A Life like 5 Days in Kyoto Itinerary for Your First Japan Journey

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If you happen to’re planning your first journey to Japan, there is a very excessive probability that you will be heading to Kyoto. The truth is, I might virtually assure that it is going to be in your must-visit checklist, as Kyoto is likely one of the hottest cities to go to in Japan (in all probability second solely to Tokyo). And for good cause!

Kyoto was Japan’s imperial capital for greater than 1,000 years, and is subsequently the cultural and historic coronary heart of the nation. It has an interesting mix of historic and trendy parts, and feels fully completely different from Tokyo and close by Osaka.

Kyoto is thought for its infinite variety of classical temples and shrines; its conventional picket structure; geisha tradition in a number of geisha districts; nice meals, matcha tea, and even a sake brewing district. And after visiting myself, I completely get the hype round Kyoto; it was simply my favourite metropolis I visited in Japan!

Me at Fushimi Inari
Amanda in a bamboo grove in Arashiyama
Among the many bamboo in Arashiyama

A practical 5-day Kyoto itinerary

It’s essential to know this earlier than you go to Kyoto: components of it are positively affected by overtourism. Kyoto’s most well-known temples/shrines, its well-known bamboo grove, its well-known meals market… all of them get VERY busy and VERY crowded just about year-round.

After I say this can be a “sensible” itinerary for Kyoto, this is what I imply: I am not going to advocate for five a.m. get up calls simply to skip some crowds, as a result of that is not how I personally journey. I am additionally not going to let you know to skip the crowded spots altogether, as a result of I do know you wish to see them.

What I AM going to do is offer you sensible expectations and supply up just a few various options in case you do wish to department out a bit. I am additionally going to say this: it’s very okay for those who do not tick off each single “must-see” sight in Kyoto! There’s nothing mistaken with not doing all of it.

Having mentioned all that, this is my model of the right 5-day Kyoto journey, primarily based by myself travels there and what I liked and/or would do otherwise subsequent time.

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Amanda playing a game with a maiko | 5 days in Kyoto itinerary
Taking part in video games with a maiko (apprentice geisha)

Highlights of this itinerary embody:

  • Consuming your approach by way of Nishiki Market
  • An up-close expertise with a geisha or maiko
  • Exploring Kiyomizu-dera temple
  • Making your individual ramen throughout a cooking class
  • Touring Nijō Fortress
  • Climbing by way of the torii gates at Fushimi Inari
  • Visiting less-popular temples in Arashiyama
  • Seeing Yasaka Pagoda at night time
  • And extra!

So let’s go!

Day 1 in Kyoto: Arrival and a Kyoto intro

Highlights at present embody: Nishiki Market and a nighttime tour of Gion

1. Arrival to Kyoto

Urged timing: No matter works!

Right now goes to be your arrival day. Almost definitely you may be touring from elsewhere in Japan (in all probability Tokyo), and most certainly you may be arriving by way of Shinkansen, or bullet practice. I took a late morning practice from Tokyo, that means I arrived in Kyoto mid-afternoon.

Japan Shinkansen ticket
My Shinkansen ticket to Kyoto

When you arrive, it is time to make your option to your resort. Most individuals keep both in Downtown Kyoto or Higashiyama (the place Gion is), although you may also go for one thing nearer to Kyoto Station. (I will speak extra about particular resort options later on this publish!)

You might have a number of choices for getting round in Kyoto, which is a a lot smaller metropolis than Tokyo, however is however actually unfold out. Kyoto doesn’t have as sturdy of a practice/metro system as Tokyo, however you continue to may have the ability to get to your resort by way of metro from Kyoto Station. Or you possibly can seize a taxi to get there, which may be extra handy together with your baggage.

Good to know: Uber DOES work in Japan, however conventional rideshares do not actually exist right here; for those who use Uber or one other related app, you are still going to be despatched a taxi! The most well-liked ride-hailing app in Japan is definitely referred to as GO, and it is the one I downloaded and utilized in Kyoto. It has an English interface and is straightforward to make use of — although notice that you’ll get charged a price of about 200 yen ($1.25 USD) for utilizing the app as a non-Japanese particular person. It really works the identical as each different ride-sharing app.

