Things to do in Kyoto in 3 days and day trip to Nara
Kyoto represents the traditional image that comes in our minds when thinking of Japan. Typical Japanese neighborhoods, impressive temples and Zen gardens form part of this iconic image.
Higashiyama district is definitely your first stop while discovering the marvelous city of Kyoto. Walk through its narrow, stone-paved streets lined with wooden machiya houses, wander around the Sannen-Zaka Path (best spot to take a photo of five story Tower) and Ninenzaka Path, come across with geishas at Gion district, while admiring the breathtaking pagodas, temples and shrines of the area. Throughout its narrow roads, there are many souvenirs’ stores with endless pieces of art, handmade wooden fans and chopsticks to choose from. Among the most breathtaking temples you can locate in the area are Kodaiji Temple (which also includes a very calm bamboo forest, gardens and little pond) and Kiyomizu-Dera temple located in the mountain. The temple itself, its green scenery and location along with its stunning view will totally impress you. By renting a geisha or a samurai costume you will elevate your traditional Kyoto experience. At the same zone don’t omit visiting Maruyama Park with its typical Japanese gardens and cherry area and walk until the striking and colorful Yasaka Shrine, one of the most famous shrines in Kyoto.
If you exit Yasaka Jinja Nishiromon Gate (Western Tower Gate), you leave behind the typical Japanese atmosphere for a while and you return to the more modern part of the city. Walk till Kamo River and cross its bridge, where you will find Pontocho area, a zone with narrow streets and wooden houses, the majority of which are converted into restaurants with a view by the river. During the night it gets busier and even more exciting due to the illuminated lanterns that cover the pedestrian roads.
At walking distance from Pontocho, are located the two biggest markets of the city. Nishiki Market is full of delicious street food and local products while Higashidaimonjicho and Kyoto Shinkyogoku Shopping Street are packed by stores, cafes and restaurants. It is the best place to buy kimonos, Japanese cosmetics, clothes, souvenirs or whatever you desire at very reasonable prices.
A traditional tea ceremony should also be included in your list of activities while in Kyoto. Most of the tea ceremony places provide you with a kimono or samurai outfit which takes off the whole experience. You are informed about the whole process and the rules of the ceremony and then you have the chance to prepare by yourself your matcha tea and enjoy the little delicious candies that accompany it.
If you have watched the film Memories of Geisha one of its most notable scenes is the girl running among the red gates of a shrine. This stunning shrine, called Fushimi Inari Taisha is in Kyoto, and it is magnificent. A series of red gates called torii create a tunnel path whose length reaches the mountain, making the route unforgettable.
From the list of the breathtaking temples, we cannot possibly omit Kinkaku-ji, one of the most visited temples of Kyoto. About 6 kilometers from the center of Kyoto is located the glorious, covered with golden leaves Buddhist temple. The landscape is impressive as the temple is reflected on the water’s surface of a beautiful lake which is next to it, surrounded by a vibrant garden. Even the entrance ticket is notable at this temple – a large piece of paper with a written pray in Japanese in red and black (of course I kept it and put it in a frame that now decorates my apartment’s wall).
About 30 minutes by bus from Kyoto (it is easy to go around by bus in Kyoto), you can’t miss the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, an area covered by bamboo trees so perfectly stored one next to the other. The earlier you arrive in the morning the better as it is less crowded. On your walkway to the forest make a stop to Tenryu-ji, a Zen Budhist Temple with a calm little pond surrounded by a pleasing Japanese garden. If you have time after visiting the forest, take a walk at Arashiyama Park by the side of Katsura River and relax.
Day trip to Nara
If you have time for a day trip during your stay in Kyoto, Nara is a great option for you. At about an hour by train from Kyoto you will find the ancient capital of Japan. Protected by UNESCO is home to many temples and shrines. The most outstanding in my opinion is Tōdai-ji temple, with an impressive patio and large Buddhist statue. Nara’s Park is also a very enjoyable experience. Walk around and amuse yourself with the hundreds of cute dears that are practically everywhere and surround you (avoid the ones with the big horns though).
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