Kyoto is a cultural rich city,
known for its historic
temples.
In total, there are over 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines.
Also Kyoto is famous of tea houses and geishas.
Kyoto is a cultural rich city, known for its historic temples.
In total, there are over 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines. Also Kyoto is famous of tea houses and geishas.
1 day: Visit Higashiyama district which is a picturesque and historically rich area that embodies the traditional charm of Japan. Here’s what you can expect when visiting Higashiyama:
Visit Kiyomizu-dera: This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers panoramic views of Kyoto from its wooden terrace. The temple is especially stunning during cherry blossom season.
Lost yourself in the historic streets (such as Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka), these narrow, cobblestone paths are lined with traditional wooden houses, teahouses, and shops, creating a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of old Kyoto.
TETSUGAKU NO MICHI, ALSO KNOWN AS THE PHILOSOPHER’S PATH, IS A PICTURESQUE PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY. IT’S ESPECIALLY POPULAR DURING THE CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON AND PROVIDES A PEACEFUL ESCAPE FROM THE BUSTLING CITY, MAKING IT AN IDEAL PLACE FOR A LEISURELY STROLL, PHOTOGRAPHY, OR SIMPLY MOMENTS OF QUIET CONTEMPLATION.
WANDER THROUGH GION: GION IS KYOTO’S HISTORIC GEISHA DISTRICT. STROLL ITS CHARMING STREETS, AND IF YOU’RE LUCKY, YOU MIGHT SPOT A GEISHA OR MAIKO (APPRENTICE GEISHA) IN TRADITIONAL ATTIRE.
EXPERIENCE A TEA CEREMONY: KYOTO IS THE HEART OF JAPANESE TEA CULTURE. PARTICIPATE IN A TRADITIONAL TEA CEREMONY TO LEARN ABOUT THE ART OF TEA PREPARATION.
ADMIRE NANZEN-JI, ALSO KNOWN AS ZENRIN-JI, IS A PROMINENT ZEN BUDDHIST TEMPLE, IT IS A SERENE AND HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT TEMPLE THAT PROVIDES VISITORS WITH A GLIMPSE INTO ZEN BUDDHISM AND THE BEAUTY OF JAPANESE TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE AND GARDENS. DON’T MISS THE CHANCE TO EXPLORE THIS CULTURAL GEM. WALK TOWARDS PHILOSOPHER’S PATH AND VISIT EIKANDO-JI TEMPLE. IT IS NOT ONLY A PLACE OF SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE BUT ALSO A CULTURAL AND NATURAL TREASURE IN KYOTO. IT’S AN IDEAL DESTINATION FOR THOSE SEEKING BOTH THE TRANQUILITY OF ZEN BUDDHISM AND THE BEAUTY OF JAPAN’S CHANGING SEASONS, PARTICULARLY THE VIBRANT FALL FOLIAGE.
this shrine is famous for its thousands of vibrant orange torii gates that lead up to Mount Inari. It’s a picturesque and spiritually significant place. I suggest you to go there very early in the morning (around 07 AM) to avoid crowds, or if you are there and there are crowds try to go upper until the peak of the mountain (people are lazy and don’t hike until the top :)), in that case you will be blessed to contemplate a great panoramic view of Kyoto.
Visit Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion): Start your trip with a visit to this iconic Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf. It’s a breathtaking sight, especially when reflected in the surrounding pond.
DISCOVER ARASHIYAMA: HEAD TO THE ARASHIYAMA DISTRICT TO SEE THE ENCHANTING BAMBOO GROVE AND THE BEAUTIFUL TOGETSUKYO BRIDGE. YOU CAN ALSO TAKE A SCENIC BOAT RIDE ALONG THE HOZUGAWA RIVER.
TRY KAISEKI CUISINE: ENJOY A MULTI-COURSE MEAL OF KYOTO’S EXQUISITE KAISEKI CUISINE, WHICH EMPHASIZES SEASONAL INGREDIENTS AND BEAUTIFUL PRESENTATION.
If you stay in the downtown, near to the station of Kyoto you can visit To-ji Temple, which is a significant Buddhist temple. It’s a captivating destination for visitors interested in Japanese Buddhism, traditional architecture, and the cultural heritage of Kyoto.
