This two-day plan pairs Kyoto’s classic eastern temples and lanes with the city’s western bamboo scenery, keeping each day focused on one area. Costs are rough per-person estimates in Japanese yen (¥), excluding accommodation.
Budget
About ¥5,800–¥11,100 per person for the listed admissions and meals, excluding transport and accommodation.
Best time to visit
Late March to early April for cherry blossoms or mid-November to early December for autumn colors; both are busy seasons, so book ahead.
Higashiyama and Gion
Explore Kyoto’s historic eastern lanes on foot, then stay in nearby for dinner and an evening stroll.
Morning
Visit
Start at this landmark temple for sweeping city views and a look around its historic halls. Allow about 20 minutes on foot to reach the next stop.
About ¥500Morning
Walk and Ninenzaka
Wander the atmospheric stone lanes, browsing traditional shops and tea houses along the way. It’s about a 15-minute walk to Temple.
Afternoon
See Temple
Take a quieter pause at Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple, known for its gardens and painted dragon ceiling. It’s about a 10-minute walk to .
About ¥800Afternoon
Stroll
Enjoy ’s traditional streetscape and wooden machiya facades; please be respectful of residents and avoid photographing private spaces. It’s about a 10-minute walk to .
Evening
Visit
See the lantern-lit shrine as the day winds down; entry to the grounds is free. It’s about a 10-minute walk back toward central for dinner.
Evening
Have dinner around
Choose a nearby Kyoto-style restaurant for dishes such as seasonal tofu, obanzai or soba. Allow around 10 minutes on foot from to the dining area.
About ¥2,000–¥5,000
Arashiyama
Spend the day in western Kyoto among bamboo groves, temple gardens and the riverside scenery of .
Morning
Walk through
Arrive early for a more peaceful walk beneath the towering bamboo. It’s about a 15-minute walk to .
Morning
Explore
Enjoy the temple’s landscaped garden and mountain backdrop. It’s about a 15-minute walk to .
About ¥500–¥800Afternoon
Cross
Take in the river and surrounding hills from ’s best-known bridge. It’s about a 20-minute walk to .
Afternoon
Relax in Park
Unwind by the river or find a scenic spot for a short break in this green riverside area. It’s about a 15-minute walk back toward central for dinner.
Evening
Have dinner in
Stay in the neighbourhood for a relaxed meal; many smaller kitchens close early, so check opening hours and reserve when possible. Allow around 15 minutes on foot from the park area to central restaurants.
About ¥2,000–¥5,000
Good to know
Getting around
Day 1 is mostly walkable, though the lanes around are steep. For , use the train from central Kyoto; local fares vary by route.
Timing
Start early, especially at the Bamboo Forest and , to enjoy the sights before the busiest hours.
Costs
Temple admission prices and restaurant menus can change; check current details before setting out.