Start your journey in the historic district of Gion, known for its preserved architecture, traditional streets, and geisha culture. Explore the charming alleys, visit the Yasaka Shrine, and catch a glimpse of Maiko (apprentice geiko) or Geiko (professional geisha) walking to their appointments. Enjoy a cup of tea or traditional sweets at one of the atmospheric teahouses.
Visit the iconic Kinkaku-ji Temple, a Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf and surrounded by a tranquil pond and garden. Take a stroll in the scenic Arashiyama bamboo grove and enjoy the mountainous landscape. See the Tenryu-ji Temple, visit the monkey park, or take a boat ride on the Hozu River.
Start your day at Nishiki Market, a bustling food market with over 100 vendors selling fresh seafood, local produce, and traditional snacks. Try some matcha tea, pickled vegetables, or street food staples like takoyaki or yakitori. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates leading up to the sacred Mount Inari.
Explore Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing the opulent lifestyle of the Tokugawa shoguns during the Edo period. See the impressive Ninomaru Palace and its intricate wall paintings and woodcarvings. In the afternoon, head to the Higashiyama district and visit the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the Kodai-ji Temple, and the Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka streets lined with traditional shops and cafes.
Take a guided tour of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence of the Emperor of Japan. Learn about the history, architecture, and culture of the imperial family and their daily life. Afterwards, walk the picturesque Philosopher's Path, a trail that follows a canal lined with cherry blossoms and temples. See the Nanzen-ji Temple, the Eikan-do Temple, and the Ginkaku-ji Temple.
Spend the morning at Kyoto Station, a modern and innovative transportation hub with futuristic architecture and convenient shopping and dining. See the Skyway, a panoramic observatory, and the Ramen Street, a food court with various regional ramen restaurants. After lunch, take a train to Uji, a charming town known for its tea culture and historical landmarks. Visit the Byodo-in Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a renowned Phoenix Hall and a museum.
End your trip with an artful experience at the Kyoto National Museum, one of the leading museums in Japan with over 12,000 items of Japanese and Asian art and crafts. See the famous Tale of Genji scrolls, the Ukiyo-e woodblock prints, and the traditional ceramics and textiles. In the afternoon, visit the serene Ginkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Silver Pavilion, a Zen Buddhist temple with a tranquil garden and a sand cone representing Mount Fuji.
Most of the attractions in Kyoto are accessible by public transportation, including subway, bus, and train. The city also offers various tourist passes and discount tickets that can save you money and time. The major transportation hub is Kyoto Station, which connects to the main JR lines, the subway, and the bus terminals. Taxis and rental bikes are also available, but can be expensive during peak hours. A one-way trip on the subway or the bus costs around $1-2, and a taxi ride within the city center costs around $10-20.
If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to Nara, Osaka, or Kobe, which are easily accessible from Kyoto by train. If you have less time, prioritize the must-see sights and plan accordingly. Keep in mind that many temples and shrines close early, around 4-5 pm, so plan your schedule accordingly. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, especially during the summer, and bring an umbrella in case of rain or sun. Try the local cuisine and drinks, such as matcha, sake, and sushi, and respect the local customs and traditions.
Kyoto is served by the Kansai International Airport (KIX), located in Osaka, which is about 100 km away from the city center. The airport is connected to the city by the JR Haruka Express train, which takes around 75 minutes and costs around $30. Another option is the Limousine Bus, which takes around 90 minutes and costs around $20. Osaka International Airport (ITM) is also nearby, but mainly serves domestic flights.