Relying on what time you arrive in Kyoto, you may have the ability to verify into your resort room and have a while to settle in. (Or, if it is too early so that you can get into your room, you possibly can nonetheless drop your luggage off for them to carry till later.)

Then it is time to head out and begin exploring a little bit of Kyoto! Head into Downtown Kyoto to your first cease.

2. Nishiki Market

Urged timing: 4 or 5 p.m. (ish)

I like to recommend heading to Nishiki Market within the late afternoon for both a late DIY progressive lunch, or an early DIY progressive dinner.

Nishiki Market in Kyoto
Nishiki Market
Shrimp tempura at Nishiki Market
Tempura is common right here

That is Kyoto’s well-known meals market, and whereas it is recognized for being very crowded through the morning hours and at lunchtime, many stalls are open till 6 (or barely later), and I did not discover it to be crowded in any respect within the late afternoon/early night.

This market covers a staggering 5 blocks, and you’ll strive all the things right here from tempura to takoyaki to gyoza to taiyaki and a lot extra. “Road meals” in Japan is mostly actually protected as a consequence of excessive meals security requirements, so take your time and take a look at as a lot as you need!

3. Gion geisha tour

Urged timing: 7 p.m.

For this night, I like to recommend reserving a strolling tour in Gion with the intention to be taught a bit extra about Kyoto’s geisha tradition and traditions, which date again to the 1700s. Gion is residence to two distinct geisha districts that may be very crowded through the day, however are usually quieter within the evenings.

Geisha district at night in Kyoto
Geisha district at night time

This is the geisha-focused walking tour I like to recommend, which meets up close to Pontocho Alley. You will stroll by way of the streets of Gion studying about Kyoto’s 5 separate hanamachi, or geisha districts, the place geishas (or geikos, as they’re recognized in Kyoto) and apprentice maikos dwell and work. You will stroll alongside the Shirakawa Canal, cross Tatsumi Bridge, and finish at Yasaka Shrine, which is open 24 hours.

Typically you may even spot geiko/maiko on their option to work within the night, although it is not ever assured (and for those who see any, it is not well mannered to hassle them or take images).

I realized a lot on this tour, and it is supplied at a number of beginning occasions all through the night. Book this tour here.

Okiya house in Kyoto
You will learn to spot okiya homes the place maiko dwell and practice
Lanterns at Yasaka Shrine at night
Lanterns at Yasaka Shrine

After the tour, you possibly can stroll again towards the Kamo River and both head again to your resort, or maybe discover a few of Kyoto’s nightlife. If you happen to’re in search of a nightcap, take a look at Music Bar Beatle Momo for good cocktails.

RELATED: My Favourite Excursions to Soak up Kyoto, Japan


Day 2 in Kyoto: Castles, ramen, and a well-known temple

Highlights at present embody: Visiting a fortress, a ramen cooking class, visiting Kiyomizu-dera temple, and seeing Yasaka Pagoda at night time

Take pleasure in breakfast at your resort this morning earlier than heading out for a busy day! I am *not* going to let you know to get began at 5 a.m. this morning; you do you! (I began most of my days in Kyoto between 8 and 9 a.m.)

1a. Fortress journey

Urged timing: 10 a.m.

This morning you might have just a few factors of curiosity to select from. If you wish to go to a fortress, you possibly can select between the Kyoto Imperial Palace (and the Kyoto Gyoen Nationwide Backyard) and Nijō Fortress. The Imperial Palace is definitely extra recognized for its backyard, so I personally advocate Nijō Fortress out of the 2.

Ninomaru-goten Palace gate at Nijo Castle
Ninomaru-goten Palace gate at Nijo Fortress
Nijo Castle moat
Nijo Fortress moat

Nijō Fortress dates again to the early 1600s, when it was constructed by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founding father of the Tokugawa shogunate. Japan was an Imperial empire in these days the place the emperor was the top of the nation, however the shogun (the top of Japan’s navy and its samurai class) really held all of the political energy.

