14 day itinerary
Kyoto
Personalized with:Exclude museumsExclude religious places
Itinerary
Kyoto is a treasure trove of culture, nature, and culinary delights, and I’m excited to help you craft a 14-day itinerary that skips museums and religious sites while still soaking in the beauty of this enchanting city. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Kyoto
- Morning: Arrive in Kyoto and check into your accommodation. Take a moment to freshen up and get settled.
- Afternoon: Stroll through the . This historic area is famous for its traditional wooden machiya houses and geisha culture. Enjoy a leisurely walk and maybe spot a geisha or maiko.
- Evening: Dinner at a local izakaya (Japanese pub) to kick off your culinary adventure. Try some yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and sake!
Day 2: Adventure
- Morning: Head to . Start with a walk through the —it’s like stepping into another world!
- Afternoon: Visit the . Hike up to see the monkeys and enjoy a stunning view of Kyoto from the top.
- Evening: Dinner at a riverside restaurant in , enjoying the view of the Katsura River.
Day 3: Nature and Gardens
- Morning: Visit the . Take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the seasonal flowers.
- Afternoon: Head to (even though it’s a shrine, the garden is the highlight!). It’s beautiful and perfect for a peaceful walk.
- Evening: Try a kaiseki dinner (traditional multi-course meal) at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Culinary Delights
- Morning: Join a cooking class to learn how to make sushi or other traditional dishes. It’s a fun way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture!
- Afternoon: Explore the . Sample local delicacies, pick up some snacks, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local ramen shop. Don’t forget to slurp your noodles!
Day 5: Day Trip to
- Morning: Take a day trip to (about an hour away). Visit to see the free-roaming deer.
- Afternoon: Explore the beautiful gardens and parks in , like . Enjoy a peaceful afternoon surrounded by nature.
- Evening: Return to Kyoto and have dinner at a local izakaya.
Day 6: Shopping and Culture
- Morning: Explore the area for shopping. Check out local boutiques and souvenir shops.
- Afternoon: Visit the to see artisans at work and maybe try your hand at some crafts.
- Evening: Dinner at a local okonomiyaki (savory pancake) restaurant.
Day 7: Scenic Views
- Morning: Take a hike up to . Enjoy the scenic views and visit some sake breweries for tastings.
- Afternoon: Explore the charming streets of the district and enjoy lunch at a local eatery.
- Evening: Return to Kyoto and have dinner at a sushi restaurant.
Day 8: Day Trip to
- Morning: Take a short train ride to . Start your day at , famous for its neon lights and street food.
- Afternoon: Explore and enjoy the beautiful gardens surrounding the castle.
- Evening: Try some local street food like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki before heading back to Kyoto.
Day 9: Relaxation Day
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a café. Then, head to a local onsen (hot spring) for some relaxation.
- Afternoon: Spend the day unwinding and enjoying the soothing waters.
- Evening: Have a light dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Day 10: Explore the Outskirts
- Morning: Take a trip to . Enjoy a scenic train ride and hike to .
- Afternoon: Have lunch in and enjoy the riverside atmosphere. You can also try the unique experience of dining on a platform over the river!
- Evening: Return to Kyoto and have dinner at a local izakaya.
Day 11: Art and Craft
- Morning: Visit the to see student art exhibitions (not a museum, but a creative space!).
- Afternoon: Explore the for unique crafts and design items.
- Evening: Dinner at a local udon shop.
Day 12: More Nature
- Morning: Visit the for a scenic walk along the cherry blossom-lined canal.
- Afternoon: Stop by for a peaceful stroll and enjoy the beautiful gardens.
- Evening: Dinner at a local soba (buckwheat noodle) restaurant.
Day 13: Final Shopping and Relaxation
- Morning: Spend your last full day shopping for souvenirs in the .
- Afternoon: Enjoy a tea ceremony experience to immerse yourself in Japanese culture.
- Evening: Have a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant, perhaps with a view of the city.
Day 14: Departure
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and do any last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
- Afternoon: Check out of your accommodation and head to the airport for your departure.
And there you have it! A delightful 14-day itinerary in Kyoto that’s packed with nature, food, and local experiences. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of photos! 🌸🍣🏞️