One Perfect Day in Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Explore Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Nishiki Market

Start your day with a delectable breakfast at Nishiki Market, where you can savor fresh grilled fish and sweet rice cakes while immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere.
Walk to Nishiki Market from your accommodation in the city center, it’s about a 10-minute walk.
JPY1200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

After breakfast, take a short bus ride to Kinkaku-ji, a stunning Zen temple wrapped in gold leaf, and bask in its breathtaking reflection on the surrounding pond.
Ride bus #101 or #205 from Nishiki Market to Kinkaku-ji, approximately 30 minutes.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Ryoan-ji Temple

Next, head over to Ryoan-ji to witness Japan's most famous rock garden and meditate on its simplicity and beauty.
A 15-minute bus ride from Kinkaku-ji takes you to Ryoan-ji.
JPY500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at a local Izakaya

Enjoy a traditional bento box lunch at a nearby Izakaya, where you can sample a variety of Japanese dishes, enhancing your culinary adventure.
Walk back to a local Izakaya near Ryoan-ji, it’s about a 10-minute walk.
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Stroll through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Travel to Arashiyama Park to stroll through the enchanting Bamboo Grove, allowing the towering stalks of bamboo to transport you to another world.
Take the JR San-in Line from Ryoan-ji to Saga-Arashiyama Station, approximately 30 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Right next to the Bamboo Grove, visit Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful gardens and serene atmosphere.
A short walk from the Bamboo Grove, about 5 minutes
JPY500, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Gion District

Finish your day with a delightful dinner in the Gion District, where you can enjoy a kaiseki meal that showcases the art of Japanese cuisine.
Take bus #28 from Arashiyama to Gion, approximately 40 minutes.
JPY5000, 2 hours

8:30PM

Evening Stroll in Gion

After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of Gion, possibly catching a glimpse of a Geisha as they return home.
Walking in Gion, immerse yourself in the atmosphere, it’s the best way to enjoy the neighborhood.
Free, 1 hour
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