On my (2nd) trip this spring I’ll be passing through Kyoto before heading to Koyasan; I’ll unfortunately only have 2 nights/1 full day but have been to Kyoto before. Really want to walk the Philosopher’s Path in the morning… is 6-6:30 early enough to avoid crowds (first week in April). I visited many of the more touristy sights last trip so hope to explore some lesser known temples later in the afternoon. Here’s what I came up with and would love your input.
​
Do you think this is too ambitious for one day? Is there anything that can be easily added or something I should omit? I am staying in Karasuma area, not too far from Pontocho. I read an old post on this sub suggesting taking a cab from Arishiyama station up to Otagi Nenbutsuji and walking down toward Arishiyama. I would prefer to end in Arishiyama anyway for early evening at Kimono forest and also read about cormorant fishing off the bridge… does that take place in April?
6:15 a.m. – Karasuma station to Keage station –
Keage incline
Nanzen-ji
Philosopher’s Path
Stepping Stones
Pontocho – breakfast?
Nishiki Market
Hotel – rest/onsen/lunch
Karasuma station to Arishiyama station
taxi to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji
Ayuchaya Hiranoya
Adashino Nenbutsu-ji
Gio-ji
Nison-in
Arashiyama
Togetsukyo bridge
Kimono forest
Arishiyama station to Karasuma station – hotel
dinner and a short evening walk…. suggestions? Would love recommendations too for places to eat along my walk, and things to see at night near my hotel ( Candeo Karasuma). thanks so much!
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
2 comments
Imo this is way too much for one day especially since you are planning to finish all this before dinner. You might even click 20k steps before lunch time and be exhausted
Even if everything had been open 24/7 – this would make unsustainable itinerary. This is an itinerary for two very intensive and exhausting days.
I doubt that anything in Pontocho would be open before lunchtime (and even then only some places open during day time).