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14 Days Exploring Southern Japan Itinerary
Last updated: 2024 Jun 30Discovering Kyoto's Heritage
Morning
Start your journey with a visit to the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). This stunning Zen Buddhist temple is covered in gold leaf and offers breathtaking views of its surrounding gardens. It's one of Kyoto's most famous landmarks and a must-see for any visitor. Afterward, head to Inoda Coffee for a traditional Japanese breakfast and some of the best coffee in town.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, explore the historical Nijo-jo Castle. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period. The castle's beautiful gardens and intricate architecture will transport you back in time. For lunch, enjoy a delicious meal at Ganko Sushi, known for its fresh sushi and traditional Japanese dishes.
Evening
End your day with a serene visit to Gion Corner, where you can experience traditional Japanese arts such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and puppet theater. For dinner, head to Izumo no Okuni, a cozy restaurant offering a variety of local dishes. If you're up for it, take part in the Kyoto: Guided Bar Tour in Kiyamachi & Kawaramachi to explore Kyoto's vibrant nightlife.
Bedtime
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Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
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Nijo-jo Castle
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Gion Corner
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Kyoto Guided Bar Tour in Kiyamachi & Kawaramachi
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Temples and Traditions
Morning
Begin your second day with a visit to the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha). Known for its thousands of red torii gates that form scenic trails up Mount Inari, this shrine is one of Kyoto's most iconic sites. Afterward, enjoy breakfast at Vermillion Cafe, located near the shrine.
Afternoon
Next, head to Sanjusangen-do Temple, home to 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. This impressive temple is known for its long wooden hall filled with these remarkable statues. For lunch, dine at Ramen Sen no Kaze, which offers some of Kyoto's best ramen.
Evening
In the evening, visit Pontocho Alley, one of Kyoto's most atmospheric dining areas. The narrow alley is lined with traditional restaurants and teahouses offering everything from kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal) to yakitori (grilled chicken skewers). Enjoy dinner at one of these establishments before joining the fascinating Kyoto: Geisha Arts Gion Cultural Walk with Geisha Show.
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Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha)
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Sanjusangen-do Temple
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Pontocho Alley
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Kyoto Geisha Arts Gion Cultural Walk with Geisha Show
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Cultural Immersion in Kyoto
Morning
Start your third day with a peaceful stroll through Arashiyama Park. This scenic area is famous for its bamboo groves and beautiful river views. After exploring the park, have breakfast at Arashiyama Yoshimura, which offers delicious Japanese-style pancakes.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, visit the historic Tenryu-ji Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning gardens and Zen atmosphere. For lunch, try out some local delicacies at Shigetsu, a vegetarian restaurant within Tenryu-ji Temple that serves traditional Buddhist cuisine.
Evening
Conclude your day by exploring more of Arashiyama with a customized rickshaw tour through its picturesque streets and bamboo forest as part of the tour: Kyoto: Arashiyama Customized Rickshaw Tour & Bamboo Forest. Enjoy dinner at Saga Tofu Ine, renowned for its tofu dishes made from locally sourced soybeans.
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Arashiyama Park
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Tenryu-ji Temple
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Kyoto Arashiyama Customized Rickshaw Tour & Bamboo Forest
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Exploring Kyoto's Spiritual Side
Morning
Begin your day with a visit to the serene Ryoan-ji Temple & Garden. This Zen temple is famous for its rock garden, which is considered one of the finest examples of kare-sansui (dry landscape) gardens in Japan. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at Ryoanji Yudofu, located near the temple and known for its delicious tofu dishes.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, head to Ninna-ji Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple complex offers beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and stunning autumn foliage. For lunch, dine at Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering exquisite kaiseki cuisine.
Evening
Conclude your day with a visit to Gion: Night Owl Walking Tour. This tour will take you through the historic Gion district, where you can learn about geisha culture and enjoy the atmospheric streets lit by lanterns. For dinner, head to Izuju, a renowned sushi restaurant in Gion.
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Ryoan-ji Temple & Garden
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Ninna-ji Temple
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Gion Night Owl Walking Tour
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Historical Highlights of Kyoto
Morning
Kyoto: Morning Japanese Bento Cooking Class will be an exciting start to your day. Learn how to make traditional Japanese bento boxes with fresh ingredients and enjoy your creations for breakfast. Afterward, visit Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho), which was once the residence of Japan's Imperial Family.
Afternoon
Kyoto: Private 2.5 Hour Historical Walking Tour will guide you through some of Kyoto's most significant historical sites. For lunch, stop by Omen Kodai-ji, known for its delicious udon noodles and serene garden views.
Evening
Night Walk in Gion: Kyoto's Geisha District offers an enchanting evening experience as you stroll through Gion's narrow streets and learn about its rich history. Enjoy dinner at Gion Karyo, which offers an elegant kaiseki dining experience.
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Kyoto Morning Japanese Bento Cooking Class
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Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho)
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Kyoto Private 2.5 Hour Historical Walking Tour
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Night Walk in Gion Kyoto's Geisha District
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Culinary Delights and Cultural Experiences
Morning
Kyoto: Walking Tour in Gion with Breakfast at Nishiki Market is a perfect way to start your day. Explore Nishiki Market, known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen,' where you can sample various local delicacies for breakfast.
Afternoon
Kyoto: Insider Sake Experience with 7 Tastings and Snacks will take you on a journey through Kyoto's sake culture. Visit traditional breweries and taste different types of sake paired with local snacks. For lunch, dine at Matsuzakagyu What’s, famous for its premium wagyu beef dishes.
Evening
End your day with a relaxing tea ceremony experience at Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple. This traditional tea ceremony will provide insight into Japanese culture and customs. Enjoy dinner at Hafuu Honten, known for its excellent steak dishes.
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Kyoto Walking Tour in Gion with Breakfast at Nishiki Market
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Kyoto Insider Sake Experience with 7 Tastings and Snacks
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Kyoto Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple
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Architectural Wonders and Local Crafts
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho). This historic site was once the residence of Japan's Imperial Family and offers a glimpse into the country's royal heritage. After exploring the palace grounds, enjoy breakfast at Café Bibliotic Hello!, known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious pastries.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, head to Katsura Imperial Villa (Katsura Rikyu). This stunning villa is renowned for its exquisite architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens. For lunch, dine at Kikunoi Honten, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering traditional kaiseki cuisine.
Evening
Conclude your day with a visit to Kyoto: Learn to Make Ramen from Scratch with Souvenir. This hands-on cooking class will teach you how to make authentic Japanese ramen from scratch. Enjoy your homemade ramen for dinner before heading back to your accommodation.
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Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho)
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Katsura Imperial Villa (Katsura Rikyu)
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Kyoto Learn to Make Ramen from Scratch with Souvenir
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Exploring Kyoto's Natural Beauty
Morning
Begin your day with a visit to Sagano, a picturesque area known for its bamboo groves and scenic beauty. Take a leisurely stroll through the bamboo forest and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Afterward, have breakfast at Arashiyama Yoshimura, which offers delicious Japanese-style pancakes.
Afternoon
Next, head to Togetsu-kyo Bridge, an iconic landmark in Arashiyama that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and river. For lunch, try out some local delicacies at Shigetsu, a vegetarian restaurant within Tenryu-ji Temple that serves traditional Buddhist cuisine.
Evening
End your day with an unforgettable experience at Kyoto: Zen Meditation at a Private Temple with a Monk. This unique activity will provide insight into Zen Buddhism and offer a peaceful way to conclude your day. Enjoy dinner at Saga Tofu Ine, renowned for its tofu dishes made from locally sourced soybeans.
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Sagano
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Togetsu-kyo Bridge
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Kyoto Zen Meditation at a Private Temple with a Monk
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Historical Insights and Culinary Adventures
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the impressive To-ji Temple. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to Japan's tallest wooden pagoda and offers beautiful gardens to explore. Afterward, enjoy breakfast at Inoda Coffee, known for its traditional Japanese breakfast sets.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, take part in the fascinating tour: Kyoto: Nishiki Market Food and Culture Walking Tour. Explore 'Kyoto's Kitchen' as you sample various local delicacies and learn about Kyoto's culinary culture. For lunch, dine at one of the market's many food stalls offering fresh seafood and other treats.
Evening
Conclude your day with an evening visit to Yasaka Shrine (Gion Shrine), one of Kyoto's most famous shrines located in the Gion district. Enjoy dinner at Gion Karyo, which offers an elegant kaiseki dining experience.
