Leaf KYOTO Delivered by Leaf, a local information magazine!

FOLLOW US

2026.1.23
  • LINE
  • FaceBook
  • twitter
Kyoto Date Spots

[2026] From Classics to Hidden Gems! 25 Recommended Date Spots in Kyoto

Are you troubled by dates that gradually get stuck in a rut? In addition to famous shrines and temples, Kyoto offers a wide variety of fun facilities such as handmade crafts, theaters, museums, and archives.
In this issue, we’ll introduce a wide variety of date spots recommended by our editorial team—from classic favorites to hidden gems. Check out the places that catch your eye and head out to create some special memories. (TEXT by Hana Toba, EDIT by Kanako Horike)

Contents of this article

1.
An Immersive Museum Where You Can See, Touch, and Feel [teamLab Bio-Vortex Kyoto] / Kyoto Station
2.
Learn about the creatures that live in Kyoto at the Kyoto Aquarium, one of the largest inland aquariums in Japan / Umekoji Park
3.
A Visit to "Uzumasa Movie Village," an Immersive Theme Park for Adults Seeking a Fresh Start / Uzumasa
4.
[My Sake World Kyoto Kawaramachi]—Where You Can Experience Making Your Own Sake / Kawaramachi
5.
Some games can be played in cooperation with two people! Increase your love level at the popular Nintendo Museum / Uji
6.
Enjoy art close at hand [Kyoto Kyocera Museum of Art] / Okazaki, Japan
7.
Nidec Kyoto Tower and Kyoto Tower Sandwich are not only for looking up, but also for enjoying the inside of the tower / Kyoto Station
8.
From couples to families. Everyone can feel free to visit [JRA Kyoto Racecourse]/Fushimi
9.
Enjoy Manga Time at the Kyoto International Manga Museum, a one-of-a-kind cultural facility / Karasuma Oike
10.
TEA SQUARE MORIHAN] / Uji, where you can enjoy tea and sweets made from high-quality tea leaves.
11.
A tempting array of gourmet foods! Eat up the taste of autumn in Arashiyama / Arashiyama
12.
A spectacular view from [Arashiyama Park] (Kameyama Park), where rich nature is woven together / Arashiyama
13.
Experience the traditional techniques of pottery at Zuikogama Kyoto Kiyomizu-ten, which has been handed down for over 250 years / Yasaka
14.
[Handmade pairings at glänta kyoto Sanjo Kawaramachi / Sanjo
15.
Try Your Hand at Creating Original Dyed Textiles at the Long-Established [ANDO Kyoto Main Store], Which Is Celebrating Its 100th Anniversary / Gojo
16.
Experience making the world's one and only original carpet at tufting studio CREA / Shimogamo
17.
Immerse yourself in the world of the stage "GEAR" in a retro building from the early Showa period / Sanjo
18.
Sake and food pairing at Fushimisakagura Koji in the town of sake breweries / Fushimi
19.
[MYBEAR STUDIO] Breathing Art into Bear Figures / Karasuma Matsubara
20.
A collection of unique stores! The newly reborn Osaka-ya Market / Uji
21.
Jizo-san, revered as a child-rearing Jizo, child-supporting Jizo, and child-supporting Jizo at Seifuku-ji Temple / Kiyomizu Gojo
22.
Make a wish on the colorful "kuri-monkeys" at Yasaka Koshindo (Yasaka Koshindo) that adorn the precincts of the temple / Yasaka
23.
Byodoin, a gorgeous and gorgeous temple reminiscent of the prosperity of the Heian period (794-1192) / Uji, Japan
24.
The heart-shaped inome window at Shoju-in Temple, where the heart is refreshed by the colorful seasonal scenery / Uji-Tawaramachi
25.
Zen temple known for its "Window of Enlightenment/ Window of Lostness" and "Blood Ceiling" [Genkoan] / Takagamine

1. An Immersive Museum Where You Can See, Touch, and Feel [teamLab Bio-Vortex Kyoto] / Kyoto Station

[TeamLab BioVortex Kyoto], a museum offering a new kind of art experience, opened in 2025 just a 7-minute walk from Kyoto Station. With a total floor area of approximately 10,000 square meters, the museum features over 50 exhibits—from walking through light to being surrounded by countless spheres! Many works change when touched or evolve continuously in response to their surroundings, offering an otherworldly experience that feels like stepping into a different dimension. Since the exhibits include some physical challenges, be sure to wear comfortable, activewear to take on the adventure.

