Day 1: A full day exploring the historic temples and streets of Higashiyama, Kyoto.
not mentioned
not mentioned
morning
2 hours
1
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Take a city bus to the Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi bus stop.
Iconic wooden temple offering panoramic views of Kyoto.
not mentioned
Tips: Visit early in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds.
late morning
1.5 hours
2
Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka
A short walk down the hill from Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Charming, preserved stone-paved streets with traditional shops.
not mentioned
Tips: Excellent spot for photography and buying local crafts.
afternoon
2.5 hours
3
Yasaka Shrine and Gion District
Continue walking from the Ninenzaka area.
Explore the vibrant shrine and the famous geisha district.
not mentioned
Tips: Be respectful if you see a geiko or maiko; do not block their path.
evening
2 hours
4
Dinner in Pontocho Alley
Walk from Gion across the Shijo Bridge.
Atmospheric dining in a narrow alley along the Kamo River.
Dinner can range from moderate to expensive.
Tips: Many restaurants have outdoor seating overlooking the river in summer.
Day 2: Visiting the Golden Pavilion and the beautiful Arashiyama district.
not mentioned
Sunny
morning
1.5 hours
1
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Take bus number 101 or 205 from Kyoto Station.
A stunning Zen temple completely covered in gold leaf.
not mentioned
Tips: The reflection of the pavilion in the pond is the most famous photo opportunity.
afternoon
3.5 hours
2
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: The bamboo grove can be extremely crowded; patience is key.
evening
1.5 hours
3
Dinner at Kyoto Ramen Koji
Take the JR line back to Kyoto Station. Ramen Koji is on the 10th floor.
A collection of ramen shops from all over Japan.
1000-1500 JPY per person
Tips: A great, casual dinner option with lots of variety.
Day 1: A full day exploring the historic temples and streets of Higashiyama, Kyoto.
not mentioned
not mentioned
morning
2 hours
1
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Take a city bus to the Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi bus stop.
Iconic wooden temple offering panoramic views of Kyoto.
not mentioned
Tips: Visit early in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds.
late morning
1.5 hours
2
Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka
A short walk down the hill from Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Charming, preserved stone-paved streets with traditional shops.
not mentioned
Tips: Excellent spot for photography and buying local crafts.
afternoon
2.5 hours
3
Yasaka Shrine and Gion District
Continue walking from the Ninenzaka area.
Explore the vibrant shrine and the famous geisha district.
not mentioned
Tips: Be respectful if you see a geiko or maiko; do not block their path.
evening
2 hours
4
Dinner in Pontocho Alley
Walk from Gion across the Shijo Bridge.
Atmospheric dining in a narrow alley along the Kamo River.
Dinner can range from moderate to expensive.
Tips: Many restaurants have outdoor seating overlooking the river in summer.
Day 2: Visiting the Golden Pavilion and the beautiful Arashiyama district.
not mentioned
Sunny
morning
1.5 hours
1
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Take bus number 101 or 205 from Kyoto Station.
A stunning Zen temple completely covered in gold leaf.
not mentioned
Tips: The reflection of the pavilion in the pond is the most famous photo opportunity.
afternoon
3.5 hours
2
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: The bamboo grove can be extremely crowded; patience is key.
evening
1.5 hours
3
Dinner at Kyoto Ramen Koji
Take the JR line back to Kyoto Station. Ramen Koji is on the 10th floor.
A collection of ramen shops from all over Japan.
1000-1500 JPY per person
Tips: A great, casual dinner option with lots of variety.
