5 Days of Fun and Culture in Kyoto

Discover the charm of traditional Japan in Kyoto.

22 April 2023

Kyoto is a city steeped in history and culture, with over 1,000 years as Japan's capital city. As a tourist, one can expect a range of experiences, from visiting ancient temples and shrines, to witnessing traditional Japanese arts such as tea ceremonies and kimono dressing. Kyoto is also known for its incredible cuisine, including famous dishes such as kaiseki ryori and Kyoto-style sushi.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival and Exploration

  • Check into the Sakura Terrace The Gallery Hotel, with its quirky art installations and central location in the city.
  • Take a stroll through the historic Gion district, where geishas still wander the streets.
  • Visit Kiyomizu-dera, a breathtaking temple perched on a hillside with stunning views of the city.
  • Try some authentic Kyoto cuisine at Kikunoi restaurant, where they use seasonal ingredients to create delicate and flavorful dishes.
  • End the night with drinks at the stylish Bar K6, known for its creative cocktails and cool ambiance.
Day 2

Zen and Gardens

  • Start the day with a peaceful visit to Ryoan-ji temple, famous for its rock garden and serene atmosphere.
  • Walk through the beautiful Arashiyama bamboo forest, a natural wonder that has enchanted visitors for centuries.
  • Explore the exquisite gardens at the Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) temple, which offer stunning vistas of Kyoto's Eastern Mountain range.
  • Treat yourself to a relaxing foot bath at Gion Sano, a traditional Japanese spa with hot mineral water and blissful settings.
  • Dine at Shoraian restaurant, known for its delicate tofu dishes and charming mountain setting.
Day 3

Culture and Craftsmanship

  • Spend the morning at the Kyoto National Museum, which houses many of the city's artistic treasures and showcases Japan's rich cultural heritage.
  • Visit the Nishiki Market, a bustling hub of local food and artisanal crafts that has been in operation for over 400 years.
  • Attend a traditional tea ceremony at the Camellia Tea Ceremony, where you'll learn the aesthetics and rituals of the Japanese tea culture.
  • Take a kimono workshop at Kimono Okamoto, where you can create your own unique garment inspired by Kyoto's traditional textiles.
  • Sample some of the city's best soba noodles at Okina, a small eatery with a cozy atmosphere and excellent service.
Day 4

Temples and Shrines

  • Get an early start and join a morning meditation session at the notorious Daitoku-ji Zen temple, an ancient temple complex that is highly regarded for its austere beauty and calm atmosphere.
  • Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates that mark a 4 km path up into the hills.
  • Explore the impressive Tofukuji temple, founded in the 13th century, known for its stunning autumn foliage and stone gardens.
  • Head to Kanga-an studio to learn about Kyoto's traditional dyeing techniques and make your own souvenir with natural dyes.
  • Share some delicious yakitori at Torito, a casual yet trendy restaurant with great food and a lively atmosphere.
Day 5

Farewell Kyoto

  • Take a bike tour with Kyoto Cycling Tour Project, one of the best ways to discover the city's hidden gems and natural beauty, an experience that you will never forget.
  • Pick up some souvenirs at the Miyako Messe, a vibrant market hall selling a variety of handicrafts, fashion items and food products.
  • Visit the Kyoto Garden Sake Brewery, nestled in the forested hills of Kyoto and learn about the art of sake making.
  • End your trip on a high note at the Miyagawa-cho Kaburenjo Theater, where you can enjoy a traditional Japanese dance performance and participate in the local culture.
  • Finish with a trip to the casual eatery Menya Iroha for some delicious, hearty ramen before heading home.

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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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