Duration(in days): 4
From: Kyoto
To:
See more ideas for: Japan
Visit Kyoto and spend 4 days in Japan’s cultural centre. This former imperial capital is a city of contrasts; you can see traditional wooden houses decorated with lanterns, shop for eye-catching handmade crafts or wander amongst the many temples and shrines that include the unbelievably picturesque Kinkaju-ji or ‘Golden Pavilion’. Take your time exploring the ancient traditions, like kaiseki dining (traditional multi-course meal) whilst keeping an eye out for the enigmatic geishas who wander the streets, sheltering their pale faces from the sun under delicate umbrellas.
This 4 day trip includes the services of an English speaking guide to ensure you get the most out of your stay in this fascinating city. Delve into history as you walk through Nishiki Market, learn how to make traditional Japanese dishes such as rolled sushi & miso soup and visit the 15m tall bronze Buddha on your day trip to Nara.
This itinerary can be tailored to suit your requirements please contact one of our consultants to start planning your dream trip.
On arrival into Kyoto International Airport you will be greeted by a representative and assisted to your shared transfer that will escort you to your hotel in Kyoto.
The rest of the day is at leisure.
Today you’ll have the services of an English speaking guide to show round this former imperial capital. Start your day with a visit to Nijo Castle, an ornamental castle surrounded by stunning gardens and famous for its Momoyama architecture. Next up, visit two of Kyoto’s most important temples, Ryoan-ji Temple and Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion).
In the afternoon, meet your guide at Nishiki Market for a guided stroll through the local food stalls to buy the ingredients for your Japanese cooking class. The class will take place in a machiya, a well-restored wooden house that is typical for Kyoto. Learn how to make rolled sushi, miso soup and salad and of course you can enjoy what you make afterwards!
Today we’ve included a day trip to nearby Nara. It’s home to Todai-ji Temple, an 8th century Buddhist temple that houses a 15m tall bronze Buddha. Next, head to Kasuga Taisha, the most celebrated Shinto shrine in Nara, famous for its bronze and stone lanterns, only lit twice a year during the lantern festival.
After lunch you will return to Kyoto and Kyomizu-drea, a temple situated on Mount Otowa, famous for its impressive veranda, built without any nails and enjoying breath-taking views, particularly in spring or autumn. A stroll through the Higshiyama district rounds off the day and a chance to pick up some local crafts and souvenirs from the quaint shops located in the busy lanes.
Today is a free day until you are collected by shared transfer and taken to the airport for your onward journey.
The best time to visit Kyoto is spring (March/April/May) which is cherry blossom season and autumn (October/November) these times are extremely popular so prices will be at a premium and availability very limited, be sure to book well in advance. Summer in Kyoto is hot and humid whereas the winter is cold, rainy season goes from mid-June to late July, it doesn’t rain every day however and it is possible to travel at this time.
This itinerary is purely a suggestion, and can be tailor-made to your requirements, so please contact us with your dates and requests and we’ll put together a bespoke quotation for you.
3 nights in 3* standard accommodation. Accommodation in this standard includes: