W E L C O M E TO TH E
G O O D L I F E
I N
K Y O T O
P L A N N I N G
Kyoto’s layout is compact and quiet compared to Tokyo, but its treasures are spread across multiple districts, requiring a bit of planning. The city’s extensive bus network and taxis are the best ways to get around, as the subway system is limited. A knowledgeable guide will help streamline your visit, balancing must-see sites with quieter, hidden gems.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) are Kyoto’s most spectacular seasons, with cherry blossoms and fiery maple leaves transforming the city’s temples and gardens.
These are also peak tourist periods, so early starts and strategic timing make a huge difference. Summer (June–September) is humid but less crowded, and winter (December–February) offers a serene, frost-dusted-but-still-not-that-cold Kyoto with fewer visitors.
Staying in the Higashiyama or Gion districts immerses you in Kyoto’s historic heart, while central Kyoto provides convenience for accessing various parts of the city. For a more immersive experience, a traditional ryokan with an onsen (hot spring bath) offers a taste of old-world Japan.
As always, our itinerary is just a list of suggestions. By no means should it ever be considered exhaustive, mandatory, or essential.
Our entire philosophy is about inspiration and curation with the help of experts.
M U S E U M & S I T E B O O K I N G
Fushimi Inari Shrine: Open 24/7 and free to enter, but best visited early in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid crowds. The full hike through the torii gates takes around two hours.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): Tickets available at the entrance; it’s best to visit on weekday mornings before the tourist rush.
Gion & Geisha Experiences: Private experiences at ochaya (tea houses) require advance reservations, as most traditional teahouses only accept guests by referral. A guide can arrange special introductions upon request.
Kaiseki Dining: Many of Kyoto’s best kaiseki restaurants require reservations weeks or even months in advance, particularly for exclusive ryotei. Some have dress codes and limited English support, so booking through a guide can be a big help.
You’re also well-advised to do a bit of research and reading on etiquette and formalities, and we will be publishing our own guide on this soon enough.
Tea Ceremony Experiences: Many teahouses offer public sessions, but for a more private and in-depth experience, reservations are essential.
Nijo Castle: Tickets can be purchased on-site. The castle’s night-time illumination events (seasonal) require separate bookings.
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y P O I N T S
DAY I
Ancient Kyoto & Old Town Atmosphere
Morning: Start at Fushimi Inari Shrine, walking through its iconic vermilion torii gates before the crowds arrive.
Head to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, perched on a hillside with panoramic views over Kyoto. Wander the historic Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka streets, lined with teahouses and artisan shops.
Stop by Yasaka Shrine, the spiritual heart of Gion.
Lunch: Enjoy a tempura or tofu-based meal at a traditional Kyoto eatery. Kyoto is famous for its yudofu (simmered tofu), a simple but refined dish rooted in Zen Buddhist cuisine.
Afternoon: Explore the historic district of Gion, where you might catch a glimpse of a geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) on their way to an appointment.
Visit Nijo Castle, the former residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, with its exquisite screen paintings and famous "nightingale floors" that chirp underfoot.
As the sun begins to set, visit Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) for a peaceful stroll through its moss gardens and sand garden.
Evening: Have dinner in Pontocho Alley, Kyoto’s atmospheric dining street along the river. If you’re open to adventure, let your guide introduce you to a small, hidden izakaya (Japanese pub) for local sake and small plates. Bring your guide with you for dinner, of course!
DAY II
Kyoto’s Zen & Artistry
Morning: Begin the day at Ryoan-ji, home to Japan’s most famous Zen rock garden.
Continue to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Kyoto’s most dazzling temple, set against a backdrop of meticulously landscaped gardens.
If you have time, visit Ninna-ji, a lesser-visited temple with beautiful imperial connections.
Lunch: Enjoy kaiseki or obanzai ryori, Kyoto’s home-style seasonal cooking. A guided experience ensures a deeper understanding of the culinary traditions behind each dish.
Afternoon: Head to Arashiyama, home to Kyoto’s famous bamboo grove and the scenic Togetsukyo Bridge.
Visit Tenryu-ji, a Zen temple with a stunning landscaped garden.
Take a riverside boat ride or explore hidden corners of the district, such as Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, where hundreds of whimsical stone statues sit in a mossy forest.
Evening: Conclude with a private tea ceremony in a historic townhouse, or return to Gion for an evening stroll through lantern-lit streets, stopping for a final Kyoto-style feast.
DAY III PLUS
You Might Also Want to Stay Longer, And Here’s Why We Think You Should:
Day Trip to Nara: Less than an hour from Kyoto, Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital and is home to the Great Buddha at Todai-ji and the sacred deer of Nara Park.
Fushimi Sake District: Explore Kyoto’s Fushimi Sake Breweries, where centuries-old breweries offer tastings of Japan’s finest nihonshu.
Kurama & Kibune: A scenic retreat in the mountains north of Kyoto, perfect for forest walks, temple visits, and riverside dining in summer.
Byodo-in Temple in Uji: This stunning Phoenix Hall, featured on the Japanese 10-yen coin, is a masterpiece of Heian-era architecture. Uji is also Japan’s most famous matcha-producing region, making it a must-visit for tea lovers.
Also, also, also, also:
Do not underestimate the value of using Kyoto as a jumping-off-point to spend a couple of days at a countryside Ryoken, a traditional Japanese inn, typically with tatami mat floors and beds, traditional cooking, and usually an Onsen hotspring spa. This is a glorious experience and not to be missed.
Kyoto rewards slow travel, where every turn reveals a small wonder—a mossy garden, a flickering lantern, a temple bell echoing in the distance. Whether you spend two days or a lifetime here, it’s a city that stays with you.
M E E T Y O U R G U I D E
All of our guides can offer you a spectacular experience. As each person has a slightly different look at the world, due to their own unique interests and specialties, we'd encourage you to read a few profiles.
