Don't Skip Kyoto!

Tokyo may be the capital, but Kyoto has the history. Read this itinerary to make the most of your visit to this beautiful city.

Admiring the fall colours in Arashiyama Park

Welcome to the city that breathes history and elegance in every cobblestone alley and majestic temple. Kyoto is Japan's third largest cities and one of the oldest having been founded in 794. It was the imperial capital for over a millennium, creating a blend of ancient rituals and contemporary vibrancy. From countless temples to explore, Zen gardens to meditate in, geisha to admire, and tea ceremonies to participate in, you will not be disappointed on your visit here. Uncover the heart and soul of Japan as you wander through Kyoto's captivating history. Our visit was much too short and I am certain we will visit this beautiful historical city again.

Don't forget to always carry cash with you in Japan - temples will only accept cash and I know you will be tempted by street food as you venture.

When to visit Kyoto?

Japan is quite famous and popular to visit in the spring to see the cherry blossoms. However, I recommend you experience the enchantment of Japan in the fall. The planning that has gone into the gardens in Japan is so detailed that you will experience the kaleidoscope of fall colours in a way you never have before. Growing up in Canada, I am used to fall colours and I really wasn't expecting to be blown away by the beauty of it. Fall in Kyoto is not merely a sight to behold; it's an immersive sensory experience that captures the essence of beauty and transience, leaving an indelible mark on your heart and memory.

If you do choose to travel in the fall, make sure to pack some warm layers!

How to get to Kyoto?

Getting to Kyoto is a seamless journey with many options of transportation. Personally, I would recommend that you travel by rail as much as possible in Japan. The JR Haruka Express will take you you directly to Kyoto Station, offering a comfortable and scenic ride through the picturesque countryside. For a more immersive experience, opt for the Shinkansen bullet train from major cities like Tokyo or Osaka, traversing the iconic landscapes of Japan at high speed. Kyoto's efficient local train and bus networks provide seamless access to every corner of the city, ensuring that your exploration is both convenient and enriching. Whether you're stepping off a plane or onto a platform, the journey to Kyoto is a gateway to a world where tradition meets modernity, and where the enchantment of Japan's past and present seamlessly intertwine.

How to get around Kyoto?

Taking public transit in Japan is probably the easiest transit system I have encountered. You will have absolutely no issues using Google maps to navigate your way around any city on any method of transportation. The instructions google maps will give you are so specific they will tell you which car to enter at the station so that you exit the metro at the best place for your transfer or exit. Every single car is labelled within the metro station, making this very easy to do. The buses and metro all have signs and announcements in English, making it hassle free. The heart of Kyoto where an abundance of the must-see attractions are is also quite walkable. Immerse yourself in the city's soul as you wander through historic neighborhoods, discovering hidden temples and serene gardens around every corner.

What to do in Kyoto?

Day 1: Peace & Nature

For our first stop of the day we visited the famous Bamboo Groove. We purposefully arrived here not long after sunrise so we could enjoy the place to ourselves. However, the bamboo grow so tall and dense that very little light actually gets through early in the morning. This gave us a lot of time to explore the bamboo forest waiting for the light to get brighter.

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is not overly large and you can get away with less than an hour on your visit there. There is a shrine in the middle of the forest that you can also spend time visiting. This is apparently a natural bamboo forest that attracted visitors all the way back to the 8th century.

From here we were able to walk through Arashiyama park to enjoy the fall colours. Nestled in a picturesque setting, this park is not just beautiful nature but an important place historically. As mentionned above, it houses the Bamboo grover, there is also

The iconic Togetsukyo Bridge provides a scenic view of the Hozu River and the Tenryu-ji Temple, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can walk along the river and cross Togetsukyo Bridge to really soak up the beauty of the area. We also choose to take a path along the river and upwards to get a view of the river from above.

Next, we went to Ryoan-ji, a shrine renowned for its Zen rock garden. This rock garden isn't overly large, only ten by 25 metres however it has been around since the Middle Ages. It is a popular one to visit as it creates a bit of an optical illusion. There are 15 rocks set up in the white gravel, no trees in this garden, yet no matter where you stand you cannot see all 15 rocks at once. It was a really unique place to visit and read about all the planning that went into it's design.

After our meditative visit to the zen garden we went to the iconic Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion. This stunning Zen Buddhist temple is adorned with shimmering gold leaf, making it a true architectural masterpiece. Originally built in the 14th century as a retirement villa for a shogun, the temple is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a glimpse into Japan's rich history. The top two floors of the pavilion are covered in pure gold leaf, symbolizing different architectural styles of different periods. Seeing the bright gold contrasted against the fall colours was absolutely stunning.

Our last stop of the day was a visit to Nijo Castle which was built in the early 17th century. This has been the residence of many shoguns (military and political leaders) over it's time and stands as a symbol to their power and influence. The architecture is a marvel in itself, with its "nightingale floors" designed to produce chirping sounds when walked upon, acting as a security measure against potential intruders. Exploring the opulent Ninomaru Palace, known for its exquisite wall paintings and intricate details, is a highlight not to be missed. The beautiful gardens surrounding the castle, featuring meticulously landscaped ponds and vibrant flora, offer a serene space to reflect on the castle's legacy.

