Plan your Kyoto travel itinerary with our expert

Anna Kraskovska

Embark on a captivating journey through Kyoto and its surrounding areas with our meticulously crafted itineraries. Save time and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage, serene temples, and breathtaking landscapes of this historic region. Let our expert team handle the details, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience in Kyoto and its surroundings. Explore the iconic sites of Kyoto, such as the magnificent Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Venture to nearby destinations like Nara, with its ancient temples and friendly deer, or the scenic beauty of Lake Biwa. With our tailored itinerary, you'll have the opportunity to discover hidden gems, partake in traditional tea ceremonies, and witness the beauty of seasonal festivals. Unlock the essence of Kyoto and its surrounding areas with our meticulously planned itinerary.

What we propose

Anna Kraskovska

Expert Japan

Let us create your perfect itinerary!

Contact us now and we'll begin creating your one-of-a-kind itinerary, tailored specifically to your preferences and needs.

Our expert travel planners will craft a unique, custom route that includes all the must-see sights and hidden gems, divided by day and with a clear route from A to Z.

We'll save you time by doing all the research and planning for you.
Our experts have insider knowledge of unique and off-the-beaten-path destinations that aren't typically found in guidebooks.
Your itinerary will be fully customized to your interests, preferences, and travel style.
We'll provide you with all the essential details, such as transportation options, recommended accommodations, and restaurant reservations.
You'll have access to ongoing support from our team throughout your entire trip, ensuring a stress-free and unforgettable experience.
The cost of our service is only $190

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Since 2015, our site has been offering expert travel itinerary planning services that result in a comprehensive, user-friendly PDF guidebook personalized to each client’s unique needs and preferences, featuring daily summaries, attraction recommendations, dining suggestions, maps, a curated database of tested accommodations worldwide, as well as detailed guidance on car rental options and ongoing support via phone and Whatsapp.

Our personalized routes from A to Z include many unique and little-known places, along with detailed information such as parking addresses, tips, and exact directions, making the trip more exciting and enjoyable while saving travelers time during preparation and on their journey.

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A few words about Kyoto

Someone says: “If you haven’t seen Kyoto you haven’t seen Japan”.

The Kyoto region is an ultimate destination with hundreds of ancient temples & shrines, amazing natural sites, incredible food, charming rural towns, and many hidden “gems” to be explored and discovered.

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Stories of Our Customers

Must-visit sights

Natural Beauties and Lakes

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

This is the spot where you can spend the whole day to take some must-have pictures. You can start with UNESCO World Heritage Site Tenryu-ji Temple (the most important Zen temple in that area) then leave through the north exit and you’ll see the famous Bamboo Forest.

Amanohashidate

One of the 3 best scenic views in Japan - is Amanohashidate, a 3 km long sand bar with more than 8000 pine trees. It takes less than one hour to walk from one side to the other. On the way you will see shrines, guesthouses and shops, alternatively, you can rent a bike and have a nice refreshing ride. This place is also known for its beautiful sandy beach which is on the east side of the sandbar.

Kameyama Park

Kameyama Park is a popular scenic spot near Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, it is not that crowded though. It has lots of trails to explore and picturesque views of the Arashiyama Mountains, Katsura River and the famous Togetsukyo bridge. Don't forget about the Arashiyama observation deck to take some pictures of the panoramic view of Kyoto.

Kyoto Gyoen National Garden

Kyoto Gyoen National Garden is the green heart of Kyoto located right in the city's center. It is a popular place among local runners, picnic lovers and those who want to escape the city. It is a with-visit place for watching the cherry trees or plum bloom.

Tourist Attractions

Fushimi Inari Shrine

This Shinto shrine and its Torii gate you will see on Instagram and Facebook, I would say it’s the most recognizable place in Japan (of course after Fuji mountain).

Arashiyama bamboo forest

Gion

Gion is a historic district of Kyoto and one of the most famous geisha districts in the country known for its traditional architecture, teahouses, and entertainment establishments. This is exactly the place that gives you that romantic impression of Japan with its machiya houses (old wooden houses with shops in the front).

Kiyomizu-dera

Famous “Pure water temple”, the one that you’ll see on postcards and magnets, the one that has been named one of the best spots in Kyoto to observe the fall foliage.

Cities

Kyoto travel guide

Kyoto is Japan in a word. It’s the cultural and historical heart of the country. It’s the best place in all Japan to experience amazing temples and shrines, charming gardens, traditional Japanese ryokans and geisha show, explore craft shops and fantastic restaurants. In short, Kyoto is the most rewarding destination in all of Japan and it should be at the top of any Japan travel itinerary. Kyoto is unbelievable and is one of the most visited cities in the world.