You may guide a guided tour of Nijō Fortress to be taught all concerning the delicate (and sometimes dramatic) relationship between emperor and shogun in Kyoto — I booked this 90-minute guided tour and would advocate it — which incorporates entrance into Ninomaru Palace, plus a guided stroll by way of the fortress grounds.

One other cool side of Nijō Fortress is the truth that you get to stroll throughout its uguisubari or “nightingale flooring.” These flooring make a definite chirping sound whenever you stroll on them, just like the sound of birdsong. Legend has it that the shogun had these particular flooring put in to make it tougher for ninja assassins to sneak up on him, and I used to be geeking out over strolling throughout actual ones.

Nijo Castle gardens in Kyoto
You will additionally go to the Nijo Fortress gardens

1b. Golden Pavilion

Urged timing: 10 a.m.

If you happen to’re not likely that interested by Japanese imperial historical past, you may wish to skip the palaces/castles altogether (although I personally assume it is best to go to a minimum of one, contemplating they’re a part of a UNESCO World Heritage Website recognizing the “Historic Monuments of Historic Kyoto”). If so, then I might begin your morning at Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion.

The Golden Pavilion was initially constructed as a retirement retreat for the shogun round 1400, however ultimately turned a Zen temple. It will get its nickname from the truth that the highest two flooring are fully lined in gold leaf. Simply notice, although, that the unique constructing has burned down a number of occasions; the present one was reconstructed in 1955.

Visiting Kinkaku-ji does not all the time take a number of time (particularly if it is crowded whenever you get there), so you might also wish to embody a go to to close by Ryōan-ji, which is a Bhuddist temple with a well-known Zen rock backyard.

(I opted to go to Nijo Fortress, so I did not make it to the Golden Pavilion. Which is okay; it is okay for those who do not see each single factor on this publish!)

A notice on maps in Kyoto: for those who’re utilizing Google Maps to get round (which I extremely advocate!), you are going to see a curious image popping up so much. It seems to be like a Nazi swastika — and it’s, form of. This image in Japan is named manji, and it is an historic image representing success and prosperity. The image is related to Buddhism in lots of Asian nations, and in Japan the manji is used on maps (together with Google Maps) to mark the situation of Buddhist temples. The image has been used world wide for hundreds of years as a logo of peace, and it was really the Nazis who co-opted it for evil. So do not be too alarmed whenever you see these symbols throughout your map! Be taught extra issues to find out about touring in Japan.

2. Ramen cooking class

Urged timing: 1 p.m.

Japan is well-known for its noodles, and its ramen particularly. However why sit down at a noodle counter when you possibly can hand-make these noodles your self after which eat them for lunch??

Amanda holding noodles at a ramen cooking class
I made these noodles!

For lunch at present, guide your self a ramen cooking class on the Ramen Manufacturing facility. I booked this ramen cooking class by way of Viator, and whereas it is a expensive bowl of ramen ultimately, the entire expertise was a lot enjoyable.

This 90-minute class is acceptable for everybody, from individuals who aren’t excellent cooks (hello, it is me) to households — there have been even a pair children in my class! The lessons are in English, too, in case you are frightened about that.

You will create a personalized bowl of ramen from begin to end, proper down to creating your individual noodles from scratch and mixing your individual excellent broth. After which you possibly can take the recipe residence and know find out how to make a tasty bowl of ramen!

Bowl of ramen
My completed bowl of ramen

3. Kiyomizu-dera

Urged timing: 3 p.m.

After lunch, catch a taxi to Kiyomizu-dera temple, certainly one of Kyoto’s most well-known temples. (Word that taxis will most certainly drop you off on the base of the hill close to the temple entrance, so you may must do a little bit of strolling!)

This Buddhist temple dates again to the yr 780 and is thought for the picket stage that extends from the primary corridor above a close-by hillside, providing up glorious views of the encompassing bushes and Kyoto metropolis within the distance.

