Planning resources and itineraries for Kyoto, Japan. Tips to save money, avoid crowds, best temples & shrines, plus tons of photos by Tom Bricker.
Our 1-day Kyoto, Japan itinerary is an efficient step-by-step plan of attack for visiting the best of the city’s temples and shrines, including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s a jam-packed day that crisscrosses Kyoto, and will take you to some of the city’s top temples and, by extension, the best of Japan. Before we […]
In some regards, Rurikoin Temple is about the furthest thing from a hidden gem in Kyoto. It’s famous for foliage–and not just fall colors–within Japan, and despite a pricey entrance fee, this renowned spot commands lengthy lines that can result in waits of 2-3 hours just to enter. Despite that, there’s a reasonably good chance […]
It’s almost the heart of fall colors season in Japan, which follows our recent two-week stay in Kyoto. In this trip report, we’ll share thoughts on our experiences, the crush of crowds, and various other perspectives on Kyoto. I’ll also scatter random (and not-so-random) photos throughout, as I took thousands of them and know I won’t […]
Toji Temple (東寺, Tōji) is one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and is located within walking distance of Kyoto Station. It’s famous for having the tallest pagoda in Japan, and that’s why most visitors are drawn to Toji. In this review, we’ll share info and our thoughts on visiting, including whether it’s worth the […]
Our 5-day Kyoto itinerary is an efficient step-by-step Japan plan of attack for visiting temples, villas, shrines, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. In addition to the “best of” and hidden gems in Higashiyama, Arashiyama, and beyond, this Kyoto itinerary takes you away from the crowds in the mountains to the north and south of the […]
Shinnyodo is an under-the-radar and free temple in Kyoto, Japan (officially known as Shinsho Gokuraku-ji Temple). It makes both our Top 10 Fall Color Spots and 10 Best Hidden Gem Photography Spots lists for Kyoto, an impressive feat as usually the best autumn foliage locations are among the most popular temples and shrines in Japan. […]
Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrine (or the Kamo Shrines) are UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto, Japan. In this post, we’ll share photos from the these ‘important’ (and free!) Shinto shrines and thoughts on whether they’re worth including in your itinerary. In terms of basic background and placement, Shimogamo Shrine, or the Lower Kamo Shrine, is located […]
Our 3-day Kyoto autumn itinerary offers an efficient, step-by-step touring plan that features the best fall foliage spots in all of Japan. You’ll see the Kyoto’s koyo highlights, including free temples & shrines, gardens, and nighttime illuminations. It’s a great plan of attack for seeing as much as possible while also having time to savor […]
If you have two days to spend in Kyoto during autumn foliage season, our step-by-step itinerary guides you through the best fall colors temples & shrines in Arashiyama, Higashiyama, and more in an efficient manner to avoid the crowds as much as possible, and maximize your time in Japan’s most beautiful city for fall colors. […]
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is located in northwest Kyoto, Japan. The free shrine is a popular place to visit during spring for its plum trees and fall for its autumn foliage, as well as during its monthly flea market. In this post, we’ll share photos from our experiences here, tips for visiting, whether it’s worth your […]