Kyoto Unveiled: A Journey Through Time and Tradition

dina intrsts

6 Dec 2023

Embark on a captivating 8-day adventure through Kyoto, Japan. Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of this enchanting city. From ancient temples to sacred shrines, each day brings new wonders to discover. Join me as we explore the hidden gems of Kyoto!

Trip to Kyoto

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Tranquility and Serenity at Nanzen-ji Temple

$19

$ 4

Stately Buddhist temple complex with a Zen garden, forested grounds & walking paths.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

8 - 10 min

Directions

Classic Shinto shrine & landscaped gardens created in 1895 for the city's 1,100th birthday.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

38 - 46 min

Directions

On the scenic grounds of this 15th-century temple is a famous Zen rock garden & a yudofu restaurant.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Day 2Mystical Charms of Kifune Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine

$19

$ 4

Intimate Shinto shrine with a verdant mountainside setting, reached by a lantern-lined path.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

34 - 41 min

Directions

Legendary 2,000-year-old shrine & excavation site set in a tranquil, riverside forest.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

46 - 56 min

Directions

This sprawling Tendai Buddhist monastery dates to the 7th century but was rebuilt centuries later.

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Day 3Majestic Beauty of Higashiyama Jisho-ji and Kyoto Gion YASAKA SHRINE

$ 4

This 15th-century Zen temple features picturesque gardens & a sand mound shaped like Mount Fuji.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

17 - 21 min

Directions

This Shinto shrine was erected in 656 A.D. & is home to one of the most famous festivals in Japan.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

26 - 32 min

Directions

Palace complex & former Imperial family residence reconstructed in 1855, with gardens & gates.

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

Day 4Spiritual Enlightenment at Tōfuku-ji Temple and Higashi Hongan-ji Temple

$19

$ 4

Large Buddhist temple established in 1236 on scenic grounds with gardens known for fall foliage.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

18 - 22 min

Directions

Serene Buddhist temple complex with a 76m-long hall, one of the largest wood buildings in the world.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

13 - 16 min

Directions

Historic Buddhist temple with a 5-story wooden pagoda & sculptures of deities from the 8th century.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Day 5Timeless Elegance of Nijō Castle and Rengeō-in Temple

$23

$ 4

Built in 1603, this cypress-wood castle with extensive gardens was a home for the shogun Ieyasu.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$10

12 - 15 min

Directions

This iconic Buddhist temple is known for its 1,001 life-sized wooden statues of the goddess Kannon.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

18 - 22 min

Directions

Serene setting with a Buddhist temple & gardens, plus tea houses & seasonal light festivals.

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Day 6Playful Monkeys and Golden Splendor at Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama

$25

$ 4

Popular area atop Mt. Arashiyama for viewing wild macaque monkeys & sweeping city views.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

15 - 18 min

Directions

Theme park & movie set featuring a replica Edo-period village with traditional buildings & streets.

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$13

12 - 15 min

Directions

Historic, tranquil temple with a gold-leaf facade set amid landscaped gardens & a reflecting pond.

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

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Day 7Cultural Immersion at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine and Kyoto Railway Museum

$25

$ 4

Shrine with 10th-century origins featuring annual festivals to mark natural & historical events.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

28 - 34 min

Directions

Contemporary space with exhibits on the railway & an array of locomotives & trains on display.

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$13

33 - 40 min

Directions

Tours are offered of this iconic temple with a scenic pond & garden, plus a building with artifacts.

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Day 8Divine Blessings at Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kiyomizu-dera

$13

$ 2

Mountainside Shinto shrine dating from 711 A.D. featuring a path with hundreds of traditional gates.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

15 - 18 min

Directions

Iconic Buddhist temple on Mount Otowa known for the scenic views afforded from its sizable veranda.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$13

Budget breakdown: $176 In total

Activities & Food:$148

Transport:$28