Kyoto itineraries
East Kyoto in One Day
Walk the red gates of Fushimi Inari at sunrise, come down the Kiyomizu slopes, and finish in Gion and Nishiki Market — everything on the east side. The most efficient loop for anyone coming up from Osaka for the day.
Two Days from Kawaramachi
Base yourself in Kawaramachi, do Nijo Castle and Kinkaku-ji the first day, then walk from Ginkaku-ji down to Nanzen-ji the second. Evenings end with a stroll through Gion back to the hotel.
Three Days from Kyoto Station
Stay by the station's Hachijo exit and move entirely by train. Fox shrine on day one, a full Arashiyama day on day two, then sake and Uji matcha on the way to the airport.
Festivals & seasons
- 2 — Setsubun
- 4 — Cherry Blossoms
- 4 — Miyako Odori Spring Dances
- 5 — Aoi Matsuri
- 6 — Rainy Season and Summer Heat
- 7 — Gion Matsuri
- 8 — Gozan Okuribi Bonfires
- 10 — Saigu Procession
- 10 — Jidai Matsuri
- 11 — Gion Odori
- 11 — Autumn Foliage and Night Openings
- 12 — Toji Kobo-ichi Flea Market
Souvenirs
- Ippodo matcha and hojicha teabags
- Cha no Ka matcha langue de chat, Malebranche
- Fresh yatsuhashi
- Shichimiya Honpo shichimi in a gourd
- Nishiki Market pickles and yuba
- Yojiya blotting paper
- Gamaguchi clasp purses, AYANOKOJI and Pocchiri
- Fushimi sake and Kizakura matcha beer