Hey Y’all I’m going to be in Japan from the 28th December to the 7th of January and I’m pretty much set with my itinerary except for Kyoto. I’ll be arriving in Kyoto the evening of the 30th and leaving the morning of the 3rd. I’ll post my itinerary below but I generally want to know if what I have is doable and any advice for experiencing new years in Japan, specifically in Kyoto. I know that it’ll be crazy busy with people going to Hastumode and many places will be closed but I’m still hoping to make the best of it and enjoy the new year’s festivities. Any advice is appreciated, thanks!
– 30th: Arrive in Kyoto ~3pm, check into hotel, eat dinner, walk around Gion if there’s time (Near hotel)
– 31st: Kiyomizu-dera, Walk around Sannaeizaka & Nineisaka, Hokan-ji, Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama park, Gion (if we didn’t see much on the first day) Nishiki Market (If open on NYE?), Nanzen-ji or Heian (if there time/aren’t tired), Yasaka Shine for countdown to New Years.
– 1st: Fushimi Inari hike, Ginkaku-ji, follow philosophers path visiting temples that aren’t too crazy packed. (Really unsure about this day, want to at least do Fushimi in the morning even though it will be packed)
– 2nd: Arashiyama bamboo grove, Tenryu temple area, Monkey Park (is open on 2nd), Ginkaku-ji
– 3rd: Maybe visit one temple we missed, leave for Tokyo around noon.
I know getting into restaurants without a reservation that time of year will be hard, so meals will be what’s available. Not much of a foodie so I’m not too hung up about that.
1 comment
Be aware.. generally..the period from noon Dec 31st to maybe even January 2nd is an intense time in Japan… I realize you are looking at big city, but smaller centres close early. Restaurants and most businesses are closed and have very limited access.. and bus service and trains (local companies and JR) Even Combini’s could have limited hours with post Covid staffing issues
I would be very clear about what you hope to do and see. This reopening of the country and all the confusion around visiting is not easy to navigate