Kyoto Sample Itinerary Day 1, Friday November 17, 2017

1: See the Bright Orange Gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha (Activity) Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 612-0882, Japan About: Famous for the hundreds of bright orange torii gates that wind through verdant trails, Fushimi Inari Taisha is Kyoto’s main shrine to Inari, the patron god of prosperity. Behind the shrine, the sacred Mount Inari rises 700 feet above sea level. As Inari is also the god of foxes, you’ll find many statues of the little animals as you wander the beautiful and sacred grounds. In the early morning and late afternoon, the bright torii gates catch the light and glow from within, making for a truly magical walk. While there's one main route to the shrine at the top of the mountain, don't be afraid to go off course -- you'll be rewarded with hidden bamboo groves, tiny shrines and statues, and fewer crowds. Opening hours Sunday: Open 24 hours Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Phone number: +81 75 641 7331 Website: http://inari.jp Reviews http://www.yelp.com/biz/%E4%BC%8F%E8%A6%8B%E7%A8%B2%E8%8D%B7%E5%A4%A7%E7%A4%BE- %E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%B8%82-2 https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d321456-Reviews-Fushimi_Inari_taisha_Shrine- Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html

2: Hand-made Udon and Donburi at Kendonya (手打うどん けんどん屋) (Restaurant) Address: Japan, 〒612-0012 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Fushimi-ku, Fukakusa Ichinotsubochō, 41, パールハイツイナリ1F 京都市 About: Located near the Kyoto Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kendonya is one of the city’s best udon spots. They are famous because of the noodles koshi (or texture); they have a perfect al dente chew that you’ll be hard-pressed to find at other noodle shops. The noodles are served with a side of a dipping broth known as dashi jiru, which is a lightly colored soup seem that has surprisingly deep and layered flavors. Kendonya will be open from 11AM to 3PM on 12/31 and closed from 1/1 to 1/5. Opening hours Sunday 11AM-3PM Monday 11AM-3PM Tuesday 11AM-3PM Wednesday Closed Thursday 11AM-3PM Friday 11AM-3PM Saturday 11AM-3PM Phone number: +81 75-641-1330 Website: http://ameblo.jp/kendonya/ Reviews https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E3%81%91%E3%82%93%E3%81%A9%E3%82%93%E5%B1%8B- %E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%B8%82-%E4%BC%8F%E8%A6%8B%E5%8C%BA https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g298564-d3752642-Reviews- Kendonya_Handmade_Udon_Noodle_Restaurant-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html

3: Stroll through Arashiyama Bamboo Forest 嵐山竹林 (Activity) Address: ３-25 Sagatenryūji Susukinobabachō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8385, Japan About: Stepping into the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest feels like stepping into an alternative universe; one filled with a sprawling, sky-high bamboo grove that reaches further than the eye can see. Arguably the most famous site in Kyoto, leisurely stroll down the main path through the grove and take in the enveloping atmosphere of thick green stalks. The path leads slightly uphill to the magnificent garden of the Ōkōchi Sansō Villa, which is a sight in and of itself. Opening hours Sunday: Open 24 hours Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Phone number: +81 75-873-8173 Website: https://www.e-map.ne.jp/p/lawson/dtl/234904/ Reviews https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E5%B5%90%E5%B1%B1-%E5%8F%B3%E4%BA%AC%E5%8C%BA https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d545940-Reviews-Arashiyama- Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html

4: Visit Tenryu-ji Temple, next to the Bamboo Grove (Activity) Address: 68 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 616-8385, Japan About: A headline attraction in Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji is a Zen temple with one of the finest gardens in Kyoto and gorgeous mountain views. Right off the main drag and just a few steps from the Tenryuji-mae bus stop, the temple is also walking distance from Arashiyama’s famous bamboo grove. To get there, head uphill and away from the temple’s main hall, exit the garden/temple through the the north gate, and take a quick left. Opening hours Sunday 8:30AM-5:30PM Monday 8:30AM-5:30PM Tuesday 8:30AM-5:30PM Wednesday 8:30AM-5:30PM Thursday 8:30AM-5:30PM Friday 8:30AM-5:30PM Saturday 8:30AM-5:30PM Phone number: 075-881-1235 Website: http://www.tenryuji.com Reviews http://www.yelp.com/biz/%E5%A4%A9%E9%BE%8D%E5%AF%BA-%E5%8F%B3%E4%BA%AC%E5%8C%BA- 3?osq=Tenryu-ji+temple https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d1386106-Reviews-Tenryuji_Temple- Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html

