Itineraries
Get to Fushimi Inari Shrine by 7am if you can — the torii gate paths are genuinely different before the crowds arrive, and climbing well past the first viewpoint gets you into real quiet. In the afternoon, walk the Philosopher’s Path connecting Nanzenji to Ginkakuji — widely considered the finest urban walk in Japan, especially stunning during autumn foliage or cherry blossom season.
DAY 2: ARASHIYAMA AND THE WEST
Hit the Arashiyama bamboo grove early again, around 7am, before the tour groups arrive in force. Continue straight to Tenryu-ji temple and its garden right next door. In the afternoon, wander the Saga-Toriimoto preserved historical street — a quieter, less-trodden alternative to the busier central tourist routes.
DAY 3: GION AND A DAY TRIP TO NARA
Take a day trip to Nara, about 45 minutes from Kyoto by train — home to genuinely free-roaming, unbothered deer and the significant Todai-ji temple. Back in Kyoto for the evening, walk through Gion, where there’s a real chance of spotting a geiko or maiko moving between appointments, especially in early evening.
ONE THING WORTH KNOWING: a Suica or similar rechargeable transit card makes getting around the city far simpler, and most major sites are well served by bus and train — a rental car genuinely isn’t worth the hassle given parking constraints near the popular spots.
