Once the capital of Japan for a thousand years

Kyoto, once Japan's capital for over 1,000 years, lies in the central-western part of Honshu Island, a city steeped in millennia of history. Built in 794 AD, it was modeled after the Tang Dynasty city of Chang'an in China and named "Heian-kyo." It served as Japan's capital for over a thousand years, witnessing the rise and fall of the Kamakura and Muromachi eras.

🗺️ Recommended Itinerary: 5-Day, 4-Night Classic Itinerary

Referenced from BringYou's Kyoto Guide

Day 1: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Gion Area

Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Kyoto's oldest temple, enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and foliage in autumn

Ninnenzaka & Sannenzaka: Old Japanese streets, perfect for kimono-wearing and photo ops

Yasaka Shrine & Hanami-koji: Geisha haunts, lined with traditional teahouses

Day 2: Arashiyama's Natural Scenery

Bamboo Forest Path & Tenryu-ji Temple: Tranquil Zen

Togetsukyo Bridge: A photogenic spot

Arashiyama Train: Journey through the mountains, enjoying the beauty of each season

Day 3: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Kinkaku-ji Temple: A World Heritage Site shimmering in gold leaf

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine: A sacred place for academic success

Kamishichiken: A charming old streetscape in Kyoto

Day 4: Ginkaku-ji Temple & Philosopher's Path
Ginkaku-ji Temple: A contrasting beauty of simplicity with Kinkaku-ji Temple

Philosopher's Path: A riverside stroll, perfect for spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage

Eikan-do Temple & Nanzen-ji Temple: Representative examples of garden beauty

Day 5: Fushimi Inari Shrine & Uji Matcha Tour
Senbon Torii Gate: A Kyoto Iconic Attraction

Uji: Taste authentic matcha and visit Byodo-in Temple (featuring the 10-yen coin)

🚉 Transportation Tips
Use an ICOCA card or purchase a Kyoto Bus One-Day Pass

From Kansai Airport, take the JR or airport bus directly to Kyoto.

Buses are recommended within the city, as most attractions are within walking distance.

🏨 Accommodation Recommendations
Shijo Kawaramachi: Convenient transportation, shopping, and dining options

Gion Area: Experience traditional townhouses and geisha culture

Near Kyoto Station: Ideal for connecting to Osaka, Nara, and other destinations

🍱 Must-Try Foods
Junzheng Yudoufu (near Kiyomizu-dera Temple)

Kyoto-style Kaiseki (Gion)

Matcha Desserts (Uji)

Nishiki Market Food Tour (Takoyaki, Tofu Desserts, Pickles)

#Travel #Healing #Kyoto #Japan #Ancient Capital Scenery #Ancient Capital Scenery #Cultural Capital