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9-Day Kyoto Family Trip: Culture, Nature & Onsen with JR Travel

Viewed by 142 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Kyoto Intro

Kyoto, Japan on December 14, 2025

7:00am

Arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Arrive in Japan and complete immigration, then take JR Haruka Express train directly to Kyoto Station (approx. 75 mins).
JPY3000, 1h15m

9:00am

Check into Hotel in Kyoto

Settle into your accommodation centrally located near Kyoto Station.
Varies, 1h

10:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee Kyoto Station

Enjoy a traditional Kyoto breakfast with fresh coffee and western pastries.
JPY900, 1h

11:30am

Visit Nijo Castle

Explore the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring beautiful gardens and palace architecture, open 8:45am-5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

1:15pm

Lunch at Musashi Sushi

Try reasonably priced conveyor belt sushi near Kyoto Station for a casual meal, open 11:00am-9:30pm.
JPY1200, 1h

2:30pm

Walk at Kyoto Imperial Palace Park

Stroll in the scenic parkland around the imperial palace grounds, free entry and open daylight hours.
JPY0, 1h30m

4:30pm

Return to Hotel & Rest

Rest and freshen up for dinner.
JPY0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Imanishi Nishiki

Enjoy authentic Kyoto cuisine featuring seasonal vegetables and local delicacies, open until 9:30pm.
JPY3500, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 2: Kyoto Temples & Markets

Kyoto, Japan on December 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a filling hotel breakfast.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Kiyomizu-dera Temple Visit

See one of Kyoto’s most famous temples with panoramic city views, open 6:00am-6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

10:15am

Explore Higashiyama Street

Walk the historic streets filled with shops selling crafts and sweets, soaking in traditional atmosphere.
JPY0, 1h

11:30am

Lunch at Nishiki Warai

Dive into Kyoto’s specialties like yuba and okonomiyaki near Nishiki Market, open until 9:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h

12:45pm

Nishiki Market Stroll

Browse vibrant market stalls offering fresh seafood, sweets, and souvenirs.
JPY0, 1h

2:00pm

Gion District Walk

Wander the historic geisha district and look out for traditional wooden machiya houses.
JPY0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Hotel & Refresh

Short rest before evening plans.
JPY0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Savor Kyoto kaiseki dining in a cozy and traditional setting, open till 9:30pm.
JPY3500, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 3: Uji Tea Culture & Nature

Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan on December 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Hearty breakfast to fuel your day trip.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Uji by JR Nara Line

Take approx. 30-minute train ride to the historic tea city of Uji.
JPY240, 30m

8:45am

Byodo-in Temple

Visit this elegant UNESCO site known for the Phoenix Hall and beautiful grounds, open 8:30am-5:30pm.
JPY600, 1h

10:00am

Tea Ceremony at Oribe-no-Sato

Participate in a traditional Uji matcha tea ceremony to learn about Japanese tea culture.
JPY1500, 1h30m

11:45am

Lunch at Nakamura Tokichi Honten

Enjoy green tea infused dishes and desserts in a historic tea house setting, open until 6:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h

1:15pm

Walk along Uji River & Visit Ujigami Shrine

Relax by the river and see Japan’s oldest shrine free of charge.
JPY0, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Kyoto

Travel back by JR train.
JPY240, 30m

4:00pm

Rest at Hotel

Relax and recharge after your day trip.
JPY0, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Yakiniku Hiro

Enjoy delicious grilled meats perfect for families, open until 10:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Uji

Day 4: Arashiyama Bamboo & Onsen

Arashiyama/Kurama, Kyoto, Japan on December 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast early to prepare for a full day including onsen experience.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Train to Arashiyama

Travel by JR Sagano Line (approx. 20 mins) to Arashiyama.
JPY240, 20m

8:30am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Walk

Experience the enchanting bamboo forest early to beat the crowds, open 24 hours.
JPY0, 1h

9:45am

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit this UNESCO site with lovely gardens and temple buildings, open 8:30am-5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h

11:00am

Lunch at Shigetsu (Temple Shojin Ryori)

Enjoy peaceful Buddhist vegetarian cuisine inside the temple grounds, open 11:00am-2:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h

12:30pm

Travel to Kurama

Take transit via train and cable car for about 1 hour to Kurama village near Kyoto’s northern mountains.
JPY700, 1h