The identify of this temple interprets to “Pure Water Temple,” and the small Otowa Waterfall nonetheless flows right into a pool on the base of Kiyomizu-dera’s primary corridor. There are 3 streams of water which you could dip a cup into and drink from, with every stream mentioned to convey luck in a special side of life — however notice that it is thought of grasping to drink from all 3!

This temple shall be crowded within the afternoon, however it’s truthfully crowded always of day until you rise up and go proper when it opens at 6 a.m. Simply prep your self for the crowds and spend a while having fun with the temple advanced; there’s a number of house right here, and never each nook shall be busy.

4. Sannenzaka/Ninenzaka

Urged timing: 5 p.m.

From Kiyomizu-dera, you possibly can stroll downhill alongside Matsubara Road into the Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka purchasing areas. This a part of Kyoto is full of cafes, bakeries, vacationer retailers, and conventional buildings. It is normally very crowded within the afternoon, however ought to be beginning to relax the nearer it will get to six p.m. since most of the retailers round right here shut by 6:30 p.m.

You may seize an ice cream, mochi, or matcha (GOKAGO is a well-known viral matcha store), or just stroll and browse and take images earlier than heading to dinner.

5. Dinner

Urged timing: Between 6 and seven p.m.

I’d have dinner on this identical space for tonight for comfort’s sake. Some spots to think about embody Kyo no Ajitokoro Uemura (for tempura; it is cash-only), Itsukichaya at Kiyomizu (you possibly can guide a desk on-line), Masaichi (for multi-course, seasonal menus), or KURODOH (for upsacle multi-course meals).

6. Yasaka Pagoda

Urged timing: 8-9 p.m.

Yasaka Pagoda at night
Yasaka Pagoda at night time

After dinner, you’ll stroll to see Hōkan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda) after darkish. The road resulting in this well-known pagoda is normally packed from 8 a.m. to sundown, however I discovered that it was very quiet after darkish. (Picture above taken round 9 p.m.!)

Plus, you may get to go residence with extra distinctive images than everybody who rushes right here within the morning!


Day 3 in Kyoto: Arashiyama and meet a geisha

Highlights at present embody: Lesser-visited temples in Arashiyama like Otagi Nenbutsuji and Adashino Nenbutsuji, bamboo forests, and an intimate geisha present

Take pleasure in breakfast at your resort once more, and prep to go out someday between 8 and 9 a.m.

1. Arashiyama temples

Urged timing: 9 a.m.

You are headed to Arashiyama at present, the historic district within the western outskirts of Kyoto that is recognized for its bamboo forests and temples. There are a number of methods to get right here, together with taking the JR line practice to Saga-Arashiyama Station, or the Randen tram line to Arashiyama, each of which is able to take you to the central a part of Arashiyama. I wished to go to some temples additional away first, although, so I really took a taxi. The trip was beneath half an hour from central Kyoto.

I like to recommend beginning your morning at Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, a Buddhist temple on a hill with grounds full of 1200+ whimsical stone statues. Each single statue bears a special expression, and exploring the temple and grounds right here is totally pleasant.

Statues at Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple
Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple
Laughing statue at Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple

This temple is pretty small, so give your self as much as an hour. The statues listed below are NOT of Buddha, so it is high quality to take as many images of them as you need.

From there, it is a quick (downhill) stroll to Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple, one other notable Buddhist temple that is even less-visited. This temple may be very sacred, and is positioned in an space that has been used for funerary rights since historic occasions. There are common cemetery areas right here, in addition to a bit of very tiny stone markers grouped collectively which are thought to signify individuals who died with none household.

Sections of this temple do don’t have any photograph indicators, so please respect these.

Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple
Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple

Adashino Nenbutsuji additionally has a small bamboo grove (there are indicators that may information you to it), and this is a perfect spot to get your bamboo forest images with out the crushing crowds. The grove is small, however typically very peaceable.

