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Kyoto: A Journey Through Time

William I-Li Wu

William I-Li Wu

11 Mar 2024

Embark on a captivating adventure through the ancient wonders of Kyoto. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage, tranquil temples, and vibrant markets. Discover the essence of Japan in this enchanting city.

Day 1Serenity at Nanzen-ji Temple and Heian-jingū Shrine
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$25

·

$ 4

Nanzen-ji Temple
Stately Buddhist temple complex with a Zen garden, forested grounds & walking paths.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$13
7 - 9 min

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Directions

Heian-jingū Shrine
Classic Shinto shrine & landscaped gardens created in 1895 for the city's 1,100th birthday.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
$13
Day 2Majestic Beauty of Higashiyama Jisho-ji and Kiyomizu-dera
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$38

·

$ 4

Higashiyama Jisho-ji
This 15th-century Zen temple features picturesque gardens & a sand mound shaped like Mount Fuji.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
$13
25 - 30 min

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Directions

Kiyomizu-dera
Iconic Buddhist temple on Mount Otowa known for the scenic views afforded from its sizable veranda.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$25
Day 3Unveiling the Sacred Secrets of Tō-ji, Tōfuku-ji, and Byōdō-in Temples
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$38

·

$ 8

Tō-ji Temple
Historic Buddhist temple with a 5-story wooden pagoda & sculptures of deities from the 8th century.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
$13
16 - 20 min

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Directions

Tōfuku-ji Temple
Large Buddhist temple established in 1236 on scenic grounds with gardens known for fall foliage.
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
$13
30 - 36 min

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Directions

Byōdō-in Temple
Tours are offered of this iconic temple with a scenic pond & garden, plus a building with artifacts.
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
$13
Day 4Wander Through Time at Sannenzaka, Kyoto Railway Museum, and Ryōan-ji
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$38

·

$ 8

Sannenzaka
Bustling pedestrian street on a hill lined with souvenir stalls & traditional Japanese architecture.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Free
20 - 24 min

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Directions

Kyoto Railway Museum
Contemporary space with exhibits on the railway & an array of locomotives & trains on display.
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
$25
34 - 41 min

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Directions

Ryōan-ji
On the scenic grounds of this 15th-century temple is a famous Zen rock garden & a yudofu restaurant.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
$13
Day 5Spiritual Enlightenment at Higashi Hongan-ji Temple and Rengeō-in
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$25

·

$ 4

Higashi Hongan-ji Temple
Serene Buddhist temple complex with a 76m-long hall, one of the largest wood buildings in the world.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
$13
7 - 9 min

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Directions

Rengeō-in (Sanjūsangen-dō) Temple
This iconic Buddhist temple is known for its 1,001 life-sized wooden statues of the goddess Kannon.
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
$13
Day 6Cinematic Experience at Toei Kyoto Studio Park, Golden Splendor of Kinkaku-ji, and Culinary Delights at Nishiki Market
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$38

·

$ 8

Toei Kyoto Studio Park
Theme park & movie set featuring a replica Edo-period village with traditional buildings & streets.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$25
18 - 22 min

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Directions

Kinkaku-ji
Historic, tranquil temple with a gold-leaf facade set amid landscaped gardens & a reflecting pond.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
$13
29 - 35 min

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Directions

Nishiki Market
400-year-old iconic market studded with stalls offering all manner of Japanese edibles.
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Free

Budget breakdown: $234 In total

Activities & Food:$200
Transport:$34