Anna Kraskovska
Welcome travel fans! I’ve been traveling around the world for 20 years and most of my trips were to Asia. I think I have been crazy about Japan since I was a child and I will be happy to share this passion with you…
Kyoto is Japan in a word. It’s the cultural and historical heart of the country. It’s the best place in Japan to experience impressive temples and shrines, charming gardens, traditional Japanese ryokans and geisha shows, and explore craft shops and fantastic restaurants. In short, Kyoto is the most rewarding destination in Japan, and it should be at the top of any Japan travel itinerary. Kyoto is unbelievable and one of the world’s most visited cities.
What we propose
Crystalina
Jena Hovor
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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.
Sections:
Tourist Attractions
Kiyomizu-dera
1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward
from 6 am to 6 pm
Fushimi Inari Shrine
68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward
open for 24 hours
Kinkaku-ji temple (the Golden Pavilion)
1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward
from 9 am to 5 pm
Gion
570-2 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward
Attractions For Kids
Kyoto Samurai and Ninja Museum with Experience
Nakagyo Ward, Higashidaimonjicho
from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm
Kyoto Aquarium
35-1 Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward
from 9 am to 8 pm (Weekend) from 10 am to 6 pm (Weekdays)
Arashiyama Monkey Park
Nishikyo Ward, Arashiyama Nakaoshitacho
from 9 am to 4 pm
Kyoto International Manga
452 Kinbukicho, Nakagyo Ward
from 10 am to 5:30 pm Closed on T&W
Museums
Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
247 Minamihamacho, Fushimi Ward
from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Kyoto National Museum
527 Chayacho, Higashiyama Ward
from 9:30 to 5 pm Closed on Monday
from 10 am to 5:30 pm. Closed on T&W
01
Kyoto top sights
Purpose: visiting top sights
3 days
02
More about Kyoto
Purpose: visiting top sights & hidden “gems”
5 days
03
Incredible Kyoto
7 days
Let’s go a little further from the basic itinerary to off the beaten path and know more about one of the most inviting cities in the world…
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
〒616-8439 Kyoto, Ukyo Ward, Sagatoriimoto Fukatanicho
from 8 am to 4:30 pm
Gioji Temple
32 Sagatoriimoto Kozakacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8435
from 9 am to 4:30 pm
Rurikoin Temple
〒606-0067 Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, Kamitakano Higashiyama
from 10 am to 5 pm. Closed during winter and summer.
Ine Cho village Funaya
〒626-0423 Kyoto, Yoza District, Ine, Hirata, 77
open 24 hours
Unryu-in Temple
36 Sennyuji Yamanouchicho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0977
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: [link] and the forecast for the cherry blossom: [link]
Wake up early
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 [link]
However, it is not needed if you plan to stay only in Kyoto!
If you plan to travel around the Kansai region (Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe) we recommend purchasing Kansai Thru Pass, a 2-day pass costs 4480 yen and a 3-day pass is 5600 yen. You can buy it in any location listed in the following link
Or you can buy Kansai One Pass which is basically a prepaid card, you can charge it anytime you need. [link]
If you plan to stay in Kyoto shortly and visit many places we recommend buying a one-day subway and bus pass, which costs 1100 yen for adults and 550 yen for children. You can buy it in any location listed in the following [link]
Temple burnout
Don’t over Temple yourself with Kyoto’s variety of temples and shrines. Pick one area and visit a few temples situated there.
Kurakura ($$ - moderate)
Japan, 〒600-8148 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Ameyacho, 244, 木村ビル 〒600-8148 京都府京都市下京区飴屋町244 木村ビル
A cozy izakaya with delicious food! Very kind owner and staff who tried their best to make our visit comfortable with English conversation and menu. Definitely a place to return to!
Pound Shijo Kawaramachi ($$$ - moderate to expensive)
Japan, 〒600-8001 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Shincho, 81 〒600-8001 京都府京都市下京区真町81
It’s a high quality wagyu beef restaurant with excellent service, amazing food and English menu. Highly recommended for all meat lovers!
Eikichi ($$ - moderate)
307 Tamatsushimacho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8427, Japan 〒600-8427 京都府京都市下京区玉津島町307
One of the best places to have seafood & tempura in a very charming atmosphere. The owner is the chef, the waiter, the cleaner and the barman. He does it all and is so customer friendly. Highly recommended!
Kanidouraku Kyoto Fushimi ($$$ - expensive)
Japan, 〒612-8443 Kyoto, Fushimi Ward, Takeda Warayacho, 54 〒612-8443 京都府京都市伏見区竹田藁屋町54
Crab is the main menu, everything is fresh and super delicious, many courses to choose from. Reasonable price for the quality and amount of food. A must-visit place!
Aeon Mall Kyoto
1 Nishikujo Toriiguchicho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8417, Japan 〒601-8417 京都府京都市南区西九条鳥居口町1
A great place for shopping with a wide range of groceries, pet stores, restaurants and clothes stores. Very convenient mall close to Kyoto station.
