A Week in Kyoto PrefectureGo beyond Kyoto City and explore Kyoto Prefecture. With this 5-day itinerary, you'll get a taste of historic Gion, beautiful Arashiyama, and the charming downtown area. Travel to the north you'll discover picturesque mountainous villages, and in the south immerse yourself in their rich tea culture. AuthorsSteller
DestinationsKyotoItinerary

Day 1: Go to Gion

Yasaka Shrine
Gion's most iconic landmark—it's especially stunning during cherry blossom season in the spring, which occurs in late March to early April but can vary by region and weather.
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Maruyama Park
A great place to explore or rest just across from Yasaka Shrine.
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Shirakawa Canal
Stroll along the canal in the historic Shirakawa area, which is also one of Gion's most scenic spots. Please be respectful if you happen to see a geisha here (or anywhere).
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Ichiriki-tei
One of Gion's most famous teahouses...and historic! This Edo period teahouse is about 300 years old!
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Hanamikoji-dori
Make sure to stroll this street to see some of the most beautiful traditional architecture in the area.
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Shijo-dori
A high-end shopping street that's really cool at night.
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Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience
Let an expert show you Kyoto's most famous geisha district.
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Day 2: Discover Downtown

Exclusive Kyoto Tea Ceremony at Private Home with Tea Master
Don't leave Kyoto without a tea ceremony experience.
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Kyoto Takashimaya Shopping Center
Head to the Basement Food Floor at this department store for one of the best food markets in Kyoto...or anywhere!
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Pontocho
Considered by many to be the most beautiful street in Kyoto! Pontocho Alley is lined with traditional shops and restaurants. There are no cars, no modern buildings, or signs. The best time to go is in the evening—magical!
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Yoshikawa
Enjoy the best tempura in Kyoto surrounded by beautiful Japanese gardens.
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Day 3: Hike Kurama

Mount Kurama
Mt. Kurama makes a great day trip from Kyoto City as it's less than an hour by train. There is an easy and beautiful hike that allows you to explore the charming villages of Kurama and Kibune. Kurama is famous for its hot springs and mountain temple. To get there, take the Eizan Line train that leaves from Demachiyanagi Station in Kyoto city (which is, in turn, at the northern end of the Keihan Line, the line that runs along the Kamo-gawa River in Kyoto). Be sure to get on a Kurama-bound train and stay on to the last stop (Kurama). At the end of your hike, you’ll board the same train line at Kibune-guchi Station and take it back to Demachiyanagi Station.
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Yuki Shrine
During the hike, stop and make a wish here.
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Kuramadera Temple
On your hike, walk from Kurama to Kibune. Stop at this temple (and make a wish here, too) located on the mountain between the two villages.
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Kifune Shrine
Popular for the beautiful lantern-lined steps leading up to the shrine.
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Kifune Club
Stop for lunch during your hike. If you happen to be here in the summer, you can enjoy your meal suspended on a platform overlooking the Kibune-gawa River.
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Day 4: Explore Arashiyama

% ARABICA Kyoto Arashiyama
Enjoy your morning brew with stunning views of the Hozu-gawa River.
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Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
See semi-wild Japanese macaques here. Getting up to the monkey forest is a steep 20-minute walk, but you're rewarded with stunning views, and of course, the adorable antics of the macaques.
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Tenryu-ji
Tenryu-ji Temple in Arashiyama is a must-visit on your trip to Tokyo. The Zen temple features one of the best gardens and some of the most beautiful mountain views. Admission to the grounds is free.
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Tenryuji Temple Shigetsu
Try traditional Japanese Buddhist cuisines here on the grounds of the Tenryu-ji Temple.
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Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Another must-visit while in Kyoto! Pair this with your visit to Tenryu-ji.
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Giōji Temple
This magical temple is in one of the most scenic places in Arashiyama.
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Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama
Where to go for an all-out splurge on kaiseki (a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner)? Be ready to break the bank for this memorable (and delicious) experience at Kitcho Arashiyama.
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Day 5: Savor Uji

Byōdo-in Temple
A stunning place to see Buddhist Pure Land architecture. The original structure was built in 998! And no, that's not a typo.
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Byodo-in Omotesando
Uji is famous for its tea and tea culture. Ometesando near Byodoin Temple is one of the best places to buy Uji's famous tea and tea-related souvenirs.
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Taihoan
Participate in a tea ceremony and learn all about tea etiquette at this public tea house.
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Ujikami Shrine
This is believed to be the oldest standing shrine in Japan!
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Nintendo Museum
This new museum shows off Nintendo's various products since their beginning as a toy maker in 1889!
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TATSUMIYA
Every course is match-inspired here. Try matcha soba noodles, matcha miso sauce, and more. Plus you'll have beautiful views of the Ujigawa River.
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Stays

HOSHINOYA Kyoto
Access this unique hotel by boat just upstream from Aarshiyama.
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Tawaraya Ryokan
If you want to experience a traditional Japanese inn, this is one of the finest in all of Japan! It can be difficult to book, but you can do it by email (in English) at: info@the-tawaraya.jp
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Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto
Looking for something nice and affordable? Resol Trinity is reasonably priced, well-located, and has a cool public bathhouse to introduce you to Japanese bathing culture.
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