Arrival | Getting from the airport to Tokyo
From Haneda Airport (HND)
If you are landing in to Haneda airport, you'll arrive to your hotel much faster! With 15-40 minutes of travel depending on your destination:
-Tokyo Monorail
-Connects to the JR Yamanote Line.
-Time: ~13 min.
-Cost: ¥500
-Keikyu Line
-Direct to Shinagawa, connects to Asakusa Line for Ginza, Nihonbashi, and Ueno.
-Time: ~11-20 min.
-Cost: ¥310 - ¥500
-Taxi
-Fast and private, but expensive.
-Time: ~20-40 min.
-Cost: ¥6,000 - ¥10,000.
From Narita International Airport (NRT)
Located about 60 km (37 mi), Narita is farther from the city so expect about a 55-90 minute travel time:
- Narita Express (N'EX)
-Direct train to major stations like Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, and Shinjuku.
-Time: ~55-90 min.
-Cost: ¥3,070 (one way, reserved seating)
-Keisei Skyliner
-High speed train to Nippori and Ueno.
-Time: ~41 min to Ueno
-Cost: ¥2,570 (one way)
-Airport Limousine Bus
-Direct to major hotels and areas like Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, and Ginza.
-Time: ~75-120 min (depends on traffic).
-Cost: ¥3,500 (varies by route).
-Taxi
-Time: ~60-90 min.
-Cost: ¥20,000 - ¥30,000
Day 1 | Traditional Tokyo
Morning
📍 Asakusa
Asakusa retains the vibe of an older Tokyo, with traditional craft shops and street-food near the ancient Senso-ji temple.
Benitsuru
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Breakfast - Have you ever had fluffy Japanese pancake? Sweet or savory, they will not dissapoint!!
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Misojyu
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Breakfast- If you're craving a traditional Japanese breakfast: soup, rice and fish, don't hesitate...go here!! They open at 8AM.
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Sensō-ji
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The oldest temple in Tokyo, this is a must visit. If you arrive here early, it will be more enjoyable with less tourists.
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Afternoon
📍Ueno & Yanaka
Ueno is beautiful to walk around but Yanaka is my favorite part of Tokyo -- a retro miracle. Given what Tokyo has been through, Yanaka is a town that escaped the devastation of the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and allied bombings of WWII.
Ueno Park
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In Japanese, “hanami” literally means “flower viewing.” If you are here during cherry blossom season, this is one of the spots I recommend you visit! Let’s go hanami at Ueno Park! 🌸
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Tokyo National Museum
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It’s not just a museum, it’s an educational experience. Imagine being surrounded by over 110,000 fascinating artifacts, from ancient pottery to intricate samurai armor, and everything in between. It’s like stepping into a time machine that spans thousands of years of Japanese history.
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Ameyoko Shopping District
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A back alley with boutique shops selling fish, seaweed, and random things. There's also little restaurants here that you can sit at, have a beer and snacks and people watch!
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Nezu Kamachiku
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Lunch - just a heads up, there might be a line as it is popular amongst the locals. Udon with tempura, in a traditional Japanese house and garden setting. Totally worth the wait.
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Nenotsu
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Lunch - Hidden gem! Another amazing udon & tempura choice if the line at Nezu Kamachiku is too long. Inside is so cozy. Super local.
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Yanaka Beer Hall
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Even if you don't drink beer, visit this little neighborhood with a bakery, brewery and tea shop. You won't regret it!
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Yanaka Cemetery
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A peaceful and beautiful walk through so much history: Yoshinobu, the fifteenth and last Tokugawa shogun, lies in Tokyo's Yanaka Cemetery, where members of the collateral branches of the Tokugawa family are buried.
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Yanaka Ginza
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Local shopping street filled snacks and boutiques. Highly recommend walking through here!
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Evening
📍Ginza
The capital of high-end Tokyo fashion. Dinner here. Evening in Ginza is charming with all the lights.