Bamboo grove at Adashino Nenbutsuji
Bamboo grove at Adashino Nenbutsuji

2. Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Road

Urged timing: 11 a.m.

From the temples you possibly can comply with Saga-Toriimoto, a preserved road with historic structure and several other cafes, some workshops/craft retailers, and plenty of smaller temples.

Being faraway from the busiest a part of Arashiyama, this space is fairly quiet. Cease for a espresso or matcha to gird your self for the approaching crowds!

Houses along Saga-Toriimoto preserved street
Saga-Toriimoto preserved road

3. Arashiyama primary space

Urged timing: 11:30 a.m.

Okay so this is the factor: the primary a part of Arashiyama goes to be jam-packed with folks principally from like 7:30 a.m. by way of the afternoon. There are many very fashionable websites all packed into a comparatively small space right here, together with the well-known Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Tenryu-ji Temple. There’s additionally the Okochi Sanso Backyard and the Arashiyama Park Remark Deck that appears down in direction of the Hozugawa River, and the Arashiyama Monkey Park throughout the river.

You will possibly wish to stroll by way of the bamboo forest simply to see it (and maybe be grateful that you just visited the bamboo grove at Adashino Nenbutsuji earlier), however the remainder of the stops are as much as you. The view from the commentary deck is value seeing, and the Okochi Sanso Backyard is gorgeous, particularly within the fall.

Crowd of people at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest crowds round midday

I personally skipped Tenryu-ji Temple (it was SO crowded), and also you could not pay me cash to stroll up a “monkey mountain.” However if in case you have any curiosity in any of those websites (or any of the opposite myriad temples/shrines round right here), you may have time to go to them.

4. Lunch in Arashiyama

Urged timing: 12:30 or 1 p.m.

You may get lunch in Arashiyama for those who do not thoughts wading by way of the crowds. Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu Arashiyama is a extremely really helpful possibility (it is a spot the place you prepare dinner your individual meat on a sizzling stone), however if you cannot get a desk, my favourite spot ended up being slightly meals truck referred to as Onigiri Ranma the place they make contemporary onigiri to-order.

Fresh-made onigiri from Onigiri Ranma
Contemporary-made onigiri from Onigiri Ranma

You may additionally head again into Kyoto and have a konbini lunch (AKA grabbing meals from a comfort retailer like 7-11, Lawson, or Household Mart). Konbini meals is definitely glorious, and it is enjoyable to strive all of the completely different belongings you discover on the shelf.

5. Geisha expertise

Urged timing: 3 or 4 p.m.

You *might* get fortunate sufficient to identify a maiko or geiko “within the wild” in any of the geisha districts in Kyoto, however you are extremely discouraged from bothering them on the road and even snapping images usually. If you wish to really feel much less like a paparazzi, the excellent news is that there are a number of excursions you possibly can guide to be taught extra about these fascinating girls in a approach that is extra academic, consensual, and culturally wealthy.

If that is one thing you are interested by, I extremely advocate reserving this “1 Hour Geisha Show” in Kyoto. It ended up being certainly one of my favourite issues I did in Japan!

Maiko dancing in Kyoto
Watching a maiko dance
Maiko doing a fan dance
Fan dance

The tour I booked has just a few completely different variations all run by the identical firm, however I particularly advocate the “1 Hour Present in Tea Home” tour (when you select your date and variety of friends, you possibly can see the completely different tour choices). On this model of the tour, you may go to a tea home on Kamishichiken Road, which is the oldest hanamachi (geiko district) in Kyoto.

Throughout this tour you may most certainly meet a maiko (apprentice geisha), which is definitely good, as they’re those with the extra elaborate kimonos and hair decorations. You will get to be taught a bit about maiko and geiko and their completely different apparel and existence, and the maiko will carry out a pair dances after which sit down for a Q&A session.

The tea home model of this tour additionally included a stroll with our maiko pal over to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, a fully beautiful Shinto shrine that is positively off the vacationer path.

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Maiko at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Maiko at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

That is such an interesting option to be taught extra concerning the geisha custom in Japan, and I can not say sufficient good issues about this tour.

