Kyoto's 1-Day Temple and Tea Tour

Immerse yourself in the spirit of Japan's ancient capital: Kyoto.

22 April 2023

Kyoto, Japan is a city that combines traditional culture and modern technology. As a tourist, one can explore iconic sights such as the Fushimi Inari Shrine and the Kiyomizu-dera temple. In addition, visitors can indulge in delightful Japanese cuisine and traditional tea ceremonies.

Day trip plan

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Day

Temples and Tea

  • Start your day marveling at the ancient beauty of Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, and its stunning reflection on the tranquil pond surrounding it.
  • Head over to Ryoan-ji, a Zen temple with a world-renowned rock garden, perfect for contemplative peacefulness.
  • Take a stroll through the charming streets of Higashiyama, lined with traditional storefronts and small tea houses.
  • Visit Kodai-ji, a beautiful shrine that houses a lovely bamboo grove and spectacular cherry blossoms in the spring.
  • Stop by Asakura Chaho for delicate matcha tea and a tasty kaiseki lunch in a peaceful garden setting.
  • End your day at Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto's most popular temples with panoramic views of the city and a magical atmosphere at sunset.
  • Kyoto is a magical destination full of ancient temples, serene gardens, and charming tea houses. Spend a day exploring some of its most beautiful sights and indulging in delightful treats.

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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