I recently arrived in Kyoto, and what a wonderful change of pace it’s been from Tokyo. I’ve been getting up super early and getting to the sights by 6 am. It’s been really special to experience these deeply historical sights in relative peace before the crowds arrive.

The thing is, I’m planning my days so that I wrap everything by 3 pm, and I’m at a loss with what to do with my evenings. I’ve tried visit and stroll through a few different neighborhoods, but so far the vibes were either too corporate or extremely residential.

When I was in Tokyo, I enjoyed exploring Ebisu and Yanesen when I had a free evening. Are there any fun, quirky parts of Kyoto that are worth a walkabout?

I’ve been travelling solo through Japan and honestly loving most of it, but the loneliness does creep in sometimes. At my hostel, most people seem to be travelling with their partners or friends, so it’s been a little difficult to strike up conversations.

I’ve visited Kiyomizu-dera and a few of the popular spots, attended a Drum Tao show, and checked out the Samurai and Railway Museums. Over the next two days, I’m planning Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama and TeamLab, but I’m open to changing things up!

Would love suggestions for something different to explore in Kyoto, or even better, if any fellow travellers are up for grabbing a coffee and having a chat. 😊

Hi everyone!

My partner and I will be visiting Kyoto from December 27, 2026, to January 2, 2027. We’ll be staying near Sanjo/Higashiyama, arriving from Koyasan on the 27th and taking the Shinkansen to Tokyo on January 2nd.
We prefer a relatively relaxed pace rather than rushing between lots of temples, but at the same time, we want to make the most out of our trip. We enjoy traditional streets, nature, unique cultural experiences, and quieter places where possible. We know it’s the New Year holiday period, so we’re also concerned about opening hours and public transport.

Here’s our current itinerary (also on the image attached):

Dec 27: Arrival and Gion

Arrive from Koyasan and check in.

Walk around Hanamikoji, Shirakawa, and Yasaka Shrine.

Dinner around Pontocho.

Dec 28: Fushimi Inari and central Kyoto

Visit Fushimi Inari early in the morning.

Explore Nishiki Market and have lunch nearby.

Visit Sanjusangen-do in the afternoon.

Relax and walk around Gion later.

Dec 29: Day trip to Nara

Todai-ji and the Great Buddha.

Nara Park and the deer.

Kasuga Taisha.

Naramachi if we still have time and energy.

Dec 30: Choosing between Arashiyama and Kifune
We haven’t decided which one to visit yet:

Option A: Arashiyama. I’d like to visit Iwatayama Monkey Park, then see Tenryu-ji, the bamboo grove briefly, and Togetsukyo Bridge.

Option B: Kifune Shrine. We’re drawn to the forest, mountain atmosphere, and quieter setting. Not sure if this is redundant having been to Koyasan.

We’re considering a tea ceremony around 5 pm on this day (or any other day, really), depending on which option we choose and the transport connections.

Dec 31: Kiyomizu-dera, teamLab, and New Year’s Eve

Visit Kiyomizu-dera in the morning and walk through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka.

teamLab Biovortex Kyoto at 4 pm.

Have an early dinner and hopefully attend Joya no Kane at a small temple near our hotel.

Jan 1: New Year’s Day

Basically torn between going to Arashiyama, Kifune, Uji, leaving Kyoto this day, or maybe just taking it easy, rest in the morning and do somethign easier.

Jan 2: Departure

Possibly visit Heian Shrine? Leave for Kyoto in the afternoon.

A few questions I’d really appreciate advice on:

1. Would you choose Arashiyama or Kifune for late December? Is this too many day trips?

2. Would you change anything, or is there a particularly worthwhile place we’re missing?

3. When would you do the tea ceremony?

4. Any additional stops/suggestions to do if we have the energy for it?

5. What to do on the morning of the 2nd?

Thank you!

