garden is our fifth hidden gem of tranquility. Dating back to the early Edo period, this traditional Japanese garden features wooden bridges, serene ponds, and seasonal blooms. It’s an excellent location for creative pursuits like sketching or writing, or simply to enjoy its quiet beauty.
%EF%BC%88%E5%A4%A7%EF%BC%89.png)
Zen Buddhism has long been linked to creativity, as its principles encourage mindfulness, focus, and simplicity—qualities that are essential for both creative processes and successful business endeavors. Practicing Zen meditation helps sharpen mental clarity and maintain focus on the present moment, allowing your creative thoughts to flow more naturally. As one of the major spiritual centers of Zen in Japan, Kyoto offers many opportunities to learn and practice Zen meditation (zazen), which can greatly benefit international entrepreneurs looking to sharpen their creativity.
At its core, Zen teaches discipline, mindfulness, and balance—principles that are critical not only in the pursuit of spiritual peace but also in the world of business and entrepreneurship. In the fast-paced world of startups, being able to focus on the present moment can make all the difference in decision-making, problem-solving, and creative development. Steve Jobs was famously influenced by Zen philosophy, which he explored during his trips to Kyoto. Jobs applied Zen’s minimalist principles to the design of Apple products, creating iconic devices with an emphasis on simplicity, functionality, and beauty.
For creatives, practicing Zen meditation in Kyoto’s historic temples provides the perfect environment for clearing mental clutter and allowing new ideas to emerge. The regular practice of mindfulness can reduce stress, enhance focus, and attain the mental clarity needed for creative breakthroughs. Here we list three temples that offer English-language courses in Zen meditation. Private tours accompanied by translators are also available, but these are somewhat expensive.
%EF%BC%88%E5%A4%A7%EF%BC%89.png)
Shunkoin Temple in Kyoto offers an exclusive Zen experience led by Rev. Takafumi Kawakami, featuring a private philosophy lecture and guided meditation session in the historic prayer hall.This hall displays Edo-period art and custom Kyoto crafts, enhancing the sense of cultural immersion.
https://shunkoin.com/en/zen-meditation
Taizo-in Temple in Kyoto offers private Zen experiences for groups of 10 or more, including guided temple tours, Zen meditation, Japanese tea experiences, and vegetarian lunches catered by Michelin-starred restaurant Ajiro. Each activity takes from 30 to 90 minutes, with package options available. Each session is guided by a Zen priest who explains Japanese cultural and spiritual traditions in English. http://www.taizoin.com/en/zen/
Daitoku-ji is a renowned Zen temple in northern Kyoto, which offers meditation sessions for beginners. These sessions emphasize the core elements of Zen meditation, such as posture, breathing, and relaxation. Following meditation, participants can enjoy a tea ceremony, often held in the historic tea room, allowing them to explore Zen principles in both practice and philosophy. A session in English is available via reservation.
https://daisen-in.net/zazen-top.html
%EF%BC%88%E5%A4%A7%EF%BC%89.png)
%EF%BC%88%E5%A4%A7%EF%BC%89.png)
Kyoto is the birthplace of the Japanese tea ceremony, chanoyu, a tradition that offers a uniquely immersive experience in mindfulness and precision. Chanoyu is not just about drinking tea; it’s a carefully structured ritual that involves preparing and serving the beverage with meticulous attention to detail.
The ceremony typically takes place in a tea room with tatami flooring, soft lighting, and simple decor, such as seasonal flowers and calligraphy scrolls. Guests enter slowly and bow, symbolizing respect for the host and the space. The host then cleans each utensil—bowls, bamboo whisks, tea scoops—each movement deliberate and unhurried. The tools themselves are often handmade, showcasing traditional Japanese craftsmanship, from delicate ceramic tea bowls to bamboo whisks.
During preparation, the host mixes matcha powder with hot water, whisking it into a frothy, vibrant green tea. Guests turn their tea bowl before drinking—a gesture of gratitude and respect—before sipping slowly, savoring the taste of the tea.
For creative professionals, the tea ceremony teaches the value of process and focus. Each step is intentional, mirroring the discipline needed in design, writing, and other creative work. Participants are encouraged to slow down and appreciate each stage, which can help build resilience and avoid burnout in one’s work life.
