Kyoto Unveiled: A Journey Through Time

Ting Ting Hsia

2 Dec 2023

Embark on a captivating 8-day adventure through Kyoto, Japan. Discover ancient temples, majestic shrines, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this enchanting city. From the iconic Kinkaku-ji to the mystical Fushimi Inari Taisha, prepare to be awestruck at every turn.

Trip to Kyoto

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Monkeys, Zen Gardens, and Golden Splendor

$38

$ 8

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$13

22 - 27 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$13

7 - 9 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$13

Day 2Tranquility at Tenryu-ji and the Sacred Kitano Tenmangu

$25

$ 4

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$13

29 - 35 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$13

Day 3All Aboard the Kyoto Railway Museum and Nijō Castle

$45

$ 4

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$25

30 - 36 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$20

Day 4Culinary Delights at Nishiki Market and Spiritual Encounters

$13

$ 8

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

11 - 14 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

19 - 23 min

Directions

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

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$13

Day 5Ancient Beauty at Rengeō-in and Heian-jingū

$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

23 - 28 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$13

Day 6Temples Galore: Tō-ji, Tōfuku-ji, and Byōdō-in

$38

$ 8

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$13

17 - 21 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$13

38 - 46 min

Directions

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 7A Hike to Fushimi Inari Taisha and a Glimpse of Royalty

$ 4

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

51 - 62 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 8Serenity at Shimogamo Shrine and Higashiyama Jisho-ji

$25

$ 4

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

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$13

18 - 22 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

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$13

Budget breakdown: $249 In total

Activities & Food:$208

Transport:$41