Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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Here’s how we spent three full days in Kyoto, Japan, starting with an early-morning Shinkansen ride from Tokyo and ending with sushi along Pontocho Alley. This video walks through iconic temples, quieter gardens, food experiences, and realistic walking distances so you can plan your own Kyoto itinerary.

Day 1 – Eastern Kyoto, Temples & Markets
Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen
Cloudy sunrise views of Mt. Fuji from the train
Kiyomizu-dera
• Elevated wooden hall with panoramic views
• Otowa Waterfall with three streams believed to bring health, longevity, and success
Ninenzaka Shopping Street
• Historic preserved street with traditional shops and snacks
Kōdai-ji
• Admission includes a small bamboo grove
• Peaceful temple grounds near Gion
Entoku-in
• Tatami seating overlooking a serene zen garden
Beef Rice Bowl Lunch at Wakana - maps.app.goo.gl/bf7bmu2VFetekfX58
• Beef cooked tableside in a traditional restaurant
Yasaka Shrine
• Unexpected kabuki actor visit with ceremonial procession
Nishiki Market
• Kyoto’s famous food street
• Dinner at Kunton Akutagawa (Nishiki Market)

Day 2 – Fushimi Inari, Kimonos & Historic Sites

Fushimi Inari Taisha
• 6:30 a.m. start to avoid crowds
• Thousands of vermilion torii gates
• Full hike to the summit with scenic paths

Kimono Rental & Photoshoot
• Birthday photos taken around Kyoto
• Professional photographer session

Nijō Castle
• Guided interior tour
• Nightingale floors and historic rooms
• Gardens and moat with koi fish feeding

Ryozen Kannon
• 24-meter-tall statue of Kannon, Goddess of Mercy
• Memorial honoring WWII victims worldwide

Starbucks Coffee - Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya
• Tatami mat seating experience

Return Kimonos & Dinner Near Kyoto Tower
• Evening stroll
• Observations on everyday technology in Japan

Day 3 – Arashiyama, Monkeys & Zen Gardens
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
• Towering bamboo
• Shorter walk than expected at about 0.3 miles
Tenryu-ji
• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Landscaped garden with mountain backdrop
Togetsukyo Bridge
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
• Over 400 feet of elevation gain
• Wild monkeys and panoramic Kyoto views
Lunch at Arashiyama Miyoshitei - maps.app.goo.gl/NqvTRJnkVMxJqPWZA (Wagyu bowls)
Kinkaku-ji
• Gold-leaf-covered pavilion
• Reflecting pond walkaround
Ryoan-ji
• Famous rock garden with exactly 15 stones
• Extended walk through temple grounds
Dinner on Pontocho Alley
• Sushi dinner
• Learning proper soy sauce etiquette

📦 Travel Tip
The next morning, we shipped our luggage ahead to Osaka and headed out for a day trip to Nara.

If you’re planning a Japan trip, check out my other Japan travel videos covering Tokyo, Osaka, and Nara.
Japan playlist - youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2vlFWOHEKMjkYqQW__R6dEQ-yvs0hGri

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