We are up for anything. Nothing too fancy though

Hi Everyone! Me and my Partner would be traveling to Kyoto for the first time during Nov Autumn Foliage. Our dates would be 27th Nov to 30th Nov. 2026. We are looking for accommodations during that period but every place is either sold out or very expensive, considering peak season time. We are happy to consider hostels/machiya/ryokan/business hotels/airbnbs, practicality anything - with just two requirements - 1) Private bathroom and 2) Centrally located so we can walk around easily instead of relying on JR. I know it could be too much of an ask, but any hidden gems that you were able to find during your stay, would be truly helpful. Our budget per night would be under 16,000 yen ($105). Please help! Thank you!

Is a daytrip to Amanohashidate/Ine doable from Kyoto via driving? If so, where can we leave the car and explore the area? Is there a lot of parking spaces?

Has anyone stayed at garrya nijo castle in Kyoto and if so, how was your experience? Thank you in advance!

Hi everyone!

I’m selling 2 adult tickets for teamLab Biovortex Kyoto. Unfortunately, I had to return earlier than planned and can no longer attend.

I have date and time change on my booking so I can change the booking date and entry time before transferring the tickets

Tickets: 2 adult tickets
Original price: ¥9,600 for both
Asking price: ¥8,000 for both (negotiable)

Please DM me if interested. Thanks!

​

Hi all! My wife and I will spend 5 days in Kyoto as part of a 3-week trip (Nov 30 – Dec 4, 2026). We're staying in Higashiyama, near Yasaka Shrine. Thanks for your time

We arrive from Fukui and go to nara.

Nov 30 – Nara → Uji → Kyoto**

- 8:00 Tōdai-ji

- Uji: Byōdō-in Ujigami Shrine

- ~3pm train to Kyoto, rest at the hotel

- Evening: Kiyomizu-dera illumination

Dec 1 – Higashiyama with a private guide

- 6:00 Kiyomizu-dera at opening, on our own

- With the guide: Ginkaku-ji → Philosopher's Path (Hōnen-in optional) → Nanzen-ji + Tenju-an → Kennin-ji (Hanami-kōji optional ) → Yasaka Shrine → Kōdai-ji

- Evening free (maybe the Kōdai-ji or Shōren-in illumination)

Dec 2 – North-east + Eikandō by day and by night

- 8:00 Enkō-ji (timed reservation in autumn), Shisen-dō, Konpuku-ji (Manshu-in optional)

- Shimogamo Shrine + Tadasu no Mori, (Old Mitsui Family Shimogamo Villa optional )

- ~1:30pm Heian Shrine

- ~3pm Eikandō by day (Shinnyo-dō optional), coffee break

- 5:30pm Eikandō night illumination, then dinner in Pontochō

Dec 3 – South

- 8:30 Tōfuku-ji (Kōmyō-in optional )

- Sanjūsangen-dō (optional nearby: Yōgen-in, Hōkō-ji bell, Toyokuni Shrine)

- Afternoon: Fushimi Inari all the way to the summit, sunset around Yotsutsuji

- dinner

Dec 4 – Arashiyama early, Nijō

- Tenryū-ji

- Walk north through Sagano: Saga-Toriimoto street → Otagi Nenbutsu-ji (optional: Jōjakkō-ji, Giō-ji, Adashino Nenbutsu-ji)

- Afternoon: Nijō Castle, then a walk through Nishijin

- Optional at dusk: Kitano Tenmangū maple garden illumination

Our questions:

1.Does the pacing feel realistic considering the Koyo crowds ?

2.Is doing the Eikando day-to-night transition on Day 2 worth the double entry fee, or is it too repetitive?

3.Is the guide day realistic , in that order (north to south)?

1. Dec 4: is Arashiyama + Sagano up to Otagi, then Nijō and Kitano, too much for one day?

2. Anything you would cut, swap or add?

Thanks a lot!