Torishige
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Dinner - Yakitori restaurant opened in 1931. Our must not miss dinner spot in Ginza. We go here with the family and always bring our friends and guests coming in to Tokyo. *Make Reservations*
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Ginza Lion Beer Hall - Ginza 7 chome
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Dinner - Vintage 1934 beer hall serving Sapporo draft beer, a big selection of Japanese and Western-style food. It has a very German vibe and they play German music. So loud, but so much fun!!!
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Dover Street Market Ginza
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8 floors of high-end designer. But like a museum. Where I saw Vice Ganda!
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Ginza Akebono
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The most delicious mochi ball filled with red bean paste.
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GINZA MUSIC BAR
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Hidden gem! Retro vibes, record player, super relaxing. Perfect for a date night or just after having dinner. Highly recommend this spot.
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Day 2 | Modern Tokyo
Morning
📍Shinjuku
A lively part of Tokyo, where my favorite park is located and you can get away from the busy morning commute of salary men and women.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
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Start your morning walk at the best & largest park in Shinjuku to view cherry blossom or just to walk around a classic Japanese garden! There’s also a beautiful Starbucks to sit and admire the serenity of this park. Probably my favorite park in all of Tokyo.
Closed on Mondays.
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GOOD MORNING CAFE NOWADAYS
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Breakfast is great, coffee is amazing, the vibes is cozy. Near by the garden, can't go wrong here.
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Afternoon
📍Harajuku & Shibuya
In Harajuku, here's your chance to shop for vintage & thrift clothing/accessories! Shibuya is Tokyo’s lively epicenter, known for its iconic “scramble crossing.” Prepare yourself mentally, as it gets very crowded. How crowded you ask? Over 2.4 million people cross it everyday, roughly 2,500 pedestrians per crossing!!
Takeshita Street
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In front of Harajuku Station is this famous and iconic street filled with shops and snacks.
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2nd STREET Harajuku
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One of my top places to shop for used & vintage clothing!
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kindal harajuku second hand store
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Luxury second-hand store. So many high end brands. If you're looking for a vintage chanel, or just curious to see how the Japanese take care of their clothing/accesories, be sure to stop by at Kindal.
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Menchirashi
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Lunch - Must not miss Udon!! Usually very busy and you might have to line up, but I promise, that 1 hour wait will be so worth it, this might even become your favorite restaurant in Tokyo.
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Oreryu Gyoza Meshi Harajuku
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Lunch - Ramen that is less touristy and easier to get a seat but still so so delicious!
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Miyashita Park
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Newly built with modern shops, restaurants and even a rooftop park!
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Miyashita Cafe
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The vanilla soft serve is to die for. No joke.. I have tried so many soft serves in Japan, this one is #1.
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Shibuya Sky
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Newly built building with a rooftop offering 360 views of Tokyo! Sunset here is magical. Make sure to buy your tickets way in advance on their website.
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Evening
📍Roppongi
Jomon Roppongi
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Dinner - Such a fun place to eat at. Affordable, loud, but very local. I highly recommend eating here at least once to everyone coming to Tokyo.
~Make sure to make a reservation!
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Sky Lounge Stellar Garden
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Classy bar with view of Tokyo Tower. Very affordable prices. See if you can reserve ahead of time for better seats!
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Day 3 | More Local
Morning
📍Naka-Meguro
If you're lucky to catch cherry blossom season in Tokyo, don't miss Naka-Meguro; a famous river that stretches for 5km, lined with the most fluffiest pink cherry blossoms!
THE CITY BAKERY
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Breakfast - Located right at the Naka-meguro Station, this chain cafe/bakery specific location gives a NYC vibe. Located underneath Naka-Meguro Station, this is my go-to as they serve western-style breakfast (toast, eggs, bacon) early 7:30am which is unusual in Japan.
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Kyu Asakura House
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Hidden Gem! For 100 Yen ($1), you can visit this traditional Japanese home that was built in 1919 in the middle of the city.
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Afternoon
📍Daikanyama & Ebisu
Posh locals live in Daikanyama, this is the area where you might spot Japanese celebrities having coffee or out for a walk. Ebisu is a more residential part of Tokyo, some office buildings so there are many little restaurants for the salary workers to have lunch at. This part of town is slowly getting known by tourists because of they food and bar scene.
