Kyoto, Japan-5-day-itinerary
Day 1: Monday
Places to Go:
- Fushimi Inari Shrine: Famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates that form a tunnel up the mountain. (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)
- Inari Station: Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station.
Activities:
- Hike through the torii gates
- Explore the shrine grounds
Where to Eat:
- Torikaikan: Try their famous Inari-zushi at this local eatery near Fushimi Inari Shrine.
- Kyoto-style street food: Try some yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) or katsu (breaded and fried cutlet) from street vendors.
Where to Stay:
- Hotel Gion Nanba: A traditional Japanese hotel with a garden, located in the heart of Kyoto’s traditional quarter.
- Guesthouse Sakura: A budget-friendly option with dorms and private rooms, perfect for backpackers.
Things to Know:
- Wear comfortable shoes for hiking at Fushimi Inari Shrine.
- Be respectful of the shrine grounds and follow rules.
Transportation:
- Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Inari Station (5 minutes).
Tips:
- Arrive early to avoid crowds at Fushimi Inari Shrine.
- Try some local snacks, like senbei (Japanese crackers) or manju (steamed buns), while exploring the shrine grounds.
Day 2: Tuesday
Places to Go:
- Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion): A stunning temple covered in gold leaf, surrounded by beautiful gardens.
- Ryoan-ji Temple: Famous for its Zen rock garden and a great place for meditation.
Activities:
- Visit the Kinkaku-ji Temple and take in its serene beauty
- Explore the Ryoan-ji Temple’s Zen rock garden
Where to Eat:
- Tsukemen Gyoza Ichiban Boshi: Try their famous tsukemen (dipping ramen) at this popular restaurant near Kinkaku-ji Temple.
- Kaiseki meal: Enjoy a traditional Kyoto-style kaiseki meal at a local ryokan (inn).
Where to Stay:
- Hotel Mume: A luxurious hotel with a garden, located near Kinkaku-ji Temple.
- Guesthouse Kokoro: A cozy guesthouse with private rooms and dorms, perfect for couples or solo travelers.
Things to Know:
- Wear modest clothing when visiting temples and shrines.
- Be respectful of the temple grounds and follow rules.
Transportation:
- Take a taxi from Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji Temple (10 minutes).
- Take bus #205 from Kyoto Station to Ryoan-ji Temple (20 minutes).
Tips:
- Try some local sweets, like wagashi or daifuku, while exploring the temple grounds.
- Visit the temples early in the morning for a more peaceful experience.
Day 3: Wednesday
Places to Go:
- Gion District: Famous for its traditional Japanese architecture and geisha culture.
- Nijo Castle: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and former residence of the Tokugawa shoguns.
Activities:
- Explore the Gion District’s narrow streets and alleys
- Visit Nijo Castle and see its famous “nightingale floors”
Where to Eat:
- Ganko Itchban: Try their famous kaiseki meal at this local restaurant in the Gion District.
- Street food: Enjoy some yakitori or tempura from street vendors.
Where to Stay:
- Hotel Gion Shofuen: A luxurious hotel with a garden, located in the heart of the Gion District.
- Guesthouse Ginkaku: A budget-friendly option with dorms and private rooms, perfect for backpackers.
Things to Know:
- Be respectful of the geisha culture and follow rules.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking in the Gion District.
Transportation:
- Take a taxi from Kyoto Station to the Gion District (5 minutes).
- Take bus #205 from Kyoto Station to Nijo Castle (20 minutes).
Tips:
- Visit the Gion District early in the morning for a more peaceful experience.
- Try some local tea, like matcha or sencha, while exploring the temple grounds.
Day 4: Thursday
Places to Go:
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: A serene and beautiful forest with towering bamboo stalks.
- Tenryu-ji Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto’s most famous temples.
Activities:
- Visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and take in its peaceful atmosphere
- Explore Tenryu-ji Temple and see its beautiful gardens
Where to Eat:
- Kabutoya: Try their famous kaiseki meal at this local restaurant near Arashiyama.
- Street food: Enjoy some yakitori or tempura from street vendors.
Where to Stay:
- Hotel Gion Nanba: A luxurious hotel with a garden, located in the heart of Kyoto’s traditional quarter.
- Guesthouse Sakura: A budget-friendly option with dorms and private rooms, perfect for backpackers.
Things to Know:
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking in the bamboo grove.
- Be respectful of the temple grounds and follow rules.
Transportation:
- Take a train from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station (20 minutes).
- Take bus #28 from Saga-Arashiyama Station to Tenryu-ji Temple (10 minutes).
Tips:
- Visit the bamboo grove early in the morning for a more peaceful experience.
- Try some local snacks, like senbei or manju, while exploring the temple grounds.
Day 5: Friday
Places to Go:
- Kyoto Imperial Palace: A beautiful palace that serves as the former residence of the emperor of Japan.
- Nishiki Market: A famous market with a wide variety of local food and snacks.
Activities:
- Visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace and take in its serene beauty
- Explore Nishiki Market and try some local snacks
Where to Eat:
- Ichiran Ramen: Try their famous ramen at this popular restaurant near Nishiki Market.
- Street food: Enjoy some yakitori or tempura from street vendors.
Where to Stay:
- Hotel Gion Shofuen: A luxurious hotel with a garden, located in the heart of Kyoto’s traditional quarter.
- Guesthouse Kokoro: A cozy guesthouse with private rooms and dorms, perfect for couples or solo travelers.
Things to Know:
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the palace grounds.
- Be respectful of the market vendors and follow rules.
Transportation:
- Take a taxi from Kyoto Station to the Kyoto Imperial Palace (10 minutes).
- Take bus #28 from Nishiki Market to Kyoto Station (20 minutes).
Tips:
- Visit the palace early in the morning for a more peaceful experience.
- Try some local tea, like matcha or sencha, while exploring the market.
Note: The above itinerary is just a suggestion and can be customized based on your personal preferences and interests.