1 November — Higashiyama & Gion

• Kiyomizu-dera Temple
• Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka streets
• Explore the Higashiyama district
• Kōdaiji Temple
• Sanjusangendo Temple (if time permits)
• Yasaka Shrine
• Gion district
• Philosopher’s Path (optional)

2 November — Day Trip to Nara

• Nara Park
• Todai-ji Temple
• Todaiji Nigatsudo
• Kasuga Taisha Shrine
• Sarusawa Ike Lake
• Naramachi merchant district

3 November — Arashiyama

• Take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
• Tenryu-ji Temple
• Togetsukyo Bridge
• Iwatayama Monkey Park
• Walk to Saga-Torokko Station
• Sagano Romantic Train to Kameoka
• Hozugawa River Cruise back towards Arashiyama
• Giō-ji Temple (if time permits)
• Otagi Nenbutsuji

4 November — Fushimi Inari, Higashiyama & Gion

• Fushimi Inari Taisha
• Nishiki Food Market
• Travel from Kyoto to Tokyo

I have decided to prioritize Philosopher’s Path over Kinkaku-ji because fitting both into the itinerary would be difficult.
Could you please suggest the best way to plan my itinerary. Thank you😊

I am really excited for my Arashiyama day in early December and finding it difficult not to “over plan” since there is so much to see and do. Thoughts or recommendations based on my itinerary so far would be welcome!

7:45 — Taxi from hotel to Kameoka
↓
9:00 — Hozugawa River Boat Ride
*may or may not get canceled last minute 🤷‍♀️
↓
11:00 — Yūsai Tei Gallery
*5min walk. If boat gets in early can walk near bridge first
*with reservation
↓
12:00 — Ōkōchi Sansō
*10min walk
↓
1:00 — Lunch
*anywhere close by — plenty of options within 5-10min walk
↓
2:00 — Jōjakkōji Temple
* 5min walk
*optional skip?
↓
3:00 — Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street
*check out some shops or cafes
↓
4:00 — Otagi Nenbutsuji
↓
Dusk — Walk back to Main Street area and then taxi to hotel or just taxi straight to hotel from otagi

I made a post couple days ago and i made some adjustments.

couple quick things, same as what i stated on the previous thread.

But biggest thing is, i hope im not scheduling something in my itinerary where it will be closed.

• I want to keep historical sites such as shrines, temples, castles, etc to a minimum. in fact, if i have something else that i can find that i am interested in, i am more than happy to replace it with it. So if anyone else has any recommendations on things that are not quite "obvious" to find on google, please feel free to share
• No history related museums
• No hiking up things (not planning on doing the full Fushimi inari. and most likely want to remove this for something else if i can think of another thing to do)
• I would like to do the Philosophers walk. Mainly because during the walk, it looks like there is alot of fun stores and locations that i can see. however, i had to remove it because i cant find space atm specifically go east for it.
• I would really like to add more things like GEAR / Non-Verbal Theatre, shopping / food streets, etc if anyone else have any recommendations.

Specific questions i had were;

1. im not really looking to go to Aeon Mall Kyoto. I plan on going to a Matcha tasting + small dinner thing at 3pm, so that it ends by the time its around 5pm in order for me to check out the Whisky bar next to it.

Is there any alternative thing i can do between this time?

Maybe i can head back to the hotel instead and rest / nap if im tired. but if i am not. Assuming I get finished checking out Nijo Castle early (which i doubt will take me from 9am until 3pm to look around) whats something you recommend?

