10/8/2017 Kyoto Travel: Suggested Itineraries and Side Trips

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Suggested Kyoto Itineraries and Side Trips

At least two full days are needed to get a taste of Kyoto; however, the city is extremely rich in history and culture, and you
could easily spend a week exploring Japan's ancient capital and not run out of first class attractions to visit.

Suggested full day schedules

Eastern Kyoto Full Day

A full day exploration of Kyoto's eastern hills, this walking itinerary includes many of the
city's most popular temples and shrines including Kiyomizudera, Ginkakuji, Yasaka
Shrine, Heian Shrine and Nanzenji. The route also leads through the narrow streets of
the Higashiyama District and along the Philosopher's Path.

Arashiyama Full Day

This full day itinerary includes the major sites in Arashiyama, such as Tenryuji Temple,
the bamboo groves and the monkey park, in addition to the quiet streets and small
temples in the quaint, rural district north of Arashiyama. Best done by rental bicycle.

Suggested half day schedules

Higashiyama Half Day

Essentially the southern half of our Eastern Kyoto Full Day itinerary, this half day plan
covers the most popular temples of the Higashiyama District plus the popular Gion
entertainment district. This is one our most highly recommended itineraries for first
time visitors to Kyoto.

Philosopher's Path Half Day

This is basically the northern half of our Eastern Kyoto Full Day itinerary. This plan leads
along the Philosopher's Path and makes stops at Ginkakuji, Nanzenji Temple and Heian
Shrine along the way to Gion.

Arashiyama Half Day

A shortened version of our Arashiyama Half Day itinerary, this walking tour sticks to the
main attractions around central Arashiyama including Tenryuji Temple, the bamboo
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groves and the monkey park.

Northern Kyoto Half Day

This is another of our recommended plans for first time visitors to Kyoto, as it covers
some of the city's most iconic attractions including Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) and
Ryoanji with its world famous Zen garden.

Suggested side trips

Nara
Nara, less than one hour south of Kyoto, was Japan's first permanent capital and
remains full of historic treasures, particularly some of the country's oldest temples.
While half a day is enough to cover just Todaiji Temple and surroundings, a full day is
recommended to better appreciate central Nara. Two days are needed to also cover the
attractions outside of central Nara, such as Horyuji.

Himeji
Himeji Castle is Japan's best preserved and most beautiful remaining feudal castle.
From Kyoto it can be reached by shinkansen in 50 minutes. The cheaper, special rapid
train takes about 85 minutes for one way.

Mount Koya
Mount Koya is the center of Shingon Buddhism and one of the holiest places in Japan. It
is also great for experiencing a night at a temple.

Osaka
Osaka, only 15 minutes by shinkansen from Kyoto, is the center of Western Japan,
offering various attractions to travelers.

Kobe
Kobe is an attractively situated city, 30 minutes west of Kyoto by shinkansen.
Devastated by a 1995 earthquake, it has recovered completely.

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Kinosaki
Kinosaki is a charming hot spring town about 2.5 hours north of Kyoto along the coast
of the Sea of Japan. Visitors can experience the nostalgic feel of an old fashioned hot
spring town as they strolling about in the evenings dressed in yukata and geta (wooden
clogs).

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Hotels around Kyoto

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Ryokan Wakamiya Gion Shinmonso

Inexpensive, cozy inn with helpful staff. 7 min walk from JR A fine ryokan in the Gion near geisha streets. Easy access to
Kyoto Sta. Free Internet PC. Communal baths on top floor. Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka-jinja. Special offers available.

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10/8/2017 Kyoto Travel: Suggested Itineraries and Side Trips
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Arashiyama Hanaikada Backpackers Hostel K's House Kyoto

A little, superior ryokan right near Togetsukyo Bridge in Voted No.1 hostel chain worldwide for 2010&2011 by
Arashiyama. Free transfer at JR station. Private onsen bath. Hostelworld.com customers. 9 min. walk from JR Kyoto
Station. Beds from 2,400 yen.

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Kaede Guesthouse Japanese hotel, Ryokan Nishiyama

Opened in 2015 in the heart of Kyoto. Roof-top BBQ & Experience the real Japan at our affordable ryokan. Close to
Spacious lounge with kitchen. Mixed dorm, family rooms & major tourist spots in Kyoto.
private rooms. 6min walk from subway Shijo Station.

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Ryokufuso Ryokan Motonago

Conveniently located in the Kyoto town. 5min walk to Nishi A real traditional inn at Gion with 11 rooms, friendly staff.
Honganji. 5min by taxi from JR Kyoto Sta. Free Wi-Fi in lobby. Walking distance of Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka-jinja and more.
The dining hall is renovated in 2015.

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SPONSORED

Hotel Sanoya
3 min from north exit of JR Kyoto Sta. but in quiet area. Cozy,
clean Japanese rooms with bath. Internet PC in lobby.

Recommended Hotels

Backpackers Hostel Ks House Kyoto Hotel Granvia Kyoto

One of Kyoto's most popular hostels. A ten minute walk from Located inside Kyoto Station, this is Kyoto's most convenient
Kyoto Station. 4-star hotel.

Book: Book:
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Hyatt Regency Kyoto Hotel Khaosan Kyoto Guest House

Elegant luxury hotel located near Sanjusangendo Temple. Cheap and popular hostel located in the heart of the city near
Kawaramachi Station.
Book:
Book:
Agoda Booking
Agoda Booking

New Miyako Hotel Kyoto Royal Park Hotel The Kyoto

Reasonably priced 3-star hotel located just across the street Modern hotel along Sanjo Street close to Pontocho and other
from Kyoto Station. dining options.

Book: Book:

Agoda Booking Agoda Booking

Tours and Experiences

( Kyoto Private Tours ) - Hire a Guide! - TripleLights

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