TeamLab Bio Vortex: “High-Speed Spinning Bouncing Balls” at the Caterpillar House in Kyoto

"The High-Speed Spinning Bouncing Ball at Aomushi House," where you walk on a sphere that appears to be spinning at high speed. Even adults may find it surprisingly difficult to keep their balance—and might get completely absorbed in it.

teamLab BioVortex: “Forest of Resonating Lamps” in Kyoto

In “The Forest of Resonating Lamps: One Stroke – a Year in the Mountains,” visitors are enveloped by countless lamps. It’s a magical sight to see the lamps glow more brightly in response to human presence, with the light spreading from one lamp to the next.

Exterior of teamLab Bio Vortex Kyoto

<Rates
Admission Fees: Adults 3,400 yen and up (ages 18 and older); Middle and High School Students 2,800 yen (student ID must be presented upon entry); Children 1,800 yen (ages 4–12); Discount for People with Disabilities 1,700 yen and up (discount applies to one accompanying person)
*Adult and disabled discounts are subject to price fluctuation depending on the admission date.
*+200 yen if purchased onsite.
*Flexible pass with no specified admission time 12,000 yen for both adults and children
<Ticket Reservations
To purchase ticketsThe official website for [teamLab BioVortex Kyoto]Online reservations are required
*Purchase by specifying the time of admission. No re-entry allowed.

TeamLab BioVortex Kyoto

  • TeamLab BioVortex Kyoto
  • 21-5 Higashi Kujo Higashi Iwamoto-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
  • 7 minutes walk from Hachijo Exit of Kyoto Station on each line

2. Learn about the creatures that live in Kyoto at the Kyoto Aquarium, one of the largest inland aquariums in Japan / Umekoji Park

An aquarium is a must for a first date. Located within [Umekoji Park], just a short distance from Kyoto Station, the [Kyoto Aquarium] offers excellent access, making it a great spot to visit casually. Spanning 10 different areas, the aquarium showcases approximately 10,000 creatures representing 200 species, including the “Kyoto River” area featuring giant salamanders and the “Kyoto Sea” large tank, which recreates the waters off Kyoto. Be sure to check in advance for the wildly popular animal shows featuring dolphins, penguins, and more. After you’ve had your fill of the aquarium, enjoy the wide variety of culinary delights available around [Umekoji Park].

Jellyfish Wonder at Kyoto Aquarium

360-degree panoramic aquarium "GURURI" allows visitors to experience the fantastic sea world of jellyfish drifting in the water.

Exterior view of Kyoto Aquarium

Kyoto Aquarium

  • moorish idol
  • 35-1 Kankiji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan Umekoji Park
  • 7 min. walk from JR Umekoji-Kyoto Nishi Sta.
  • Tel. 075-354-3130

3. A Visit to "Uzumasa Movie Village," an Immersive Theme Park for Adults Seeking a Fresh Start / Uzumasa

[Uzumasa Movie Village] is scheduled to undergo a full renovation from 2026 to 2028. On Saturday, March 28, 2026, as part of the first phase of the renovation, cultural experiences centered on the Edo period and 10 new food spots to enjoy while strolling through the town will debut, transforming the park into an immersive theme park that adults can also enjoy. Nighttime operations will also begin, so be sure to enjoy the evening atmosphere.

*Check here for the village's closure period (January–March 2026) and operating areas.

Conceptual rendering of Uzumasa Movie Village after its renovation
The "Chōhan" Gambling Game at Uzumasa Movie Village

This immersive live show featuring intense “han-cho” gambling makes you feel as if you’ve stumbled into an Edo-period gambling den. Win or lose—it all depends on the roll of the dice!

