10 Days in Kyoto: A Journey Through Ancient Temples and Serene Gardens

Светлина Терзиева

12 Oct 2023

Embark on a 10-day adventure in Kyoto, Japan, exploring breathtaking temples like Kinkaku-ji and Tō-ji, immersing yourself in the rich history and culture of this enchanting city. Discover the tranquility of Kiyomizu-dera and the vibrant atmosphere of Nishiki Market. Uncover the hidden gems of Kyoto, from the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha to the majestic Arashiyama Monkey Park. Join us on this unforgettable journey through ancient temples and serene gardens.

Trip to Kyoto

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1

$25

$ 4

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$13

30 - 36 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$13

Day 2

$33

$ 4

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$13

14 - 17 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$20

Day 3

$13

$ 4

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

15 - 18 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$13

Day 4

$13

$ 4

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

17 - 21 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$13

Day 5

$25

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$25

Day 6

$13

400-year-old iconic market studded with stalls offering all manner of Japanese edibles.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

13 - 20 min

Directions

Historic, ornate Buddhist temple with a traditional Zen garden, tea ceremonies & colorful murals.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$13

9 - 14 min

Directions

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

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 7

$25

$ 4

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$13

32 - 39 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$13

Day 8

$25

$ 4

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$13

9 - 11 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$13

Day 9

$25

$ 4

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$13

34 - 41 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$13

Day 10

$38

$ 4

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$25

25 - 30 min

Directions

This venerable Zen temple at the foot of mountains features teahouses & serene, expansive gardens.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$13

Budget breakdown: $263 In total

Activities & Food:$233

Transport:$30