Day 2: Philosphy & Pagodas

We choose to begin our day at the captivating Yasaka Pagoda, a towering five-story pagoda that stands as a symbol of Kyoto's elegance and spiritual devotion. Originally constructed in the 7th century, this pagoda has witnessed the ebb and flow of centuries, surviving fires and transformations while remaining an enduring testament to Japanese architecture. This Pagoda is also known as Hokan-ji and you can even enter to enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding area from its upper levels.

If you want to get the iconic photo, we recommend getting there early. We were there before the grounds officially opened and there was already a small crowd forming to get photos.

From here we went to an absolutely stunning temple, you will have no lack of temples to visit in Japan and it can be hard to pick which ones to visit. If you are limited for time in Kyoto, then make sure this temple is on your list. Perched on the eastern hills of Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera stands as a timeless testament to Japan's architectural and spiritual heritage. Translated as the "Pure Water Temple," this UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of wooden craftsmanship, renowned for its awe-inspiring wooden stage that seemingly floats in the air. Dating back to 780 AD, Kiyomizu-dera has witnessed the passage of centuries, and its towering main hall offers panoramic views of the city below.

The temple is not just a visual marvel; it embodies the essence of Japanese Buddhism, inviting visitors to partake in ancient rituals and ceremonies. The Otawa Waterfall, known for its healing waters, captures the heart of the temple's name, offering a symbolic cleansing experience. A visit to Kiyomizu-dera is not only a journey into the past but a connection to the spiritual soul of Kyoto, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge in sublime harmony.

Next, we ventured to the serene Philosopher's Path, a picturesque stone-paved trail that winds alongside a tranquil canal. Feel the essence of Kyoto's artistic and intellectual history as you walk the same path that philosopher Nishida Kitaro once frequented for contemplation. The path is lined with hundreds of cherry and maple trees, transforming into a mesmerizing palette of colors no matter the season. There are many charming cafes, artisan shops and traditional restaurants along the path so make sure to bring some cash and take your time.

Day 3: Shrines & Temples

We started our day with a visit to the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha, a Shinto shrine known for its mesmerizing vermillion torii gates that wind through the forested Mount Inari. Well actually, we started our day by following google maps instructions to Inari Shrine only to realize it was the wrong one! So make sure you put in Fushimi Inari and not just Inari. This shrine has grown in popularity with the rise of social media and is often only called Inari Shrine.

Here, you can immerse yourself in centuries of history as you traverse the vibrant pathway up the mountain, each gate representing a donation by individuals and businesses seeking blessings and protection.

Next, we explored the serene Eikando Zenrinji Temple, renowned for its stunning autumn foliage and meticulously landscaped gardens. This temple dates back to the 9th century and is credited with the beginnings of Zen Buddhism. It has become more famous over the years because of it's stunning gardens, cherry blossoms in the spring and maple trees in the fall bring thousands of visitors.

Now, I know I said Kiyomizu-dera was not to be missed, but you can't miss Eikando either. The planning that went into these gardens, from the types of trees to their positioning is so beautifully done that you will be wowed. The combination of fall colours and beautiful Japanese architecture makes this temple an absolute must.

For lunch, we decided to stop in at a famous hand made udon restaurant. Omen is very popular with both tourists and locals and I would highly recommend trying it. You can watch as skilled artisans craft the udon noodles by hand, creating a texture and flavor that is simply unmatched. Udon noodles are a staple of Japanese cuisine, known for their thick and chewy texture, making them a favorite comfort food for both locals and visitors. They are actually served separately from their broth and it is traditional to eat them by dipping them in it. We both selected full meals that included sides and tested out all the toppings. Japanese meals are also traditionally served with tea instead of water.

From here you can walk to Jisho-ji temple if you'd like to explore another Zen garden and have a beautiful view of Kyoto. We chose to head back to Yasaka Pagoda since we had been there before it was open. We then went back to the Airbnb early since we had had such an early and busy day.

Bonus:

Kyoto is an absolute culinary delight! The streets of this ancient city offer a treasure trove of flavors, from grilled seafood skewers to sweet egg omelets. Savor the delicate flavors of skewered sweet rice, or indulge in crispy tempura-fried shrimp that captures the essence of Kyoto's culinary traditions. Don't miss the opportunity to sample mouthwatering sushi rolls featuring fresh local catches. As you wander through the bustling streets, you'll encounter charming stalls serving up an array of local delights that reflect Kyoto's unique cultural blend.

It's important to note that many of these delicious street foods are served by vendors who may only accept cash payments. Ensuring you have sufficient yen on hand will allow you to enjoy these treasures without any interruptions. We found food in Kyoto very affordable, from 1CAD Yaki Onigiri (Grilled rice balls) to 20CAD full udon meals, you will have a hard time deciding what foods to buy. An absolute favourite of ours would have to be Takoyaki Balls (Octopus) and we sampled every flavour we could find. If you're not usually a fan of octopus, I would still recommend giving it a try, remember that seafood here is extremely fresh.