Kyoto 4-day exclusive itinerary

Day 1:
Take an overnight red-eye flight and arrive at Kansai Airport in the morning. Immediately take the Haruka bus to Kyoto to check in and drop off your luggage. Then take the JR train to Uji.

[Must-Try Food] Nakamura Tokichi (Main Branch) in Uji City

Tips: There's usually a line, so pick up your ticket as soon as you arrive in Uji. The wait can often be over an hour, so you can enjoy nearby attractions like Byodoin Temple and Uji Shrine.

I ordered the parfait, a specialty of their restaurant, served in a bamboo tube.

Address: Uji Ichiban-jubanchi, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture

Day 2: Explore Kyoto City

1. Kyoto Prefectural Tombstone Garden

Designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, this garden-style museum showcases world-famous paintings on ceramic panels outdoors, including Monet's "Water Lilies," Zhang Zeduan's "Along the River During the Qingming Festival," and Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper."

2. Yasaka Shrine & Gion
Yasaka Shrine is open year-round, allowing you to experience Kyoto's spiritual tranquility day and night. Just outside the shrine lies Gion, home to authentic Japanese townhouses, teahouses, and classic alleyways, making it one of Kyoto's most charming old neighborhoods.

Yasaka Shrine Address: 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073
Gion Address: Gion Town, Higashiyama District, Kyoto City

Lunch: Gion Seafood Donburi and Dragon
Owned by a cozy couple, this shop offers reasonable prices. The owners offer sake and a small raffle after the meal.

Dessert: Gion Komori, a Japanese matcha dessert shop.

3. Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art
A fusion of modern and traditional art, the Kyocera Museum of Art's exterior is strikingly artistic. The museum regularly hosts diverse exhibitions, creating a tranquil atmosphere perfect for photo-taking or simply enjoying the art. The museum is open from January 3rd to December 27th annually, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed on Mondays), making it a great time to spend a leisurely half-day exploring this art wonderland.

Address: 124 Okazaki Enshōjichō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8344
Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed on Mondays)

Day 3: Amanohashidate + Ine-no-Funaya
Take the train to Amanohashidate. The bus stop for Ine-cho is right in front of the train station, allowing you to visit two attractions in one.

[Must-See Attractions]
1. Amanohashidate Viewland: Take a cable car up the mountain to enjoy the breathtaking views of Amanohashidate, one of Japan's three most scenic views. After descending, there are many small shops and Japanese confectionery shops nearby, perfect for a cup of matcha.

2. Ine Town: Ine's Funaya and Sightseeing Boat
Ine's funaya offer a firsthand immersion in the life of a traditional Japanese fishing village. The unique design of the boathouses, the refreshing sea breeze, and the perfect photo ops! A sightseeing boat tour of Ine Bay allows for a close-up look at the boathouses, making for fun photos and feeding seagulls. Along the way, you'll also see various small fishing village scenes.

Address: Hirata, Ine, Yoza District, Kyoto 626-0423
The funayas are open year-round.

Day 4: Mount Wakakusa, Nara
Nara's deer are well-known, but Mount Wakakusa offers a more relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. The hike up the mountain is less crowded, offering expansive views of the city, offering panoramic views. You can also enjoy a quiet picnic, set up your tripod, and wait for sunset photography. Please note that a ticket is required for entry (¥150). The gates are open until 5 PM, after which you can only exit the gates, not enter. If you want to watch the sunset, arrive before 5 PM.