# CONTEXT:
**Who:** First timers in Japan traveling from the US with my parents (aged \~60, fairly active) and 2 siblings (aged 18-26).
**Where:** We have an AirBNB located between Gion Corner and Kiyomizu-dera. I tried to make our days as efficient as possible based on this location.
**When:** December
**What:** Personally my parents and I enjoy nature/walks/hikes but my siblings are indifferent. We are not religious or history nerds so we are fine just skimming through any readings/plaques we see. We haven’t decided on any places to eat yet and will probably just walk around and choose whatever we are feeling. We are fine visiting a few more temples than the average tourist in Kyoto, since we know we probably aren’t visiting anymore on the rest of our 3.5 week Japan trip.
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# ITINERARY:
**Day 1 (Dec 19):**
7:00 AM Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Tenryu-ji
Togetsukyo Bridge
Arashiyama Monkey Park
Okochi Sanso Garden
Jojakkoji Temple
Gioji Temple
Ryoan-ji
Kinkaku-ji (closes at 5pm)
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**Day 2 (Dec 20):**
Nara day trip (unplanned so far)
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**Day 3 (Dec 21):**
7:00 AM Fushimi Inari Taisha
Tofuku-ji
To-ji Temple (big flea market on 21st)
Nijo Castle
Nishiki/Pontocho/Gion/Shinkyogoku (explore area before shops start closing around 5-6pm)
Kodaji ?
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**Day 4 (Dec 22):**
8:30 AM Nanzen-ji Temple (would start our day earlier but opens at 8:40 AM)
Eikando Temple
Honen-in Temple
Higashiyama Jisho-ji
Kyoto Imperial Palace (closes 3:20 PM)
Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace (closes 3:30 PM)
Nishiki/Pontocho/Gion/Shinkyogoku (explore area before shops start closing around 5-6pm)
Kodaji ?
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**Day 5 (Dec 23) (morning in Kyoto, then going to Osaka):**
7:00 AM Kiyomizu-dera
8:00 AM Higashiyama Ward
9:30 AM Rengeo-in Temple
10:30 AM AirBNB (11am checkout + get luggage)
11:15 AM Kyoto Station
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Are these days doable? Anything overhyped I should cut or any hidden gems missing? Also I read that some stuff closes earlier or might even be partially closed during winter, so hopefully I didn’t mess up. Thanks for taking the time to read. Literally any advice/comments/feedback is greatly appreciated! <3
by Boeingman797