Trip to Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Neighborhood

Welcome to Kyoto! After checking in to your hotel, the first thing you should do is take a walk around your neighborhood. You’ll find yourself in the heart of Kyoto, with streets lined with traditional Japanese houses, small shops, and restaurants. One of the best ways to get a feel for the city is to explore its neighborhoods, and in Kyoto, there are plenty of streets to wander. You’ll find your neighborhood buzzing with people, cars, and bikes throughout the day, so you’ll never be short of things to see.

Day 2: Arashiyama and Sagano

Today you will head to the Arashiyama and Sagano areas. First, visit the Tenryu-ji Temple, which is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto. The temple’s garden has an incredibly scenic pond that reflects the mountains in the background. Then, take a stroll through the Sagano Bamboo Forest, where you can feel dwarfed by the towering stalks of bamboo. After that, head to the Okochi-Sanso Villa, which is a beautifully preserved traditional Japanese house with a gorgeous garden. Finally, end the day by visiting the Togetsukyo Bridge, which is illuminated at night to create a magical atmosphere.

Day 3: Kyoto’s Shrines and Temples

Kyoto is known for its many shrines and temples, which are some of the best-preserved traditional buildings in Japan. Today, start by visiting the Fushimi Inari Shrine, which features thousands of torii gates lining the trails up the mountain. Then, head to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular temples in Kyoto. The temple is famous for its wooden balcony overlooking the city, which provides an impressive view on a clear day. Lastly, visit the Gion district, which is one of the best-known geisha districts in Japan.

Day 4: Kitchen of Kyoto

Today, you will take a tour of some of Kyoto’s best food stops! Kyoto is known for its local cuisine and has some of the best Japanese food restaurants in the country. Start with the popular Nishiki Market, which is famous for its food stalls selling traditional Japanese snacks and local specialties. Then head to Pontocho, a narrow alley that is home to some of Kyoto’s best restaurants, and try out some of the local dishes. Finally, end the day with a visit to Gion, where you can see some of the best food stalls and restaurants offering Japanese cuisine.

Day 5: Exploration of the Imperial Palace

On Day 5, begin exploring the Imperial Palace, which still stands today as a testament to the country’s rich history. The Imperial Palace is located in the heart of the city and is spacious with gardens, moats, and a stunning variety of Japanese trees. It was home to the Imperial family until the Meiji restoration in 1868. The gardens, which cover approximately 65% of the palace’s area, contain several teahouses and other traditional Japanese buildings. Visitors can walk along the paths and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the gardens.

Day 6: Nara Day Trip

Today, you will go on a day trip to Nara, a city located just 40 minutes from Kyoto. Nara was Japan’s capital before Kyoto, and it is home to some of the country’s most famous temples, including Todai-ji Temple, which houses a giant bronze statue of Buddha. Other highlights include Kasuga Taisha Shrine, which has over 3,000 lanterns lining the paths of its forested grounds, and Nara Park, which is dotted with temples and home to hundreds of tame deer that roam freely throughout the park.

Day 7: Shopping and Nightlife

Finally, on the last day of your trip, it’s time to shop and experience the nightlife in Kyoto. Start with a visit to Teramachi-dori and Shinkyogoku, which are two famous shopping streets located in the heart of Kyoto. They offer everything from traditional Japanese crafts to cutting-edge fashion. Then, end your trip in Kyoto with a night out in the Kiyamachi district, where you can experience the best of Kyoto’s nightlife while enjoying a few drinks in one of the many bars and izakayas.