Walking Through Kyoto: A Journey Through Traditional Japan

Kyoto, Japan's former imperial capital for over a thousand years, offers an unparalleled glimpse into traditional Japanese culture. This three-day tour guides you through both the magnificent temples and local neighborhoods that make Kyoto one of the world's most beautiful cities. While buses and trains connect major sites, walking allows you to discover hidden temples, traditional gardens, and atmospheric alleyways that give Kyoto its timeless character.

Day 1: Southern Higashiyama

Begin your Kyoto journey at Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Access: Bus 100 or 206 from Kyoto Station to Kiyomizu-michi stop. Have breakfast at Tsukumo Bakery near Kiyomizu for fresh pastries, or try % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama for excellent coffee with a view. Start early (opens 6:00 AM) to experience the temple before crowds arrive.

Explore Kiyomizu's massive wooden terrace and drink from the sacred waterfall. Walk down atmospheric Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka slopes, lined with traditional shops and tea houses. Essential stops:

• Yasaka Pagoda for photos

• Starbucks in traditional machiya house

• Local shops selling Kiyomizu pottery

• Sample yatsuhashi (cinnamon mochi sweets)

  
  

Continue to Maruyama Park and Yasaka Shrine. For lunch, try Issen Yoshoku for Kyoto's unique fusion food, or explore Nishiki Market (15-minute walk west) for various local specialties.

Walk north through the preserved streets of Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district. Visit Kennin-ji Temple, Kyoto's oldest Zen temple. End your day dining at Gion Karyo for kaiseki cuisine, or try Izuju for traditional Kyoto-style sushi. In early evening, stroll Pontocho alley for its atmospheric restaurants and possible geisha sightings.

Day 2: Arashiyama and Golden Pavilion

Start at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Access: JR San-in Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station. Have breakfast at % Arabica Arashiyama or try traditional tofu breakfast at Shoraian (reservation required). Arrive by 7:00 AM to experience the bamboo grove without crowds.

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple first (opens 8:30 AM), then explore the bamboo grove. Walk through Arashiyama's atmospheric streets to Togetsukyo Bridge. Key stops:

• Monkey Park Iwatayama (if interested in wild monkeys)

• Okochi Sanso Villa gardens

• Small temples like Gio-ji and Jojako-ji

  
  

For lunch, try yudofu (hot pot) at Junsei, or sample street food along Arashiyama's main street.

Transit: Take JR Bus #59 to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). After visiting the pavilion, walk to nearby Ryoan-ji Temple to see Japan's most famous rock garden. End the day at Ninna-ji Temple, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.

Dine at Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama for exceptional kaiseki (reserve well ahead), or try more casual Kyoto cuisine at Yoshiya near Arashiyama station. Finish with drinks at Bar K-ya in central Kyoto for craft cocktails in a traditional setting.

Day 3: Northern Higashiyama and Fushimi Inari

Begin early at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Access: JR Nara Line to Inari Station. Start by 7:00 AM to experience the thousand torii gates before crowds arrive. Have breakfast at one of the small shops near the shrine serving Inari sushi and green tea.

Spend the morning exploring the mountain paths - most tourists only see the bottom section, but the upper paths offer peaceful forest walks and city views.

Transit: Take JR Line back to Kyoto, then bus #5 to Silver Pavilion. Explore the temple and its moss garden, then walk the Philosopher's Path south. Key stops:

• Honen-in Temple

• Nanzen-ji Temple complex

• Eikan-do Temple (spectacular in autumn)

  
  

For lunch, try soba at Okutan Nanzenji (founded 1465), or sample shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) at Shigetsu in Tenryu-ji.

End your day in the Philosopher's Path area, dining at Hyotei for traditional Kyoto cuisine (reserve months ahead), or try Omen for famous udon noodles. Finish with a drink at Sake Bar Yoramu for rare sake tasting, or experience a tea ceremony at En.

Transit Tips:

• Get a prepaid ICOCA card

• Consider the one-day bus pass for ¥600

• Download the Japan Travel by Navitime app

• Buses display and announce stops in English

• Taxis are convenient but expensive

• Many temples are far from train stations; buses are often better

  
  

Kyoto reveals itself slowly through its temples, gardens, and traditions. This tour covers essential sights while leaving room for spiritual and cultural discoveries. Wear comfortable shoes suitable for temple visits (lots of steps) and carry cash - many smaller shops don't accept cards.

Key Customs:

• Remove shoes when entering temples (wear slip-on shoes)

• Observe quiet in temple grounds

• Photography may be restricted in some temple buildings

• Carry a small towel for hand washing at shrines

• Don't eat while walking in traditional areas

• Book tea ceremonies and kaiseki meals in advance

  
  

Remember that most temples open around 9:00 AM and close by 5:00 PM, but shrine grounds are often accessible earlier. Most importantly, don't rush. Kyoto rewards those who take time to absorb its spiritual atmosphere, perhaps over a bowl of matcha or during a peaceful garden stroll.

Weather considerations: Summer is hot and humid; winter is cold but atmospheric with occasional snow. Spring (cherry blossoms) and fall (autumn colors) are spectacular but extremely crowded. Consider visiting slightly off-peak for a more peaceful experience.