Matsue Sushi - Ebisu Main Store
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My favorite sushi restaurant in all of Tokyo. I usually come for lunch, omakase is $35.
Dinner is double that. But still so worth it. Reserve in advance.
It helps if you are with a friend who speaks Japanese, have them call and reserve seats instead of doing it online!
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Taiyaki Hiiragi
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Snack - My all time favorite spot for Taiyaki (fish-shaped cake or snack that's commonly made from batter and red bean paste).
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Evening
📍Shinjuku
Robatasho
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Dinner - A hidden gem 💎 The best food ever in an izakaya!!! Sashimi is served as a welcome starter, what?! You can order wagyu, deer meat, grilled fish, several veggie & rice options. Also a fun staff. Highly recommend for a dinner or night out!
Call & reserve !
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Omoide Yokocho
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An alleyway filled with little bars & izakaya. Try coming in the evening when all the lantern lights are turned on, it’s a vibe!
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Shinjuku Golden Gai
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Narrow alleyways with 200+ tiny bars. Even if you don't drink, it's fun to just see it all in person!
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Champion Bar
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A famous bar located at Golden Gai - owned by Japanese and Filipino couple. There's karaoke!!!
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Day 4 | Last Day in Tokyo
Morning
📍Tsukiji
A fish market in morning why? Come here early as it gets really packed by 9AM! Tsukiji was the largest wholesale fish market in the world! Though, it was moved to Toyosu. But don't worry, the food stands in Tsukiji remain--tourists flock here so make sure to come early! Walk around, taste all the food....Bring cash!!
Tsukiji Outer Market
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Arrive before 9AM because after that is when it begins to get crowded.
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Matcha Stand Maruni TOKYO TSUKIJI
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Really good matcha to start your morning!!
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Onigiri Marutoyo
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HUGE onigiri, sushi rolls...Make sure to come early, line up to a ticket that will tell you what time to come back. Im not joking, it's so worth it. They have Unagi Onigiri.
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Afternoon
📍Ginza
Back to Ginza to see it in the day time and last minute shopping!
Ginza Natsuno
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A wide range of chopsticks collection and they also provide option to personalize by engravement.
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Tempura Abe Honten
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Lunch - Tempura. This is a chain but it's my favorite! Very affordable.
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HIGASHIYA GINZA
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Snack - take a break and sip on tea and try some traditional Japanese sweets!
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Pokémon Center Tokyo DX
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a huge Pokemon store with a restaurant at the top!! Super fun, nice place to get souvenirs too!
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Daimaru Tokyo
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Dont miss this hidden gem that most tourists don't know about! At the basement level of every department store, you can find a whole floor of fooooood from sushi, to tempura, to even desserts like mochi, ice cream. It's food heaven and I highly recommend!
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Imperial Palace
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If you are up for it, take a beautiful and relaxing 5 KM walk around the Imperial Palace. Or just go directly to the iconic Nijubashi Bridge to admire the primary residence of Japan’s emperor surrounded by peaceful gardens and historic moats.
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Evening
📍Ginza
If you are up for staying in this area, there's an amazing Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) here that my Japanese friends has been to, but not me personally. She mentioned that the wagyu is buttery and delicious:
Tendan Ginza
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Dinner - Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ). Make sure to call in advance and make reservations!
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Otherwise, if you want an unforgettable yakiniku experience away from the tourist traps, Nishi-Azabu is worth the detour.
📍Nishi-Azabu
Yakiniku Ushigoro Nishiazabu
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My all time favorite yakiniku restaurant. Make reservations!
P.S. don't get it confused with Ushigoro S.
Ushigoro is a little more affordable. Ushigoro S is more upscale. It really is up to you which one you would like to try!
High recommend: Get a bottle of Sake called: AKABU. Get it cold, it will be served in a white wine glass. It's sweet and not too dry. So good!
