Kyoto Itinerary 5: Wander zen gardens, soak up geisha culture, and taste street food!

Ready to dive into old-meets-new with my top Kyoto picks? 🏯✨ Wander zen gardens, soak up geisha culture, and taste street food that’ll totally ruin you for convenience store noodles forever. Here’s how to hit Kyoto’s classics without wasting a second!

First stop: Kenninji Temple (〒605-0811 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Komatsuchō, 584, 10:00–16:30). The oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, it’s all moody corridors, serene rock gardens, and those *dragon ceiling paintings*—arrive early and you’ll have the hush mostly to yourself.

Next, stroll to Rokuharamitsuji Temple (81-1 Rokurocho, Higashiyama Ward, 08:00–17:00). It’s more humble, but the striking Kannon statue is a hidden gem and the locals come to pray, so it’s got real vibes.

Make sure to hit Yasui Kompira-gū Temple (70 Shimobentencho, open 24/7). The power spot here is the stone “enmusubi” – crawl through for good luck in love and breaking bad ties! Super IG-worthy and a local favorite for late-night visits.

After sunset, head to Gion Corner (570-2 Gionmachi Minamigawa, shows at 18:00 & 19:00). Grab tickets in advance—it’s a crash course in Japanese art and geisha tradition all in one neon-lit hour.

End your adventure at Kiyamachi-dori, Kyoto’s canal-side nightlife drag (open all day, but come after dark for best buzz). Izakayas, bars, and hidden whiskey spots line the street—just follow the lanterns.

Getting around: All sites are walkable from Gion—use Google Maps for quickest routes! If you're short on time, cabs are fast and pretty affordable for groups.

Food hack: Try yatsuhashi sweets along Kiyamachi-dori and pop into a standing ramen bar for a late-night fix.

Don’t forget: Many temples don’t take cards—bring cash! Spring and autumn are peak weather, so plan for crowds. #kyotoessentials #templetrail #gionnights #japantrip #foodiejapan

Post by Agustin (@agustintravel) | Sep 14, 2025