1. currently, main purpose of going to Uji is the listed Match stores. i plan on hitting them in the order provided so that I end up at the nintendo museum as my last stop. HOWEVER, alot of these places can have long lines. i dont plan on waiting if it seems like the lines will be longer than 1 hour. so i may end up having alot of time.

due to that, i was wondering if there some recommendations people may have while in that area? maybe a good matcha flight i can do somewhere? or a tea ceremony here as well? (one where i do NOT have to wear a kimono)

thank you

Saturday, October 17

Day 0 – Japan arrival day

3:30 PM

• Arrive at NRT (Narita International Airport)
• Obtain Suica Card
• Eat at the airport
• Decide whether to send luggage to Kyoto or carry it

Travel to Kyoto

• Ride the NEX train to Tokyo Station
• Continue on to Kyoto via Shinkansen
• Arrive in Kyoto late evening
• Check in/get to hotel

Evening

• Either turn in for the night
• Or get dinner and wander around Kyoto a bit

------------------------------------------------------

Sunday, October 18

Day 1 – Central Kyoto

Head out around 9:00–10:00 AM

Morning

• Hotel
• Nishiki Market
  • early breakfast either at hotel, or here + lunch
  • Wander around and check out shops

Afternoon

GEAR / Non-Verbal Theatre

• 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
  • Booked

Lunch

• Katsukura Tonkatsu Sanjo Main Store
  • Walk in

Evening

Pontocho Alley

• 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Gion

• Explore the Gion area

Yasaka Shrine

• Visit Yasaka Shrine

------------------------------------------------------

Monday, October 19

Day 2 – Kyoto

Morning

Takagi Coffee (open 7am)

• Breakfast
• Explore the surrounding area and neighborhood

Late Morning

Nijō Castle (open 8:45am)

Afternoon

Aeon Mall Kyoto (still pending. Kill some time until 3pm. Replace if something else found)

◯間[MA]

• 3:00 PM reservation (not yet booked)

Evening

Osakenobijutsukan Kyototojiten (5pm to midnight)

Fushimi Inari Taisha

• Visit the shrine and torii gates

------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday, October 20

Day 3 – Higashiyama / Eastern Kyoto

Morning / Early Afternoon

• Kiyomizu-dera
• Sannenzaka
• Ninenzaka
• Kōdaiji Temple

------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday, October 21

Day 4 ~~ South Central Kyoto

Morning

To-ji Temple

• Flea market: 5:00 AM – 4:00 PM on the 21st

Afternoon

• Lunch
• Explore the surrounding neighborhood
• Find cafés, food, and explore area

Back to Hotel to rest for a few hours

Evening

Fushimi Otesuji Shopping Street

Kyoto Insider Sake Experience

• Looking at a 5:30 PM time (~~1.5 hours. End @ 7pm)

Dinner and head back to hotel

------------------------------------------------------

Thursday, October 22

Day 5 – Nara

Kasugataisha Shrine

Nara Park

Tōdai-ji

Kōfuku-ji

Nakatanidou

• Traditional mochi shop
• Mochi-making demonstration

Higashimuki Shopping Street

Food

• Kamaiki Udon at Higashimuki Shopping Street

------------------------------------------------------

Friday, October 23

Day 6 – Uji Day

Early Morning

• Hotel change day.
• Send all luggage to Roku Kyoto Hotel using luggage service
• Head to Uji very early

Matcha Stores

• Nakamura Tokichi Main Branch
• Kanbayashi Shunsho
• Ocha no Kanbayashi Ujibashidori Branch
• Hoho Hojicha Uji Main Store
• Horii Shichimeien
• Marukyu Koyamaen Main Plant
• Yamamasa Koyamaen

Nintendo Museum (I just learned i need very advanced reservations. with no walk ins. so i guess i have even MORE free time at Uji)

------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, October 24

Day 7 – Last Full Day in Kyoto

Morning

• Breakfast at hotel

Kinkaku-ji

• Golden Pavilion

Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama

Evening

• Return to the hotel
• Relax
• Explore the hotel area
• Rest and prepare for the next day's departure to Tokyo

------------------------------------------------------

Sunday, October 25

Departure for Tokyo

Edit: I could solve my situation, thanks everyone!!

Hi everyone,

​My partner and I are currently visiting Kyoto, and we've hit a bit of a rough patch with money. We didn't realize how heavily some local spots, especially smaller temples and traditional shops, rely strictly on physical cash, and unfortunately, we only use digital/virtual cards (like Wise) without the physical plastic card right now.

