I’m going to be in Kyoto for three days out of a two week Japan trip and have asked ChatGPT to give me an itinerary for those three days. I am not very knowledgeable on Kyoto so if I could get some advice from you lovely people on whether or not anything seems off here
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration (November 3)
• 2:00 p.m.: Arrive at Kyoto Station, drop off your bags at a locker, or leave them at your hotel.
• 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.: Start with Nishiki Market. It’s a great introduction to Kyoto’s food culture. Sample local delicacies like yuba and matcha sweets.
• 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.: Head to Pontocho Alley for an early dinner.
• Evening: Stroll along the Kamo River or explore Gion for a quieter evening, maybe spotting a geisha.
Day 2: Temples and Nature (November 4)
• 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.: Start early at the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Arriving this early ensures a peaceful experience. Afterward, you can visit Tenryu-ji Temple nearby for a short walk through the garden.
• 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.: Visit the Monkey Park Iwatayama for panoramic views of Kyoto and to see the wild monkeys.
• 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Visit Nonomiya Shrine or take a peaceful walk along Sagano Scenic Railway.
• 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Lunch in Arashiyama before heading back to central Kyoto.
• 2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Ryoan-ji Temple, both located close to each other.
• Evening: Return to central Kyoto for dinner. You could explore the area around Shijo Dori or Gion.
Day 3: Traditional Kyoto (November 5)
• 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.: Arrive early at Fushimi Inari Shrine to hike through the famous torii gates before the crowds arrive. The atmosphere at this time will be serene.
• 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.: Head to Tofuku-ji Temple nearby, known for its gardens and autumn foliage.
• 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Head to Nijo Castle. Tour the castle’s interiors and enjoy its surrounding gardens.
• 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.: Lunch near Nijo Castle.
• 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Visit the Philosopher’s Path, a scenic walk along a canal with smaller temples like Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion).
• Evening: Explore Higashiyama district or enjoy a traditional tea ceremony.
Day 4: Departure (November 6)
• Morning (7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.): You could have a final early visit to Nishiki Market for breakfast or stop by a café before checking out at 10 a.m.
by Shadowalker124