Japan Itinerary 3: Get ready for a Kyoto travel guide packed with gorgeous shrines

Get ready for a Kyoto travel guide packed with Insta-gorgeous shrines, tranquil gardens, and a hidden kimono experience 🇯🇵✨ If you’re into ancient vibes, quiet corners, and those iconic red torii gates, this itinerary is your jam.

Top Spots to Visit in Kyoto:

1. Senbon Torii (Thousand Torii Gates), 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward — Open 24/7. Arrive early-morning for crowd-free shots of endless gates!
2. Fushimi Inari Taisha, same address — Stunning shrine experience, and yes, it’s open all day so you can even swing by for sunrise or dusk magic.
3. Araki Shrine, 12-3 Fukakusa Kaidoguchicho — 09:00-17:00. Quieter and charming, worth a stop if you crave local feels.
4. Level up your selfie game at Kyotokimonorentaru Aiwafuku Fushimiinariten, 35-3 Fukakusa Ichinotsubocho — rent a kimono for that authentic Kyoto look!
5. Komyo-in Temple, 15-809 Honmachi, Higashiyama Ward — 07:00-17:00. Zen garden heaven with fewer crowds.
6. Unryu-in, Tōfuku-ji Temple, Sennyū-ji, Imakumano Kannon-ji — These temples each offer serene gardens, beautiful architecture, and major peaceful vibes (check each one’s opening for the season).

Pro tips:
– Hit Senbon Torii at sunrise or late afternoon to dodge crowds and harsh light ☀️
– Kimono rental shops often let you store your luggage and provide accessories — ask for options!
– Bring cash; smaller shrines and rental shops rarely take cards.
– Use Kyoto’s super-precise city buses or the JR Nara Line (Fushimi Inari Station) for easy shrine-hopping.

Food-wise, grab inari sushi from local stalls near Fushimi Inari — it’s legit and super affordable.

Kyoto is at its prettiest in spring and fall, but you’ll love it year-round! #kyotodreaming #shrinehopping #kimonolife #japantips