Kyoto, Japan | DIY Travel Guide

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The last city we visited in Japan was Kyoto. The cultural capital of Japan known for well-preserved traditional wooden houses, shrines, palaces and historic streets. We spent 4 days and 3 nights exploring Kyoto, during which we visited iconic tourists spots like: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Tenryu-ji Temple, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, Fushimi Inari, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle and more.

Coming from Tokyo, we reached Kyoto Station, early in the morning.

We walked a few blocks from Kyoto Station to our final hotel, Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae PREMIER. Since it was too early for check-in, we left our bags and began our Kyoto experience.

Daiwa Roynet Ekimae Premier in Kyoto, Japan

To make the most of our first day in Kyoto, we opted to eat at a fast food restaurant since in Japan, restaurants and coffee shops typically open around 11 am. Following a quick brunch, we headed back to Kyoto Station to catch a bus to Arashiyama to visit Sagano Bamboo Forest and Tenryu-ji Temple.

We also explored the food scene in Arashiyama and tried Matarashi Dango, Matcha Ice Cream and Saga Tofu of Ine Arashiyama.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, Japan

The following day, despite the rain, we started our day early and headed east to Higashiyama district, to see Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka and Kiyomuzu-Dera.

Our next stop was Kinkaku-ji or the Golden Pavilion, a Zen Buddhist Temple located in Northern Kyoto.

For lunch, we ate at Ramen Kimura. Situated along Kitaoji Dori Street, just a few blocks away from the Kinkakuji bus stop.

Next, from Kinkaku-ji Temple, we journeyed way up north to Kifune Shrine. After several bus rides, we reached Kibune, a village nestled in the mountainous area of northern Kyoto. What is unique about Kifune Shrine is the entrance path featuring a stone steps with red lanterns on both sides.

Stairway with red lanterns to Kifune Shrine

Going back, we opted to take the train to Demanchiyanagi, then a bus ride to our hotel.

Just beside Daiwa Roynet Ekimae Premier, there’s a branch of Torikizoku, a popular yakitori izakaya chain in Japan.

Then, we went to Tsujiri for something sweet.

Our 3rd day in Kyoto or 10th day in Japan, was supposed to be a day in Rinku for the outlet stores. However, given that we missed several tourist spots in Kyoto, we changed our initial plan and explore more of Kyoto.

We started our day early to visit Fushimi Inari-Taisha. The shrine complex boasts approximately 10,000 vermillion red torii gates lining in its pathways.

After a quick stroll, we went to Nishiki Market for a food trip. A market in downtown Kyoto known as Kyoto’s Kitchen.

We were so satiated that we opted to stroll north via Teramachi Shopping Street to Kyoto Imperial Palace. Along the way, we stumbled upon Drip & Drop Coffee Supply.

Drip & Drop Coffee Supply in Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto Imperial Palace, is a palace complex and former palace of the Emperor of Japan. Kyoto Imperial Palace area was so expansive that we didn’t even attempted to approach the inner gate.

We exited the west gate and made our way towards Nijo Castle. This traditional Japanese castle was constructed for the first Tokugawa Shogun. Nijo Castle is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After the Nijo Castle tour, we returned to Teramachi Shopping Street. Teramachi means Temple Town since this place has numerous temples in the past. Now, the place is converted to a covered shopping arcade.

Teramachi Shopping Street in Kyoto, Japan

Our last stop was Don Quijote, a retail chain in Japan which is known for affordable merchandise. Bought some Japanese snacks like Alfort Chocolate Biscuits, Kitkat, etc. for pasalubong.

Don Quijote branch in Teramachi Shopping Street

For our final day, we decided to take it easy and maximize our stay at Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae PREMIER.

Hope you enjoy our 11 days Japan experience. See you on our next adventure.

NOTE: Ongoing update on Japan DIY Travel Guide. Thank you for your patience :D

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT KYOTO, JAPAN

The best time to visit Kyoto, Japan is March to May during spring. Do note that cherry blossom season is also a peak season in Japan.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO KYOTO, JAPAN - WINTER EDITION

Clothes for cold weather
Jacket
Comfortable shoes/ sneakers/ boots
Backpack
Camera / gear
Powerbank
Toiletries
Universal Adaptor (For Filipinos, no need since Japan is using the same outlet)
Tumbler

HOW TO GET TO KYOTO, JAPAN FROM MANILA

The most convenient way to get to Kyoto, Japan from Manila is via direct flight to Kansai Airport.

HOW TO GET TO KYOTO FROM KANSAI AIRPORT

To get to Kyoto Station from Kansai Airport, there are several options: train, bus or taxi.

But the most convenient way is via JR Shinakansen Bullet Train via Haruka Line. It has reserved seats, overhead compartments and luggage space.

