Kyoto Day Guides
by Trip To Japan
How to Spend a Day at Kinkakuji, Ryoanji, and the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Kyoto is a city filled with breathtaking temples, beautiful gardens, and peaceful nature. This one-day itinerary takes you through some of its most famous spots: Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Ryoanji (Zen rock garden), and the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. You will experience traditional Japanese culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious Kyoto cuisine.
Let’s dive into the perfect itinerary for your day!
Take a Train from Kyoto Station to Kitaoji Station
Train Line: Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line
Recommended Stop: Kitaoji Station
Alternative Option: Bus from Kyoto Station (Bus #204 or #205)
Start your day with breakfast at your hotel or grab a quick bite at Kyoto Station. From there, take the Karasuma Line subway to Kitaoji Station. Once you arrive, take a 10-minute taxi ride or a 15-minute bus ride (Bus #204 or #205) to Kinkakuji Temple.
Traveler's Tip: It is advised to use the subway and the bus together, as the bus can take quite a long time and become very congested in peak season.
Explore Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)
Entrance Fee: ¥500
Time Needed: 45 minutes – 1 hour
Things to Do at Kinkakuji:
✔ Walk around the Kyoko-chi Pond and admire the temple’s reflection.
✔ Visit the Anmin-taku Pond, a hidden spiritual spot in the garden.
✔ Stop by the tea house, Sekka-tei, and enjoy matcha tea with traditional sweets.
✔ Explore the small shrine near the exit where visitors pray for good fortune.
Traveler’s Tip: Kinkakuji can get crowded, especially on weekends. Arriving right at opening time will give you the best experience.
Walk or Take a Short Bus Ride to Ryoanji Temple
Walking Distance: 20 minutes
Bus Option: Take Bus #59 (11 minutes)
Explore Ryoanji Temple and Zen Rock Garden
Entrance Fee: ¥600
Time Needed: 45 minutes
Ryoanji is a quiet temple known for its rock garden. The garden has 15 stones, but from any spot, you can only see 14 at a time.
Things to Do at Ryoanji:
✔ Sit and observe the mysterious rock garden—no matter where you sit, one stone is always hidden from view.
✔ Walk around the beautiful temple grounds and see the large Kyoyochi Pond.
✔ Visit the tea house inside the temple for a quiet matcha break.
Lunch Near Ryoanji or on the Way to Arashiyama
After visiting Ryoanji, enjoy lunch before heading to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Here are some great restaurant options:
Japanese Cuisine:
Shofukutei - Locally loved udon noodle restaurant run by a sweet Obachan (aunty) who has created menus for foreign customers to easily understand. Located near Ryoanji.
Wagyu Donburi-ya Nikuni - Hidden gem serving delicious wagyu dishes, including seasoned raw wagyu beef. Located near Arashiyama.
Arashiyama Itsukichaya - Beautifully presented traditional Japanese cuisine with stunning views over traditional Japanese garden. Located near Arashiyama.
Casual & Affordable:
upit's Burger - When you just need something familiar and delicious to keep you going, this burger joint hits the spot. Located near Arashiyama.
Ryoan-ji Aioi Shokudo - Casual Japanese family food restaurant. This local spot serves up all the classic Japanese comfort foods in a casual setting. Located near Ryoanji.
Vegan / Vegetarian Options:
Shigetsu – Traditional Shojin Ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) inside the serene Tenryuji Temple. Located near Arashiyama.
Tofu Restaurant Seigen-in - Located in the Ryoanji Temple grounds this restaurant serves up tofu delicacies perfect for vegetarian travelers.
Musubi Café – Quaint cafe offering delicious vegetarian and vegan meals as well as yummy sweet treats. Located near Arashiyama
Take a Train or Bus to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Train Option: Head from from Ryoanji Station to Arashiyama Station, you will have to stop and change at Katabiranotsuji Station (20 minutes).
Bus Option: Take Kyoto City Bus #11 or #93 (30–40 minutes).
Walk Through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Entrance Fee: Free
Time Needed: 30–45 minutes
The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of Kyoto’s most magical places. Walking through the towering green bamboo stalks feels like stepping into another world.
Things to Do in Arashiyama Bamboo Forest:
✔ Walk along the main bamboo path and take stunning photos.
✔ Visit Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a beautiful garden.
✔ Stop by Nonomiya Shrine, a small but historical shrine in the forest.
Traveler’s Tip: For the best experience, visit in the late afternoon when the light filters beautifully through the bamboo.
Explore the Arashiyama Area & Togetsukyo Bridge
After the Bamboo Forest, explore more of Arashiyama:
✔ Walk across Togetsukyo Bridge, offering beautiful views of the river and mountains.
✔ Visit Monkey Park Iwatayama, where you can see wild Japanese macaques.
✔ Stop by Sagano Romantic Train Station for a scenic train ride (if time allows).
Afternoon Coffee Break in Arashiyama
Before heading back, relax at one of these cafés:
Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama – Famous for high-quality coffee and scenic river views.
Yojiya Café – A traditional Kyoto café serving matcha lattes.
Bread, Espresso & Arashiyama Garden – A stylish café with delicious pastries.
Dinner in Arashiyama
If you want dinner before heading back:
Japanese Cuisine:
Kijuro – Traditional fine dining with some of the best steak options in the city. It's recommended to go outside of peak times.
Unagi Hirokawa – Traditional Japanese restaurant famous for unagi (grilled eel) dishes.
Gion Duck Noodles Arashiyama - Ranen restaurant specializing in duck ramen.
Casual & Affordable:
Takara Sushi - Local sushi shop run by a sweet couple. Delicious servings of sushi for a reasonable price.
Vegan / Vegetarian Options:
Wagyu Volcano OAGARI, Arashiyama - Now, it may seem weird as its a wagyu speciality restaurant, but they offer a vegan version of their famous wagyu volcano! It's the perfect spot for couples that contain herbivores and carnivores!
Saga Tofu Ine North Branch - Restaurant specializing in Kyoto's well love tofu dishes. There is a vegetarian set on the menu.
Return to Your Hotel
Train Option: Take the JR San-In Line from Saga-Arashiyama Station (11 minute walk from Arashiyama) to Kyoto Station (20 minutes).
Bus Option: From Arashiyama Station you can take the Kyoto City Bus #28 or #11 (40 minutes).
After a full day of exploring Kyoto’s most beautiful sights, head back to your hotel to relax.
