Kyoto, a place where you can listen to the wind and watch cherry blossoms fall in tranquility, is the perfect interpretation of “chrysanthemum and sword.”
Recommended Travel Duration: 3 Days.
The most beautiful times in Kyoto are spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to October).
These two seasons have stable weather, with cherry blossoms blooming in spring and red leaves in autumn.
Visitors can fully explore ancient temples and shrines during these seasons, immersing themselves in Kyoto’s rich traditional culture and serene atmosphere.
Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha → Sanjusangendo Temple → Nishiki Market → Pontocho → Kamogawa River
Day 1: Ancient Charm Exploration Tour of Kyoto
🔺Morning Journey: Fushimi Inari Taisha ⏱ 2 hours
🏮Entering Fushimi Inari Taisha feels like stepping into an ancient capital of a thousand years. The endless Senbon Torii (thousand gates), each carrying a believer’s wish, is a must-visit sacred site in Kyoto. In spring, cherry blossoms dot the landscape, adding a touch of romance.
🔺Afternoon Pilgrimage: Sanjusangendo Temple ⏱ 1.5 hours
🕍Leaving Fushimi Inari, head to Sanjusangendo Temple to marvel at the spectacular Senju Kannon (Thousand-Armed Kannon) statue. The lifelike Buddhist statues inside are breathtaking and a perfect choice for experiencing Japanese Buddhist culture.
🔺Market Life: Nishiki Market ⏱ 1.5 hours
🛒After visiting Sanjusangendo, why not explore Nishiki Market to experience the daily life of Kyoto? Known as the “kitchen of Kyoto,” it’s filled with various snacks and fresh ingredients, a great place to taste authentic Kyoto cuisine. Remember, some shops close around 5 PM!
🔺Gentle Evening: Pontocho & Kamogawa River ⏱ Total 2 hours
🌃In the evening, stroll through Pontocho, Kyoto’s famous flower district, with its antique-style buildings and lanterns hanging high, offering a unique charm. After dinner, take a walk along the Kamogawa River, enjoying the tranquility and comfort by the riverbank, allowing your soul to relax completely.
Transportation Tips:
🚇In Kyoto, buses are a great way to get around. It’s recommended to purchase a 500-yen bus 1-day pass for easy travel throughout Kyoto. From Fushimi Inari Taisha, you can take the JR Nara Line or Kyoto Main Line to Inari Station/Fushimi Inari Station. For Sanjusangendo Temple, take bus 206 or 208. Nishiki Market is accessible via city bus route 5 to Shijo Takakura Station, and the remaining attractions are within walking distance.
Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji → Ryoan-ji → Nijo Castle → Shijo Kawaramachi
Day 2: Kyoto’s Blend of History and Modernity Tour
🔺Morning Golden Glow: Kinkaku-ji ⏱ 1.5 hours
✨Kinkaku-ji, with its golden exterior and exquisite Japanese garden, attracts countless visitors. Here, you can sense the ultimate expression of Japanese classical aesthetics.
🔺Zen Dry Landscape: Ryoan-ji ⏱ 1 hour
🌿Leaving Kinkaku-ji, proceed to Ryoan-ji to experience the Zen atmosphere of dry landscape gardening. The garden’s clever design allows one to feel the essence of nature in tranquility.
🔺Echoes of History: Nijo Castle ⏱ 1.5 hours
🏰Nijo Castle, a symbol of power during the early Edo period of the Tokugawa shogunate, boasts magnificent architecture and deep historical significance. Here, you can glimpse the glory of Japan’s feudal society.