Once more, this is the tour I booked — although notice that the tea home model must be booked effectively prematurely!

6. Free night in Kyoto

Urged timing: 7 p.m.

I opted for a chill night this night time after two very busy days in Kyoto (this was my konbini dinner night time). However you do you!

You may head to Kyoto Shinkyogoku Buying St for some purchasing, claw machines, and dinner (I had an amazing meal at Katsukura Tonkatsu Sanjo Fundamental right here).

Kyoto Shinkyogoku Shopping Street
Kyoto Shinkyogoku Buying Road

OR maybe you’d prefer to guide dinner and a present at Kyoto’s Sumo Show Experience, the place you possibly can watch some (exhibition) sumo wrestling and take a look at a sizzling pot dinner. This expertise is touristy, positive, however it’s additionally a number of enjoyable!


Day 4 in Kyoto: Limitless torii gates

Highlights at present embody: Fushimi Inari shrine and non-compulsory sake tastings

Begin out with an excellent breakfast this morning, as you may want your power!

1. Fushimi Inari

Urged timing: 8 or 9 a.m.

Right now we’re heading slightly south of central Kyoto to Inari, to the well-known shrine with 10,000 vermillion torii gates snaking up a mountain like dragon scales. You may get to this shrine by public transit (take a JR practice to Inari Station, or the Keihan Line to Fushimi-Inari Station), or by taking a taxi.

You will stroll by way of an enormous gate to enter the Fushimi Inari shrine advanced — and round 9 a.m. (which is once I arrived), it is going to be completely swarming with folks.

Entrance to Fushimi Inari

Many (I might really guess most) folks come to Fushimi Inari for lower than an hour. They take their images on the entrance, after which they stroll slightly methods up the primary path of torii gates earlier than persevering with on with their day. And that is high quality! However I extremely, extremely advocate coming ready to hike at present so you possibly can see the vast majority of these 10,000 torii gates!

The best option to conquer Mt. Inari is to only comply with the primary path up. This path shall be very crowded in direction of the underside of the mountain, however it thins out significantly the upper you go. If you happen to climb previous the Mt. Inari Crossroads, you seemingly may have giant stretches of path fully to your self whatever the time of day you go to.

Crowds at Fushimi Inari
Crowd firstly of the gates path
Fushimi Inari torii gates
Empty path close to the highest of the mountain

There’s additionally the choice to hike the “again approach” up the mountain, the place you veer off the primary path after the Okusha Worship Heart after which climb to the highest by way of quiet bamboo groves and previous moss-covered forest shrines. When you attain the highest, you possibly can then stroll again down by way of all of the torii gates.

If you wish to get to the highest of Mt. Inari, it positively does require an excellent hike and a time dedication (a minimum of 3 hours, however probably longer relying on how usually you cease), however it’s very a lot value it!

Shrine on the back way up Mt Inari
Shrine on the again approach up the mountain

2. Lunch in Inari

Urged timing: 1 p.m. (ish)

I’d plan to get lunch in Inari after your hike. There are a number of choices close to the practice station and shrine entrance, together with normally some road meals stalls for those who simply need one thing fast.

Dango with a miso glaze
I attempted some dango with a miso glaze

3a. Sake district

Urged timing: 3 p.m.

Since you’ve got spent the morning at a fairly busy spot, how about heading someplace extra off-the-beaten path this afternoon? Kyoto has a complete sake district not removed from Fushimi Inari the place you possibly can be taught all about sake brewing — and style some, after all!

This “Insider” Sake Brewery Tour could be my decide for this afternoon. It is 3 hours lengthy, sure, however features a go to to the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, plus a guided sake tasting with snack pairings. If you happen to’re inquisitive about sake in any respect, this is a superb possibility, and never one thing that most individuals do in Kyoto.

3b. One thing else!

There are tons extra issues to see and do in Kyoto, and there may be one thing in your to-do checklist that I have never talked about right here. So that is the right time to suit that in! (And let me know what it’s so I can test it out myself subsequent time.)