Aeon Mall Kyoto Katsuragawa
376-1 Kuzetakadacho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8211, Japan 〒601-8211 京都府京都市南区久世高田町376-1
A super big mall with plenty of stores, restaurants, cafes and a good choice of goods.
SUINA Muromachi
Japan, 〒600-8491 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Kankobokocho, 78 〒600-8491 京都府京都市下京区四条通室町東入函谷鉾町78
It is a multi-purpose and convenient space with facilities such as bookstores, cafes, restaurants and supermarkets.
Kyoto Avanti
31 Higashikujo Nishisannocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8003, Japan 〒601-8003 京都府京都市南区東九条西山王町31
Convenient urban mall across the street from Kyoto Station. The first two floors have some very cheap items for sale. If you are not looking for brand but value, then this is the place to go.
Shinkyogoku Shopping Street Union
Japan, 〒604-8035 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Sakuranocho, 438-1 べんてん堂ビル 3F 〒604-8035 京都府京都市中京区桜之町438-1 べんてん堂ビル 3F
Fantastic place for souvenirs and just wandering. Clean, tidy and covered, so great for any weather. It is huge, and goes on forever in all directions. Even some shrines tucked inside. Highly recommended for shopping.
Demachi Masugata Shopping Street
229 Seiryucho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-0822, Japan 〒602-0822 京都府京都市上京区青龍町229
It’s a shopping arcade full of local color. It has everything you might need from a 100 yen store, groceries, fruits, bento, flowers, to cheap household goods. You can also try some delicious street food there.
Teramachi Shopping Street
Shimohonnojimaecho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8091, Japan 〒604-8091 京都府京都市中京区下本能寺前町
A nice shopping area with some nice places for dining and shopping. At night is better than day. Younger crowd and the style of clothing is a sight to see.
Ninenzaka street
Japan, 〒605-0826 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Masuyacho, 清水2丁目 〒605-0826 京都府京都市東山区桝屋町清水2丁目
It is the most popular pedestrian thoroughfare in Kyoto known for its classic wooden teahouses, old craft shops, lovely restaurants, and amazing atmosphere. Very kyoto-ish and very instagrammable spot.
Nishiki Market
609番地 Nishidaimonjicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8055, Japan 〒604-8055 京都府京都市中京区西大文字町609番地
This is one of the coolest shopping and eating streets in Japan full of stalls and places to eat. Exquisite, bustling atmosphere, with aromas from the different stalls invigorating your senses. A great place for street photography, a highly recommended place to visit for some Japanese street food.
Kyoto Fish/Seafood Market
Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8847, Japan 〒600-8847 京都府京都市下京区
It’s a wholesale seafood market where you can even find a free auction at 5 am and be pleased by super fresh seafood.
Uoriki
Japan, 〒604-8055 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, 北側 〒604-8055 京都府京都市中京区錦小路通富小路西入ル 北側
It’s a short addition to Nishiki market where you can buy seafood and try local food like tempura, fried conger eel and many other food items cooked in front of you.
Sato-no-Eki Ohara
1012 Oharanomuracho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 601-1247, Japan 〒601-1247 京都府京都市左京区大原野村町1012
It is a very popular farmers market in Kyoto. Many of the locals including small restaurant and cafe owners also come here. Nice and friendly atmosphere. Open-air Sunday morning farmers’ market starts at 6 am. Better go early if you want to buy fresh vegetables directly from the farmers, because usually nothing much is left after 8 am.
Fortunately there are no dangerous areas in Kyoto. Where to stay is up to you. I adore Southern Higashiyama due to its prime location and historic heritage. Two of Kyoto’s most attractive streets Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka are my favorite, a pair of gently sloping lanes with a wide range of restaurants, bars, and shops that lead down from Kiyomizu-dera Temple toward Nene-no-Michi Lane.
The Junei Hotel Kyoto Imperial Palace West
Meaningful stay. Beautiful ryokan with spacious rooms and great hospitality. I was impressed by the customer service that felt warm in the elegance.
GOOD NATURE HOTEL KYOTO
The whole hotel was absolutely stunning. Quiet, calm and well decorated. Stunning.”
Gion Yoshiima
Fantastic traditional ryokan. The location, staff, room and the Japanese style breakfast, just everything is amazing!
