THE ULTIMATE KYOTO TRAVEL GUIDE

Exploring Japan’s Zen Capital:

If you’re looking for a zen vacation, Kyoto is the place for you. It is the cultural capital of Japan, and thanks to its many beautiful gardens and temples, the city is considered one of the most tranquil places in Japan. 

In this blog, I’ll share my Kyoto travel guide and a Kyoto travel itinerary. 

things to do & see, where to go & eat + where to stay

→ sample a 4-day Kyoto travel itinerary at the end!

Activities – Things to Do:

• Ramen Cooking Class
• Samurai Experience
• Private Tour With a Local Guide
• Exclusive Geisha Show (+ Tea Ceremony)
• Arashiyama Rickshaw Tour
• Sushi Making Class With Sushi Chef
• Private Traditional Tea Ceremony
• Nishiki Market Food Tour
• Customizable Kyoto Highlights Tour
• Japanese Archery Experience
• Private Calligraphy Class

Attractions – Things to See:

• Fushimi Inari Shrine & Torii Gates: This iconic pathway is lined with thousands of vibrant red torii gates, leading to a breathtaking view at the summit of Mount Inari. 
• Yasaka Pagoda (or Hokan-ji Temple): This majestic five-story pagoda graces the skyline of Kyoto’s Higashiyama district and symbolizes the city’s rich history. 
• Yasaka Shrine (or Gion Shrine): A prominent Shinto shrine in the Gion district of Kyoto with a beautiful lantern-lit pathway. 
• Kinkakuji Temple (or Golden Pavilion): A stunning Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, famous for its shimmering gold leaf exterior, located in the Kita Ward. 
• Kiyomizu-dera: Recognized for its architectural significance and natural beauty, especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.

Places – Where to Go:

• Pontocho Street: A magical street with a traditional Japanese aesthetic. Pontocho Alley is Kyoto’s most atmospheric area and go-to food, drink, and nightlife spot.
• Gion Corner: Kyoto’s famed Geisha District has many tea houses, entertainment, and restaurants. You can also spot real Maiko (geisha apprentices) walking here. 
• Ninenzaka Street & Sannenzaka Street: Stone-paved pedestrian roads with Japanese architecture and Kyoto-esque shops & restaurants
• Arashiyama: Kyoto’s second-most important sightseeing district, known for its beautiful scenery. It’s filled with temples, shrines, and the famed Bamboo Grove.
  • Arashiyama Bamboo Forest: A mesmerizing natural wonder with towering bamboo stalks that create a serene and enchanting atmosphere.
  • Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama: A popular attraction known for its troop of Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) that roam freely to be fed by visitors. 
  • Arashiyama Kimono Forest: A hidden gem spot that few tourists know about
  • Kibune: A small village outside of Kyoto known for its laid-back riverside atmosphere and lush greenery.
  • Kawadoko Dining: Experience Kawadoko dining, where restaurants build covered platforms over the river, allowing visitors to dine while the water flows beneath them.
  • Kifune Shrine: An enchanting shrine nestled amidst maple trees, dedicated to the god of water and rain, holding spiritual importance believed to protect those at sea.

Eats – Best Restaurants in Kyoto: 

• Hirobun Flowing Noodle Restaurant  – Kibune
• Menbaka Fire Ramen Restaurant – a unique experience
• Old Starbucks – previously a Japanese Bathhouse
• Nishiki Market – 400 year old market
• Ramen Sen-no-Kaze –  for ramen
• Gyoza ChaoChao – for dumplings
• Honke Owariya –  for Soba
• Izuju Sushi – for sushi
• Hisaya Cafe –  for various desserts
• Kumonocha Kiyomizu – for dessert sets
• Maccha House –  for macca dessert

Stays – Best Hotels in Kyoto:

→ Contact me to help you pick the best area to stay in Kyoto and book your stay with PERKS!

• The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu
• Roku Kyoto LXR Hotels
• HOSHINOYA Kyoto 
• Aman Kyoto

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Already know where you want to go? Looking to make your own hotel booking? 

BOOK YOURSELF WITH PERKS!

As a Virtuoso partner, you can receive exclusive perks and amenities using my booking tool.

• Navigate to the “Hotels” section at the top to search your hotel 
• See what extra Virtuoso Perks are offered at your selected hotel!
• Enter your preferred dates – “Check Rates and Availability”
• Then select “Book” once you make your selection! (NOTE: You will need to create a Virtuoso account using your laptop if this is your first time using the Virtuoso Hotel Booking portal.)
• If you already have made an account, proceed with payment information and you will receive a Virtuoso email with all the details! 
• I will reach out to you directly to confirm your stay and perks, plus confirm with the hotel that you are marked as a VIP before your stay 🙂

Exclusive Perks May Include:

• Complimentary Daily Breakfast
• Up to $300 Hotel Credit 
• Priority for Room Upgrade
• Early check-in + Late check-out (if available)
• VIP Greeting & Welcome Amenities on Arrival
• + more!

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Ready to explore the zen city? Here’s my four-day Kyoto travel itinerary! 

Day 1: Fushimi Inari 

• Catch the bullet train to Kyoto & enjoy a bento breakfast on board
• Check into The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu
• Samurai Experience
• Nishiki Market Food Tour for lunch
• Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine
• Ramen Cooking Class for dinner
• Walk along the Kamo River
• Izakaya/bar hopping between Kiymbachi Dori and Pontocho Alley

Day 2: Gion 

• Walk Ninenzaka Street to catch views of Yasaka Pagoda
  • Tip: Try to get in as early as possible to avoid crowds
• Enjoy breakfast at traditional Tatami Starbucks
• Customizable Kyoto Highlights Tour or Private Tour With a Local Guide
• Explore the souvenir shops, cafes & dessert spots on Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka streets
• Rent kimonos and explore the Gion area and Hanamikoji Street
• Exclusive Geisha Show or Private Traditional Tea Ceremony
• Visit the Yasaka-jinja Shrine in the evening
• Private Calligraphy Class or Japanese Archery Experience
• Grab dinner at Hachidaime Gihey or Gyoza ChaoChao

Day 3: Arashiyama 

• Early visit to Arashiyama 
• Grab a coffee from %Arabica, a famous coffee shop with several cafes across Japan
• Visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
  • Tip: Very crowded, try to arrive as early as you can!
• Arashiyama Rickshaw Tour
• Visit the Arashiyama Monkey Park
  • Tip: It involves a steep hike and can be very hot in the summer!

• Visit Kimono Forest 
• Grab Shaved Ice next door
• Visit the Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
• Visit the Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
• Grab lunch at Yoshimura
• Visit the Kinkaku-Ji Temple (Golden Temple)
• Grab dinner at Ichiran Ramen near the hotel

Day 4: Kibune

• Take a day trip to the village of Kibune, about an hour away from Kyoto. Kibune offers a serene escape into nature.
• Enjoy lunch at Nagashi Somen (flowing noodles)
  • Arrive early–they don’t accept reservations.
• Treat yourself to shaved ice dessert and savor it by the riverbank.
• Visit the Kifune Shrine
• Shop around for a variety of pottery, unique crafts, and souvenirs.
• Head back to the hotel!
• Sushi Making Class With Sushi Chef