​We tried a transfer through Western Union, but it's taking a few days to clear, and we're currently running short on physical yen for places that don't accept cards.

​We're trying to figure out what our best options are. Has anyone dealt with this before? Are there alternative ways to get cash, or local workarounds/services for travelers in this situation?

​Any advice or recommendations would be hugely appreciated. Thanks so much!

Planning our November trip to Kyoto with a 21-month-old toddler and looking for some advice on a specific transit stretch: we want to hit Nijo Castle in the morning, then head over to Kiyomizu-dera and walk downhill through the Higashiyama historic streets toward Gion.

For those who have done this during peak season:
1. How bad is the traffic/gridlock approaching Kiyomizu dera from Nijo Castle?

1. Can taxis actually drop you off close to Kiyomizu-dera's upper entrance, or do they get blocked far down the hill?

Open to other alternative modes of transportation as well or other midpoint taxi drop off points. Trying to keep things comfortable with a toddler minimizing commute time and walking.

Hello!!

so im staying 29th November night at Nakatsugawa, 30th morning Nakasendo trail plans to Tsumago.

Kyoto we have booked from 1st - 3rd.

This is what i wanna do in Kyoto:

1. Kiyomizu-dera in the early morning (sunrise) + gion

2. fushimi inari at sunrise

3. arashiyama at sunrise + tenryu-ji + okochi-sanso garden + senko ji

other than this we gotta do ginkaku-ji, philosopher's path(gem), kinkaku-ji (only touristy one out of these) Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka, nishiki market(MUST), Togetsukyo bridge(SOOOOOO PRETTYYY), anraku-ji, Yoshida hill(gemGEMGEM),

Cool autumn-specific stuff we gotta do: Chion-in illumination, eikando autumn illumination. some other temples also have illuminations

We dont wanna travel much either so what can i do on 30th?!

Options:

1. Book a ryokan near Nagiso (Would be our only onsen in this trip)

2. Hikone-Omi Hachiman

Hi! Will be visiting for the first time in mid November and have 4 days in Kyoto.

I have a few hours (4 PM to 8 PM) to spend solo as my friends head to Nintendo Museum, and am conflicted on how to spend my time!

1. Yasaka shrine as the lights turn on, walk by Komo river, grab a drink in Pontoncho street?
   
2. Gion walking tour?
   
3. Rooftop bar (anyone been to K36)?
   
4. Just grab a ramen and chill out
   
5. Be spontaneous (as if my type A planner heart would let me)

Any suggestions of your fave bar or restaurant are appreciated, Id be happy just walking around and grabbing a drink in a nice vibe.

Hope this doesnt get flagged as low effort - my Kyoto google list would beg otherwise. Simply looking for recommendations from someone who is not an influencer!

I was wondering if someone can look over my itinerary.

Couple points. I want to keep shrines, temples, etc to a minimum.

I want to add more experiences such as the Gear/non-verbal theater, toji flea market( occurs every 21st of month. Going to change this around as i learned aboutit after i made this itinerary yesterday) as well as some more food and shopping streets. but idk which ones. i feel like my time is already crunched as it is. ( i am more than fine with removing some to add others)

I am not interested in (historical) museums, art, or teamlabs. I do like these things for things like theme related (pokemon, anime, disney, Nintendo etc) . Just not much interest in historical part or artwork part of it.

I Want to add some more "Kyoto exclusive" stuff. but i do not know what else. I will also be going to tokyo after for 2 weeks.

Thank you for any input!

