The Ultimate Long Weekend Stag Do in Kyoto

Experience the ultimate stag do adventure in the cultural wonderland of Kyoto.

22 April 2023

As a stag do destination, Kyoto might be a surprise, but it offers unique and unforgettable experiences. Enjoy beer and sake at Japanese izakayas, indulge in sushi and try your hand at Samurai sword fighting. Kyoto also offers stunning temples, gardens and local attractions to explore during the day.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the Historic Sites

  • Check-in at the Kyoto Century Hotel, a chic and modern hotel situated in the heart of the city
  • Start the day with a stroll through Gion, Kyoto’s historic district known for its traditional wooden buildings and geishas
  • Visit the stunning Kiyomizu-dera temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers panoramic views of the city
  • Stop by Fushimi Inari-taisha, a shrine famous for its thousands of torii gates that form a stunning tunnel
  • Take part in a Tea Ceremony Experience and learn about the art and philosophy of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony
  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at Gion Tokuya, a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves up mouth-watering traditional Japanese cuisine
Day 2

Nature and Relaxation

  • Head to Arashiyama, a district on the outskirts of Kyoto known for its bamboo groves and scenic beauty
  • Take a relaxing walk through the bamboo groves and soak in the tranquility of nature
  • Visit the Tenryu-ji temple, a Zen temple that features a stunning garden with a pond and a bamboo forest
  • Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch at Arashiyama Yoshimura, a restaurant that serves up seasonal dishes made from fresh local ingredients
  • Visit the Togetsukyo Bridge, a landmark bridge that offers spectacular views of the Hozu River and the surrounding mountains
  • Unwind at a traditional Japanese spa, such as the Ritz Carlton Spa, where you can enjoy a range of treatments, including a hot stone massage and a Japanese bath
Day 3

Food and Drink

  • Visit the Nishiki Market, a lively and colorful marketplace that offers a wide variety of local produce, snacks, and souvenirs
  • Stop by a sake brewery, such as the Kyoto Sake Brewery, and learn about the history and tradition of Japan’s famous rice wine
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch at Okariba, a restaurant that specializes in classic Japanese dishes with a modern twist
  • Take a guided tour of the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery, where you can learn about the production process of Japan’s famous whiskey and sample some of their award-winning spirits
  • Indulge in some Kyoto-style kaiseki, a multi-course meal consisting of beautifully presented dishes made from the freshest seasonal ingredients
  • Finish the night off at a trendy bar, such as the Speakeasy Bar, where you can enjoy some of the best cocktails in town in a stylish and sophisticated setting.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Kyoto by plane is to fly into Kansai International Airport, which is located approximately 100 kilometers from Kyoto. From there, you can take the JR Haruka Express train, which takes approximately 75 minutes and goes directly to Kyoto Station.

Car

If you are driving to Kyoto, the best option is to take the Meishin Expressway, which connects Osaka and Nagoya. The journey takes approximately 1 hour from Osaka and 2 hours from Nagoya.

Train

If you are already in Japan, the best way to get to Kyoto by train is to take the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo Station or Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes from Tokyo and 15 minutes from Shin-Osaka.

Boat

Although there is no direct boat to Kyoto, you can take a ferry from Osaka to the nearby town of Miyazu and then take a train or bus to Kyoto. Alternatively, you can take a cruise ship to Kobe or Osaka and then take a train or bus to Kyoto.

Bus

There are several bus companies that operate between major cities and Kyoto, including JR Bus and Keihan Bus. The journey time varies depending on the departure point, but it typically takes around 5-6 hours from Tokyo and 3 hours from Osaka.

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