Arashiyama
Start early at the bamboo grove, then Tenryū-ji gardens. Follow the river to Ōkōchi Sansō villa. Reserve a riverside lunch and close with a light rail ride.
Kyoto districts
Five areas to anchor an itinerary. Pair two per day at an easy pace.
Gion & Higashiyama
Walk Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, then Kiyomizu-dera. Visit a small tea house and aim for blue-hour photos near Yasaka Pagoda.
Fushimi Inari
Climb through torii tunnels at sunrise. Take the full loop for woodland quiet. Combine with sake tasting in Fushimi.
Northern Temples
Kinkaku-ji shimmers above its pond. Ryoan-ji’s rock garden invites slow looking. Add a walk on the Kitano Tenmangū streets.
Central Kyoto
Markets and modern museums around Karasuma and Kawaramachi. Rest along the Kamo River steps at sunset.