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tranquil temples and old-world charm: first time in kyoto, japan ⛩️

27 items

destination195

as a type-a travel maximalist i always curated packed itineraries to get the best bang for my buck – especially with only 3 days to spare in kyoto! hit the same traditional highlights that i did from the era of samurais and shoguns for the ultimate f...

find the full travel guide here: https://www.destination195.com/destinations/3-days-in-kyoto-itinerary

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things to do in kyoto 🎍

where to eat in kyoto 🍜

things to do in kyoto 🎍

discover the top cultural sites and spiritual sanctuaries to explore with 3 days in kyoto. following this list from the top down, relax upon the tatami mats inside a ryokan, submerge yourself in a steaming onsen, or sip matcha within a wooden tea hou...

dating back to 656 AD, miniature shrines inside the main complex pay homage to various deities, like the deity of love and matchmaking ❤️

Yasaka Shrine

worshippers write wishes on a colorful ball and hang them on the vibrant yasaka koshin-do temple 🌈

Yasaka Kōshin-dō Temple

built on the otowa waterfall 1,200 years ago, the wooden stage of the main pavilion is set 40 feet above the ground. descending from the elevated overlook, sample the three separate streams transferring the benefits of longevity, intellectual growth,...

Kiyomizu-dera

upon entering the tranquil atmosphere of the tatami-matted tea house, an english-speaking instructor provides a rich history of the ceremony and leads the class through the ancient ritual 🍵

Tea Ceremony Nagomi

"kyoto's kitchen," this 400-year old site is foodie heaven and will introduce you to local delicacies, such as yuba or tofu skin, kyo-yasai or natively grown heirloom vegetables, and tsukemono or japanese pickles.

the sugi honey shop has free samples of sugary honey concoctions blended with natural fruit juices and kyonishiki kanzashiya wargo sells kanzashi, or japanese hair ornaments which function similarly to french twist hair pins 🥒

Nishiki Market

watch a sword performance known as kenbu, or a traditional japanese stage art which utilizes the katana and folding fans to accompany poem voiceovers primarily written by samurai then learn to wield the sword yourself ⚔️

Samurai Kembu Theater

the solaria nishitetsu hotel has both an indoor and outdoor rotenburo onsen, allowing you to soak in scenic views of a zen garden while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of the communal bath ♨️

Solaria Nishitetsu Onsen

commonly known as the golden pavilion, the upper two floors of the reliquary hall pavilion are completely covered in gold leaf, creating a dazzling appearance and cementing it as one of the most visually striking buildings in japan ✨

Kinkaku-ji

this sacred space is the epitome of peaceful serenity where you’ll enjoy the relaxing sounds of flowing water and chirping birds deep in the forest. spot the most notable feature as soon as you arrive — over 1,200 moss-covered rakan statues, or follo...

Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple

this historic district is renowned for traditional machiya, or townhouses, lining the road alongside other structures dating back to the meiji and taisho periods.

admire the natural beauty of serene gardens maintained in harmony with a traditional aesthetic which has been upheld to standards of historical integrity 🌸

Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street

the lush sagano bamboo forest surrounds tenryu-ji—gaze upon the swaying stalks at your own pace, which make a tranquil sound as gentle wind rustles through their leaves that has been designated one of the "100 Soundscapes of japan" 🎍

Sagano Bamboo Forest

enjoy the natural beauty of tenryu-ji's unesco world heritage gardens while you digest your shojin ryori meal from shigetsu 🎏

Tenryu-ji

gion is renowned for its traditional teahouses, geisha culture, and historic architecture—making it the most appropriate area in kyoto to rent a kimono and get dolled up like the real maiko and geiko who provide entertainment within this same distric...

Gion

see a traditional arts performance at gion corner split into 7 small acts to experience first-hand kyoto's entertainment district culture, with the final event being a graceful kyomai dance performed by geisha and maiko in their authentic garb 💮

Gion Corner

the glaring red face of a japanese tengu statue marks the beginning of the ¥300 hike through mt. kurama, which passes more than forty notable shrines and monuments as you summit the mountain before heading back down to the town of kibune 👺

Kurama to Kibune Hike

unlike the obviously gold kinkaku-ji, this pavilion is not actually covered in silver, but rather its namesake comes from the silvery appearance of the buildings’ dark exterior when viewed under the moonlight 🩶

Ginkaku-ji

philosopher nishida kitaro famously strolled here as a place of contemplation during his daily meditation walks. running alongside the clear waters of the lake biwa canal, advance under hundreds of cherry trees, which bloom during spring in a breatht...

Philosopher's Path

a physical representation of the three barriers to liberation—emptiness, formlessness, and creation—which buddhist practitioners must overcome to attain enlightenment, climb up the sanmon gate for ¥500 to bear witness to panoramic views of kyoto 🎴

Nanzen-ji

the shrine's grounds include a network of trails that lead up to the summit of mount inari, lined with 10,000 bright red torii gates. walking through these tunnels is a visually stunning experience which attracts thousands of visitors and makes for t...

Fushimi Inari Taisha

at least one night in kyoto must be spent in a ryokan—i don’t make the rules! jokes aside, this is one of the most authentic japanese cultural experiences you can have, so if you splurge on nothing else a night in a ryokan should be the one japanese ...

Yoshikawa Inn

where to eat in kyoto 🍜

everywhere i ate during my 3 days in kyoto – this carefully curated list hits on a range of national delicacies from mouth-watering nigiri to zen vegetarian shojin ryori. beginning at the top of the list and working your way down follows the order in...

a simple menu with two ramen variations including a broth comprised of chicken and pork bone, back fat, and soy sauce enjoyed from a sunken kotatsu table 🥚

Ramen Sugichiyo

fish-shaped waffles inside nishiki market who sources these delicious sea creatures from mamemono-to-taiyaki, a popular sweets shop in arashiyama 🧇

Mamemono to Taiyaki

rotating seasonal sushi which accentuates the intrinsic flavors of the raw ingredients used, going so far as to consider the dishware and changing from clay to glass plates in the summer to ensure the coolness of each bite 🍣

Sushiiwa

zen shojin ryori cuisine encompasses nourishing meals comprised of fresh seasonal vegetables, herbs, and wild plants to sustain the body and mind while opting not to deprive animals of life along the way 🍲

Tenryuji Temple Shigetsu

place your order on a clickable screen, specifying the desired toppings and broth style from nine variations before taking a seat at the restaurant counter 🍜

Kyo Ramen Mitsuru

in this authentic sushi making class, an English-speaking instructor patiently guides you through the steps of crafting delicious nigiri and temaki 🐟

Kyoto Umemori Sushi School

if you stay at the yoshikawa-inn, a traditional tempura kaiseki dinner is included in your accommodation price! kaiseki refers to a traditional multi-course dinner showcasing a variety of small, artfully presented dishes, otherwise considered the pin...

Tempura Yoshikawa