4. Dinner in Kyoto

Urged timing: 7 p.m.

If you happen to did not go take a look at Shinkyogoku Buying St final night time, I might advocate doing that tonight. There are many retailers and eating places right here to discover — once more, I had an amazing meal at Katsukura Tonkatsu Sanjo Fundamental.

Meal at Katsukura Tonkatsu Sanjo in Kyoto
Meal at Katsukura Tonkatsu Sanjo

And for those who did go there final night time, then tonight is free so that you can discover a restaurant of your selecting.


Day 5 in Kyoto: Day journey time!

Right now is your likelihood to take a day journey from Kyoto. Kyoto is actually near a number of common spots, and lots of of them may be explored in a day and even half a day.

The highest three day journeys I’d advocate embody:

Day journey to Nara

You’ve got seemingly heard of Nara and its deer that may “bow” to you for a deal with, however that is not the one cause to take a day journey to Nara. Together with visiting the well-known deer in Nara Park, you can even see the Daibutsu (Nice Buddha) at Todai-ji Temple, see hundreds of lanterns at Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and go to the well-known mochi store Nakatanidou.

You may attain Nara by way of practice from Kyoto in about half an hour.

Day journey to Uji

Uji is one other metropolis close to Kyoto that makes for an amazing day journey from Kyoto. Uji is residence to Japan’s greatest matcha, so it is a matcha-lover’s dream! Together with consuming and searching for matcha in Uji, you can even take a look at the Nintendo Museum and go to the gorgeous Byodo-in Temple.

You may attain Uji by way of practice from Kyoto in 20-25 minutes.

Day journey to Osaka

And, for those who’re not planning to spend time in Osaka individually, you possibly can completely take a day journey right here from Kyoto. The highest factor to do in Osaka is to go on a food tour like this one. You too can take a look at Osaka Fortress, and stick round after darkish to see the neon lights of the Dotonbori district. Common Studios Japan can be positioned in Osaka in case you wish to have a theme park day.

You may attain Osaka by way of practice from Kyoto in 20 minutes on the bullet practice or 40 minutes on a daily practice.


The place to remain in Kyoto

There are LOTS of lodges and ryokans to select from in Kyoto to swimsuit each model and finances.

I stayed at Tomoya Residence Hotel Kyōto, positioned within the Nakagyo Ward simply north of downtown and inside a brief stroll from Karasuma Oike Station (which each of Kyoto’s subway traces run by way of). That is an apartment-style resort with enormous rooms and the kindest workers. The rooms have a easy Japanese design however extra Western-style facilities like very cozy beds and even a washer and dryer in-room. You may get breakfast (both Western or Japanese) delivered to your room every morning, and I’d extremely advocate it!

Tomoya Residence Hotel Kyōto
Tomoya Residence Resort Kyōto

Book a room here

Another lodges that I researched and would fortunately guide in Kyoto embody:


When to go to Kyoto

Kyoto is likely one of the primary locations in Japan at the moment affected by overtourism, so that you’re more likely to run into vacationers regardless of whenever you go. However some occasions of yr are inherently extra busy than others. The busiest occasions within the metropolis are within the spring throughout cherry blossom season (normally mid-March-mid-April), throughout Golden Week (late April-early Might), and within the fall for fall foliage (November-December).

Red maple leaves in Arashiyama, Kyoto
Kyoto within the fall is busy, however stunning

Conversely, the quietest occasions in Kyoto are the summer season months (particularly July and August) when the climate is extraordinarily sizzling and humid with fairly a little bit of rain, and through the winter (January-February) when it is chilly.

If you wish to steadiness good climate with smaller crowds, perfect occasions to go to Kyoto are early-mid March, most of Might, and October. I visited Kyoto in mid-November, and whereas it WAS very crowded in spots, there are definitely methods to keep away from the folks and nonetheless very a lot get pleasure from this stunning metropolis.

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Are you able to plan your journey to Kyoto? What are you most trying ahead to seeing/doing there?