Enjoy a traditional Japanese coffee shop experience with freshly brewed coffee and classic thick toast with butter and jam. It's a local favorite to start your day.
Visit the stunning Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, surrounded by beautiful gardens. It's open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Tour this UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its palace buildings and nightingale floors that chirp when walked upon. The castle opens from 8:45am to 5:00pm.
Walk through Kyoto's famous geisha district, with its traditional wooden machiya houses and charming streets. Best experienced in the evening for the ambiance.
Explore the iconic thousand torii gates path leading up the mountain at this important Shinto shrine. Open 24 hours, but best in the morning to avoid crowds.
Visit sake breweries and shops in the Fushimi area, known as a sake brewing center. Some breweries offer tours and tastings; check individual schedules.
If desired, a second visit to Kinkaku-ji or explore downtown Kyoto’s shopping streets like Shinkyogoku and Teramachi. Shops generally open 10:00am to 8:00pm.