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Traveling to Kyoto:
Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes (Nozomi) / ~2 hours 40 minutes (Hikari)
Cost: ¥13,320–¥14,370 (~$90–$100 USD) one way for an unreserved seat
How to Take the Shinkansen:
1. Depart from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station
2. Take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Kyoto Station.
3. Choose your train type:
Nozomi: (Fastest, 2h 15m, ~¥14,370) → Best choice if you don’t have a Japan Rail Pass.
Hikari: (2h 40m, ~¥13,320) → Included in the JR Pass, only slightly slower.
Kodama: (Slower, 4h, ~¥13,320) → Stops at every station, not recommended unless you want a scenic ride.
Pro Tip: Buy tickets in advance via SmartEX app, or get them at ticket machines/kiosks at the station.
Day 1 | Northern Kyoto - Tradition & Hidden Gems
Focus: Temples, Culture & Quiet Nature
Morning
Inoda Coffee Head Office
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Breakfast- This is a Kissaten (Old School Cafe). Start your morning at a hidden gem near Fushimi Inari but away from the crowds. Enjoy classic Japanese breakfast with thick toast and eggs.
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Kifune Shrine
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Avoid the tourist-packed central areas for a peaceful start! Come here first.
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Afternoon
Hirobun
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Lunch - riverside famous for nagashi somen, flowing noodles in a bamboo pipe.
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Kinkaku-ji
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The famous golden pavilion! One of Kyoto's iconic landmarks.
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Shisendō Temple
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A quiet, yet breath-taking temple with one of Kyoto's best sansui (rock gardens).
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Enkōji Temple
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Walk to here. Another under-the-radar beauty with stunning mossy landscape.
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Evening
Higashiyama Jisho-ji
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Sunset here - Lesser known than its golden counterpart, Ginkaku-ji, this is more serene and elegant with a beautiful sand garden.
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Izuju Sushi
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If you prefer sushi, Izuju specializes in Kyoto-style pressed sushi
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Day 2 | Southern & Central Kyoto - Classic & Hidden Spots
Focus: Classic Kyoto, Hidden Corners & Authentic Markets
Morning
Fushimi Inari Taisha
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Arrive here early before the crowds! Hike to midpoint (Yotsutsuji) for a panoramic view of Kyoto.
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Nishiki Market
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Known as Kyoto's kitchen, wander through and sample Kyoto delicacies (yuba, matcha sweets, pickled veggies).
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ＴＥＲＡＭＡＣＨＩ人参倶楽部
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Shopping arcades filled with quirky Kyoto stores.
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Afternoon
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Chishakuin
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Zen means mindfulness & peace. Zen gardens should be peaceful but due to over tourism the popular temples are not so zen. Instead of the crowded Kiyomizu-dera, come here for breath-taking Zen gardens.
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Sannenzaka
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Kyoto's preserved old streets, but take the side alleys for a quieter experience.
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Maruyama Park
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A serene park for early late afternoon, especially during cherry blossom season.
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Evening
Miyagawa-chō
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Kyoto's hidden Geisha District (Not Gion!)
Miyagawa-cho or Ponto-cho, lesser known but still home to real geisha.
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Day 3 | Arashiyama & Off-the-Beaten-Path Kyoto
Focus: Bamboo Groves, Temples & Lesser-Known Neighborhoods
Morning
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
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Arrive before 8AM to avoid tour groups.
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Bread, Espresso and Arashiyama Garden “Espresso and”
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Breakfast - or even just a coffee with toast!
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Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple
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Walk to here, small but fascinating temple filled with 1,200 stone statues of different expressions.
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Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple
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A mystical temple with thousands of ancient stone statues
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Afternoon
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Saihōji (Kokedera) Temple
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Reservations required to visit this moss temple but an unforgettable zen experience.
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Uji
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A short train ride from Kyoto, travel to Uji, the birthplace of Matcha!
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Evening
Kamo River
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Sunset here - local's favorite spot!
Sit along the Kamogawa River and grab street food or drink and enjoy the atmosphere like a Kyoto local.
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Yakitori Torito
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One of the best yakitori restaurants in Kyoto!
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I truly hope you have the best trip in Japan! If you have any questions, please feel free to message me!
Check out my other Guides about Tokyo here:
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