Kyoto Delights: A 5-Day Adventure for the Whole Family

Discover the captivating blend of tradition and family fun in Kyoto, Japan.

19 July 2023

A family-friendly trip to Kyoto, Japan offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and fun activities suitable for all ages. Explore the ancient temples and gardens to immerse yourselves in the rich history of this city. Enjoy walking through the charming traditional streets, visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, or even try your hand at a traditional tea ceremony for an unforgettable experience the whole family will cherish.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Temples and Traditions

  • Check into the Zen Garden Hotel, where peace and serenity ooze from every nook and cranny.
  • Immerse yourself in Kyoto's rich history at Kinkaku-ji, the shimmering Golden Pavilion.
  • Wander through the mystical bamboo forest of Arashiyama, where legend has it monkeys practiced martial arts.
  • Pay a visit to Gion District, the beating heart of geisha culture, and try to catch a glimpse of a real-life maiko.
  • Indulge your taste buds with a traditional kaiseki dinner at Kodaiji Rakusho.
Day 2

Delving into Geisha Secrets

  • Start your day with a tantalizing stroll through the seemingly endless Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousand torii gates.
  • Take a break from walking and hop on a rickshaw ride through the quaint streets of Higashiyama.
  • Treat yourself to a traditional tea ceremony with a twist at Camellia, where the geishas will teach you the art of true relaxation.
  • Explore the historic Nijo Castle and uncover the secrets concealed within its "nightingale" floors.
  • Savor some mouthwatering ramen at Gogyo, a cozy eatery with a fiery twist.
Day 3

Sakura Spectacular

  • Spring into the Sakura season with a Hanami picnic in Maruyama Park, surrounded by drooping cherry blossom trees.
  • Discover the enchanting Ryoan-ji Temple and its mesmerizing Zen rock garden.
  • Unleash your inner samurai at a traditional swordsmanship class, where you'll learn to swish and slice with grace and precision.
  • Fill your bellies with sushi delights at the legendary Sushiei, where the freshest fish dances on your taste buds.
  • Cap off the day with a magical visit to the illuminated Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Day 4

Artistic Inspirations

  • Dive into the vibrant world of Japanese art at the Kyoto National Museum, featuring centuries-old masterpieces.
  • Meander along the Path of Philosophy and let the cherry blossoms whisper their secrets to your soul.
  • Discover the hidden gem of the Hakusan Ichijoji Temple, where tranquility reigns supreme.
  • Explore the bustling Nishiki Market and nibble your way through countless food stalls.
  • Satisfy your sweet tooth with an otherworldly matcha parfait at Tsujiri.
Day 5

Hidden Gems and Farewell

  • Embark on a scenic hike to the lesser-known but awe-inspiring Kifune Shrine, nestled amidst a lush forest.
  • Master the art of traditional pottery with a hands-on workshop at Kyoto Ceramic Center.
  • Bid farewell to Kyoto with a luxurious kaiseki feast at Gion Sasaki, where tantalizing flavors marry artistic presentation.
  • Stroll along the tranquil Philosopher's Path one last time, embracing the memories and beauty of this magical city.
  • Reminisce over a cup of Japanese tea at Kyoto's oldest tea house, Tsuen, and plan your next adventure amidst its ancient charm.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.

Destination

Kyoto

Welcome to a city where ancient temples meet trendy cafes, where traditional geishas roam the streets alongside modern commuters, and where you can satisfy both your spiritual and shopping needs all in one place. Get ready to say konnichiwa to Kyoto!

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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