Kyoto rewards early risers. The famous shrines are mobbed by 9am and serene at 6am — set an alarm and the city is yours.
Where to stay
Stay near Kyoto Station for transport ease, or in Higashiyama if you want to walk to the eastern temples. A night in a ryokan (traditional inn) with kaiseki dinner is worth the splurge.
How to get there
Fly into Osaka (KIX) and take the Haruka express to Kyoto Station in 75 minutes. From Tokyo it's a 2h15 Shinkansen ride — get a JR Pass if you're touring further.
Don't miss
Walk up the Fushimi Inari torii gates before sunrise, eat tofu at Shōrenin, and time a visit for cherry blossom or autumn maple season if you can.
Highlights
- Fushimi Inari at dawn
- Arashiyama bamboo grove
- Gion tea houses
- Philosopher's Path
What to pack for Kyoto
Tried-and-tested kit. Links go to Amazon UK.
- Compact travel adapter
- Anti-theft crossbody bag
- Packing cubes (set of 6)
- Merino base layers
- Packable down jacket
- Waterproof hiking boots
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