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To-ji Temple
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Kyoto: Nishiki Market Food and Culture Walking Tour
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Chicago Lakefront and Museum Campus Segway Tour
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Cultural Immersion and Traditional Arts
Morning
Begin your day with a visit to the serene Daitoku-ji Temple. This Zen temple complex is known for its beautiful gardens and peaceful atmosphere. After exploring the temple grounds, enjoy breakfast at Kyoto Coffee, a cozy café offering delicious pastries and coffee.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, take part in the unique experience of Kyoto: Local Home Visit and Japanese Calligraphy Class. Learn the art of Japanese calligraphy from a local expert in their home. For lunch, dine at Muraji, known for its delicious ramen dishes.
Evening
Conclude your day with an evening visit to Kennin-ji Temple, one of Kyoto's oldest Zen temples. Enjoy dinner at Gion Tanto, which offers a variety of traditional Japanese dishes.
Bedtime
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Daitoku-ji Temple
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Kyoto Local Home Visit and Japanese Calligraphy Class
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Kennin-ji Temple
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Historical Landmarks and Culinary Delights
Morning
Kyoto: Heritage Highlights Full-Day Tour will be an exciting start to your day. This comprehensive tour will take you to some of Kyoto's most significant historical sites. Enjoy breakfast during the tour as you explore these landmarks.
Afternoon
Kyoto: Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Sake and Food Pairing will take you on a journey through Kyoto's sake culture. Visit traditional breweries and taste different types of sake paired with local snacks. For lunch, dine at Matsuzakagyu What’s, famous for its premium wagyu beef dishes.
Evening
Kyoto: Gion Night Walking Tour offers an enchanting evening experience as you stroll through Gion's narrow streets and learn about its rich history. Enjoy dinner at Gion Karyo, which offers an elegant kaiseki dining experience.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Kyoto, Japan.
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Kyoto Heritage Highlights Full-Day Tour
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Kyoto Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Sake and Food Pairing
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Kyoto Gion Night Walking Tour
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Exploring Nature and Local Cuisine
Morning
Kyoto Highlights 7-Hour Private Guided Tour will be an exciting start to your day. This comprehensive tour will take you to some of Kyoto's most significant historical sites. Enjoy breakfast during the tour as you explore these landmarks.
Afternoon
Kyoto: Afternoon Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park Bike Tour will take you on a scenic bike ride through Arashiyama's bamboo forest and monkey park. For lunch, dine at Arashiyama Yoshimura, which offers delicious Japanese-style pancakes.
Evening
Conclude your day with a relaxing tea ceremony experience at Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple. This traditional tea ceremony will provide insight into Japanese culture and customs. Enjoy dinner at Hafuu Honten, known for its excellent steak dishes.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Kyoto, Japan.
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Kyoto Highlights 7-Hour Private Guided Tour
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Kyoto Afternoon Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park Bike Tour
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Kyoto Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple
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Spiritual Serenity and Scenic Beauty
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the tranquil Eikan-do Zenrin-ji Temple. This temple is renowned for its stunning autumn foliage and peaceful atmosphere. After exploring the temple grounds, enjoy breakfast at Café Bibliotic Hello!, known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious pastries.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, head to Kiyotaki River, a picturesque spot perfect for a leisurely walk along the riverbanks. For lunch, dine at Yudofu Sagano, a restaurant famous for its tofu dishes made from locally sourced soybeans.
Evening
Conclude your day with an evening visit to Gion Corner, where you can experience traditional Japanese arts such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and puppet theater. Enjoy dinner at Izumo no Okuni, a cozy restaurant offering a variety of local dishes.
Bedtime
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Eikan-do Zenrin-ji Temple
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Kiyotaki River
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Gion Corner
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Cultural Farewell in Kyoto
Morning
Kyoto: Zen Experience in a Hidden Temple will be an enlightening start to your final day. This unique activity will provide insight into Zen Buddhism and offer a peaceful way to begin your day. Afterward, enjoy breakfast at Vermillion Cafe, located near Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Afternoon
Kyoto: Exclusive Geisha Show in Gion with Tea Ceremony offers an exclusive cultural experience that includes a traditional tea ceremony followed by an enchanting geisha performance. For lunch, dine at Gion Karyo, which offers an elegant kaiseki dining experience.
Evening
Kyoto: Guided Bar Tour in Kiyamachi & Kawaramachi is the perfect way to end your trip. Explore Kyoto's vibrant nightlife with this guided bar tour that takes you through some of the city's best bars and lounges. Enjoy dinner at one of these establishments before heading back to your accommodation.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Kyoto, Japan.
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Kyoto Zen Experience in a Hidden Temple
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Kyoto Exclusive Geisha Show in Gion with Tea Ceremony
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Kyoto Guided Bar Tour in Kiyamachi & Kawaramachi
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