Some background info: My husband and I are traveling to Kansai for our honeymoon in November! I spent \~6 months in Kyoto back in college so I’m familiar with the area, but it’s his first time. We’re only spending 3 days in Kyoto (rest of the time in Osaka) and I’m trying to balance visiting places I’ve not been to vs. places I feel he ought to go. Plus, it’s going to be early momiji season so I wanted to enjoy that, too. The dates in question are November 18-20.
Day 1 is Higashiyama area. I wanted to visit Kiyomizudera, Ninenzaka, and maybe briefly walk through Yasaka Jinja before going to Nanzenji and Eikando. Or is that too ambitious for one day? Should I do Heian Jingu instead of Kiyomizudera/ Ninenzaka. I’ve never been to Eikando and wanted to prioritize that.
Day 2 is Arashiyama area. Hopefully catch the romantic train, Hozugawa kudari, Iwatayama Monkey Park, and maybe either Tenryuji or Okochi Sanso.
Day 3 is what I need the most help with. I have reservations at Saihoji/ Kokedera at 11am that morning. I know Arashiyama is nearby but plan on doing that previous day. I was thinking maybe take the Randen up to Kitanohakubaicho, get lunch around there (recommendations? we’re pescatarian. I was thinking Kyotofu Fujino or maybe somewhere more casual?) and then go to Kitano Tenmangu to see the Momiji garden (it won’t be peak red leaves but I think we’ll see some). IDK what else is around there?? I don’t really want to go to Ryoanji or Kinkakuji I’ve been a million times even though my partner hasn’t. I wanted to end the day at Fushimi Inari because it’s sooo magical as night falls but that’s like sooooo far away too. So not sure where to fit that in.
Just wanted general advice on this section of the trip. Thanks so much!
​
​