Itinerary Check: 3 days in Kyoto and 3 days in Tokyo

My sister and I are thrilled about our upcoming trip to Japan in late November. I’ve put together a preliminary itinerary and would love to hear your thoughts. Our main goals for this trip are to immerse ourselves in the local food and soak in the rich culture and history. While we’d like to keep our schedule flexible and spontaneous, we also want to make the most of our time by including worthy attractions. We’ve aimed for an ambitious plan, and we’re open to trimming it down if you think any of the activities are overrated, not worth it, or out of the way. Your feedback would be greatly appreciated!

I’ve included itinerary details like address and train lines. If any of the details are inaccurate please comment and let me know. Thank you.

**Day 1 – Kyoto:**

**• Train from Kinosaki Onsen & Higashiyama Ward Hotel Check In**
• Check-in time: Typically in the afternoon
• Nearby Train Line: Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line
• Approximate Travel Time: Varies based on your starting point in Kyoto

• **Hokan-ji Temple Pagoda (Yasaka Pagoda):**

• Address: 388 Kiyomizu 1-chome, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan

• Hours: Open 24 hours (grounds); Temple building hours may vary

• Nearby Train Line: None; it’s within walking distance from the hotel.

• Approximate Travel Time: Short walk from the hotel

• **Yasaka Shrine:**

• Address: 625 Kitagawa, Gion-machi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073, Japan

• Hours: Open 24 hours

• Nearby Train Line: None; it’s within walking distance from Hokan-ji Temple.

• Approximate Travel Time: Short walk from Hokan-ji Temple

• **Gion District:**

• Address: Gion, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan

• Hours: Can be explored at various times but is particularly lively in the evenings.

• Nearby Train Line: None; it’s easily explored on foot.

**Day 2 – Kyoto:**

**• Kiyomizu-dera Temple:**

• Address: 294 Kiyomizu 1-chome, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan

• Hours: Typically 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Nearby Train Line: Kyoto Municipal Bus (multiple routes)

• Approximate Travel Time: About 15-20 minutes by bus from the hotel.

**• Kennin-ji:**

• Address: 584 Komatsucho, Yamatooji Dori, Shijo Sagaru, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0811

• Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM

• Nearby Train Line: None; it’s within walking distance from Kiyomizu-dera.

• Approximate Travel Time: Short walk from Kiyomizu-dera.

**• Tofuku-ji Temple:**
**•** Address: 15-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0981, Japan
• Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Hours may vary)
• Nearby Train Line: Keihan Main Line
• Approximate Travel Time: About 10 minutes by train from Kiyomizu-dera.

**• Nishiki Market:**

**•** Address: Nishikikoji-dori, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8054, Japan

• Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Hours may vary by shop)

• Nearby Train Line: None; it’s within walking distance from Tofuku-ji.

• Approximate Travel Time: Short walk from Tofuku-ji.

**Day 3 – Kyoto:**

**• Ginkaku-ji (The Silver Pavilion):**

• Address: 2 Ginkakuji-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8402, Japan

• Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

• Nearby Train Line: Kyoto Municipal Bus (multiple routes)

• Approximate Travel Time: About 30 minutes by bus from the hotel.

• **Philosopher’s Path:**

• Address: Starts near Ginkaku-ji and follows a scenic path along the canal.

• Hours: Can be strolled at any time.

• Nearby Train Line: None; it’s within walking distance from Ginkaku-ji.

• Approximate Travel Time: Short walk from Ginkaku-ji.

• **Teramachi Dori:**

• Address: Teramachi-dori, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan

• Hours: Shops open around 10:00 AM and close around 8:00 PM.

• Nearby Train Line: None; it’s within walking distance from the Philosopher’s Path.

• Approximate Travel Time: Short walk from the Philosopher’s Path.

**Day 4 – Tokyo:**

**• Shinkansen from Kyoto to Tokyo & Shibuya Hotel Check In:**

• Check-in time for hotel: Typically in the afternoon

• Nearby Train Line: JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, etc.

• Approximate Travel Time: Varies based on your starting point in Kyoto and the train you take.

• **Shibuya Crossing:**

• Address: Hachiko Square, Shibuya Crossing, Shibuya City, Tokyo, Japan

• Hours: Busy throughout the day, particularly iconic during the evening rush hour.

• Nearby Train Line: JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, etc.

• Approximate Travel Time: From Shibuya Station, it’s within walking distance.

**Day 5 – Tokyo:**

**• Tsukiji Market:**
• Address: 5-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
• Hours: Inner wholesale market opens very early; Outer market: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Hours may vary by shop)
• Nearby Train Line: Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
• Approximate Travel Time: About 10 minutes by subway from Shibuya.

**• Ginza:**
• Address: Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo, Japan
• Hours: Shops typically open around 11:00 AM and close around 8:00 PM.
• Nearby Train Line: Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
• Approximate Travel Time: About 5 minutes by subway from Tsukiji Market.

**• Asakusa:**
• Address: Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo, Japan
• Hours: Various attractions and shops with different hours.
• Nearby Train Line: Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
• Approximate Travel Time: About 20 minutes by subway from Ginza.

**Day 6 – Tokyo:**

**• Ueno Park:**

• Address: 5-20 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007, Japan

• Hours: Open 24 hours, various attractions within the park may have different operating hours.

• Nearby Train Line: JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line

• Approximate Travel Time: About 15 minutes by train from Shibuya.

**• Ameya-Yokocho Market:**

• Address: 4-9 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan

• Hours: Typically open from morning to late evening.

• Nearby Train Line: JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line

• Approximate Travel Time: Within walking distance from Ueno Park.

**Day 7 – Return home**

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