Let me know what you think of my itinerary for Kyoto. Thanks in advance. I’ve got like 4-5 full days (one of those days is allocated to Nara). Let me know if this can be condensed and if so, are there other things I should see? Even if they are in the suburbs/surrounding areas (I do like nature and would love some traditional Japanese experiences). Good Onsens. Good restaurants. I Also like taking pictures so take a bit longer to see things. I’m travelling to Kyoto to Fujiyoshida. After Kyoto I head to Osaka for 3 nights (with day trip to Koyasan) then off to Nikko.
Arrival Day from Fujiyoshida: I’d like to do some shopping. Check out Tezomeya teeshirts or Leica store (can’t afford them but I’ll check them out) or SnowPeak store (I like camping and their gear) Get acquainted with area around my hotel.
Day 2 Kyoto: DowntownTemples & Shrines: Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, , Sento Imperial Palace, Nishiki Food Market, Honganji Temples, Shosei en Garden. Night time go to Pontocho Alley for dinner/drinks
Day 3 Kyoto: Southern Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha (ancient shrine famed for thousands of tori gates 8 min. Train ride from Kyoto station),Tofukuji Temple >10 min. Car ride to Hōkan-ji Temple/Yasaka Pagoda (five story pagoda from 1408). Yokoku-ji (Yanagidani Kannon) Temple, Gion Geisha District. Night time go to Pontocho Alley for dinner/drinks
Day 4 Kyoto: Northern Kyoto: Early Morning prior to 8am if possible to avoid crowds: Sagano/Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Bamboo Grove Forest, Iwatawama mountain macaque monkey park. (16 minute walk from each other.) and then nearby Jingo-ji Temple (looks really nice), Kōsan-ji Temple, Then to Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion. Walk around and explore. Ramen Sen No Kaze by Nishiki Market.
Day 5 Kyoto: Day Transit to Nara (Nakatanidou Famous Mochi Store, Nigatsudo & Sangatsudo temple, Todaiji Temple (Founded in 8th century. Largest wooden structure on planet), Kofukuji, Kasagu Taisha shrine. Opposite side of Nara park (deer), Naramachi (old town vibes), .)
​
​
by PurpleCaterpillar421