Kyoto 10 days

The modern gateway to Kyoto, a striking architectural contrast to the city's ancient heart. It offers shopping, dining, and excellent connections.

• Purchase an ICOCA card for easy public transport payment.

Kyoto's famed geisha district, characterized by traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and exclusive restaurants. Stroll along Hanami-koji Street for a chance to spot geiko and maiko.

• Be respectful and do not photograph geiko or maiko without permission.
• Visit in the early evening for the best chance of sightings.

A popular spot in Gion for okonomiyaki and yakisoba, offering a lively atmosphere and delicious, hearty meals. It's a great introduction to casual Japanese dining.

• Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

A stunning Zen Buddhist temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. It's set against a beautiful pond and meticulously maintained gardens.

• Arrive shortly after opening to avoid the largest crowds.

Famous for its enigmatic Zen rock garden, a masterpiece of minimalist design. The temple grounds also feature a peaceful pond and walking paths.

• Sit and contemplate the rock garden; its meaning is open to interpretation.

A UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful temple buildings, a five-story pagoda, and extensive grounds. It's particularly known for its late-blooming Omuro cherry trees in spring.

A vast public park surrounding the former ruling palace of the Emperor of Japan. While entry to the palace requires advance booking, the park offers a tranquil escape.

An iconic natural pathway lined with towering bamboo stalks, creating a surreal and tranquil atmosphere. It's one of Kyoto's most photographed sights.

• Go very early in the morning to experience its magic with fewer people.

A major Zen temple in Arashiyama, renowned for its exquisite landscape garden that incorporates the surrounding mountains into its design. The temple buildings are also historically significant.

A symbol of Arashiyama, this wooden bridge spans the Hozugawa River. It offers picturesque views of the forested mountains, especially beautiful during cherry blossom or autumn foliage seasons.

The former villa of a silent film star, featuring stunning Japanese gardens and panoramic views of Kyoto. A matcha tea and sweet are included with admission.

• The climb to the top offers the best vistas.

Enjoy soba noodles with a view overlooking the Togetsukyo Bridge and the Katsura River. The ambiance is serene and the food is a delightful local experience.

Famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that wind up a mountainside. This Shinto shrine is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and sake.

• Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing.
• The higher you climb, the fewer people you'll encounter.

A historic district renowned for its sake breweries. Many offer tours and tastings, providing insight into Japan's national beverage.

Learn about the history and process of sake brewing at this museum, established by a leading sake producer. Includes a tasting session.

A popular izakaya specializing in yakitori (grilled skewers) and sake, located within the Fushimi sake district. It's a lively spot to enjoy local flavors.

• Try the various types of skewers and pair them with local sake.

A scenic stone path following a canal lined with hundreds of cherry trees. It's named after Nishida Kitaro, a philosopher who is said to have walked this path daily for meditation.

• Beautiful during cherry blossom season (early April) and autumn foliage.

An elegant Zen temple known for its exquisite moss garden and dry sand garden, designed to evoke the moon's reflection. Despite its name, it is not covered in silver.

A small, tranquil temple with a beautiful moss-covered gate and a serene atmosphere, often overlooked by tourists. It's a peaceful retreat off the Philosopher's Path.

Renowned for its stunning autumn colors, this temple also boasts beautiful architecture and gardens year-round. Its Tahoto pagoda offers a great viewpoint.

The area around Nanzen-ji temple offers several dining options, from traditional Kyoto cuisine to more casual fare. Enjoy a relaxed evening meal after a day of temple hopping.

Kyoto's 'kitchen', a narrow, five-block long shopping street lined with over one hundred shops and restaurants. It's a vibrant place to sample local delicacies and find unique ingredients.

• Come hungry and be adventurous with trying different foods.
• Many vendors offer free samples.

A covered shopping arcade adjacent to Nishiki Market, offering a mix of modern shops, traditional crafts, antique stores, and cafes. It's a great place for souvenir hunting.

A narrow, atmospheric alley running parallel to the Kamo River, lined with traditional restaurants and bars. It's particularly charming at night when the lanterns are lit.

• Many restaurants offer riverside dining (kawayuka) during the summer months.

A highly-regarded kaiseki (multi-course haute cuisine) restaurant in Pontocho, offering an exquisite culinary journey through seasonal ingredients. This is a splurge for a special evening.

• Reservations are essential and should be made well in advance.

The former residence of the Imperial family until 1868, set within a vast park. Guided tours are available and offer insights into the palace's history and architecture.

• Book your tour in advance through the Imperial Household Agency website.
• The palace grounds are extensive, so allow ample time.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this castle was the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa shogunate. Famous for its 'nightingale floors' that chirp when walked upon.

• Listen for the 'nightingale' sound of the floors – a security feature.

Housed in a former elementary school, this museum is a paradise for manga enthusiasts, with a vast collection of manga from Japan and around the world. You can read many of the works on-site.

• Great for a rainy afternoon or if you need a break from traditional sights.

A bustling and popular spot for gyoza (dumplings) with a wide variety of fillings. It's a fun and casual dining experience in the vibrant Kiyamachi area.

• Try the signature Chao Chao gyoza.

Famous for its wooden stage that juts out from the main hall, offering panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage site.

• The view from the stage is spectacular, especially during sunset.

Two charming, preserved historic streets leading up to Kiyomizu-dera, lined with traditional wooden buildings housing shops, cafes, and restaurants. They offer a glimpse into old Kyoto.

• Be careful on the steps; they can be slippery.
• Look for unique souvenirs and local crafts.

A beautiful temple with stunning Zen gardens, including a rock garden and a bamboo grove. It was founded in memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi by his wife, Nene.

Experience traditional Kyoto cuisine, including Yudofu (boiled tofu), in a serene setting near Gion. It's a refined dining experience.

Home to hundreds of wild sika deer that roam freely, considered messengers of the gods. The park is also dotted with ancient temples and shrines.

• Purchase deer crackers (shika senbei) to feed the deer, but be mindful they can be assertive.
• Keep your belongings secure as the deer are curious.

A UNESCO World Heritage site housing a colossal bronze statue of Buddha (Daibutsu). The temple's main hall, Daibutsuden, is one of the world's largest wooden buildings.

Nara's most celebrated shrine, famous for its thousands of bronze and stone lanterns that line the paths and hang from the buildings. It's a visually striking Shinto sanctuary.

Enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine in Nara, with a focus on local specialties. A perfect way to end your day trip before returning to Kyoto.

Considered a masterpiece of Japanese garden and architectural design, this villa showcases refined aesthetics and harmony with nature. It's a serene and beautiful site.

• Reservations are mandatory and must be made weeks in advance through the Imperial Household Agency.
• Photography is restricted inside the villa grounds.

Enjoy a final meal or pick up last-minute souvenirs at the vast Kyoto Station complex before heading to your next destination.

Depart from Kyoto Station, reflecting on your journey through this historically rich and culturally vibrant city.