5: Coffee at % Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama (Cafe) Address: Japan, 〒616-8385 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, 右京区嵯峨天龍寺芒ノ馬場町3ｰ47 About: The second location of % Arabica, a coffee shop run by the winner of the 2014 Coffee Fest Latte Art World Championship means next level lattes and seriously high quality. Barista Junichi Yamaguchi has raised the bar for Kyoto’s coffee scene. % Arabica is clean, quiet, and minimalistic, with polished white and stainless steel and the company’s sleek signature “%” on every surface. Using white Slayer machinery, the staff works individually with customers to achieve the perfect roast profile. Come ready to instagram, as each latte really is a work of art. Opening hours Sunday 9AM-6PM Monday 9AM-5PM Tuesday 9AM-5PM Wednesday 9AM-5PM Thursday 9AM-5PM Friday 9AM-5PM Saturday 9AM-6PM Phone number: +81 75-748-0057 Website: http://www.arabica.coffee/ Reviews http://www.yelp.com/biz/arabica-kyoto-arashiyama-%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%B8%82 https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g298564-d7162816-Reviews-Arabica- Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html

6: Yakitori and Tsukune at Sumibi Torito 炭火串焼 とりと (Restaurant) Address: Japan, 〒606-8395 Kyoto, Sakyō-ku, Higashimarutachō, ９−５ 神原ビルハイツ・ジェミニ 1F About: This stunningly good, modern & hip yakitori joint serves some of the best tsukune (chicken meatball) in Japan, served with a raw egg yolk. This upscale yakitori joint serves a number of complex dishes (aged chicken, plus wide range of seasonal vegetables making it vegetarian-friendly). A meal for two will set you back about 6500 yen. Opening hours Sunday 5:30PM-12AM Monday 5:30PM-12AM Tuesday 5:30PM-12AM Wednesday 5:30PM-12AM Thursday 5:30PM-12AM Friday 5:30PM-12AM Saturday 5:30PM-12AM Phone number: +81 75-752-4144 Website: http://sumibi-torito.jp/ Reviews https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E7%82%AD%E7%81%AB%E4%B8%B2%E7%84%BC%E3%81%A8%E3%82%8A%E3% 81%A8-%E5%9B%9B%E6%9D%A1%E7%83%8F%E4%B8%B8%E5%BA%97- %E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%B8%82 https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g298564-d11726518-Reviews-Torito_Shijo_Karasuma- Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html

7: Incredible Sake Tasting at Sake Bar Asakura (2nd Floor) (reservation recommended, but not always necessary) (Night Time) Address: Japan, 〒604-8001 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Nakagyō-ku, Kamiōsakachō, ５１８−２ 大久ビル ２F About: Cozy 8-seat bar serving up authentic sake in an intimate atmosphere. Bar owner, Asakura-san is well versed in English and will gladly explain each sake with a passion that is second to none. PROTIP: The bar can be difficult to find. We recommend googling it with its coordinate: 35.010083,135.7711. Opening hours Sunday 7PM-1AM Monday Closed Tuesday Closed Wednesday Closed Thursday 8PM-1AM Friday 7PM-1AM Saturday 7PM-1AM Phone number: +81 75-212-4417 Website: http://ameblo.jp/sakebar/ Reviews https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E3%81%82%E3%81%95%E3%81%8F%E3%82%89- %E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%B8%82 https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g298564-d3883836-Reviews-Sake_Bar_Asakura- Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html Day 2, Saturday November 18, 2017

1: Traditional Japanese-Style Breakfast and Lunch at the Serene Roji Usagi ろじうさぎ (last order for breakfast 10:30am) (Restaurant) Address: Japan, 〒605-0808 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Higashiyama-ku, Shimoyanagichō, １７６ About: Situated in a 100-year-old house, Roji Usagi is Kyoto’s ultimate breakfast spot. Upon arrival, ask to be seated in the tatami room so you can eat peacefully and have a view of the beautiful garden. The humble chef turns out several variations of traditional Japanese breakfast, with the most popular being the Kyo-no-Asagohan—or the Kyoto breakfast. It includes broiled salmon, rolled omelet, miso soup, rice, and side dishes that change daily depending on what’s fresh. Reservation recommended. Note that Roji Usagi charges a 100% cancellation fee for any cancellations less than 48 hours in advance. Opening hours Sunday 8AM-10:30AM, 12PM-4:30PM Monday 8AM-10:30AM, 12PM-4:30PM Tuesday 8AM-10:30AM, 12PM-4:30PM Wednesday 8AM-10:30AM, 12PM-4:30PM Thursday 8AM-10:30AM, 12PM-4:30PM Friday 8AM-10:30AM, 12PM-4:30PM Saturday 8AM-10:30AM, 12PM-4:30PM Phone number: +81 75-551-0463 Website: http://ameblo.jp/cafe-rojiusagi/ Reviews https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E3%82%8D%E3%81%98%E3%81%86%E3%81%95%E3%81%8E- %E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%B8%82 https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g298564-d9627319-Reviews-Rojiusagi- Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html

