Day 1: Explore southern torii gates, historic Higashiyama streets, and the vibrant Gion district.
not mentioned
not mentioned
morning
2-3 hours
1
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Take the JR Nara Line to Inari Station, which is directly in front of the shrine.
Famous shrine with thousands of red torii gates.
not mentioned
Tips: Visit very early in the morning to avoid large crowds as it is open 24/7.
afternoon
1.5-2 hours
2
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Take a city bus to the Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi bus stop, followed by a 10-minute walk uphill.
Iconic temple known for its large wooden stage.
not mentioned
Tips: The view from the stage is spectacular, offering a panoramic view of Kyoto.
afternoon
1 hour
3
Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka
Located on the approach to Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Charming, preserved traditional stone-paved streets.
not mentioned
Tips: Lined with traditional shops, cafes, and restaurants. Great for photos.
afternoon
30 minutes
4
Yasaka Koshin-do
A short walk from Sannenzaka and near the Yasaka Pagoda.
Colorful temple with 'kukurizaru' good luck charms.
not mentioned
Tips: A very popular and photogenic spot; can be crowded.
evening
1 hour
5
Gion Shirakawa
Located in the northern part of the Gion district.
Picturesque street along a canal in Gion.
not mentioned
Tips: Especially beautiful during cherry blossom season. You might spot a geisha or maiko.
evening
2 hours
6
Pontocho Alley
Runs parallel to the Kamo River, a short walk from Gion.
Narrow atmospheric alley packed with restaurants and bars.
not mentioned
Tips: Great for dinner and experiencing Kyoto's nightlife.
Day 2: Discover the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the stunning Golden Pavilion.
not mentioned
not mentioned
morning
1 hour
1
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station, then a 10-minute walk.
Famous and enchanting path through a bamboo forest.
not mentioned
Tips: Go very early in the morning for a peaceful experience and to take photos without crowds.
morning
30 minutes
2
Togetsukyo Bridge
Central landmark in Arashiyama, a short walk from the Bamboo Grove.
Iconic wooden bridge with beautiful mountain views.
not mentioned
Tips: Scenery is beautiful in all seasons, especially during autumn for fall colors and spring for cherry blossoms.
morning
30 minutes
3
% Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama
Located on the bank of the Katsura River, near Togetsukyo Bridge.
Popular coffee shop with a scenic river view.
not mentioned
Tips: Be prepared for a long queue, but the coffee and view are considered worth the wait.
afternoon
1 hour
4
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Take a direct city bus like number 101 or 205 to the Kinkakuji-michi bus stop.
Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf.
not mentioned
Tips: The reflection of the pavilion in the surrounding pond is a classic and must-see photo opportunity.
Day 1: Explore southern torii gates, historic Higashiyama streets, and the vibrant Gion district.
not mentioned
not mentioned
morning
2-3 hours
1
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Take the JR Nara Line to Inari Station, which is directly in front of the shrine.
Famous shrine with thousands of red torii gates.
not mentioned
Tips: Visit very early in the morning to avoid large crowds as it is open 24/7.
afternoon
1.5-2 hours
2
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Take a city bus to the Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi bus stop, followed by a 10-minute walk uphill.
Iconic temple known for its large wooden stage.
not mentioned
Tips: The view from the stage is spectacular, offering a panoramic view of Kyoto.
afternoon
1 hour
3
Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka
Located on the approach to Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Charming, preserved traditional stone-paved streets.
not mentioned
Tips: Lined with traditional shops, cafes, and restaurants. Great for photos.
afternoon
30 minutes
4
Yasaka Koshin-do
A short walk from Sannenzaka and near the Yasaka Pagoda.
Colorful temple with 'kukurizaru' good luck charms.
not mentioned
Tips: A very popular and photogenic spot; can be crowded.
evening
1 hour
5
Gion Shirakawa
Located in the northern part of the Gion district.
Picturesque street along a canal in Gion.
not mentioned
Tips: Especially beautiful during cherry blossom season. You might spot a geisha or maiko.
evening
2 hours
6
Pontocho Alley
Runs parallel to the Kamo River, a short walk from Gion.
Narrow atmospheric alley packed with restaurants and bars.
not mentioned
Tips: Great for dinner and experiencing Kyoto's nightlife.
Day 2: Discover the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the stunning Golden Pavilion.
not mentioned
not mentioned
morning
1 hour
1
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station, then a 10-minute walk.
Famous and enchanting path through a bamboo forest.
not mentioned
Tips: Go very early in the morning for a peaceful experience and to take photos without crowds.
morning
30 minutes
2
Togetsukyo Bridge
Central landmark in Arashiyama, a short walk from the Bamboo Grove.
Iconic wooden bridge with beautiful mountain views.
not mentioned
Tips: Scenery is beautiful in all seasons, especially during autumn for fall colors and spring for cherry blossoms.
morning
30 minutes
3
% Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama
Located on the bank of the Katsura River, near Togetsukyo Bridge.
Popular coffee shop with a scenic river view.
not mentioned
Tips: Be prepared for a long queue, but the coffee and view are considered worth the wait.
afternoon
1 hour
4
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Take a direct city bus like number 101 or 205 to the Kinkakuji-michi bus stop.
Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf.
not mentioned
Tips: The reflection of the pavilion in the surrounding pond is a classic and must-see photo opportunity.