For a couple (5-star, high season)
Family of 4 (5-star, high season)
* 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</span>
09:00
Breakfast at the hotel
10:00
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
11:00
Sannenzaka area
13:00
Lunch at Akoya-chaya
14:30
Yasaka shrine
15:30
Maruyama Park
17:00
Walking around Gion
19:00
Dinner at Yasakadori Enraku
11:30
Rengeoin Sanjusangendo
12:30
Lunch at the market
14:00
Nijō Castle
15:00
Kyoto Imperial Palace
16:00
Old Mitsui Family Shimogamo Villa
Dinner at Kanidouraku Kyoto Fushimi
Kinkaku-ji temple (the Golden Pavilion) and around
Lunch at Omurahouse Kinkakuji
Higashiyama Jisho-ji
16:30
Dinner at Pound Shijo Kawaramachi
08:30
Tenryu-ji Temple
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Lunch at Unagi Hirokawa
Kyoto International Manga Museum
Dinner at Kurakura
08:00
Departure to Ine Cho village Funaya
Ine Cho village Funaya (guesthouse check-in)
12:00
Boat cruise
13:30
Lunch at the village
Walking around the village
Dinner & overnight in the village
Breakfast at the village
Back to Kyoto
Lunch on the way
Ruriko-in Temple
Jikkokubune Canal Cruise
Dinner at 料理屋しん谷
A few of them are as follows:
WC near Yasaka Shrine
WC near Kiyomizu-dera Temple
WC near Maruyama Park
WC near Fushimi Inari Temple
1 Chome-287-7 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan 〒605-0862 京都府京都市東山区清水1丁目287-7
493ー1 Kiyoicho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0821, Japan 〒605-0821 京都府京都市東山区清井町493ー1
Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan 〒603-8361 京都府京都市北区金閣寺町
City areas closed for vehicles
There is a traditional shopping zone Sannenzaka with a charming pedestrian street Ninenzaka known for its classic architecture, teahouses, restaurants and shops where you can walk only. But don’t bother about this point. There are plenty of parking lots where you can leave your car even very close to the most popular tourist areas like Yasaka Shrine, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Fushimi Inari Temple or even Sannenzaka area.
Cooking Sun
679 Funayacho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8466, Japan 〒600-8466 京都府京都市下京区舟屋町679
Very friendly, patient and good English speaking Teacher that will teach you how to cook home made dishes and some new ideas and techniques to build a typical bento box meal. Great experience!
Ramen Factory Kyoto
Japan, 〒602-0841 Kyoto, Kamigyo Ward, Kajiicho, 447-14 プランタンビル B1 〒602-0841 京都府京都市上京区梶井町447-14 プランタンビル B1
Fantastic experience for the family. Make your own ramen, cook your own chicken and wash it all down with salt/soy/miso soup. The full session takes 90 mins, where the latter involves blowtorching your own chicken and making your own soup. You will also get a souvenir bandana “NO RAMEN NO LIFE!”
Organic house Salute
600-31 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan 〒600-8216 京都府京都市下京区東塩小路町600-31
Nice little place with vegan food and cooking classes that will capture your attention. Have fun!
Ai's cuisine - Japanese Cooking Class in Kyoto
508-4 Tsutsumicho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0025, Japan 〒605-0025 京都府京都市東山区堤町508-4
Fantastic cooking class with a fantastic teacher at her fantastic home kitchen.
When is the best time to come to Kyoto?
You can come to Kyoto at any time of the year. The cherry blossom season is very popular, for obvious reasons, but it’s also very crowded. You can choose the fall foliage season that is also great and not as crowded as the cherry blossom season.
How many days to spend in Kyoto?
As much time as possible. Imagine that many people who come to Japan visit Kyoto only spending at least a week there. But I would propose to start from Tokyo and then come to Kyoto at least for 4-5 days.
What to try in Kyoto?
04
Should I Have A Tour Guide For Kyoto?
It’s a question of your choice. I explored this amazing city without a guide, communicating with locals, reading, chatting, and enjoying a sacred moment of discovering. Kyoto is a great place for solo travelers, especially if you have a personal travel itinerary with all the details and maps. Kyoto is safe, easy and fun to visit by yourself. You’ll have no problem meeting other travelers and local Japanese people.
05
Do I need a car to travel to Kyoto?
No, you don’t. Kyoto is easily reached from Osaka, Tokyo and other cities by trains and getting around the city is also very easy. But if you want to explore some exclusive places like Ine Cho village, the car is essential.
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Anna is an expert in Japanese travel! She was able to build us a customized itinerary that met our specific interests and needs, including suggestions for unique local experiences that we wouldn't have found on our own.
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We paid in advance for a customized travel itinerary from Anna. While the initial itinerary was well thought out and included some great suggestions, we didn't feel as though we received much support during the actual trip. Although Anna did send us recommendations for accommodations and some changes to the itinerary, it didn't completely meet our needs. While the service was friendly, in the future we may choose to plan our travels on our own.
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We had a week to travel to northern Japan (excluding Kyoto) and wanted to make the most of our trip. We turned to Anna to help us build a plan, and he provided a detailed itinerary down to the smallest details, including parking spaces with links and addresses, places to stay based on our preferences, attractions to see, and cities to visit. Throughout our trip, Anna was available to help with any problems or questions, especially during the time when we were affected by bureaucratic issues due to the Corona epidemic.
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