Day 1: Arrival in Kyoto, exploring the iconic Fushimi Inari and historic Gion district.
not mentioned
not mentioned
morning
2 hours
1
Arrival at Kansai Airport & Transfer to Kyoto
Take the JR Haruka Express from KIX to Kyoto Station.
Arrive, clear immigration, and take the train to Kyoto.
Haruka ticket approx. ¥2,900
Tips: Book Haruka tickets online or get an ICOCA & Haruka package for a discount.
afternoon
2-3 hours
2
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Inari Station (5 min).
Famous shrine with thousands of red torii gates.
not mentioned
Tips: Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Wear comfortable shoes for hiking.
evening
2 hours
3
Gion District Exploration
Take a bus from Kyoto Station or train to Gion-Shijo Station.
Historic geisha district with traditional wooden houses.
not mentioned
Tips: You might spot a geiko or maiko. Be respectful and do not block their path.
Day 2: Exploring scenic Arashiyama's bamboo grove and the stunning Golden Pavilion.
not mentioned
Sunny, pleasant
morning
1.5 hours
1
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Take JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station.
Walk through the famous towering bamboo forest.
not mentioned
Tips: Arrive before 8 AM to experience the grove with fewer people.
morning
1 hour
2
Tenryu-ji Temple
Located adjacent to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Major Zen temple with a beautiful landscape garden.
not mentioned
Tips: The Sogenchi Garden is a highlight and offers stunning views.
afternoon
1 hour
3
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Take a direct bus from Arashiyama or Kyoto Station (e.g., Bus 101 or 205).
Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf.
not mentioned
Tips: Best photo opportunities in the afternoon sun when the gold reflects beautifully.
evening
2 hours
4
Pontocho Alley Dinner
A short walk from Gion-Shijo or Kawaramachi Station.
Narrow atmospheric alley with many restaurants and bars.
Dinner can be pricey, but casual options are available.
Tips: Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends.
Day 3: Historic temples in Higashiyama and a culinary tour of Nishiki Market before departure.
not mentioned
not mentioned
morning
1.5 hours
1
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Take bus 100 or 206 from Kyoto Station to Gojo-zaka stop, then walk uphill.
Famous temple with a large wooden stage.
not mentioned
Tips: Enjoy the panoramic view of Kyoto from the main hall's wooden stage.
morning
1 hour
2
Higashiyama District (Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka)
Located on the approach to/from Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Preserved historic streets with shops and cafes.
not mentioned
Tips: Great for souvenir shopping and photography. Can be very crowded.
afternoon
2 hours
3
Nishiki Market
Walkable from Kawaramachi or Shijo Station.
"Kyoto's Kitchen", a market with local food.
Varies, many small food items to buy for lunch.
Tips: Many shops close by 5 PM, so it's best to visit for lunch or early afternoon.
evening
not mentioned
4
Departure from Kyoto
Take the JR Haruka Express from Kyoto Station to KIX.
Travel back to Kansai Airport for departure.
not mentioned
Tips: Allow at least 90 minutes for the train journey to the airport.
Day 1: Arrival in Kyoto, exploring the iconic Fushimi Inari and historic Gion district.
not mentioned
not mentioned
morning
2 hours
1
Arrival at Kansai Airport & Transfer to Kyoto
Take the JR Haruka Express from KIX to Kyoto Station.
Arrive, clear immigration, and take the train to Kyoto.
Haruka ticket approx. ¥2,900
Tips: Book Haruka tickets online or get an ICOCA & Haruka package for a discount.
afternoon
2-3 hours
2
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Inari Station (5 min).
Famous shrine with thousands of red torii gates.
not mentioned
Tips: Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Wear comfortable shoes for hiking.
evening
2 hours
3
Gion District Exploration
Take a bus from Kyoto Station or train to Gion-Shijo Station.
Historic geisha district with traditional wooden houses.
not mentioned
Tips: You might spot a geiko or maiko. Be respectful and do not block their path.
Day 2: Exploring scenic Arashiyama's bamboo grove and the stunning Golden Pavilion.
not mentioned
Sunny, pleasant
morning
1.5 hours
1
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Take JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station.
Walk through the famous towering bamboo forest.
not mentioned
Tips: Arrive before 8 AM to experience the grove with fewer people.
morning
1 hour
2
Tenryu-ji Temple
Located adjacent to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Major Zen temple with a beautiful landscape garden.
not mentioned
Tips: The Sogenchi Garden is a highlight and offers stunning views.
afternoon
1 hour
3
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Take a direct bus from Arashiyama or Kyoto Station (e.g., Bus 101 or 205).
Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf.
not mentioned
Tips: Best photo opportunities in the afternoon sun when the gold reflects beautifully.
evening
2 hours
4
Pontocho Alley Dinner
A short walk from Gion-Shijo or Kawaramachi Station.
Narrow atmospheric alley with many restaurants and bars.
Dinner can be pricey, but casual options are available.
Tips: Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends.
Day 3: Historic temples in Higashiyama and a culinary tour of Nishiki Market before departure.
not mentioned
not mentioned
morning
1.5 hours
1
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Take bus 100 or 206 from Kyoto Station to Gojo-zaka stop, then walk uphill.
Famous temple with a large wooden stage.
not mentioned
Tips: Enjoy the panoramic view of Kyoto from the main hall's wooden stage.
morning
1 hour
2
Higashiyama District (Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka)
Located on the approach to/from Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Preserved historic streets with shops and cafes.
not mentioned
Tips: Great for souvenir shopping and photography. Can be very crowded.
afternoon
2 hours
3
Nishiki Market
Walkable from Kawaramachi or Shijo Station.
"Kyoto's Kitchen", a market with local food.
Varies, many small food items to buy for lunch.
Tips: Many shops close by 5 PM, so it's best to visit for lunch or early afternoon.
evening
not mentioned
4
Departure from Kyoto
Take the JR Haruka Express from Kyoto Station to KIX.
Travel back to Kansai Airport for departure.
not mentioned
Tips: Allow at least 90 minutes for the train journey to the airport.