A Look at the Nighttime Operations at Uzumasa Movie Village

Uzumasa Movie Village

  • Uzumasa Eigamura
  • 10, Tahata Higashi Beeoka-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
  • Just a short walk from the "Uzumasa Eiga-mura-mae" bus stop
    5 min. walk from Randen "Taimata-Koryuji" station.
  • Tel. 0570-06-4349
  • https://eigamura.com/

4. [My Sake World Kyoto Kawaramachi]—Where You Can Experience Making Your Own Sake / Kawaramachi

“A sake experience facility based on the concept of ”taking home memories you can only make in Kyoto.” No prior knowledge is required, making it a popular destination even for sake beginners. The experience begins by tasting a variety of distinctive sake to discover your personal preferences. As you use all five senses to appreciate the differences in aroma and flavor, once you find your favorite, you’ll use a flask to create your very own original sake, which you can take home as a souvenir of your trip. Located within walking distance of Shijo Kawaramachi and [Kiyomizu-dera Temple], it’s a great spot to visit while sightseeing in Kyoto.

My Sake World Kyoto Kawaramachi
My Sake World Kyoto Kawaramachi

You can try it out without a reservation, so feel free to stop by. 5,900 yen per person (Duration: approx. 45 minutes)

My Sake World Kyoto Kawaramachi

  • My Sake World: Today at the Kawaramachi Store
  • 711 Uematsucho, Matsubara-sagaru, Teramachi-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8028, Japan
  • 7 minutes walk from Exit 3 of "Kiyomizu Gojo Station" of Keihan
    Hankyu "Kyoto Kawaramachi Station" Exit 10, 8 min. walk
  • Tel. 075-746-2583

5. Some games can be played in cooperation with two people! Increase your love level at the popular Nintendo Museum / Uji

A hot new spot that opened in 2024 in Uji and Ogura, Kyoto. Opened as a public relations facility for [Nintendo], the second floor features exhibits of the various toys, game consoles, and software the company has produced since its founding—so you’re sure to have lively conversations while reminiscing about the good old days. In the hands-on exhibition area on the first floor, you can use coins to experience classic games that have been reimagined with the latest technology. When you’re tired from playing, take a break at the café, where you can order a custom burger tailored to your taste. Finally, be sure to check out the museum shop, which offers a wide selection of limited-edition merchandise!

Nintendo Museum Love Tester

There are also hands-on exhibits that are perfect for dates, such as a game in which pairs of people work together, and the Love Tester SP, in which people hold hands and try various tests to raise their level of love.

Nintendo Museum Bonus Stage

It is fun to choose a souvenir to commemorate your date. Game Hardware Keychain Collection 1983-1999, 1,320 yen per piece. You'll have to wait until after you purchase to see what you get out of the total of six types in the collection.

Nintendo Museum Exterior

<Rates
Adults 3300 yen / Junior high and high school students 2200 yen / Elementary school students 1100 yen / Preschool children free
<Ticket Reservations
Tickets must be reserved in advance and are currently sold by lottery.
Reservations arehere *A Nintendo Account (free to create) is required.

Nintendo Museum

  • 56 Kagurada, Ogura-cho, Uji-shi, Kyoto
  • 5 min. walk from East Exit of Kintetsu "Kokura" Station
    8 min. walk from North Exit of JR Kokura Station
    Cabs, private cars, motorcycles, and bicycles are not allowed.
  • 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. *Hours will change to 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. effective February 1, 2026.
  • Closed on Tuesdays (or the following day if Tuesday is a national holiday) and New Year's holidays (Dec. 30 - Jan. 3)
  • No parking
  • https://museum.nintendo.com/
The information is subject to change. Please contact each store or facility directly for the latest information.
All prices include tax.
*If you notice any errors in the content or information about store closures, please let us know at info@leafkyoto.co.jp.
*Since this site uses automatic translation, the translation may differ from the original Japanese content.

I want to read together

NewsNews

Feature articleFeature article

Featured eventFeatured event

↑

notice