And after that visit Nishiki Market, is a vibrant and historic food market located in the heart of Kyoto. The market has a history dating back several centuries. It originated as a fish wholesale district in the early 14th century and gradually transformed into the bustling food market it is today. This market is an excellent place to sample Kyoto’s unique cuisine, including dishes like yuba (tofu skin), tsukemono (pickles), matcha (green tea) sweets, and more.
We usually bought there knives as presents with friend’s names engraved in Japanese katakana and also Japanese seal with my name transcribed in Kanji.
Near the Kawaramachi station you can find different famous Japanese shopping malls as Takashimaya, Daimaru, Kawaramachi Opa.
Finding the “best” sushi in Kyoto can be subjective, as it depends on personal taste and preferences. However, Kyoto has a selection of excellent sushi restaurants that are well-regarded by both locals and visitors. Here are a few top sushi restaurants to consider:
Sushi Iwa: Sushi Iwa is a Michelin-starred sushi restaurant known for its exceptional sushi craftsmanship. The chef, Hisayoshi Iwa, is known for using the finest seasonal ingredients and providing an unforgettable omakase (chef’s choice) dining experience.
Mizuki: Mizuki is a renowned sushi restaurant located in the Gion district. It’s praised for its intimate atmosphere, top-quality ingredients, and skilled chefs who craft a memorable sushi meal.
It is a historic and spiritually significant Buddhist temple located in the scenic village of Kurama, just north of Kyoto city. Another great pilgrimage spot is Kumano Kodo but if you don´t have time to hike Kumano Kodo, this mountain is quite similar to Kumano Kodo, but you can do it in one day.
One of the key attractions of Kurama-dera is its natural beauty. The temple is nestled in a lush forest, and the surrounding area is known for its scenic hiking trails, especially during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. The Kurama area is known for its hot springs, and you can find public hot spring facilities where you can relax and soak in the mineral-rich waters after hiking or visiting the temple.
In the end of the hiking route there are Kifune shrine in Kifune village with with a famous entrance surrounded by maple trees that worships kami (deity) associated with water. It is known for the incredibly photo-worthy stone steps that lead up to shrine, lined on either side with red lanterns.
Its one of my favourite shrine in Kyoto.
Gion: Staying in or near the Gion district is a great choice for those who want to immerse themselves in Kyoto’s traditional culture. You’ll be close to historic sites and have easy access to tea houses and restaurants.
Arashiyama: This area is serene and surrounded by nature. Consider staying in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) with a view of the bamboo grove for a unique experience.
Downtown Kyoto: If you prefer a more modern and bustling atmosphere, downtown Kyoto offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. It’s convenient for shopping and dining.
Higashiyama: This neighborhood is known for its preserved historic streets and is close to many temples and shrines. It provides a tranquil setting for your stay.
NEAR KYOTO STATION: IF YOU WANT EASY ACCESS TO TRANSPORTATION FOR DAY TRIPS OR ARE LOOKING FOR MORE CONTEMPORARY LODGING OPTIONS, STAYING NEAR KYOTO STATION IS A PRACTICAL CHOICE.
Remember to book your accommodations well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural experiences that Kyoto has to offer.
Still don´t know what to do? Get in touch with me.
Public Transportation: Kyoto has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, including buses and subways. Consider purchasing a Kyoto City Bus and Subway Pass if you plan to use public transportation frequently during your stay.
Biking: Kyoto is a bike-friendly city with many dedicated bike lanes and bike rental shops. Renting a bicycle is an excellent way to explore the city at your own pace.
WALKING: KYOTO’S COMPACT CITY CENTER AND HISTORIC DISTRICTS LIKE GION AND HIGASHIYAMA ARE BEST EXPLORED ON FOOT. WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES AND STROLL THROUGH THE CHARMING STREETS AND TEMPLES.
TAXIS: TAXIS ARE READILY AVAILABLE IN KYOTO, BUT THEY CAN BE EXPENSIVE COMPARED TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION. USE THEM FOR CONVENIENCE OR WHEN TRAVELING IN A GROUP.
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