A Perfect Day in Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Explore Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Iyemon Salon

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at Iyemon Salon, featuring seasonal ingredients and matcha tea.
Located near the Gion district, easily accessible by foot.
JPY1200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

After breakfast, head to the stunning Kinkaku-ji, a Zen Buddhist temple known for its top two floors completely covered in gold leaf.
Take bus 101 or 205 from Gion to Kinkaku-ji, about a 30-minute ride.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Stroll through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Next, travel to the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where you can wander through soaring green stalks of bamboo.
From Kinkaku-ji, take bus 205 back to the metro, then subway to Arashiyama station, approximately 40 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Yoshimura So,

After your day of exploration, enjoy a delicious bowl of soba noodles at Yoshimura So, known for its authentic handmade noodles.
Located within walking distance from the Bamboo Grove, just a 10-minute walk.
JPY1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Tenryu-ji Temple

Post lunch, take a moment to visit the historic Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful gardens.
The temple is a short 15-minute walk from Yoshimura So.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Afterward, make your way to the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha, renowned for its thousands of vermillion torii gates that create picturesque paths.
Travel back to Kyoto Station via JR line, and catch the train to Inari Station, approximately 30 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Conclude your fabulous day with kaiseki dinner at Gion Karyo, a refined multi-course Japanese meal that showcases seasonal ingredients.
Return to Gion area, approximately 15 minutes via taxi, or enjoy the nighttime streets.
JPY8000, 2 hours

7:30PM

Evening Stroll in Gion

Wrap up your day with a charming evening stroll through the historic streets of Gion, where you might catch a glimpse of geisha heading to their appointments.
Gion is easily walkable after dinner.
Free, 1 hour
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