Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Where to Wander, Sip & Soak in Kyoto’s Old-World Charm
26
items Step into the slower, more sacred side of Japan from the era of samurais and shoguns with bamboo forests, hidden shrines, and preserved geisha districts—follow the exact routes I took through Kyoto’s most timeless corners for the ultimate first-time ...
Find the full travel guide here: https://www.destination195.com/destinations/3-days-in-kyoto-itinerary
Find the full travel guide here: https://www.destination195.com/destinations/3-days-in-kyoto-itinerary
Map
Sections
2
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 in kyoto. following this list from the top down, sip matcha in a wooden tea house, submerge in a steaming onsen, then relax on tatami mats inside a ryokan.
dating back to 656 AD, miniature shrines inside the main spiritual complex pay homage to various deities, including the deity of love and matchmaking ❤️
Yasaka Shrine
worshippers write wishes on colorful balls and hang them on the vibrant yasaka koshin-do temple 🌈
Yasaka Kōshin-dō
built on the otowa waterfall 1,200 years ago, the wooden stage of the main temple pavilion is set 40 feet above ground. descending from the elevated overlook, sample 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 of preparing matcha 🍵
Tea Ceremony Nagomi
"kyoto's kitchen," this 400-year old site is foodie heaven and will introduce you to local delicacies like 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 🥒
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 wield the sword yourself ⚔️
Samurai Sword Experience
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 hear 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 follow...
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 🌸
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 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 canopy ...
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 find panoramic views of kyoto 🎴
Nanzen-ji
the shrine grounds include a network of trails leading 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 the p...
Fushimi Inari Taisha
at least one night in kyoto must be spent in a ryokan—i don’t make the rules! 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 kyoto luxury invested...
Yoshikawa Inn
where to eat in kyoto 🍜
everywhere i ate during my 3 days in kyoto – this curated list hits on a range of national delicacies from mouth-watering nigiri to zen vegetarian shojin ryori. beginning at the top and working down follows the order in which i hit each of the best r...
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 restaurant which accentuates the intrinsic flavors of the raw ingredients used, going so far as to consider 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
in this authentic sushi making class, an english-speaking instructor patiently guides you through the steps of crafting delicious nigiri and temaki 🐟
Sushi Making Class
if you stay at the yoshikawa-inn, a 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 pinnacle of jap...
Tempura Yoshikawa