2: Walk through the Historic and Charming Street of Sannen-zaka (Activity) Address: Japan, 〒605-0862 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Higashiyama-ku, 清水２丁目２２１ About: Just downhill from and slightly to the north of Kiyomizu-dera, you will find one of Kyoto’s loveliest restored neighbourhoods, the Ninen-zaka–Sannen-zaka area. The name refers to the two main streets of the area: Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka, literally ‘Two-Year Hill’ and ‘Three-Year Hill’ (the years referring to the ancient imperial years when they were first laid out). These two charming streets are lined with old wooden houses, traditional shops and restaurants. Opening hours Sunday: Open 24 hours Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Phone number: +81 75-561-1191 Website: http://kanko.city.kyoto.lg.jp/detail.php?InforKindCode=4&ManageCode=6000047 Reviews https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E7%94%A3%E5%AF%A7%E5%9D%82-%E4%B8%89%E5%B9%B4%E5%9D%82- %E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%B8%82-2 https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d1386121-Reviews-Sannenzaka_Ninenzaka- Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html

3: Visit Kiyomizudera Temple (catch the sunrise or sunset if you can) (Activity) Address: 294 Kiyomizu 1-chome, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0862, Japan About: Kiyomizu-dera is one of Japan's most popular temples. It stands in the wooded hills of eastern Kyoto and offers visitors a nice view over the city from its famous wooden terrace. The busy approach to the temple is lined by dozens of shops and restaurants that have been catering to pilgrims and tourists for centuries. Don’t forget to enter the subterranean Tainai-Meguri, which symbolically represents the womb of Daizuigu Bosatsu, a female Bodhisattva who has the power to grant any human wish. Inside, you're plunged into darkness with nothing guiding you save for some glowing stones. 400 yen admission. During certain days throughout the year, the temple is open until 9PM. Opening hours Sunday 6AM-6PM Monday 6AM-6PM Tuesday 6AM-6PM Wednesday 6AM-6PM Thursday 6AM-6PM Friday 6AM-6PM Saturday 6AM-6PM Phone number: +81 75-551-1234 Website: http://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/ Reviews http://www.yelp.com/biz/%E6%B8%85%E6%B0%B4%E5%AF%BA-%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%B8%82-2 http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d321401-Reviews-Kiyomizu_dera_Temple- Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html

4: Explore and Snack in Nishiki Food Market (Activity) Address: Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 604-0000, Japan About: Food-obsessed travelers: beeline it to Nishiki Market in Kyoto. With more than 100 stalls over 5 city blocks, the Nishiki food market is known by locals as “Kyoto’s Pantry.” From delicious street food to eat on the go to obscure spices and fresh seafood, it’s a haven for locals and tourists alike. Dried pickles, street food, unique, hand-crafted ceramics—you name it, it’s probably there. The covered market runs all the way from Teramachi to Shinmachi, and is the city’s best and largest traditional food market. Go with an empty stomach, because you’ll want to sample everything from skewered octopus to sticky sweets. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to explore this amazing space. Some shops close Wednesdays and Sundays. Opening hours Sunday 9AM-5PM Monday 9AM-5PM Tuesday 9AM-5PM Wednesday 9AM-5PM Thursday 9AM-5PM Friday 9AM-5PM Saturday 9AM-5PM Phone number: +81 75-211-3882 Website: http://www.kyoto-nishiki.or.jp/contact.html Reviews https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E9%8C%A6%E5%B8%82%E5%A0%B4%E5%95%86%E5%BA%97%E8%A1%97- %E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%B8%82-2 https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d554672-Reviews-Nishiki_Market- Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html

5: Out-of-this-world Dumplings at Tiger Gyoza (Restaurant) Address: Japan, 〒604-8155 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Nakagyō-ku, Uradeyamachō, ３１４−１ About: Tiger Gyoza will be closed on 1/1. Opening hours Sunday 11:30AM-3PM, 5PM-11PM Monday 11:30AM-3PM, 5PM-11PM Tuesday 11:30AM-3PM, 5PM-11PM Wednesday 11:30AM-3PM, 5PM-11PM Thursday 11:30AM-3PM, 5PM-11PM Friday 11:30AM-3PM, 5PM-11PM Saturday 11:30AM-3PM, 5PM-11PM Phone number: +81 75-708-5212 Website: http://kiwa-group.co.jp/restaurant/190/ Reviews https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E3%82%BF%E3%82%A4%E3%82%AC%E3%83%BC%E9%A4%83%E5%AD%90%E4% BC%9A%E9%A4%A8-%E5%9B%9B%E6%9D%A1%E7%83%8F%E4%B8%B8- %E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%B8%82 https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g298564-d7183969-Reviews-Tiger_Gyoza_Kaikan_Shijo_Karasuma- Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html