2:00pm

Kurama-dera Temple Hike

Hike up to the atmospheric mountain temple surrounded by forest, entry JPY300.
JPY300, 1h30m

3:30pm

Soak at Kurama Onsen

Relax in natural hot spring baths offering rejuvenation and family-friendly amenities, open until 9pm.
JPY6000, 2h

6:00pm

Traditional Dinner at Onsen Ryokan

Enjoy a Kaiseki style dinner served at the ryokan or onsen facility.
Included or JPY5000 additional, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Arashiyama/Kurama

Day 5: Return & City Museums

Kyoto, Japan on December 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Onsen or Ryokan

Experience a traditional Japanese breakfast before check-out.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Return to Kyoto

Travel back to Kyoto city center by train and prepare for cultural visits.
JPY700, 1h

11:00am

Lunch at Izuju Sushi

Taste renowned Kyoto-style sushi near Gion, open 11:30am-2:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h

12:30pm

Kyoto National Museum

Discover exquisite Japanese art and historical exhibits, open 9:30am-5:00pm.
JPY1000, 2h

3:00pm

Leisurely Shopping at Sanjo Street

Explore local shops and cafes on popular Sanjo and Shijo streets.
JPY0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Nishiki Izakaya

Enjoy a Japanese pub-style dinner with seasonal dishes and drinks.
JPY3000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 6: Philosopher’s Path & Temples

Kyoto, Japan on December 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Iyemon Salon Cafe

Savor matcha-infused cafes with light breakfast in Gion area.
JPY900, 1h

8:45am

Philosopher’s Path Walk

Stroll this scenic path covering temples like Honen-in and others, open all day.
JPY0, 2h

11:00am

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy warm bowl of udon noodles made fresh with local ingredients.
JPY1500, 1h

12:30pm

Ginkaku-ji Temple

Visit the Silver Pavilion and its exquisite gardens, open 8:30am-5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

2:00pm

Nanzen-ji Temple

Explore the Zen temple grounds with iconic aqueduct, open 8:40am-5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Hotel and Rest

Relax after walking, full afternoon free for leisure.
JPY0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Tempura Endo Yasaka

Dine on premium seasonal tempura in a refined Kyoto setting.
JPY4000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 7: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on December 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast for your explorations in Nara city.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Nara by JR Line

Approximately 45-minute train ride to the historic city of Nara.
JPY710, 45m

9:00am

Todai-ji Temple

Visit the massive wooden temple home to the Daibutsu Buddha statue, open 7:30am-5:30pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

10:45am

Nara Park & Deer Feeding

Watch and feed friendly deer roaming the large park area.
JPY0, 1h

11:45am

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Sample mochi freshly pounded and shaped by hand from this famous shop.
JPY700, 45m

12:45pm

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Explore the extensive shrine complex famous for lantern-lined paths.
JPY0, 1h

2:00pm

Isuien Garden Visit

Enjoy beautiful landscaped gardens open for relaxing walks, open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY900, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Kyoto

Travel back to Kyoto by JR train.
JPY710, 45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Torito Yakitori

Enjoy sumptuous yakitori grilled chicken skewers in a family-friendly spot until 10:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Nara

Day 8: Cultural and Shopping Day

Kyoto, Japan on December 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Bibliotic Hello

Cozy cafe with unique book-filled interiors and a selection of Japanese breakfast options.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Fushimi Sake District Tour

Visit sake breweries and learn about sake production with tastings, open 9:00am-4:00pm.
JPY500, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Fukuchan Fushimi

Enjoy seasonal Japanese dishes in the lively sake district, open until 3:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Shopping at Teramachi & Shinkyogoku Streets

Explore Kyoto’s bustling shopping arcades for souvenirs, fashion, and crafts.
JPY0, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at Hotel

Rest and pack leisurely before departure.
JPY0, 2h

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Kyoto Gogyo

Try famous burnt miso ramen and Kyoto style dishes in a trendy ambiance.
JPY3000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 9: Departure Day

Kyoto to Kansai Airport, Japan on December 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Kyoto.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Quick Visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the iconic red torii gates early for fewer crowds, open 24 hours.
JPY0, 1.5h

10:45am

Hotel Checkout and Travel to Kansai Airport

Take JR Haruka Express from Kyoto Station to Kansai International Airport in approx. 75 mins.
JPY2850, 1h15m
Find Hotels in Kyoto to Kansai Airport
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