Day 1: A full day exploring Kyoto's nature in Arashiyama and traditional culture in Gion.
not mentioned
Sunny and pleasant
morning
1 hour
1
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station.
Walk through the famous towering bamboo forest.
not mentioned
Tips: Visit early in the morning (around 8 AM) to avoid the crowds.
morning
1.5 hours
2
Tenryu-ji Temple
A short walk from the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Explore the beautiful Zen garden and temple grounds.
not mentioned
Tips: The Sogenchi Garden is a highlight and offers stunning views.
12:30
1 hour
3
Lunch in Arashiyama
not mentioned
Enjoy a traditional tofu lunch near the bridge.
Approx. 2,000 JPY
Tips: not mentioned
afternoon
2 hours
4
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Take a city bus from Arashiyama to the Gion/Kiyomizu area (approx. 40-50 minutes).
Iconic temple with a wooden stage offering city views.
not mentioned
Tips: Can be very crowded, but the view from the main stage is worth it.
afternoon
1.5 hours
5
Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka
Located on the walk down from Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Walk down charming, preserved historical streets.
not mentioned
Tips: Great place for buying souvenirs and trying local snacks.
evening
2.5 hours
6
Gion District & Pontocho Alley Dinner
Walk from the Sannenzaka area to Gion and then to Pontocho Alley.
Explore the geisha district and have dinner.
Approx. 4,000 JPY for dinner
Tips: Be respectful if you see a geisha or maiko; do not block their path or use flash photography.
Day 1: A full day exploring Kyoto's nature in Arashiyama and traditional culture in Gion.
not mentioned
Sunny and pleasant
morning
1 hour
1
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station.
Walk through the famous towering bamboo forest.
not mentioned
Tips: Visit early in the morning (around 8 AM) to avoid the crowds.
morning
1.5 hours
2
Tenryu-ji Temple
A short walk from the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Explore the beautiful Zen garden and temple grounds.
not mentioned
Tips: The Sogenchi Garden is a highlight and offers stunning views.
12:30
1 hour
3
Lunch in Arashiyama
not mentioned
Enjoy a traditional tofu lunch near the bridge.
Approx. 2,000 JPY
Tips: not mentioned
afternoon
2 hours
4
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Take a city bus from Arashiyama to the Gion/Kiyomizu area (approx. 40-50 minutes).
Iconic temple with a wooden stage offering city views.
not mentioned
Tips: Can be very crowded, but the view from the main stage is worth it.
afternoon
1.5 hours
5
Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka
Located on the walk down from Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Walk down charming, preserved historical streets.
not mentioned
Tips: Great place for buying souvenirs and trying local snacks.
evening
2.5 hours
6
Gion District & Pontocho Alley Dinner
Walk from the Sannenzaka area to Gion and then to Pontocho Alley.
Explore the geisha district and have dinner.
Approx. 4,000 JPY for dinner
Tips: Be respectful if you see a geisha or maiko; do not block their path or use flash photography.
