⛩️ Kyoto & Nara (Days 5-7)
🏨 Hotel
The Hedistar Hotel Kyoto Nijo Comic＆Books
📍 Nijo area • April 1 - April 4 (3 nights)
Central location with easy access to temples and Gion. Unique themed hotel with comic/books concept. Good base for Day 5-6 explorations.
Day 5 | April 2 — Arashiyama Bamboo Grove + Togetsuko Bridge
7:30 AM: Early breakfast (beat the crowds)
8:00-9:30 AM: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (go early, before crowds!)
9:30-11:00 AM: Togetsuko Bridge walk (scenic, photo-op)
11:00 AM-1:00 PM: Lunch in Arashiyama
Lunch Options:
- Arashiyama Yoshimura Soba — Soba noodles (local)
- Masuda Chaho — Tea & light bites (Uji)
1:00-2:00 PM: Arashiyama Park (kids run around, playground)
2:00-4:00 PM: Rest/nap break at hotel
4:00-5:30 PM: Tenryu-ji Temple (less crowded than main sites)
✨ Evening Tip: Walk through Arashiyama at dusk for peaceful bamboo grove vibes with evening light
6:00-8:00 PM: Dinner, early rest
Dinner Options:
- Gion Tanto — Traditional Kyoto cuisine (Gion district)
- Okutan Kappa Zushi — Tofu specialties
đź›’ Bring stroller for flat areas, but expect some stairs. Carrier helpful for temple.
Day 6 | April 3 — Nara Park + Todai-ji Temple (Day Trip)
8:00 AM: Early breakfast, take train Kyoto → Nara (~45 mins)
9:30 AM-1:00 PM: Nara Park (walk, see deer—group LOVES this!)
10:30-11:30 AM: Todai-ji Temple (see the Great Buddha)
1:00-2:00 PM: Lunch in Nara
Lunch Options (Nara):
- Kawakami — Local Nara cuisine
- Nakatanidou — Traditional Japanese fare
2:00-3:30 PM: Rest at park cafe
3:30-4:30 PM: Explore smaller temples around park (less touristy)
4:30 PM: Return to Kyoto by train
6:00-8:00 PM: Dinner, relax
🛒 NOT needed—Nara Park is flat, open, and beautiful.
Day 7 | April 4 — Kiyomizu Temple + Osaka Transfer
9:00 AM: Breakfast
10:00-11:30 AM: Kiyomizu-dera Temple (famous, but stairs—prepare!)
11:30 AM-1:00 PM: Deramaruyama Park walk (quiet, peaceful)
1:00-2:00 PM: Lunch
2:30 PM: Check out hotel, travel to Osaka (JR, ~90 mins)
4:00 PM: Arrive Osaka, check into hotel
5:00-7:00 PM: Dinner, settle in, early rest
đź›’ Use carrier for temple stairs, stroller for park areas.
🍽️ Restaurants
âś“ Check off restaurants as you visit them (stored on your device)
Gion Tanto
Kyoto • Traditional kaiseki dining
Kyoto • Traditional kaiseki dining
Okutan Kappa Zushi
Kyoto • Tofu specialties, near temples
Kyoto • Tofu specialties, near temples
Arashiyama Yoshimura Soba
Arashiyama • Soba noodles with a view
Arashiyama • Soba noodles with a view
Nakatanidou
Nara • Traditional mochi shop
Nara • Traditional mochi shop
Kawakami
Nara Park • Local cafe, light meals
Nara Park • Local cafe, light meals
Masuda Chaho
Uji (near Byodoin Temple) • Premium Uji matcha tea & ice cream • 8:30am-6pm • No reservations
Uji (near Byodoin Temple) • Premium Uji matcha tea & ice cream • 8:30am-6pm • No reservations