Perfect Day in Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Explore Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Traditional Japanese Breakfast

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at Omen Kodai-ji, where you can enjoy delicious udon noodles served with various toppings and side dishes.
Take a short walk from your accommodation to the restaurant.
JPY1200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

After breakfast, take a bus to Kinkaku-ji, a stunning Zen Buddhist temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Bus number 101 or 205 will take you directly to Kinkaku-ji from the city center.
JPY400, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Next, head to the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where you can stroll through towering bamboo stalks, feeling the serene atmosphere wash over you.
Take the JR Sagano Line from Kinkaku-ji to Arashiyama Station.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Yoshimura

For lunch, savor soba noodles at Yoshimura, located near the bamboo grove, known for its handcrafted noodles and delightful atmosphere.
A short walk from the bamboo grove.
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

After lunch, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tenryu-ji Temple, admired for its stunning gardens and scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
Directly next to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, just a quick walk.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Stroll Across Togetsukyo Bridge

Take a leisurely stroll across Togetsukyo Bridge, where you can capture beautiful photographs while enjoying the scenic river views and greenery.
A brief 10-minute walk from Tenryu-ji.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

From Arashiyama, head to Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates that create a captivating walking path up the sacred Mount Inari.
Take the JR Nara Line from Arashiyama Station to Inari Station, which is right by the shrine.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Issian

Wrap up your day with a delicious dinner at Issian, where you can enjoy a traditional Kyoto-style kaiseki meal, which is a multi-course Japanese dinner highlighting seasonal ingredients.
Take the train back to the city center, then a short walk to the restaurant.
JPY5000, 2 hours

8:30PM

Evening stroll in Gion District

Conclude your day with an evening stroll in the charming Gion District, where you can catch glimpses of geisha on their way to appointments and enjoy the traditional architecture.
A 15-minute walk from Issian.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability