Day 1: Exploring historic Higashiyama, from temples to the famous Gion district.
not mentioned
Sunny, 24°C
Morning
2-3 hours
1
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Take Kyoto City Bus 206 or 100 to Gojo-zaka stop, then walk uphill.
Iconic temple with a large wooden stage.
not mentioned
Tips: Visit early in the morning to avoid the largest crowds.
Afternoon
2 hours
2
Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka
A short walk down from Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Charming, preserved historic streets with shops and cafes.
not mentioned
Tips: Wear comfortable shoes as the stone steps can be steep.
Evening
3 hours
3
Gion District Exploration
Walk from Yasaka Shrine, located at the end of Shijo Avenue.
Famous geisha district with traditional wooden machiya houses.
Dinner approx. 3,000 - 6,000 JPY
Tips: Be respectful if you see a geiko or maiko; do not block their path or take photos without permission.
Day 2: Visiting the Golden Pavilion and the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
not mentioned
Partly cloudy, 20°C
Morning
1.5 hours
1
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Take Kyoto City Bus 101 or 205 from Kyoto Station.
Stunning Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf.
not mentioned
Tips: The reflection of the pavilion in the pond is best on a calm, sunny day.
Afternoon
3-4 hours
2
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji Temple
Take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station.
Famous path through towering bamboo stalks and beautiful temple.
not mentioned
Tips: The grove can get very crowded; consider visiting on a weekday.
Evening
2 hours
3
Dinner at Kyoto Station
Return to Kyoto Station via JR Sagano Line.
Wide variety of dining options inside the station complex.
Dinner approx. 1,500 - 3,000 JPY
Tips: Visit 'Kyoto Ramen Koji' (Ramen Street) on the 10th floor for many options.
Day 1: Exploring historic Higashiyama, from temples to the famous Gion district.
not mentioned
Sunny, 24°C
Morning
2-3 hours
1
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Take Kyoto City Bus 206 or 100 to Gojo-zaka stop, then walk uphill.
Iconic temple with a large wooden stage.
not mentioned
Tips: Visit early in the morning to avoid the largest crowds.
Afternoon
2 hours
2
Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka
A short walk down from Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Charming, preserved historic streets with shops and cafes.
not mentioned
Tips: Wear comfortable shoes as the stone steps can be steep.
Evening
3 hours
3
Gion District Exploration
Walk from Yasaka Shrine, located at the end of Shijo Avenue.
Famous geisha district with traditional wooden machiya houses.
Dinner approx. 3,000 - 6,000 JPY
Tips: Be respectful if you see a geiko or maiko; do not block their path or take photos without permission.
Day 2: Visiting the Golden Pavilion and the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
not mentioned
Partly cloudy, 20°C
Morning
1.5 hours
1
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Take Kyoto City Bus 101 or 205 from Kyoto Station.
Stunning Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf.
not mentioned
Tips: The reflection of the pavilion in the pond is best on a calm, sunny day.
Afternoon
3-4 hours
2
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji Temple
Take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station.
Famous path through towering bamboo stalks and beautiful temple.
not mentioned
Tips: The grove can get very crowded; consider visiting on a weekday.
Evening
2 hours
3
Dinner at Kyoto Station
Return to Kyoto Station via JR Sagano Line.
Wide variety of dining options inside the station complex.
Dinner approx. 1,500 - 3,000 JPY
Tips: Visit 'Kyoto Ramen Koji' (Ramen Street) on the 10th floor for many options.
