4 Days in Kyoto: Temples, Gardens & Tea Ceremony

Day 1 — Arashiyama & the Bamboo Grove

Morning: Walk through the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at dawn before the crowds arrive

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple and its UNESCO-listed Zen garden

Afternoon: Cross the Togetsukyo Bridge and explore Jojakko-ji temple on the hillside

Evening: Stroll along the Hozu River and dine at a riverside restaurant in Sagano

Dawn: Hike the lower trails of Fushimi Inari-taisha through thousands of vermilion torii gates

Morning: Browse Nishiki Market (Kyoto's Kitchen) for pickles, tofu, and street snacks

Afternoon: Explore the Gion district; keep your eyes open for maiko at dusk

Evening: Attend a traditional kaiseki dinner in a machiya townhouse

Morning: Walk the Higashiyama historic district: Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, and Kodai-ji temple

Midday: Visit Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) — arrive before 10am to beat tour groups

Afternoon: Ryoan-ji Temple's famous rock garden and Ninna-ji's five-storey pagoda

Evening: Pontocho alley for yakitori and sake along the Kamo River

Morning: Participate in a traditional matcha tea ceremony in a machiya (book in advance)

Midday: Walk the Philosopher's Path canal, lined with cherry trees (or maple in autumn)

Afternoon: Nanzen-ji Temple complex and its striking brick aqueduct

Evening: Depart or continue to Nara for the day to see the famous deer and Todai-ji