Over a thousand temples and shrines, geisha districts, and the bamboo groves of Arashiyama.
Recommended: 3–5 daysBest season: Spring (cherry blossoms) or autumn (foliage)
Things To Do
Landmarks
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Thousands of vermillion torii gates climbing the mountainside — go early to beat the crowds.
Nature
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
A quiet grove of towering bamboo — best experienced at sunrise before tour groups arrive.
Experiences
Traditional onsen
A hot-spring bathhouse visit — one of the most-requested Japan travel achievements.
Luxury
Ryokan stay
A night in a traditional inn — tatami floors, kaiseki dinner, and a yukata robe.
History
Gion
Kyoto's geisha district — preserved wooden machiya buildings along the Shirakawa canal.