Kyoto Itinerary: 4 Must-Visit Spots for Local Vibes

It seems like so many people

are traveling to Japan these days with this perfect weather.

Even though it's only been a month since I got back,

I already want to go back...

I need to decide on my next destination soon

so I can start booking,

but I haven't even picked a place yet! 😭

For those of you planning a trip to Kyoto,

I've put together some of my absolute favorite spots

to help you plan your perfect itinerary!

Arashiyama - Tenryu-ji, Chikurin Bamboo Grove (Railway Photo Spot)

By_2jay

Arashiyama is where you can truly experience

the authentic atmosphere of Kyoto.

During my last two trips to Kyoto, I couldn't make it here,

so this time, since I was spending three whole days in Kyoto,

I made sure to add it to my itinerary.

And I am so, so glad I did!

Since Arashiyama is a bit of a trek,

I highly recommend heading out early in the morning.

There are several ways

to get there,

but if you're starting from a spot where you can catch the Randen Tram,

you should absolutely take it!!

Our accommodation was in such a perfect location

that the Randen Tram station was within walking distance,

so we took the tram straight to Arashiyama.

The Randen Tram is a charming, single-car train.

Looking out the front window as you ride along

and watching the local Kyoto neighborhoods pass by was such a lovely experience.

If you have some extra time,

they also offer boat rides along the river nearby.

It looks like it would make for a wonderful memory!

“Arashiyama - Togetsukyo Bridge”

“Arashiyama - Railway Photo Spot (Near Nonomiya Shrine)”

It's best to stop by here

on your way to the Chikurin Bamboo Grove.

Since it gets crowded with tourists quite early in the day,

and the area is narrow,

it's not easy to get a clean shot... haha.

Personally, I think the view from across the tracks

(the opposite side) is much better!

Don't just look at the empty tracks and leave!

If you wait a little bit, you'll see a train pass by.

That's the perfect moment to snap a photo,

so definitely stick around for a bit to capture it.

“Tenryu-ji Garden” - (Admission: 500 yen (~$3) per person, cash only)

Tenryu-ji Garden was actually one of my absolute favorite places

during my entire trip to Kyoto.

Even though I just sat there doing absolutely nothing in the middle of a busy itinerary,

it felt incredibly peaceful and healing.

If you're looking for the ultimate autumn foliage spot in Japan, I highly recommend Tenryu-ji Garden.

I visited before peak autumn season,

so the leaves weren't fully red yet,

but they were just starting to turn colors when we visited.

When the peak season arrives,

it must be absolutely breathtaking.

We kept saying over and over while sitting there,

"Imagine how gorgeous this would be in full autumn colors!" :)

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

by_2jay

Admission: 500 yen (~$3) per person

Highly recommend visiting early in the morning

One of Kyoto's must-visit landmarks

and famous as a prime spot for autumn leaves,

this is Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Because it's so incredibly famous,

it gets packed with tourists from early morning,

so I highly recommend planning an early start!

This was actually my second time visiting Kiyomizu-dera,

but it was just as magical as the first time...

Once again, I missed the peak autumn foliage season,

so I couldn't see the trees in full, vibrant color.

But even so, a second visit was totally worth it! haha

We didn't have enough time to properly explore

Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka.

Since it was my second time here,

and to be honest, massive crowds completely drain my energy...

I'm the type of traveler who can't really enjoy things when it's too packed.

So, for my own peace of mind, we headed down pretty quickly! lol

If you're anything like me,

I highly recommend visiting as early in the morning as possible!

Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion)

by_2jay

Admission Fee: 500 yen (~$3) per person

Kiyomizu-dera - Kinkaku-ji - Ginkaku-ji

People often bundle these three temples together in their itinerary.

If you have plenty of time, it's great to see all three,

but if you're on a tight schedule, you could easily skip the others and just stick to Kiyomizu-dera.

Of course, it's nice to see everything since you're already there,

but the travel time between them can be quite long compared to what you actually see.

So definitely plan your schedule wisely before deciding!

This was my second time visiting Kinkaku-ji.

Visiting for a second time was actually really nice because

I noticed so many details that I completely missed the first time around.

Kamo River, Pontocho Alley & Gyoja-bashi Bridge

By_2jay

When you search for Kyoto, one of the most iconic images

that pops up is definitely the Kamo River.

I was so incredibly eager to see the sunset over the Kamo River

that I actually planned this entire 3-day trip exclusively around Kyoto.

Seeing it with my own eyes was absolutely breathtaking.

Just sitting there around dusk, zoning out and watching the sunset,

was pure bliss.

Actually, there are lots of

riverside terrace restaurants along the Kamo River.

I initially wanted to reserve a terrace seat to enjoy dinner with a view, but...

First of all, the river is actually prettiest when viewed from the bridges.

Secondly, I did a lot of research on Google for those terrace spots, and

the general consensus was:

"Lots of bugs because you're right by the water,"

"Overpriced with mediocre food just because of the location,"

"Super hard to book,"

"The view isn't as great as you'd think,"

"Strict time limits on seating,"

.

.

.

Since the reviews weren't amazing,

we decided to just enjoy the view with our eyes

and go to a highly-rated local restaurant for actual food...

And honestly, that was the smartest decision ever!

If you're debating the same thing,

I'd definitely suggest skipping the terrace dining, soaking in the view from the bridge, and heading to a real foodie hotspot instead! haha

After taking in the Kamo River,

if you slip into the alley right next to it,

you'll find yourself in "Pontocho Alley."

Personally, I preferred Pontocho Alley

over Nishiki Market. It felt so much more traditionally Japanese

and was far less chaotic.

The restaurant we chose for dinner

just happened to be on a route that cut right through Pontocho,

so strolling through and taking in the sights on our way there was wonderful.

"Gyoja-bashi Bridge"

This is a famous photo spot in Kyoto.

We weren't actively looking for it,

but we just happened to cross paths with it. Even though it started pouring rain,

we couldn't help but stop, snap some photos, and admire the view before moving on.

The Kamo River is an absolute must-visit when you're in Kyoto,

so if you plan to visit,

I highly recommend walking the full route: Kamo River -> Pontocho Alley -> Gyoja-bashi Bridge.

Our accommodation happened to be in such a great location that

the Kamo River, Nishiki Market, Don Quijote, and the Pokémon Center...

The Randen Tram stations were all within walking distance,

making it incredibly easy to get around!

I absolutely loved my stay here,

so if you're trying to choose where to stay in Kyoto, definitely check out the post below!

4 Must-Visit Spots on Your Kyoto Trip

1. Arashiyama - Tenryu-ji Temple Gardens, Bamboo Forest, & Scenic Railway Photo Spot

2. Kiyomizudera Temple

3. Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)

4. Kamogawa River - Pontocho Alley & Gyonjabashi Bridge

Writing this post makes me want to visit

Japan one more time before my big trip next year!

I've never experienced Japan in the dead of winter,

so I'm super curious and seriously debating a quick getaway :)

It seems like so many of you are planning your own Japanese adventures right now!

To help you score the best deals,

here is a special discount code you can use.

Have an amazing and budget-friendly trip! :)

Kyoto Flight Discount Code: MOMENTF3

“Click Here to Book Your Kyoto Flights at a Discount!”