This is my third time for Japan and looking for some in depth experiences. I’m a big fan of architecture/temple/museum, ok with long walks. Not a big fan of crowds. And please recommend some good cafe! (americano / latte / matcha / yuzu…)
My specific question: I was looking for new year eve events, Konkai Kōmyō-ji Temple vs. Nanzen-ji Temple? When should I arrive? I read some posts but couldn’t find new year event on official website.
Should I buy some public transportation day pass? (super hard to understand whats going on with those plans) or should I rent a bike (maybe in some certain days?)
For the weather, is a light down jacket + long underwear enough to survive in winter?
**December 27**
late night arrival, stay nearby JR kyoto
**December 28**
Depart early for Arashiyama 🚇30min
Visit Tenryu-ji, Jojakko-ji, and Nison-in
Coffee at Snowpeak, lunch with tofu
Arashiyama-West/Eastern Honganji- Pick up luggage and bring to Chishaku-in check-in
🚶♀️Walk to Kiyomizu-dera🚶♀️Sanjusangen-do🚶♀️
Kyoto Museum
Evening walk along the Kamo River
**December 29**
Early morning chanting session (Chishaku-in)
Check out and store luggage at next hotel (Nearby Karasuma Station?)
30min 🚌 to Ryoan-ji, 20min walk to Kinkaku-ji
🚌30min to Nijo Castle
Visit Ginkaku-ji (for wealth!)
Lunch, 🚌40min to Daigo-ji
1.5h at Daigo-ji, return to hotel for check-in
Evening walk in Kyoto
**December 30**
Day trip to Nara
Visit Todai-ji and Toshodai-ji in Kyoto
Travel time each way is 1h
**December 31**
Kyoto
Day trip to Uji
Hotel to Byodo-in 50min
1.5h at Byodo-in
Walk around Uji River, cafe/matcha
Lunch
🚇 to Osaka, Fujita Art Museum 1h
1.5h at Fujita Art Museum
Dining in Osaka, return to Kyoto
Evening New Year’s Eve celebration
For Jan1&2, I am thinking about day trip to Himeji & Kobe and stay at Kobe. Is that a good idea?
Thank you!
2 comments
If you’re into temples and architecture, I would recommend Jyoruriji in Nara. (Well, technically in Kyoto, but you would use a bus from Nara) The design of the garden and Buddha sculpture are magnificent.
There’s a pleasant trail from there to Gansenji that has ancient stone sculptures.
Uji is also an excellent choice, though it could get quite crowded for New Years.
A lot of things close up around New Years time, make sure you are checking the sites for places you want to go to see if they are open.
For example, I just checked the Fujita Art Museum website and they will be closed from Dec 29th to Jan 5th.