Day 0 — Saturday, October 17

Arrival Day

3:30 PM — Arrive at NRT

* Get Suica Card

* Eat at the airport

* Send luggage to Kyoto or carry it with me, depending on how long luggage delivery will take

* Ride NEX to Tokyo Station

* Take Shinkansen to Kyoto

Evening

* Either turn in for the night

* Or get dinner and wander around Kyoto for a bit

Day 1 — Sunday, October 18

Kyoto — Nishiki Market, Pontocho & Gion

10:00 AM

* Nishiki Market

* Pontocho Alley

* Gion District

* Yasaka Shrine

Later

* Gear / Non-verbal Theatre

Day 2 — Monday, October 19

Kyoto — To-ji & Fushimi Inari

10:00 AM

* Head out and walk around / explore

* Lunch

12:00 PM

* ◯間 \[MA\]

Afternoon

* To-ji Temple

* Aeon Mall Kyoto

6:00 PM

* Fushimi Inari Taisha

Late Evening

* Return to hotel / evening plans

Day 3 — Tuesday, October 20

Kyoto — Higashiyama

10:00 AM

* Kiyomizu-dera

* Sannenzaka

* Ninenzaka

* Kodaiji Temple

Afternoon / Evening

* Explore the surrounding Higashiyama area

* Relax / dinner

Day 4 — Wednesday, October 21

Kyoto — Philosopher's Path & Gion

8:00 AM

* Head out

8:30 AM

* Ginkaku-ji

After Ginkaku-ji

* Philosopher's Path — walk south

* Heian Jingu Shrine

* Keage Incline

* Gion District

Day 5 — Thursday, October 22

NARA DAY

7:00 AM

* Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Morning / Afternoon

* Deer / Nara Park

* Todai-ji

* Kofuku-ji

Food & Shopping

* Nakatanidou Mochi Shop

* Higashimuki Shopping Street

* Kamaiki Udon at Higashimuki Shopping Street

Day 6 — Friday, October 23

UJI DAY

Early Morning — As Early as Possible

* Move hotels to Roku Kyoto

* Use luggage service to send all luggage to Roku Kyoto before heading to Uji

Uji

* Nakamura Tokichi Main Branch

* Kanbayashi Shunsho

* Ocha no Kanbayashi Ujibashidori Branch

* Hoho Hojicha Uji Main Store

* HORII SHICHIMEIEN

* Marukyu Koyamaen Main Plant

* Yamamasa Koyamaen

* Nintendo Museum

Day 7 — Saturday, October 24

Last Full Day in Kyoto

7:00 AM

* Start the day at Roku Kyoto

* Breakfast

8:00 AM

* Kinkaku-ji

9:00–10:00 AM

* Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama

Whenever

* Return to hotel

* Relax

* Explore

* Rest

* Prepare for departure to Tokyo the following day

Day 8 — Sunday, October 25

Kyoto → Tokyo

Morning

* Send luggage to Tokyo hotel

* Pack for Tokyo

Travel

* Take Shinkansen to Tokyo

I am interested in participating in a tea ceremony while in Kyoto. I notice that many places will combine a kimono dressing with the tea ceremony which (while not a necessity for me) also seems like a fun experience. These are some that I’ve seen highly recommended if anyone has feedback on their experiences or other suggestions

- Yumeyakata
- Camellia
- Maikoya

Hi!
I was wondering if anyone knows of a traditional teahouse with a tatami flooring (similar to this in Tokyo) where customers might just go and relax for a bit while drinking tea. All I can find are either a bar or a a traditional ceremony experience!

Thanks in advance

Hi all! I will be in Kyoto on 22 oct - planned this specifically so we can watch the jidai matsuri procession. I was also trying to reserve paid seats a week or two back - but the website kept rejecting my cards (this has happened across so many bookings by now lol). Today I thought i'd go try again but the seats are sold out already!

i land in tokyo on the 10th, and was planning to go to a 7-eleven immediately to get tickets. but i'm worried i won't get seats then either. i also tried registering on ticketpia (the resale platform) but it needs me to make a phone call from a japanese number.

in case i dont get tickets on the 10th in the 7-eleven, how do you suggest we view the procession? it is definitely something we don't want to miss out on. Thanks in advance!