Day 1: A day exploring iconic shrines and historic districts in Southern and Eastern Kyoto.
not mentioned
Sunny, 24°C
morning
2.5 hours
1
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Inari Station (5 min ride).
Hike through thousands of vibrant red torii gates.
not mentioned
Tips: Arrive early (before 9 AM) to avoid the biggest crowds. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
afternoon
2 hours
2
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Take bus number 206 or 100 to Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi bus stop.
Famous temple with a large wooden stage overlooking the city.
not mentioned
Tips: The view is especially beautiful during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
late afternoon
1.5 hours
3
Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka
Located on the walk down from Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Stroll through beautifully preserved historic stone-paved streets.
not mentioned
Tips: Explore the many traditional shops, cafes, and restaurants lining the streets.
evening
2 hours
4
Gion District
A short walk from the Sannenzaka area.
Explore Kyoto's famous geisha district and enjoy the traditional atmosphere.
Dinner: 3,000 - 8,000 JPY
Tips: Be respectful and avoid flash photography if you spot a geiko or maiko.
Day 2: A day trip to see the Golden Pavilion and the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
not mentioned
Partly cloudy, 21°C
morning
1 hour
1
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Take Kyoto City Bus number 101 or 205 from Kyoto Station.
A stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf.
not mentioned
Tips: The reflection of the pavilion in the pond is a classic photo spot.
afternoon
1.5 hours
2
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station.
Walk through a mesmerizing, towering bamboo forest.
not mentioned
Tips: The path can get very crowded; patience is key to getting a good photo.
afternoon
1 hour
3
Tenryu-ji Temple
The entrance is located right next to the main path of the bamboo grove.
A major Zen temple with a beautiful landscape garden.
not mentioned
Tips: Pay the extra fee to enter the temple buildings for different views of the garden.
Day 1: A day exploring iconic shrines and historic districts in Southern and Eastern Kyoto.
not mentioned
Sunny, 24°C
morning
2.5 hours
1
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Inari Station (5 min ride).
Hike through thousands of vibrant red torii gates.
not mentioned
Tips: Arrive early (before 9 AM) to avoid the biggest crowds. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
afternoon
2 hours
2
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Take bus number 206 or 100 to Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi bus stop.
Famous temple with a large wooden stage overlooking the city.
not mentioned
Tips: The view is especially beautiful during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
late afternoon
1.5 hours
3
Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka
Located on the walk down from Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Stroll through beautifully preserved historic stone-paved streets.
not mentioned
Tips: Explore the many traditional shops, cafes, and restaurants lining the streets.
evening
2 hours
4
Gion District
A short walk from the Sannenzaka area.
Explore Kyoto's famous geisha district and enjoy the traditional atmosphere.
Dinner: 3,000 - 8,000 JPY
Tips: Be respectful and avoid flash photography if you spot a geiko or maiko.
Day 2: A day trip to see the Golden Pavilion and the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
not mentioned
Partly cloudy, 21°C
morning
1 hour
1
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Take Kyoto City Bus number 101 or 205 from Kyoto Station.
A stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf.
not mentioned
Tips: The reflection of the pavilion in the pond is a classic photo spot.
afternoon
1.5 hours
2
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station.
Walk through a mesmerizing, towering bamboo forest.
not mentioned
Tips: The path can get very crowded; patience is key to getting a good photo.
afternoon
1 hour
3
Tenryu-ji Temple
The entrance is located right next to the main path of the bamboo grove.
A major Zen temple with a beautiful landscape garden.
not mentioned
Tips: Pay the extra fee to enter the temple buildings for different views of the garden.
