Kyoto, with its stunning temples and vibrant fall foliage, is the perfect destination for an autumn escape.
In just three days, you can immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of this historic city.
Here’s a curated itinerary to help you make the most of your visit.
Morning: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Ryoan-ji
Start your journey at the iconic Kinkaku-ji.
Kinkaku-ji is also known as the Golden Pavilion. This iconic Zen temple, originally built in the 14th century, is renowned for its top two floors covered in shimmering gold leaf.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kinkaku-ji attracts visitors for its visual splendor and historical significance. The golden reflection on the pond amidst the fiery autumn leaves is a sight you won’t forget.
Next, head to Ryoan-ji, which is famous for its iconic rock garden.
Created in the 15th century, the garden features 15 carefully arranged stones set amidst raked gravel. This encourages visitors to meditate on the relationship between nature and spirituality.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ryoan-ji is a must-visit for those seeking a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and Zen traditions.
Lunch Options
Around Kinkaku-ji, you can find several delightful lunch options.
Okakita is renowned for its handmade soba noodles, offering a cozy atmosphere and a variety of soba dishes.
Kinkaku-ji Yudofu specializes in yudofu (tofu hot pot) and boasts serene views of the gardens.
For a more traditional experience, Kyo no Kizuna serves multi-course kaiseki meals featuring seasonal ingredients.
Afternoon: Ninnaji and Taizoin temple
Visit Ninna-ji, known for its stunning five-story pagoda and beautiful gardens. Spend some time exploring the temple grounds and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
Next, head over to Taizoin, a sub-temple of Daitoku-ji.
Taizoin is especially beautiful in autumn when its gardens are adorned with vibrant fall foliage. It features a stunning rock garden and serene ponds.
It is a perfect spot to immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn while experiencing Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage.
Dinner: Famous Eel Restaurant
Indulge in exquisite eel dishes at a specialty restaurant just steps away from Kinkaku-ji Temple at Sumiyakiunagi Doikatsuman Kinkakujiten.
They specialize in grilled eel prepared in the Kansai style, boasting a plump and flavorful texture unlike any other. Here, you can enjoy thick and succulent eel, expertly grilled to perfection over charcoal.
Evening: Autumn Light Up at Kitanotenmangu Shrine
Kita-no-Tenmangu, a shrine dedicated to the deity of learning, is renowned for its stunning autumn light-up events.
During this time, the shrine and its beautiful gardens are illuminated. Visitors can stroll through the grounds, enjoying illuminated leaves glowing against the backdrop of the shrine’s traditional architecture.
The combination of festive lights and autumn colors makes it a must-visit during the fall season.
Day 2: Central Kyoto Highlights
Morning: Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera is famous for its stunning wooden stage that juts out over the hillside. It is especially beautiful during the autumn foliage seasons.
The temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also renowned for its historical significance. Founded in the 8th century, its beautiful gardens feature a variety of seasonal flowers. Additionally, the temple is known for the Otowa Waterfall, where visitors can drink from its three streams, each believed to grant different wishes, such as love, health, and success.
Afternoon: Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka
Explore the charming streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, filled with traditional wooden buildings and shops.
Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka are famous for their beautifully preserved traditional architecture and scenic beauty, showcasing Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage. These charming, steep streets are lined with wooden machiya houses, shops selling local crafts and sweets, and tea houses, making them perfect for leisurely strolls.
Just a few minute walk from UNESCO World Heritage Site Kiyomizu-dera, these streets offer a captivating glimpse into Kyoto’s history and charm.
Evening: Gion District and Yasaka Shrine
Its narrow streets are lined with beautifully preserved wooden machiya houses and tea houses. Gion is also known for its vibrant festivals, such as the Gion Matsuri in July, which showcases stunning floats and lively celebrations.
You can also experience traditional tea ceremonies and various cultural performances at Gion.
Lastly, conclude your day with a visit to Yasaka Shrine. Yasaka Shrine is stablished over 1,300 years ago, and is famous for its stunning architecture.
Enjoy Japanese Black Wagyu for Dinner
Head to Itamae Yakiniku Issho Shijokiyamachi for dinner. Savor the finest A4-grade or higher Japanese Black Wagyu, handpicked from various regions across Kyushu.
Itamae Yakiniku Issho Shijokiyamachi purchases whole cattle, ensuring top-quality meat at exceptional value. Besides, the chef and staff members speak fluent English!
Make your booking here!
Popular restaurants can get very busy, leading to long wait times.
By reserving in advance, you ensure you have a spot and can avoid the hassle of waiting.
Day 3: Southern Kyoto Highlights
Morning: Tofukuji temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha
Start your day at Tofuku-ji, renowned for its stunning Zen gardens and beautiful autumn foliage.
Spend about an hour exploring the temple grounds and gardens, particularly the famous Hojo Garden and the view from the Tsutenkyo Bridge.
Next, head to Fushimi Inari Taisha.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Kyoto’s most iconic shrines, famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that form stunning pathways up the sacred Mount Inari.
Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, the shrine has a rich history dating back to the 8th century. Visitors can explore the main shrine and its many smaller shrines along the trails.
Lunch at Kyoto Station
Head to Kyoto Station (about 10 minutes by train) to explore the modern architecture and do some shopping.
Kyoto Ramen Koji on the 10th floor features several renowned ramen shops, each serving unique regional styles of ramen.
Grand Kitchen, located on the 15th floor, features an extensive buffet that includes a variety of international and Japanese dishes.
Additionally, the Kyoto Yuba Restaurant, also on the 10th floor, specializes in yuba (tofu skin) and often features a buffet-style lunch showcasing various tofu dishes.
Afternoon: Higashihongan-ji and Nishihongan-ji Temple
Next, head over to Higashi Hongan-ji from Kyoto Station.
To start, you can take a short 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station.
Higashi Hongan-ji is famous for its significant role as the headquarters of the Higashi Hongan-ji branch of the Jodo Shinshu sect of Pure Land Buddhism. The temple is renowned for its main hall (Goeido), which showcases amazing wooden craftsmanship.
Around 15 minutes walk from Higashi Hongan-ji, you can find Nishi Hongan-ji. It is renowned for its stunning Edo-period architecture, particularly the main hall (Hondō), which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nishi Hongan-ji is also known for its rich cultural heritage, hosting various ceremonies, rituals, and events throughout the year that offer insight into Japanese Buddhist practices.
Evening: Autumn Light Up at Toji temple
To-ji Temple is particularly magical during its autumn light-up event, typically held in November.
The temple’s five-story pagoda, Japan’s tallest wooden pagoda, becomes a stunning focal point.
This seasonal event not only highlights the natural beauty of autumn but also provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the historical architecture of To-ji.
It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Kyoto during the fall!
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