Kyoto - 9 Days Itinerary

Arrive KIX Airport

Arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX) from Taiwan on Flight GK50.

Proceed through customs and immigration.

JR Haruka to Kyoto

Take the JR Haruka express train from Kansai International Airport directly to Kyoto Station.

The journey is approximately 75 minutes.

Hotel Bag Drop

Arrive at your hotel, Apa Hotel Kyoto Ekihigashi, to drop off your luggage and freshen up before starting your day.

Explore Nishiki Market

Wander through Kyoto's famous Nishiki Market, known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen.

' Sample local street snacks and observe traditional food stalls. This is an easy first activity to ease into the city.

Try various street foods like takoyaki, tamagoyaki, and matcha desserts. The market can be crowded, especially on weekdays.

Omakase Lunch

Enjoy a special Omakase lunch, a perfect first-day treat in Kyoto.

Options could include Sushi Gion Matsudaya, Sushi Iwa, or Sushi Hayashi, offering a high-quality sushi experience.

Booking in advance is highly recommended for popular omakase restaurants. Prices can vary greatly.

Tea & Sake Tasting

Immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture with a private tea ceremony and sake tasting experience in a 300-year-old Kyoto samurai house.

Enjoy the historic property to yourselves.

Book in advance to secure your private session. A wonderful, intimate introduction to Japanese traditions.

Stroll Through Gion & Kamo River

Take a relaxed evening stroll through the historic Gion district, Kyoto's famous geisha quarter.

Enjoy the traditional wooden machiya houses and walk along the scenic Kamo River.

Keep an eye out for geiko (geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha) in the evening. Be respectful if you encounter them. Consider visiting Yasaka Shrine or Shōrenin Temple in the area.

Return to Hotel & Early Night

Head back to your hotel for an early night to recover from your travels and prepare for the days ahead.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit the iconic Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its wooden stage offering panoramic views of Kyoto.

Arrive early to avoid crowds.

Wear comfortable shoes as there's a slight uphill walk. Free entry to grounds, main hall requires a ticket. Part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.

Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka Stroll

Walk through the charming, preserved historic streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, lined with traditional shops, tea houses, and restaurants leading down from Kiyomizu-dera.

These streets are perfect for souvenir shopping and enjoying the old-world atmosphere of Kyoto. Watch your step on the cobblestones.

Tempura Lunch at Endo Yasaka

Enjoy a delicious tempura lunch at Endo Yasaka, a renowned restaurant offering crispy fried seafood and vegetables.

Alternatively, try a local yudofu (Kyoto tofu specialty).

Specializes in high-quality tempura. Reservations might be beneficial during peak season.

Kodai-ji Temple

Explore Kodai-ji Temple, known for its beautiful rock garden, bamboo grove, and historical connections to Toyotomi Hideyoshi and his wife Nene.

The temple often has seasonal light-up events in the evenings, especially during cherry blossom season.

Relax at Maruyama Park

Stroll through Maruyama Park, Kyoto's oldest park and a prime spot for cherry blossom viewing. Relax under the trees and enjoy the atmosphere.

The park's centerpiece is a large, weeping cherry tree (shidarezakura) that is lit up at night during sakura season.

Tea Stop at % Arabica

Enjoy a refreshing coffee or tea break at % Arabica Higashiyama, famous for its minimalist design and excellent coffee, with views of the Hozugawa River.

Return to Hotel

Head back to your hotel after a day of extensive walking and sightseeing in Higashiyama.

Fushimi Inari Taisha Hike

Embark on an early morning visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vibrant orange torii gates winding up Mount Inari.

Hike for 2-3 hours to experience the full scale of the shrine.

Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquility. The full loop takes about 2-3 hours, but you can turn back at any point. Wear comfortable shoes.

Train to Uji

Take a short 20-minute train ride from Fushimi Inari to Uji, a city renowned for its high-quality green tea.

Byodo-in Temple

Visit Byodo-in Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the exquisite Phoenix Hall, depicted on the Japanese 10 yen coin.

Explore its beautiful gardens and museum.

The Phoenix Hall requires a separate timed ticket, which can be purchased on-site.

Lunch in Uji

Enjoy lunch at one of Uji's local eateries.

Many restaurants offer dishes incorporating matcha, such as matcha soba or matcha desserts.

Matcha Tasting & Tea Ceremony in Uji

Participate in a traditional matcha tasting and tea ceremony experience in Uji, learning about the preparation and etiquette of Japanese tea.

Uji is famous for its green tea; this is an authentic experience. Many tea houses offer hands-on ceremonies.

Return to Kyoto

Take the train back to Kyoto from Uji after a day of exploration.

Dinner in Kyoto

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your choice in Kyoto.

Consider exploring areas around Kyoto Station or Shijo for diverse dining options.

Philosopher's Path Walk

Enjoy a tranquil morning stroll along the Philosopher's Path (Tetsugaku no Michi), a beautiful stone path beside a canal, lined with hundreds of cherry trees.

It's a prime spot for sakura viewing.

This path is especially picturesque during cherry blossom season (early April). Take your time to enjoy the scenery.

Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Visit Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion, a Zen temple known for its meticulously sculpted dry sand garden and beautiful moss garden.

It marks the northern end of the Philosopher's Path.

