One Day in Kyoto and Nara: Temples, Nature, and Culture

Day 1: Cultural Exploration

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at % Arabica

Kickstart your day with a fresh cup of coffee and a pastry from % Arabica, renowned for its specialty coffee and cozy atmosphere.
After breakfast, walk over to Kimono Forest, which is only a 15-minute stroll away.
JPY1000, 1 Hour

9:00AM

Visit Kimono Forest

Explore the vibrant displays of traditional kimono fabric at Kimono Forest, where art and culture come alive in a serene environment.
After enjoying the forest, head to Fushimi Inari Taisha by taking a short subway ride from nearby stations, approximately 15 minutes.
JPY0 (free entrance), 1 Hour

10:30AM

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Experience the mesmerizing beauty of Fushimi Inari Taisha with its iconic thousands of vermilion torii gates winding through the sacred mountain area.
Navigate within the shrine; it’s best to set aside at least an hour for this stunning destination.
JPY0 (free entrance), 1.5 Hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Inari Sushi Koji

Savor some local delicacies including inari sushi and seasonal dishes at this cozy restaurant located near Fushimi Inari.
After lunch, take the train towards the Sangano Train area for the scenic ride.
JPY1500, 1 Hour

1:00PM

Scenic Ride on Sangano Train

Ride the Sangano Train, a charming train offering breathtaking views of the Kyoto countryside, providing a perfect retreat from the busy city.
Capture the stunning views as you approach Nara; the train ride lasts about an hour.
JPY600, 1 Hour

2:30PM

Explore Nara Park

Arrive in Nara Park and enjoy some leisure time with freely roaming deer, traditional temples, and nature, providing a peaceful atmosphere for exploration.
From the train station, it's only a short walk into the park's entrance.
JPY0 (free entrance), 2 Hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Edogawa Naramachi

Indulge in an exquisite slice of Japan with dinner at Edogawa Naramachi, where authentic sushi and izakaya-style dishes delight your palate.
After enjoying the flavors of Nara, take a taxi or local transport to Kinkaku-ji, which will take approximately 30 minutes.
JPY2500, 1.5 Hours

6:00PM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Conclude your adventurous day with a visit to the stunning Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, which glows beautifully against the twilight sky.
The temple is easily accessible by a quick walk from the restaurant point.
JPY400, 1 Hour
View Hotel Availability