Kyoto... the name itself triggers scenes of an ancient era, a time where Japan flourished in our hearts and memories as a world of tranquility, a unique land featuring spectacular temples, gardens, and of course, the wonder of the serene geisha dance.
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Here it is - the ultimate guide to the very best of the best in Kyoto. I began with a brief summary of the itinerary, followed by a more in-depth approach to the daily activities. As you'll notice in the full-length descriptions, each popular site mentioned is linked to another page, where you can find more information. Pictures are also placed according to each day's itinerary, to limit confusion. You may choose to follow this strictly, or not, but regardless I can guarantee any visitor the experience of a lifetime while visiting Kyoto - don't forget to come back at least once in every season!
Itinerary
Day 1: Travel to Kyoto. Lunch in Kyoto Station. Walk in Fushimi Inari. Sunset at Kiyomizudera or shopping in Nikishi Market. Dinner on Ponto-cho (Gion district).
Day 2: Kiyomizudera, Teacup Lane, Ishibe Alley, Maruyama Park, Nanzenji Temple, canal street (actual name unknown), Lunch at Karako Ramen, Heian Jingu Shrine, Path of Philosophy, Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion). Dinner at Falafel Garden. Night tour in Gion – Shimbashi, Hanamachi, etc.
Day 3: Kinkakuji Temple (The Golden Pavilion), Ryoanji, Lunch at Le Plat Plus, Arashiyama & the Bamboo Forest, dinner at Sarasa 3. Return to Kyoto Station.
Note: Alternatives/Ideas for Day 4 listed at the end
Day 1: Arrive in Kyoto Station as early as possible.
- Head up to the 10th floor Ramen Alley for a choice of your favourite bowl from across the land, or take the escalators downstairs to the modern, upscale food court for some delicious Japanese sushi and noodle restaurants.
- Spend the next few hours walking/hiking through thousands of red torii gates in Fushimi Inari, arguably Japan’s most famous Shinto shrine - and my personal favourite.
- Next, catch a sunset atop Kiyomizudera Temple on the eastern mountain side of Kyoto (southern Higashiyama area) or take a walk through Nikishi Market, Japan’s most recognized food market.
- Check into your hotel/hostel before dinner in either Gion or Pontocho – walking between these areas is quite practical as well, and makes for a lovely stroll after sunset. Make sure you walk down Shimbashi, said to be one of the most beautiful avenues in Asia.
- Of course, don't forget to bring your camera – you might get lucky and spot a few geiko (an alternative word for geisha used only in Kyoto) walking briskly to their next appointment!
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| Fushimi Inari Shrine |
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| Sunset atop Kiyomizudera (Temple) |
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| Street leading north, towards Maruyama Park, on the way down from Kiyomizudera |
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| Pink Explosion |
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| Geisha spotting on Pontocho |
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| Shimbashi street, Gion |
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| Ramen (noodle) shop in Gion |
Day 2: Prepare to walk a lot today! Bring good walking shoes and a positive attitude – it’ll be a long day, but by the end of the day you’ll know exactly why Kyoto is known as Japan’s most glorious city.
- Begin the day with a walk through the park/cemetery leading up to Kiyomizudera Temple. Entering the temple again isn’t necessary, but the area shouldn’t be missed out on, especially in the early morning. Walking along the street which sells ceramic teacups is also very impressive.
- Walk north from Kiyomizudera all the way to Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavillion), passing several temples, beautiful shops, narrow cobble-stoned streets, and even enjoying a stroll along the magical Philosopher's Path. Don't miss out on Ishibe-koji, a marvelous cobble-stone street.
- Lunch should be taken at Karako Ramen, located a few blocks west of the brilliant Nanzenji Temple. Having dinner at the Falafel Garden (after Ginkakuji Temple) is an absolute must.
- At night, book a cheap, yet comprehensive tour of the Gion area (100 minutes, 1000yen/$12) for an excellent, informative walk through the geisha district. Alternatively, catch a kabuki, noh or geisha show in the early evening if you prefer something more artistic (shows depend on the season).
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| Beautiful canal leading north to Heian Jingu Shrine |
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| Handpainted Geisha Postcards |
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| Lacquered zori |
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| Ishibe-Koji |
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| An old railway line, shadowed over by beautiful sakura (cherry blossom) trees |
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| Entrance to Nanzen-ji Temple |
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| Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion) |
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| Backyard garden of Falafel Garden |
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| Maiko performance in a small hotel lobby |
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| Chopsticks for sale near Kiyomizudera |
Another long day.
- Head back to Kyoto Station and grab the 105 express bus directly to Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion). Give yourself about 2 hours for this temple (including the bus ride), as you’ll want to take your time taking in the view. The contrasting colours here are magnificent – try to arrive early to avoid the crowds.
- Walk southwest from here, entering both the Ryoan-ji and Ninna-ji temples to experience the sights and sounds of true serenity.
- From Ninna-ji, walk a few streets south and grab the train heading west from Omuroninnaji station (or Ryoanji station if you skip the 3rd temple) to the terminus, Arashiyama.
- Take a left out of the station and walk towards the Togetsukyo Bridge, walking along its banks or stopping for some pictures of the boats floating upstream.
- Head to Le Plat Plus for lunch, a fine restaurant just northeast of the station – the décor is wonderful and the lunch specials are excellent.
- Return back the same way you came, walking along the west side of the road, until you see a sign for “Bamboo Path” (small alley with ice cream and sweets shops in the entranceway.)
- Walk amongst the ancient bamboo trees, lifting your head into the sky to glimpse the end of each branch.
- Enter the beautiful temple midway through the forest, and don't miss out on Okochi Sanso Villa at the end for a delightful walk through a traditional Japanese garden and a cup of the finest green tea (間茶) I’ve tasted to date!
- After Arashiyama, head back into the city for dinner at Sarasa 3, a Spanish/Mediterranean joint that really kicks off with well-educated university students and romantic couples every evening – great atmosphere and excellent food.