Nagoya

Located in the heart of Japan, Nagoya is one of the largest Japanese cities with its unique culture, dozens of attractions and 2,3 million residents. The city truly offers a mixture of historical and modern attractions, thanks to the preserved ancient sites that exist alongside modern Toyota museums. Nagoya city has lots to offer curious travelers and history lovers.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a charming city with rich history offering unique attractiveness no matter the season, with its culture and arts rooted in the city, rich food culture, and a townscape and cultures where old and new coexist, where tradition and creativity are beautifully balanced. All against its historical backdrop as a prosperous castle town. Kanazawa is a destination that will delight your five senses.

Takayama

Takayama is a charming city in Japan's mountainous Gifu Prefecture. The narrow streets of its Sanmachi Suji historic district are lined with wooden merchants’ houses dating to the Edo period, along with many small museums, restaurants and craft shops. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Japanese Alps, Takayama city is also a home to numerous high-quality sake breweries that have produced sake for over 300 years.

Attractions For Kids

Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama

It is a park that is home to over 100 Japanese macaque monkeys, also known as snow monkeys. Visitors to the park can hike up to the top of the mountain, where they will be greeted by the monkeys in their natural habitat. The park provides a unique opportunity to observe these wild animals up close, and visitors can watch as the monkeys play, eat, and interact with each other.

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens

It’s a lovely place for a family day! The park has a huge selection of animals from birds to lions and even gorillas, a beautiful zoo with lots of walking paths.

Kyoto Aquarium

The Kyoto aquarium features over 300 species of aquatic animals, including penguins, seals, sea otters, jellyfish, and a variety of fish species. One of the highlights of this aquarium is its large tank, which holds over 2,000 fish and is designed to simulate a kelp forest ecosystem. Visitors can walk through a tunnel that passes through the tank and offers stunning views of the fish swimming overhead.

Kyoto International Manga Museum

Manga are comics or graphic novels originating from Japan. Most often Japanese anime are based on manga, so if you watched some you know how popular they are, especially among youngsters. This museum has three floors, the first one is dedicated to boys' manga (shonen), the second one to girls' (shojo) and the last floor carries young adult comics (seinan). It also includes an international section where you can find manga in different languages. You can pick manga and read it on the spot or visit the Museum shop to purchase one.

Museums

Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

This great museum is dedicated to the history of Toyota Corporation with a large car exhibition and showcase of various Toyota Technologies from the past and future.

Takayama Shōwa-kan Museum

It’s a very interesting retro museum presenting displays from the period of 1926-1989.

Hida Folk Village

Absolutely charming open-air museum featuring Edo-period farmhouses, known for their thatched roofs & wood construction.

Kyoto Samurai and Ninja Museum with Experience

The museum features a collection of authentic samurai and ninja artifacts, including weapons, armor, and tools. One of the highlights of the museum is the interactive experiences that allow visitors to learn and practice traditional skills. Visitors can dress up in samurai or ninja attire and practice using a katana sword or throwing shuriken (ninja stars). They can also participate in a mock sword fight or learn traditional ninja stealth techniques.

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Expert tips in and around Kyoto

Booking in advance

Book your trip in advance especially if you pick high seasons (autumn and spring). I would recommend booking tickets and a hotel at least a few months in advance. You can check the fall foliage forecast online. Here are the links: https://s.n-kishou.co.jp/w/sp/koyo/koyo_top.html?&fla=en

and the forecast for the cherry blossom:

https://sakura.weathermap.jp/en.php

Wake up early

The Kyoto region is a very popular destination, so try to go early in the morning to the most popular places (like temples and shrines) to experience tranquility and not be bothered by crowds.

Consider buying rail passes

Buy a Japan Railway Pass if you plan to travel a lot between regions or prefectures. With this pass, you can use JR trains, buses and ferries. It is cheaper to buy it via the official website https://japanrailpass.net/en/about_jrp.html#anchor03

However, it is not needed if you plan to stay only in Kyoto!

Authentic experience

I encourage you to experience more authentic Japan wherever you go. Don’t miss staying in traditional Japanese ryokan, authentic izakayas, hidden “gems” like Kanazawa, Takayama, Shirakawa-go and many other truly Japanese features.

Temple burnout

Don’t overTemple yourself with a variety of temples and shrines, especially in Kyoto. Pick one area and visit a few temples situated there.

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What we propose

Jena Hovor

Expert France

Let us create your perfect itinerary!

Contact us now and we'll begin creating your one-of-a-kind itinerary, tailored specifically to your preferences and needs.

Our expert travel planners will craft a unique, custom route that includes all the must-see sights and hidden gems, divided by day and with a clear route from A to Z.

