Day 1: Exploring Arashiyama's bamboo forest and the iconic Golden Pavilion.
not mentioned
not mentioned
morning
3-4 hours
1
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji Temple
Take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station.
Walk through the famous bamboo forest and visit the temple.
not mentioned
Tips: Visit early in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds.
afternoon
1.5 hours
2
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Take a city bus from the Arashiyama area, may require a transfer.
Visit the iconic Zen temple covered in gold leaf.
not mentioned
Tips: The reflection of the pavilion on the pond is a must-see photo.
evening
2-3 hours
3
Gion District
Take a city bus from the Kinkaku-ji area to Gion.
Explore the traditional geisha district and find a place for dinner.
Dinner prices can vary widely; many high-end options.
Tips: Walk along Hanamikoji Street for a chance to spot a geiko or maiko.
Day 2: Hiking Fushimi Inari's torii gates and exploring historic Higashiyama.
not mentioned
not mentioned
morning
2.5 hours
1
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Take the JR Nara Line to Inari Station, located directly in front of the shrine.
Hike through thousands of iconic red torii gates.
not mentioned
Tips: Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking and stairs.
afternoon
3-4 hours
2
Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Higashiyama District
Take the Keihan Main Line to Kiyomizu-Gojo Station, then a 20-minute uphill walk.
Visit the famous temple and walk the historic streets.
not mentioned
Tips: Explore the charming Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka preserved streets nearby.
late afternoon
1.5 hours
3
Nishiki Market
A short walk from the Gion/Kawaramachi area.
Explore 'Kyoto's Kitchen' with various food stalls and shops.
Bring cash for trying various small food items from stalls.
Tips: Go before 5 PM as many stalls start to close around then.
Day 1: Exploring Arashiyama's bamboo forest and the iconic Golden Pavilion.
not mentioned
not mentioned
morning
3-4 hours
1
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji Temple
Take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station.
Walk through the famous bamboo forest and visit the temple.
not mentioned
Tips: Visit early in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds.
afternoon
1.5 hours
2
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Take a city bus from the Arashiyama area, may require a transfer.
Visit the iconic Zen temple covered in gold leaf.
not mentioned
Tips: The reflection of the pavilion on the pond is a must-see photo.
evening
2-3 hours
3
Gion District
Take a city bus from the Kinkaku-ji area to Gion.
Explore the traditional geisha district and find a place for dinner.
Dinner prices can vary widely; many high-end options.
Tips: Walk along Hanamikoji Street for a chance to spot a geiko or maiko.
Day 2: Hiking Fushimi Inari's torii gates and exploring historic Higashiyama.
not mentioned
not mentioned
morning
2.5 hours
1
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Take the JR Nara Line to Inari Station, located directly in front of the shrine.
Hike through thousands of iconic red torii gates.
not mentioned
Tips: Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking and stairs.
afternoon
3-4 hours
2
Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Higashiyama District
Take the Keihan Main Line to Kiyomizu-Gojo Station, then a 20-minute uphill walk.
Visit the famous temple and walk the historic streets.
not mentioned
Tips: Explore the charming Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka preserved streets nearby.
late afternoon
1.5 hours
3
Nishiki Market
A short walk from the Gion/Kawaramachi area.
Explore 'Kyoto's Kitchen' with various food stalls and shops.
Bring cash for trying various small food items from stalls.
Tips: Go before 5 PM as many stalls start to close around then.
