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In dramatic contrast to Tokyo’s endless horizon of skyscrapers, the calm Kamo River flows through Kyoto. This historic UNESCO World Heritage city is marked by narrow alleys lined with 17th-century tea houses and mountains hovering in the distance shrouded in fog. Home to over 2,000 temples, the city served as the center of Japanese culture for over a thousand years.
Work with Indagare to design the perfect itinerary for an immersive journey. Our travel experts know the destination inside and out, and they can make recommendations based on your travel needs and preferences.
Indagare can plan a customized itinerary that includes exclusive experiences of Kyoto’s history and culture. Here is just one example of what our destination experts can create for you.
After settling in to your hotel, meet your guide for an introductory tour of Kyoto, which will take you to such sites as Sanjūsangen-dō, the hall of 1,001 Buddhas and the stunning temple of Daitoku-ji. After lunch at a foodie-adored restaurant, you will have the opportunity to visit a special garden that is only open to the public a few times a year. Later, visit the Golden Temple, Nijō Castle and Ryōan-ji, the most famous Zen rock garden, with your guide, who can teach you about Japanese culture and history. Finish your full day of touring with dinner at a classic Kyoto-style eatery.
This morning, meet your guide for an early tour of Arashiyama, home to the famous bamboo groves. The adjacent Tenryū-ji Temple is also a must-see. After lunch, head to a tea ceremony where a monk from Kōdaiji Temple will host you at his private teahouse. With your guide interpreting, he will explain the history of the tea ceremony and how it has influenced Kyoto culture. Later, enjoy a private meal at a traditional restaurant, where you will be joined by Geishas and a musician. They will perform a dance as you enjoy a traditional dinner of ‘kaiseki’ cuisine.
This morning, meet your guide for an early visit to the Fushimi Inari Shrine. With its miles-long paths lined with distinctive red gates, Fushimi Inari is Kyoto’s most photogenic shrine. For lunch, enjoy a cooking class in a local family’s home, where you will learn to cook traditional and modern Japanese dishes under the instruction of a local chef. Later in the afternoon, take a guided tour of Gion District to see the charming wooden townhouses (machiyass) lining the ancient streets and maybe catch a glimpse of the beautiful, elaborately dressed geishas.
We only feature hotels that we can vouch for first-hand. At many of them, Indagare members receive special amenities, including upgrades, early check-in, breakfast, spa credits and more. Look for the Indagare Plus logo in the reviews.
Located a short drive from downtown Kyoto, the Four Seasons is a luxurious property that balances modern comforts with a distinctly Japanese aesthetic.
Seamlessly melding contemporary style and historic Japanese elements, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto is a thoughtfully designed riverfront hotel within walking distance of Kyoto’s city center. During the Edo period (1603-1867), the residences of aristocrats and nobles lined the shores here. The...
Kyoto's most charming central neighborhood is filled with tiny wooden townhouses (machiyass), which line the ancient streets and have glowing paper lanterns hanging beside their front doors. If you’re lucky you will catch a glimpse of the beautiful, elaborately dressed...
This shrine was dedicated to the gods of rice and sake. It’s a popular sight and the complex consists of five shrines spread out across the wooden slopes of Inari-san mountain. The path meanders 2 ½ miles up the mountain...
On the outskirts of Kyoto (take a taxi to get here), the Zen temple of Ryoanji was founded in 1450. Originally the site of a villa, nestled among the forested slopes of the mountains, it was converted into a Zen...
Within the confines of this ancient and vast castle are lovely gardens and the Ninomaru Palace. The most beautiful things inside are the superb wall paintings of tigers, eagles, pine trees, white Japanese apricots and the wonderful “nightingale” floors. They...
The gateway to Kyoto’s lush western hills, famous for forested mountains and bamboo grooves, this area is 20-minutes by car from the city center and worthy of a day trip. It can be packed with tourists from all over Japan,...
This holy building was founded in 1164 and is 390 feet long. Inside are 1,001 Buddhas (the largest is in the center), and a visit is impressive and quite moving. It’s just down the road from the Hyatt Regency and...
A must-visit in Kyoto, Nishiki Market is a narrow, five-block-long shopping street lined by more than 100 shops and restaurants. Known as “Kyoto's Kitchen,” this lively retail market specializes in all things culinary, including fresh seafood, produce, knives and cookware,...
Everything we recommend is sourced first-hand by our well-traveled team and incredible network of insiders and resources around the world. Here are some the latest articles, interviews, and book and film recommendations not to be missed.
With fully reopened borders (and the Year of the Rabbit) promising a renewed wave of prosperity, Japan is once again one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations. After her recent scouting trip to Tokyo and Kyoto, Senior Editor Elizabeth...
Avi Lugasi is a Japan expat of nearly three decades, Kyoto resident, former Zen monk, founder of a bespoke luxury touring company and co-founder of Dento, a foundation dedicated to protecting and evolving Japan’s traditional crafts, primarily within rural communities,...
The Kyoto native, tastemaker and founder of Curated Kyoto, a boutique travel brand specializing in media and experiences, Sarai Aiko shares her favorite galleries, restaurants and more. Follow Sara on Instagram @sara.aiko.
At Indagare, we’re always dreaming of our next adventure (and fondly remembering previous ones). This year, again, planning ahead feels challenging in an unpredictable world. Still, we’re dusting off our proverbial travel wish lists with a renewed sense of wanderlust.
A trip here can easily be combined with these amazing destinations and more. Contact our team to craft the perfect itinerary.
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