We'll save you time by doing all the research and planning for you.
Our experts have insider knowledge of unique and off-the-beaten-path destinations that aren't typically found in guidebooks.
Your itinerary will be fully customized to your interests, preferences, and travel style.
We'll provide you with all the essential details, such as transportation options, recommended accommodations, and restaurant reservations.
You'll have access to ongoing support from our team throughout your entire trip, ensuring a stress-free and unforgettable experience.
The cost of our service is only $190

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Stories of Our Customers

Recommended Trip Budget and how to save money

For a couple in Kyoto and around

Budget per day	Cost, $
Accommodation “Ryokan”	from $200 (incl. superb breakfast)*
Accommodation “Hotel”	from $150 (incl. superb breakfast)**
Meals	from $35* per pax = $70x2 times=$140***
Entertainment	from $35x2 = $70*
Car rental Toyota Rent a Car	from $54 (incl. taxes)****

Family of 4 in Kyoto and around

Budget per day	Cost, $
Accommodation “Ryokan”	from $300 (incl. superb breakfast)*****
Accommodation “Hotel”	from $400 (incl. superb breakfast)******
Meals	from *$35 per pax = $140x2 times=$280*****
Entertainment	from *$35x4 = $140**
Car rental Toyota Rent a Car	from $90 (incl. taxes)******

* Traditional Japanese room with 2 futons

** Double room with 1 large bed

*** Good meal course in a restaurant

****Mini/Compact class, 5 seats

***** Traditional Japanese room with tatami area, 2 futons + 1 large bed

****** Deluxe Grand Twin with 1 sofa bed + 3 single beds

******* Toyota, Standart class, 5 seats

How to get to the Region

Kyoto itself doesn’t have an airport. The closest airport to Kyoto is Osaka Itami Airport which is around 36 km from Kyoto, and about 55 minutes away by bus. However, because Osaka International Airport only takes domestic flights, most international travelers come from Kansai International Airport which is 77 km away from Kyoto in Osaka Bay, and a 75 minute journey away by limited express train. So, if your point of entry to Japan is Osaka we recommend taking a train from Kansai International Airport.

In case your point of entry to Japan is Tokyo and you plan to visit the Kyoto region as well, we recommend taking a bullet train from Tokyo JR Station to Kyoto Station. It’s the most convenient direct train (Shinkansen) that will bring you to Kyoto in 2 h 40 min.

Flight duration

Los-Angeles-Osaka

flight #1
Los Angeles(LAX)-San Francisco(SFO)
1 h 35 min approx
flight #2
San Francisco(SFO)-Osaka (KIX)
12 h 30 min approx.

Miami-Osaka

flight #1
Miami(FLL)-San Francisco(SFO)
6 h 30 min approx
flight #2
San Francisco(SFO)-Osaka (KIX)
12 h 30 min approx.

New York-Osaka

flight #1
New York(JFK)-Tokyo(HND)
14 h 15 min approx
flight #2
Tokyo(HND)-Osaka (ITM)
1 h 20 min approx.

How much time to spend on your trip

First time in and around Kyoto

Purpose: visiting top sights of the region

5-7 days

Big family trip

Purpose: kids attractions & natural sights

10-15 days

Honeymoon trip around Kyoto

Purpose: visiting top sights & pearls, having privacy in onsen/on the beach

15-20 days

Airports in the Kyoto region

Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)

1 Chome-1 Centrair, Tokoname, Aichi 479-0881, Japan 〒479-0881 愛知県常滑市セントレア１丁目1

It is a modern and well-managed international airport with all facilities that any traveler may need: shops, restaurants, amazing observation deck, rest zones, and helpful staff. There are only a few international flights operated to Singapore, Bangkok and Manila. Most flights are domestic. The airport is not very crowded like Narita International or Kansai International airports and only 39 km away from Nagoya.

Best Accomodation

Price: from $362

The Junei Hotel Kyoto Imperial Palace West

Japan, 〒602-8056 Kyoto, Kamigyo Ward, Sanchome, 14 〒602-8056 京都府京都市上京区東堀川通下長者下る三町目14

Anna Kraskovska

Meaningful stay. Beautiful ryokan with spacious rooms and great hospitality. I was impressed by the customer service that felt warm in the elegance.

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Price: from $372

Hanaogi Bettei Iiyama

262-2 Honobumachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0003, Japan 〒506-0003 岐阜県高山市本母町262-2

Anna Kraskovska

The highlight of our trip was this ryokan. Michiru took care of us from the start and was friendly, providing stellar service. I would highly recommend both dinner and breakfast as both were Michelin star worthy. Absolutely delicious and gave us a taste of all Japan cuisines.

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Price: from $316

Motoyu Ishiya

Japan, 〒920-0165 Ishikawa, Kanazawa, Fukatanimachi, Chi−９５〒920-0165 石川県金沢市深谷町チ９５

Anna Kraskovska

Exceptional stay. Clean, great food, great service, great facilities

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7 days Itinerary in Kyoto and around

Day 1

Kyoto top sights