After the electric energy of Tokyo, Kyoto was a welcome change of pace—a city that invites you to slow down and take it all in. With ancient temples, lantern-lit streets, peaceful gardens, and food that left us speechless, Kyoto felt like one of those rare places where every turn could be a postcard. We packed a lot into our three days here, but honestly? I could have spent a month getting lost in its alleyways and trying a new restaurant every night. It’s that special.
Day 1: Temples, Torii Gates & Teppanyaki Heaven
We started our first full day in Kyoto at Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of Japan’s most iconic and spiritually significant shrines. Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, agriculture, and prosperity, this shrine is most famous for its seemingly endless path of bright vermilion torii gates – thousands of them lining the trail that winds up the forested mountain behind the main shrine. Walking beneath them felt otherworldly, like stepping into a painting or a scene from a movie (which, in fact, it is – it’s been featured in several films).
A quick stop for street food near the shrine (simple, delicious, and exactly what we needed) fueled us for our next stop: Kiyomizu-dera, a historic temple with sweeping views over Kyoto. It was busy, but the scenery made it worth every step – although we did need a few breaks along the way which luckily served as photo ops!
At Kiyomizu-dera, we opted for the Tainai-meguri experience. The completely dark path represents returning to the mother’s womb – a place of rebirth, reflection, and grounding. We followed a single knotted rope through pitch blackness, relying entirely on touch. At the very end, you emerge into a soft glow where there’s a smooth, illuminated “wishing stone” which you’re meant to gently touch while making a wish or offering a prayer.
That afternoon, we took a rickshaw ride through the Gion district, and it quickly became one of the highlights of our entire trip. Our rickshaw drivers were not only impressively strong (it was HOT), but also incredibly friendly and full of great stories. They pointed out hidden corners we never would have noticed on our own. It was the perfect blend of sightseeing and local connection.
We capped off the night with a teppanyaki dinner that still makes my mouth water. Think melt-in-your-mouth beef, crispy vegetables, perfectly cooked noodles, and the kind of meal where everyone at the table is silent because the food is just that good. On the way back to the hotel, we even caught a glimpse of a geisha from afar, a perfect Kyoto moment!
Day 2: Bamboo Forests, Mountain Monkeys & a Quiet Escape
We ventured just outside the city to Arashiyama, where the bamboo grove was just as magical as you’d expect. Towering green stalks and filtered sunlight created an atmosphere that felt otherworldly.
From there, we walked along the river to Iwatayama Monkey Park. The hike to the top was no joke (steep!), but the panoramic views over Kyoto and the playful monkeys at the summit made it completely worth it.
After working up an appetite, we dove into what ended up being our best street food day of the entire trip. We sampled juicy pork skewers, fried cheese, curry udon, taiyaki (those fish-shaped sweets filled with custard or chocolate), and of course, ice cream. It was a greatest hits lineup of Japanese snacks, and we loved every bite.
That afternoon, I carved out a little “me” time while the boys stayed back to swim. I’ve always wanted to experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, and this felt like the perfect opportunity. Dressed in a kimono, I learned each deliberate step of the ritual, soaking in the peacefulness of the moment (or maybe that was just the fact that the kids were not with me!). It was a beautiful way to connect with Japanese culture, and I’m so glad I made space for it – especially for the photo ops!
Later, we reunited for another teppanyaki dinner (when the kids ask for more, you don’t say no!), followed by a lantern-lit walk back to our hotel.
Day 3: Souvenirs, Snapshots & Saying Goodbye
We started our final day with a family photo shoot in Higashiyama, one of Kyoto’s most charming districts. Even early in the morning, the streets were bustling! It was peak travel season, but we still found a few quiet corners to capture the kind of family photos I know we’ll treasure for years.
After the shoot, we took a break at a Starbucks unlike any other: designed to resemble a traditional Japanese teahouse, complete with tatami mats and shoe-free seating – I couldn’t NOT try it!
After we wandered around a bit, we headed to a washi paper-making class, which was both fun and memorable. I always say the best souvenirs are photos and things you make yourself while traveling … and this day gave us both!
We fit in a little more shopping and lunch, then headed back to the hotel for a short break. Our boys are now at the age where we can sneak away for a bit, so Rob and I squeezed in a pre-dinner date at a tiny gyoza bar we’d spotted the night before. There was a line out the door, which is always a good sign. We got there right when they opened to avoid the queue and still barely made it in the first round of the night! Gyoza and cold drinks before dinner? Yes, please!
We wrapped up our time in Kyoto with a final family meal featuring both Wagyu and Kobe beef. It was indulgent and unforgettable. The perfect bite to end a perfect three days in Kyoto!
Kyoto swept me off my feet. I wish we’d taken a day from Tokyo and given it to this city instead. There’s so much more I want to see, taste, and explore here. It’s one of those rare places that lingers long after you leave, the kind of destination that makes you say, next time, I’m staying longer.
Visiting Japan firsthand – exploring with my family, experiencing the culture, and connecting with local guides and suppliers means I can plan these trips even better for my clients. I know what works (and what’s worth skipping), how to pace a trip with kids or without, and how to make the most of your time in this truly unforgettable country.
If Japan is on your travel wish list, let’s talk. Whether you’re dreaming of cherry blossoms, temples, sushi, or street food, we’ll help you experience it all … elevated and effortless.
Just go. And let us help you get there.