The reflective sand garden, 'Sea of Silver Sand', is a highlight. Enjoy the serene atmosphere.

Optional: Nanzen-ji Temple

If time and energy permit, visit Nanzen-ji, one of Japan's most important Zen temples.

Explore its expansive grounds, including a large brick aqueduct and various sub-temples.

The Sanmon gate offers excellent views. The aqueduct provides a unique photo opportunity.

Cafe Lunch in Okazaki Area

Enjoy a casual lunch at a cafe in the Okazaki area, which is home to several museums and cultural institutions, offering various dining choices.

Gyoza Cooking Class

Learn the art of making traditional Japanese gyoza dumplings in a fun and interactive cooking class.

Discover the techniques and history behind this popular dish.

This hands-on experience allows you to enjoy your own creations afterwards. A great way to dive deeper into Japanese culinary culture.

Dinner & Early Night

Enjoy your homemade gyoza for dinner, or dine out at a local restaurant.

Spend a relaxed evening at the hotel, packing for your journey to Tokyo tomorrow.

Breakfast & Final Packing

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or a nearby cafe.

Finish any last-minute packing and prepare for check-out.

Hotel Check-out

Check out from Apa Hotel Kyoto Ekihigashi.

You may leave your luggage at the hotel if you have any last-minute errands, or proceed directly to Kyoto Station.

Shinkansen to Tokyo

Depart from Kyoto Station on a Shinkansen (bullet train) to Tokyo Station.

The journey offers scenic views and takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Ginza Shopping Spree

Explore the upscale shopping district of Ginza.

Visit flagship stores like Mitsukoshi, Itoya for stationery, the Uniqlo global flagship, and Dover Street Market for high fashion.

Ginza is home to many luxury brands and department stores. Take your time browsing the impressive displays.

Custom Perfume Workshop

Engage in a custom perfume workshop at Ann Fragrance or My Only Fragrance, creating a unique scent to remember your trip.

Booking in advance is highly recommended for these specialized workshops.

Relaxing Café Break

Enjoy a leisurely coffee or tea at one of Ginza's many stylish cafés.

A perfect opportunity to rest and people-watch after shopping.

Omakase Sushi Dinner

Indulge in a second high-end Omakase sushi experience.

Consider restaurants like Sushi Yuu or Sushi no Midori for an exquisite culinary journey.

Omakase restaurants often require reservations far in advance. Research specific restaurant locations and make bookings.

Visit Meiji Shrine

Explore the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.

Walk through the peaceful forest grounds, a stark contrast to the bustling city.

It's respectful to bow before entering torii gates. Avoid taking photos during worship services if observed.

Harajuku & Cat Street

Immerse yourself in the unique fashion and youth culture of Harajuku.

Wander down Takeshita Street and explore the trendy boutiques and cafes of Cat Street.

Shibuya Shopping

Experience the vibrant shopping scene in Shibuya.

Check out popular spots like Shibuya 109, Parco, Loft, and Hands for fashion, lifestyle, and unique Japanese goods.

Sunset at Shibuya Sky

Head to Shibuya Sky for breathtaking panoramic views of Tokyo, especially stunning during sunset.

See the iconic Shibuya crossing from above.

Book tickets online in advance, especially for sunset slots, as they sell out quickly.

Wagyu Yakiniku Dinner

Enjoy a delicious Wagyu yakiniku dinner at Yoroniku, known for its high-quality grilled beef.

Reservations are highly recommended, as Yoroniku is very popular.

Tokyo Night Out

Experience Tokyo's vibrant nightlife.

Choose from sophisticated cocktails at The SG Club, dance at a club like Womb, or explore the unique tiny bars of Golden Gai in Shinjuku.

Golden Gai bars are often small and may have cover charges. Be mindful of local customs.

Travel to Lake Kawaguchi

Take a scenic train or bus journey from Tokyo to the Lake Kawaguchi area, known for its iconic views of Mount Fuji.

Mount Fuji Sightseeing

Enjoy the breathtaking views of Mount Fuji from various spots around Lake Kawaguchi.

Consider taking the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway for elevated vistas or strolling along the lake shore.

Private Onsen Experience

Relax and rejuvenate in a private onsen with stunning views, perhaps at Fuji Onsenji Yumedono or Kozantei Ubuya.

A perfect reset amidst your travels.

Advance booking is essential for private onsen baths, especially those with Fuji views.

Return to Tokyo

Travel back to Tokyo from the Lake Kawaguchi area, enjoying the evening scenery.

Daikanyama Exploration

Discover the sophisticated and stylish neighborhood of Daikanyama.

Visit Tsutaya Books, browse boutique shops, and enjoy the charming cafes.

Nakameguro River Walk

Stroll along the Meguro River in Nakameguro.

In early April, cherry blossoms are likely still in bloom, creating a beautiful atmosphere. This area is known for its relaxed vibe and independent shops.

This area is particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season, but charming year-round with its unique boutiques and cafes.

Leisurely Lunch & Wine

Enjoy a long, relaxing lunch at one of Nakameguro's many excellent restaurants, perhaps with a glass of wine, embracing the area's chill aesthetic.

Free Evening & Departure Prep

Enjoy a free evening for last-minute souvenir shopping, revisiting a favorite spot, or preparing for your departure/next segment of travel.