Kyoto Trip Planning & Itineraries

Day One: Kyoto Sightseeing

Spend a full day sightseeing in Kyoto, touring all the famous sights including Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Heian Shrine, Sanjusangendo Hall and Kiyomizu Temple. No major sight is left off this itinerary, providing an essential overview of Kyoto's cultural highlights. There's so much to take in, so if you prefer, split the itinerary into two separate half-day tours. The morning tour of Kyoto focuses on the brilliant interiors of Nijo Castle, gold-covered Kinkakuji Temple and the ancient Imperial Palace. The afternoon Kyoto tour takes in the elegant pools and gardens of the Heian Shrine, the immense wooden Sanjusangendo Hall and Kiyomizu Temple, offering sweeping views of Kyoto.

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Day Two: Day Trips from Kyoto

The neighboring city of Nara predates Kyoto as the country's imperial capital. Discover the history and temples of this cultural treasure trove on an afternoon tour of Nara and its many shrines and temples. You'll visit the Todaiji Temple to see Japan's largest Buddha, Deer Park - home to hundreds of freely roaming deer - and Kasuga Shrine, Nara's most celebrated shrine. Or compare the history and sights of both Kyoto and Nara on a combined Kyoto and Nara Day Trip, highlighting Kyoto's Nijo Castle, Golden Pavilion and Imperial Palace, and Nara's Todaiji Temple and Deer Park. If you're a fan of castles, you won't want to miss a visit to Himeji Castle, known as the "White Heron Castle." This day trip takes you onboard a super-fast Bullet Train to tour one of the best examples of a Japanese castle in the country.

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Day Three: Kyoto Activities

Leave Kyoto's big city bustle behind for a few hours to explore a different side of Japan. Our morning Arashiyama and Sagano walking tour takes you on a leisurely, four-hour guided walking tour of these outlying Kyoto districts. Your morning walk begins at Sagano, northwest of the Kyoto Basin, with a stroll through the verdant Sagano Bamboo Grove surrounded by mountains in the greater area of Arashiyama. Then it's on to Jojakkoji Temple, with its statue, pagoda and maples, and Tenryuji Temple, Kyoto's most acclaimed Zen temple and gardens. Or explore the meditative side of Japanese life on a Zen Meditation Tour to one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan. You'll also pay a visit to the Enryakuji Temple on Mt Hiei, one of Japan's three great Zen temples, with incredible mountain and valley views.

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Kikunoi

Specialising in refined kaiseki cuisine, Kikunoi is manned by famous chef Yoshihiro Murata. The traditional wooden decor sets the scene for course after course of superbly presented dishes, starting with miso soup and finishing with sake. An essential Kyoto experience.

Yoshikawa

Tempura's the name of the game at Yoshikawa, tucked away in a traditional quarter of Kyoto. Choose from table seating or counter service, where you can watch the chefs at work preparing the delectably crispy deep-fried battered seafood and vegetables.

Ganko Nijo-En

The food is fancy and the atmosphere's welcoming at Ganko, specialising in sushi and simple kaiseki sets. Make things easy and choose from the picture menu, then take a stroll in the stunning garden. Staff are kimono-clad and the decor features traditional tatami straw mats, low tables and seating.

Hotel Granvia Kyoto

Directly above Kyoto train station, this four-star hotel comes equipped with an extensive array of on-site restaurants and bars. The Western-style rooms feature subtle, restful decor and lighting, and some have good views over the city. All rooms have free high-speed internet access and luxurious bathrooms. Work out in the gym, relax in the Jacuzzi or mingle with fellow guests in the lounge area.

Kinmata Ryokan

Dating back to the early 19th century, Kinmata offers visitors the ultimate in traditional ryokan accommodation. Original decor, interior gardens, hinoki (cypress) bathtub and exquisite kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine) meals - it's no wonder Kinmata is a Kyoto institution. After a day of sightseeing, Kinmata is an oasis of tranquil delights, and the only allowance for modernity is the electric lighting and air-con.

Kyoto Hotel Okura

You can't get much more central than this enormous Western-style hotel at the intersection of Kawaramachi and Oike streets. Known for its excellent accommodation and on-site restaurants and bars, the Okura's spacious rooms come with high-speed internet and cool city views.