One Perfect Day in Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Explore Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at % Arabica

Start your day with a cozy breakfast at % Arabica, renowned for its artisanal coffee and freshly baked pastries.
Walk 10 minutes from your hotel, or take the subway to Sanjo Station.
JPY1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

After breakfast, head to the iconic Kinkaku-ji, whose stunning golden exterior reflects beautifully in the surrounding pond.
Take bus number 101 from the café, which takes about 30 minutes.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Travel to Arashiyama to get lost in the enchanting paths of the bamboo grove, where towering bamboo stalks create a mesmerizing atmosphere.
Take the train from Kinkaku-ji to Arashiyama Station, approximately 40 minutes.
JPY240, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Refuel with a delicious bowl of soba noodles at Arashiyama Yoshimura, known for their handmade noodles and scenic views of the river.
Just a 5-minute walk from the bamboo grove.
JPY2000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tenryu-ji Temple, which features exquisite gardens and tranquil temple buildings.
A short 10-minute walk from lunch.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Walk Across the Togetsukyo Bridge

Take a scenic walk across Togetsukyo Bridge, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the river and surrounding mountains.
Nearby, just 5 minutes walk from Tenryu-ji Temple.
Free, 30 minutes

4:45PM

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Travel to the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha and experience the mesmerizing tunnels of red torii gates that wind up the sacred Mount Inari.
Take the train from Saga-Arashiyama Station to Inari Station, roughly 30 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:15PM

Dinner at Gion Kappa

End your day with an authentic kaiseki dinner at Gion Kappa, where each dish is a work of art reflecting Japanese culinary traditions.
Take the train back to Gion Station, about 20 minutes from Fushimi Inari.
JPY6000, 2 hours
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