Day 1: A full day exploring Kyoto's classic sights from Arashiyama to Gion.
not mentioned
Sunny, around 20°C
morning
1 hour
1
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station.
Walk through the famous towering bamboo forest.
not mentioned
Tips: Visit early in the morning (before 9 AM) to avoid crowds.
morning
1.5 hours
2
Tenryu-ji Temple
Adjacent to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Explore a major Zen temple with a beautiful garden.
not mentioned
Tips: not mentioned
12:30
1 hour
3
Lunch near Togetsukyo Bridge
A short walk from Tenryu-ji Temple.
Enjoy lunch with a view of the iconic bridge.
Approx. 2,000 JPY per person
Tips: Many restaurants in the area offer scenic views.
afternoon
1 hour
4
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Take a direct bus from Arashiyama, takes about 40-50 minutes.
Visit the iconic Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf.
not mentioned
Tips: The reflection on the pond is best on sunny days.
late afternoon
2 hours
5
Gion District
Take a bus from Kinkaku-ji, may require a transfer.
Explore Kyoto's famous geisha district.
not mentioned
Tips: Best time for spotting geiko or maiko is around dusk.
evening
1.5 hours
6
Dinner in Pontocho Alley
A short walk from the main Gion area.
Dine in a narrow, atmospheric alley with many restaurants.
3,000 - 6,000 JPY per person
Tips: Some restaurants require reservations, especially on weekends.
Day 1: A full day exploring Kyoto's classic sights from Arashiyama to Gion.
not mentioned
Sunny, around 20°C
morning
1 hour
1
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station.
Walk through the famous towering bamboo forest.
not mentioned
Tips: Visit early in the morning (before 9 AM) to avoid crowds.
morning
1.5 hours
2
Tenryu-ji Temple
Adjacent to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Explore a major Zen temple with a beautiful garden.
not mentioned
Tips: not mentioned
12:30
1 hour
3
Lunch near Togetsukyo Bridge
A short walk from Tenryu-ji Temple.
Enjoy lunch with a view of the iconic bridge.
Approx. 2,000 JPY per person
Tips: Many restaurants in the area offer scenic views.
afternoon
1 hour
4
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Take a direct bus from Arashiyama, takes about 40-50 minutes.
Visit the iconic Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf.
not mentioned
Tips: The reflection on the pond is best on sunny days.
late afternoon
2 hours
5
Gion District
Take a bus from Kinkaku-ji, may require a transfer.
Explore Kyoto's famous geisha district.
not mentioned
Tips: Best time for spotting geiko or maiko is around dusk.
evening
1.5 hours
6
Dinner in Pontocho Alley
A short walk from the main Gion area.
Dine in a narrow, atmospheric alley with many restaurants.
3,000 - 6,000 JPY per person
Tips: Some restaurants require reservations, especially on weekends.
