Day 1:  Arrival & Higashiyama Exploration

•Check into your hotel or ryokan (Gion, Kawaramachi, or Kyoto Station area for convenience).

•Kiyomizu-dera Temple – One of Kyoto’s most famous temples with stunning city views.

•Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka Streets – Stroll through these historic lanes filled with tea houses and souvenir shops. 

•Yasaka Shrine – A beautiful shrine, especially lovely in the evening. 

•Gion District – Walk through Kyoto’s famous geisha district. Look for geisha and maiko in the evening. 

•Dinner at a traditional kaiseki restaurant like Gion Karyo or a casual izakaya.

Day 2: Arashiyama & Bamboo Forest

•Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – A magical walk through towering bamboo. 

•Tenryu-ji Temple – A Zen temple with a beautiful garden. 

•Iwatayama Monkey Park – Hike up for amazing views and interact with wild monkeys. 

•Togetsukyo Bridge – A scenic spot along the river, especially beautiful in autumn and spring. 

•Explore Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street – A quiet historical street. 

•Visit an onsen (hot spring) at Fufu no Yu to relax. 

•Dinner at a riverside restaurant in Arashiyama (like Arashiyama Yoshimura for soba noodles).

Day 3:  Arashiyama & Bamboo Forest

•Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – A magical walk through towering bamboo. 

•Tenryu-ji Temple – A Zen temple with a beautiful garden. 

•Iwatayama Monkey Park – Hike up for amazing views and interact with wild monkeys. 

•Togetsukyo Bridge – A scenic spot along the river, especially beautiful in autumn and spring. 

•Explore Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street – A quiet historical street.

 •Visit an onsen (hot spring) at Fufu no Yu to relax. 

•Dinner at a riverside restaurant in Arashiyama (like Arashiyama Yoshimura for soba noodles).

Day 4: Northern Kyoto & Philosopher’s Path

•Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) – One of Kyoto’s most iconic temples.

•Ryoan-ji – Famous for its Zen rock garden. 

•Ninna-ji – A beautiful temple with fewer crowds. 

•Lunch at a traditional tofu restaurant like Yudofu Sagano.

•Philosopher’s Path – A peaceful canal-side walk lined with cherry blossoms (seasonal). 

•Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) – A refined Zen temple with a lovely moss garden.

 Evening at Nishiki Market – Try local Kyoto specialties like yuba (tofu skin) and matcha sweets.

Day 5: Southern Kyoto & Departure 

•Tofuku-ji Temple – Famous for autumn foliage and Zen gardens. 

•Kyoto Imperial Palace – Explore the historic residence of the Emperor. 

•Shimogamo Shrine – One of Kyoto’s oldest shrines, surrounded by a sacred forest.

•Last-minute shopping in Kyoto Station – Visit Yodobashi Camera, Daimaru, or Kyoto Tower Mall for souvenirs. 

•Depart from Kyoto – If flying from Kansai International Airport, take the Haruka Express.