6: Visit Nijo Castle - Tours at 10AM and 12PM by Reservation (Activity) Address: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 604-8301, Japan About: One of Kyoto’s most popular places to visit, Nijo-jo Castle invites you to explore the history of the Shoguns and the power they once wielded throughout Japan. With massive stone walls and deep moats, Nijo-jo is a low-slung but still impressive structure, and it’s surrounded by beautiful gardens, including the Seiryu-en Garden. Get there just after opening (8:45am) to avoid the crowds. Opening hours Sunday 8AM-4PM Monday 8AM-4PM Tuesday 8AM-4PM Wednesday 8AM-4PM Thursday 8AM-4PM Friday 8AM-4PM Saturday 8AM-4PM Phone number: +81 75-841-0096 Website: http://www.city.kyoto.jp/bunshi/nijojo/ Reviews http://www.yelp.com/biz/%E4%BA%8C%E6%9D%A1%E5%9F%8E-%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%B8%82-3 https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d321408-Reviews-Nijo_Castle- Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html

7: Explore the Streets of the Gion District (Activity) Address: Gion, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan About: Down by the Kamogawa river banks, you’ll find the Gion District: a fascinating mix of old and new Kyoto. One street is lit by teahouse lanterns, while tall buildings line the next. Gion is famous as one of Kyoto’s geisha districts, so keep an eye out for kimonos in the crowd while you make your way to one of the many restaurants and teahouses. Opening hours Sunday 12AM-12AM Monday 12AM-12AM Tuesday 12AM-12AM Wednesday 12AM-12AM Thursday 12AM-12AM Friday 12AM-12AM Saturday 12AM-12AM Reviews https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E7%A5%87%E5%9C%92-%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%B8%82 https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d321451-Reviews-Gion-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html

8: Glimpse a Geisha Along Hanami-Koji Street, Gion District's Most Picturesque Area (Activity) Address: Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture About: div>Hanami-koji is the most well-known geisha street in the old capital. Hang out here to catch a glimpse of the beautiful geisha and take in the traditional houses of Kyoto.  PRO TIP: Do not take pictures of geisha unless you receive permission. It is considered highly disrespectful. /div> Opening hours Sunday: Open 24 hours Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Website: http://aquadina.com/kyoto/spot/911/ Reviews https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E8%8A%B1%E8%A6%8B%E5%B0%8F%E8%B7%AF- %E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%B8%82 https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d1956593-Reviews-Hanamikoji_Street- Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html

9: Kaiseki at Michelin-Starred Aji Fukushima (味ふくしま) (Restaurant) Address: Japan, 〒605-0074 Kyoto Prefecture, Higashiyama Ward, 祇園町南側570 About: Bright and inviting with sleek, white walls, this Michelin-starred restaurant updates Kyoto’s kaiseki style with more modern technique. Dishes are simple, but they’re served in ways that catch your eye, whether it’s a gracefully plated set of sashimi or a sumono dusted with eye-popping vegetables. Combine it with a sake tasting and be impressed by the depth of flavors on display from such a new spot. 10,000-15,000 yen at dinner. 4000-5000 yen at lunch. Opening hours Sunday 11:30AM-1PM, 5PM-8PM Monday 11:30AM-1PM, 5PM-8PM Tuesday 11:30AM-1PM, 5PM-8PM Wednesday 11:30AM-1PM, 5PM-8PM Thursday 11:30AM-1PM, 5PM-8PM Friday 11:30AM-1PM, 5PM-8PM Saturday 11:30AM-1PM, 5PM-8PM Phone number: +81 75-561-4848 Reviews http://www.yelp.co.jp/biz/%E5%91%B3%E3%81%B5%E3%81%8F%E3%81%97%E3%81%BE- %E6%9D%B1%E5%B1%B1%E5%8C%BA https://www.tripadvisor.jp/Restaurant_Review-g298564-d8327315-Reviews-Aji_Fukushima- Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html

10: Drinks & Kakigori at Hidden Cocktail Bar Gion Niti (Night Time) Address: Japan, 〒605-0074 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Higashiyama-ku, 祗園町 南側570-8 About: Elegant cafe by day and sleek cocktail bar by night, Gion Niti is the perfect hideaway for a drink and something sweet after dinner in Gion District. Opening hours Sunday Closed Monday 7PM-1:30AM Tuesday 7PM-1:30AM Wednesday 7PM-1:30AM Thursday 7PM-1:30AM Friday 7PM-1:30AM Saturday 7PM-1:30AM Phone number: +81 75-525-7128 Website: http://www.gion-niti.com Reviews https://www.yelp.com/biz/niti-gion-kyoto-%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%B8%82 https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Restaurant_Review-g298564-d4234487-Reviews-Gion_NITI- Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html