Kyoto | Reject the typical tourist spots and experience the breath of the ancient capital in one day

Is there anyone like me who feels that Kyoto has a kind of magic?
No matter if you have a destination or not, just wandering the streets casually, you can encounter delightful little scenes.
In mid-October, I went to Kyoto to see a friend's photo exhibition.
The weather was great, so I planned a day of city walking, starting from Karasuma and walking all the way to Kyoto University.
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👣 Walking route
Karasuma ➡︎ Naramonocho ➡︎ Teramachi Keikyu Shopping Street ➡︎ Rissei Hiroba ➡︎ Pontocho Street ➡︎ Kamo River ➡︎ Marutamachi Street ➡︎ Kyoto University
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🌟 Route highlights
❶ The transition from "shopping street → cultural street → residential area → academic district" clearly lets you feel the layered gradation of Kyoto's urban space.
❷ Karasuma is Kyoto’s business and transportation hub, where modern office buildings coexist with traditional machiya townhouses, making it a microcosm of "modern Kyoto."
❸ The area from Naramonocho to Teramachi Keikyu Shopping Street hides many charming Kyoto alleys, old ryotei restaurants, retro cafes, secondhand bookstores, clothing shops, and luxury stores—truly a paradise for food and shopping lovers.
❹ Rissei Hiroba is a cultural complex space transformed from the old Rissei Elementary School and is a beloved artistic landmark among Kyoto’s youth.
❺ Pontocho Street is one of Kyoto’s most iconic hanamachi (geisha districts), with narrow alleys full of machiya restaurants and small bars, right next to the Kamo River.
❻ The Kamo River is, in my heart, the most pleasant place in Kyoto, perfect for walking and zoning out. The scenery changes with the seasons, and every time I come to Kyoto, I walk along the Kamo River. I especially love the evening when the sunset’s afterglow gilds the surrounding plants and trees.
❼ After crossing the Kamo River, on the way to Kyoto University, there are fewer tourists and the neighborhood becomes much quieter. Along the way, there are old houses and small cafes. I also visited the very historic Yoshida Dormitory, feeling the unique atmosphere of Kyoto’s academic district.
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💡 Travel TIPS
❶ Recently, Kyoto has gotten much colder, so it’s recommended to bring long-sleeved clothes, especially since the temperature drops at night—stay warm.
❷ Although mobile payments are widespread, some small restaurants still only accept cash or credit cards.