Day 1: Exploring iconic shrines and the historic Gion district in eastern Kyoto.
not mentioned
Sunny, around 20°C
morning
3 hours
1
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Inari Station, which is directly opposite the shrine entrance.
Hike through thousands of red torii gates.
not mentioned
Tips: Visit very early in the morning (around 7 AM) to avoid the biggest crowds and get better photos.
afternoon
4 hours
2
Gion District Exploration
From Inari Station, take the Keihan Main Line to Gion-Shijo Station.
Wander through Kyoto's traditional geisha district.
Lunch: 1,500 - 2,500 JPY
Tips: Be respectful and avoid stopping or photographing geishas (geiko/maiko) without permission.
evening
2 hours
3
Dinner in Pontocho Alley
A short walk across the Kamo River from the Gion district.
Atmospheric dining in a narrow, lantern-lit alley.
Dinner: 4,000 - 8,000 JPY
Tips: In summer, many restaurants have 'kawayuka' - outdoor platforms for dining over the river.
Day 2: Visiting the Golden Pavilion and the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
not mentioned
Partly cloudy, 22°C
morning
1.5 hours
1
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
From Kyoto Station, take Kyoto City Bus number 101 or 205.
Iconic Zen temple covered in gold leaf.
not mentioned
Tips: The best photo spot is immediately after entering, across the pond.
afternoon
3.5 hours
2
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji Temple
Take a direct bus like the Raku Raku Bus 102 from Kinkaku-ji to Arashiyama.
Walk through a magical, towering bamboo forest.
not mentioned
Tips: Rent a bicycle near the station to explore the wider Arashiyama area, including the Togetsukyo Bridge.
evening
2 hours
3
Dinner at Kyoto Station
Take the JR Sagano Line from Saga-Arashiyama Station to Kyoto Station.
Explore the modern station for dining options.
Dinner: 2,000 - 4,000 JPY
Tips: Go to the Skyway on the 11th floor for a free view of the city and Kyoto Tower.
Day 1: Exploring iconic shrines and the historic Gion district in eastern Kyoto.
not mentioned
Sunny, around 20°C
morning
3 hours
1
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Inari Station, which is directly opposite the shrine entrance.
Hike through thousands of red torii gates.
not mentioned
Tips: Visit very early in the morning (around 7 AM) to avoid the biggest crowds and get better photos.
afternoon
4 hours
2
Gion District Exploration
From Inari Station, take the Keihan Main Line to Gion-Shijo Station.
Wander through Kyoto's traditional geisha district.
Lunch: 1,500 - 2,500 JPY
Tips: Be respectful and avoid stopping or photographing geishas (geiko/maiko) without permission.
evening
2 hours
3
Dinner in Pontocho Alley
A short walk across the Kamo River from the Gion district.
Atmospheric dining in a narrow, lantern-lit alley.
Dinner: 4,000 - 8,000 JPY
Tips: In summer, many restaurants have 'kawayuka' - outdoor platforms for dining over the river.
Day 2: Visiting the Golden Pavilion and the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
not mentioned
Partly cloudy, 22°C
morning
1.5 hours
1
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
From Kyoto Station, take Kyoto City Bus number 101 or 205.
Iconic Zen temple covered in gold leaf.
not mentioned
Tips: The best photo spot is immediately after entering, across the pond.
afternoon
3.5 hours
2
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji Temple
Take a direct bus like the Raku Raku Bus 102 from Kinkaku-ji to Arashiyama.
Walk through a magical, towering bamboo forest.
not mentioned
Tips: Rent a bicycle near the station to explore the wider Arashiyama area, including the Togetsukyo Bridge.
evening
2 hours
3
Dinner at Kyoto Station
Take the JR Sagano Line from Saga-Arashiyama Station to Kyoto Station.
Explore the modern station for dining options.
Dinner: 2,000 - 4,000 JPY
Tips: Go to the Skyway on the 11th floor for a free view of the city and Kyoto Tower.
