Going to Japan for the first time during the last week of May, we’re planning to base in Osaka-Shinsaibiashi and then do day trips to Kyoto, any tips or suggestions? Ofc we’ll skip stuff if we don’t have time
Day 1
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Tenryu-ji Temple
Walk/bus to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji
Walk/bus back toward Arashiyama Station
Bus/train to Ryoan-ji ~1hr
Ryoanji
15–20 min walk/bus from Ryoan-ji.
Kinkaku-ji
Bus from Kinkaku-ji to Gion: ~1 hr.
Yasaka Shrine
Gion streets (Hanamikoji, Shirakawa, teahouses).
Day 2
Fushimi Inari
Kiyomizu-dera
Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka streets
Kodai-ji Temple (optional)
40 min (bus/subway + walk)
Heian Jingu Shrine
Option A: Ginkaku-ji + Philosopher’s Path
Bus: ~30 min.
Option B: Nanzen-ji + Keage Incline
Bus: ~20 min.
Day 3
Kyoto Gyoen National Garden and the Imperial Palace grounds.
Subway or bus, ~15–20 min. (Or 20 min walk per google, 40 min)
Nijo Castle
Walk ~15–20 min per google or quick bus ride from Nijo.
Nishiki Market
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