We’ve selected four locations in Kyoto offering English-language tea ceremony experiences that will allow you to fully engage with this inspiring tradition.
Tea Ceremony Nagomi offers an authentic experience led by bilingual instructors in a 100-year-old tea room. The experience includes matcha from Gion Tsujiri, sweets from Kyoto’s famous Kiyomizu Temple, and water sourced from Mount Fuji. Guests select their own Kiyomizu-yaki tea bowl and learn about the ceremony's history.
Located in historic townhouses near Nishiki Market and Gion, MAIKOYA’s tea ceremony sessions offer an immersive experience. In addition to educating guests on tea ceremony etiquette, MAIKOYA, offers geisha performances and kimono rental to enhance their immersion.
https://mai-ko.com/culture/tea-ceremony/
At WAK JAPAN, visitors can experience the traditional Japanese tea ceremony within a serene townhouse setting. Private and group sessions are available, and some of the instructors host sessions in their own homes. Kimono lessons are also available to help guests enhance their enjoyment of the experience..
https://wakjapan.com/course_category/tea-ceremony/
This tea house near Kiyomizu Temple offers an authentic tea ceremony experience with views of a historic garden created by the renowned landscape artist Ogawa Jihei VII. Visitors can learn the style of tea ceremony particular to the family of Toyotomi Hideyoshi under the guidance of an experienced tea master. Group and private sessions are available in English.
https://sakaguchi-an.kyoto.jp
Traditional Kyoto craftsmanship embodies a spiritual approach, emphasizing harmony, mindfulness, and a deep respect for nature. Crafts like Kyo-yaki ceramics, Nishijin textiles, and Kyo-yuzen dyeing connect artisans to natural materials, the changing seasons, and the Kyoto landscape. Each creation prioritizes a balance of form and function, reflecting the belief that beauty lies in simplicity and utility. This philosophy encourages both creators and users of these products to live with intention.
We’ve curated a list of five places where you can immerse yourself in Kyoto's craftsmanship. Each of these spots offers visitors a deeper connection to Kyoto’s tradition of craftsmanship.
The Kyoto Handicraft Center displays a variety of traditional crafts including Kyo-yaki ceramics, woodblock prints, and Nishijin textiles. Visitors can also try their hand at textile dyeing, woodblock printing, and ceramic painting workshops to connect directly with Kyoto's rich craftsmanship heritage.
https://www.kyotohandicraftcenter.com/?lang=en
This museum hosts exhibits featuring Kyo-yaki pottery, lacquerware, Nishijin textiles, and more. With exhibitions and workshops highlighting the mingei philosophy, which celebrates the beauty of everyday objects, it provides insights into the balance between beauty and functionality that lies at the core of Japanese craftsmanship.
The Hall of Folk Craft in Kyoto, located in a 100-year-old storehouse, also showcases the mingei movement. The three-level museum features ceramics, textiles, woodworking, and clothing by noted artisans like Shoji Hamada and Kanjiro Kawai. Curiously for a museum, the exhibits have no descriptions, encouraging visitors to interpret the significance of each piece themselves. Special themed exhibitions are held in May and October.
https://www.kyoto-museums.jp/en/museum/north/3952/
The Raku Museum celebrates the Raku family, who pioneered Raku-yaki pottery. This pottery style, closely tied to the tea ceremony, exemplifies the mingei ideals of simplicity and natural beauty. The museum houses a collection of both historic and modern pieces.
https://www.raku-yaki.or.jp/e/index.html
Kawai Kanjiro was a prominent figure in the mingei movement. His home and studio have been converted into a museum, offering visitors a chance to explore his philosophy of finding beauty in everyday objects. The house is filled with Kanjiro’s works among other examples of Japanese craftsmanship.
You can find out more about Kanjiro’s house at the link below. Please note that the website is currently available in Japanese only.
Kyoto offers an enriching environment for international creatives and entrepreneurs seeking both inspiration and mindfulness. From exploring hidden gems like Shirakawa Canal to practicing Zen meditation, Kyoto provides the perfect setting for creative growth. Beyond these highlights, the city is filled with cultural and natural sights with the power to inspire. For more insights, check out Vol. 1 of our series on Kyoto’s entrepreneurship scene.
.jpg)
.jpg)