HOW TO GET TO KYOTO FROM TOKYO

The fastest and most convenient option is Shinkansen Bullet Trains. It is not the cheapest especially if you’ll book for a one-way ticket. Best if you avail the Japan Rail Pass or JR Pass.

HOW TO GET TO ARASHIYAMA FROM KYOTO STATION

To get to Arashiyama from Kyoto Station, go to bus stop C6 and take Bus 73.

HOW TO GET TO KYOTO STATION FROM ARASHIYAMA

To get to Kyoto Station from Arashiyama, take the Saga Arashiyama train to Kyoto. This is already covered if you are a JR Pass holder.

HOW TO GET TO HIGASHIYAMA (NINENZAKA and SANNENZAKA) FROM DAIWA ROYNET EKIMAE PREMIER

To get to Higashiyama district from the area of Daiwa Roynet Ekimae Premier, go to Karasuma Nanajo bus stop and take 206 city bus. Alight at Kiyomizumichi bus stop. From there, walk for around 5 minutes to Ninenzaka.

HOW TO GET TO KINKAKU-JI TEMPLE FROM HIGASHIYAMA

To get to Kinkaku-ji Temple from Higashiyama, go to Kiyomizumichi bus stop and take bus 206. Alight at Kumano Jinja-Mae Shrine and walk to Kumano Jinja-mae bus stop. Take bus 204 to Kinkakuji-michi. Then walk a few meters to Kinkaku-ji Temple.

HOW TO GET TO KIFUNE SHRINE FROM KINKAKU-JI TEMPLE

To get to Kifune Shrine from Kinkaku-ji Temple, go to Kinkakujimichi and take bus 205 to Kitaoji Bus Terminal. Transfer to bus 34 to Ichihara Eki mae. From Ichihara Eki mae, walk to Ichihara Station. Take the Eizan Karuma Line to Kibuneguchi Station. There’s a bus that will take to near Kifune Shrine or walk around 30mins to the shrine. Total travel time is around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

HOW TO GET TO KYOTO STATION FROM KIFUNE SHRINE

To get to Kyoto Station from Kifune Shrine, ride the bus to Kibuneguchi Station. Then take the Eizan Karuma Line to Demachiyanagi Station. From Demachiyanagi Station, walk to Demachiyanagi Eki mae bus stop. Take bus 4 to Kyoto Station.

HOW TO GET TO FUSHIMI INARI TAISHA FROM KYOTO STATION

To get to Fushimi Inari Taisha from Kyoto Station, take the Nara Line and alight at Inari Station. Then walk towards Fushimi Inari Taisha.

HOW TO GET TO NISHIKI MARKET FROM FUSHIMI INARI TAISHA

To get to Nishiki Market from Fushimi Inari Taisha, go to Fushimi Inari Station and take the Keihan Main Line to Gion-Shijo Station. From Gion-Shijo Station, walk for around 10 minutes to Nishiki Market.

TOKYO, JAPAN BUDGET AND ITINERARY

coming soon…

IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING KYOTO, JAPAN

No Tipping.
Be on time.
Cash is king.
Avoid speaking loudly in public areas, particularly in enclosed spaces such as buses, trains, elevators, and similar environments.
While exploring Japan, consistently stay on the left side, whether it's on escalators, sidewalks, or streets. Except in Osaka.
People from Japan, form queues in bus lines, restaurants and elevators.
While there are numerous food stalls lining in the streets of streets of Japan, you should refrain from eating while walking.
Finding trash cans or sorting bins can be challenging when exploring Japan destinations. Usually, it is placed near vending machine, train stations and convenience stores.
Table napkin in most restaurants and coffee shops in Japan is waxed. I think it is not effective in wiping grease and oil.
When using public toilets in Japan, used toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet. Toilet paper in Japan easily dissolves in water unlike in other countries. NOTE: Only toilet paper. Properly dispose wet wipes, napkins and other similar items.

KYOTO, JAPAN TRAVEL TIPS

Secure your passport
Be sure to have a credit card for emergency
Download the following Google Apps: Google Maps for Navigating and Google Translate for basic translation.
Rent a pocket Wi-Fi or eSim in advance. This way you’ll have data as soon as you land in Japan. I’ve tried pocket Wi-Fi during our vacation and encountered no issues on connections or signal.
If you are travelling around Japan, buy the Japan Rail Pass or JR Pass in advance. For convenience, best to avail the Green Car option. For Green Car holders, best to reserve your seat in advance as well. You can buy the JR Pass here.
Since trash cans or sorting bins are not common in public places or streets of Japan, best to have a small plastic/paper bag for your garbage.
Travelling with luggage in Japan across multiple cities in Japan can be challenging. For a convenient experience, try Yamato Transport service.
If you want to avoid crowd in tourist spots, schedule your visit early morning.
Exploring Japan often involves a significant amount of walking, so it's important to wear comfortable shoes.
Instead of buying bottled water, bring your own tumbler.