Kyoto 3-Day, 2-Night Non-Military Itinerary

Day 1: Route: Fushimi Inari Shrine → Kiyomizu-dera Temple Area (Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka) → Gion Night Tour Morning: ① Fushimi Inari Shrine (recommended to arrive before 8:00 am to avoid crowds): Stroll through the thousands of torii gates to the halfway point and experience the interplay of light and shadow in the red corridors. ② Transportation: JR Nara Line to Inari Station (5 minutes from Kyoto Station). Afternoon: ① Kiyomizu-dera Temple (400 JPY admission): Visit Otowa Waterfall and overlook the panoramic view of Kyoto. Descend via Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, browse traditional craft shops, and try renting a kimono (approx. 3,000-5,000 JPY/day, reservation required). ② Lunch: Gion "Okutan" yudofu (tofu hot pot) (300-year-old restaurant) or "Kamaza" unagi (eel rice). Evening: ① Gion Hanamikoji: Stroll along the stone-paved streets in the evening and perhaps encounter geisha. ② Dinner: Gion "Kikunoi" kaiseki cuisine (reservations required) or Pontocho Izakaya. Day 2: Route: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove → Tenryu-ji Temple → Togetsukyo Bridge → Kinkaku-ji Temple Morning: ① Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (recommended to arrive before 9:00 am): Walk along the bamboo path to Nonomiya Shrine and experience the tranquility of the filming location for *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*. ② Tenryu-ji Temple (500 JPY admission): Admire the dry landscape garden, lush greenery in summer, and fiery red leaves in autumn. Afternoon: ① Togetsukyo Bridge: Take a break at a riverside cafe and try %Arabica coffee or the old-fashioned Natsukanto sweet. ② Transportation: Bus or JR to Kinkaku-ji Temple (approx. 40 minutes). ③ Kinkaku-ji Temple (400 JPY admission): The golden temple reflected in the Kyoko-chi pond is best photographed in the soft light of the evening. Dinner: Kawaramachi "Hiro Yakiniku" or Arashiyama "Taisho" tai chazuke (sea bream rice with tea). Day 3: Route: Philosopher's Path → Nanzen-ji Temple → Nishiki Market → Kyoto Station Shopping Morning: ① Philosopher's Path (2 km walking path): Beautiful during cherry blossom season (late March-early April) or autumn foliage season (November). Pass by cafes and small galleries. ② Nanzen-ji Temple (500 JPY admission): Admire the Sanmon gate and the red brick aqueduct of Suirokaku. A quiet place with fewer crowds. Afternoon: ① Nishiki Market: Sample seafood bowls, tamagoyaki (rolled omelet), matcha sweets, and buy tsukemono (pickles) and tea sets as souvenirs. ② Kyoto Station: Ascend to the Skyway observation deck and browse Isetan Department Store or Porta Underground Mall. Important Notes 1. Buses run every 10-15 minutes. Use Google Maps to check real-time arrival times. 2. Avoid taxis (super expensive!! No wonder Hiroshi Nohara doesn't take them). 3. Prepare socks as you'll need to remove your shoes at temples and shrines. Wash your hands and rinse your mouth before praying (Temizuya sequence: left hand → right hand → mouth → rinse the ladle). 4. Ask for permission before taking photos of geisha. Do not talk loudly inside the Senbon Torii. 5. Cash is essential (some small shops and shrines only accept cash). Try using an ICOCA card (usable at convenience stores and for transportation).