One of my favorite areas of Kyoto is Arashiyama! Here’s how to spend a day there. Are you looking fo

Start your day with a hike up to Monkey Park. It's about a 20-minute walk uphill, but on the way, there's a small playground for kids. At the top, you'll find incredible views over Kyoto and dozens of wild monkeys roaming around. Remember to bring cash for street food and to manage your trash responsibly.

After hiking back down from the Monkey Park, you can rent a boat or kayak on the Hozugawa River. I've been here in the fall before, and it's absolutely stunning with all the leaves changing, which is my favorite time of year to experience it.

Wander through the streets of Arashiyama and sample all the street food. My favorite were these little fried ube balls and the honey shop. Make sure you bring some cash, as many stalls might not accept cards. Also, remember to finish your food and hand your trash back to the vendor or carry a bag with you, or you'll be carrying your trash all day.

Next, head to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. The entrance is usually packed with people, but if you keep walking further down the path, you'll find much quieter sections where you can enjoy the serene atmosphere without the crowds.

Then, we headed on the Romantic Train, which you should always pre-book. Make sure you go to the right train station: you're going to the Torokosaga Station, which is about a 10-minute walk from the main station in the middle of town. If you can, sit on the right side of the train for the best views. We rode the train one way to Toroku-Kimioka Station, and then took a short walk to the JR station to catch the regular train right back into Kyoto.

We wrapped up the day with dinner at Tonkatsu Wako near Kyoto Station, then wandered around Kyoto Station. I love the vibe here at night, especially the illuminated stairs and the Kyoto Tower.