Kyoto

Kyoto

Kyoto (京都, Kyōto) served as Japan’s capital and the emperor’s residence from 794 until 1868. It is now the country’s seventh largest city with a population of 1.4 million people and a modern face.

First day

-Philosopher path

– Ginkaku-ji (going to the entrance you will pass a street full of shops)

Then you can take a walk to the philosopher path and take a bus back to the city (temples and museums will be closed around 16:30)

Second Day

-Nara

Look below

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2165.html

http://www.insidekyoto.com/how-to-get-to-nara

Other option Kurama*** (you can take a train from Sanjo station, Keihan line and then from Demachiyanagi Station the Eizan line directly to Kurama)

Kurama (鞍馬) is a rural town in the northern mountains of Kyoto City, less than one hour from the city center. Kurama is best known for its temple Kurama-dera and its hot spring, one of the most easily accessible hot springs from Kyoto.

Or Arashiyama (take the metro to Ninjo station and the train to Arashiyama)

Arashiyama (嵐山) is a pleasant, touristy district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. The area has been a popular destination since the Heian Period(794-1185), when nobles would enjoy its natural setting.  The Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama’s well known, central landmark. Many small shops, restaurants and other attractions are found nearby, including Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama’s famous bamboo groves and pleasure boats that are available for rent on the river.

Third Day

I would stay in Kyoto and visit first the Imperial Palace (I think they speed up the process check here http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/e-event/kyototsunen-sankan-sks.html) and then go to the Fushimi Inari Shrine http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3915.html

If you still have time go to the Nishiki Market https://goo.gl/maps/BZsFbnv56ny

To feel a bit Kyoto life

ADDITIONAL INFOS

In japan in general there are some 24h open supermarket like lawson, 7eleven etc. They are cheap and full of gnammi things. My suggestions for a quick lunch take the rise triangles –https://sociorocketnewsen.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/onigiritop.jpg

and sweets

RESTAURANTS

https://tastingdiary.wordpress.com/2016/02/15/ramen-kairikiya/che

https://tastingdiary.wordpress.com/2016/02/15/ippudo-ramen/

Also nice

Kyoto specialties

http://www.insidekyoto.com/what-to-eat-in-kyoto

Of course from my point of view first time in japan you should try a lot of dishes

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2035.html

For me you should at least try sushi, tempura or typical japanese dinner like this https://goo.gl/images/c5gVdy

With the sushi order always a miso soup and remember the ginger is at the end to wash your mouth 🙂 and put just a bit of soya!

And of course dont forget to try the sake cold and hot!!!!