Kyoto

Kyoto is a city located in the Kansai region of Japan and is known for its rich cultural heritage, ancient temples and shrines, and beautiful gardens. The city is a must-visit for anyone interested in traditional Japanese culture and history. Visitors can explore the city’s many attractions, from UNESCO World Heritage Sites to traditional tea houses, and experience the unique charm of Kyoto.

One of the most popular attractions in Kyoto is the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, a stunning example of traditional Japanese architecture. The shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that lead up the mountain, offering visitors a beautiful and unique photo opportunity. Visitors can explore the many paths and trails that wind through the shrine grounds, and learn about the history and significance of this important religious site.

Another must-see attraction in Kyoto is the Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. This stunning temple is covered in gold leaf and is reflected in a beautiful pond, making it one of the most picturesque sights in Kyoto. Visitors can explore the temple grounds and surrounding gardens, and learn about the history and significance of this important cultural site.

Finally, Kyoto is home to a range of traditional experiences, such as tea ceremonies and kimono rentals. Visitors can try on traditional Japanese clothing and participate in a tea ceremony, learning about the intricate rituals and traditions that make up this important aspect of Japanese culture. With its rich history and cultural heritage, Kyoto is a must-visit for anyone interested in traditional Japan.

Kyoto Luxury Itinerary

Recommended Stay: At least 4 nights

Lodging Recommendation: Really enjoyed our stay at Shikinean Gion Shirakawa https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g298564-d13440980-Reviews-Shikinean_Gion_Shirakawa-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html – Great location and great hotel. 

Recommended mode of transportation: Walk and Local Transit

Arrival

Go to Housing accommodations

Do: Walk around Gion District

Dinner: Ramen Sen No Kaza https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E3%82%89%E3%83%BC%E3%82%81%E3%82%93%E5%8D%83%E3%81%AE%E9%A2%A8%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%9B%9B%E6%9D%A1%E6%B2%B3%E5%8E%9F%E7%94%BA%E5%BA%97-%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%B8%82

Night cap? Pop Kyoto https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/1021693932/pop-kyoto/ – Home of the ecopresso  

Day 1

Breakfast: At Hotel

Activity: Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle

Lunch: Nishiki market 

Activity: Fushimi Inari Taisha (Unesco site)

Do: Rengeoin Sanjusangendo  

Dinner: Kushimamma https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g298564-d7437046-Reviews-Kushimamma-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html 

Day 2

Breakfast: At Hotel

Activity Arashiyama – Philosophers path / Bamboo forest (Go early in morning. Opens at 8:30. Can take metro out to it)

Activity: Ryoan-ji Temple (Famous Rock Garden) 

Lunch: Kyono Sobadokoro Hanamakiya https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E4%BA%AC%E3%81%AE%E3%81%9D%E3%81%B0%E5%87%A6-%E8%8A%B1%E5%B7%BB%E5%B1%8B-%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%B8%82 Very close to the golden temple (Kinkaku-ji) too  – Really enjoyed the soba here

Do: Kinkaku-ji (Golden temple)

Do: Rest

Dinner: Nadai Tonkatsu Katsukura https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E5%90%8D%E4%BB%A3%E3%81%A8%E3%82%93%E3%81%8B%E3%81%A4-%E3%81%8B%E3%81%A4%E3%81%8F%E3%82%89-%E4%B8%89%E6%9D%A1%E6%9C%AC%E5%BA%97-%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%B8%82?osq=Restaurants

Day 3

Breakfast: At Hotel

Activity:  Kiyomizu-Dera (temple/outlook)

Do: Tea Ceremony  – Camelia Flower https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d6433641-Reviews-Camellia_Tea_Ceremony_FLOWER-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html

Lunch:  Mimikou https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E5%91%B3%E5%91%B3%E9%A6%99-%E6%9D%B1%E5%B1%B1%E5%8C%BA

Do: Ginkaku-ji Temple    

Do: Gion District

Dinner: Yamaguchi – Perhaps the best Italian food in Japan

Day 4 - Nara

Breakfast: At Hotel

Do: take train to Nara

Activity: Nara Park – Todai ji (Giant Buddha), Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Deer

Lunch: Maguro Koya  – Expensive but very very good. Still the best tuna I have ever had. 

Take train back to Kyoto 

Dinner: Shokudo Ogawa – Not many english ratings online but it is quite spectacular https://www.instagram.com/p/CokLRkqyKsQ/