Kyoto in summer | Japan Travel Vlog | 4-day itinerary · Forty Pirates

Kyoto in summer | Japan Travel Vlog | 4-day itinerary · Forty Pirates

@Riri Travels

Kyoto in summer | Japan Travel Vlog | 4-day itinerary

Kyoto in summer | Japan Travel Vlog | 4-day itinerary

Riri Travelsyoutubethe post

Explore Kyoto's iconic temples, serene Zen gardens, and charming streets in summer, with a 4-day itinerary that includes early morning visits and local dining spots.

2 days · 23 places · 6 experiences

Day 1 · 5 places · Kyoto, Japan

Kiyomizu-dera Sunrise & Higashiyama Exploration

“Day 1 of our Kyoto trip started with a sunrise stroll through Kiyomizu-dera's streets, followed by breakfast, touching Jizo statues, and exploring the temple's pagodas and waterfall.”

Experience · 4 places
Sunrise stroll through Kiyomizu-dera's streets
Wake up early to catch the sunrise over Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the surrounding streets of Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, and Matsubara Street. It's a magical experience to see these usually bustling areas completely empty, with the streetlights still on. The quiet and peaceful atmosphere feels like a true indulgence before the crowds arrive.
1
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.6 (72,172)Closed · opens tomorrow 6 AM
Creator's voice
One of Kyoto's most iconic buildings, Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It opens at 6 AM, so an early visit is recommended to avoid crowds. Entry costs ¥500 to go further inside.
Kiyomizu-dera, 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan
2
Sannenzaka Street
Tourist attraction · Kyoto
4.4 (73)Closed
Bustling pedestrian street on a hill lined with souvenir stalls & traditional Japanese architecture.
Sannenzaka, 2 Chome-211 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan
3
Ninenzaka Street
Tourist attraction · Kyoto
4.5Closed
Charming pedestrian thoroughfare known for its classic architecture, teahouses & cherry blossoms.
Ninenzaka, Higashiyama Ward, Masuyacho, 2 Chome-363-12 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0826, Japan
4
Matsubara Street
Kyoto
Matsubara-dori, Kyoto, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Touching Jizo statues for good luck
Explore the Higashiyama area and look for the roadside Buddhist statues, including the Three Jizo and Hotei. Touch these beloved statues and altar objects to earn merit. I found the Three Jizo and Hotei, and touched them for good luck. It's a unique way to engage with the local culture.
1
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.6 (72,172)Closed · opens tomorrow 6 AM
Creator's voice
One of Kyoto's most iconic buildings, Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It opens at 6 AM, so an early visit is recommended to avoid crowds. Entry costs ¥500 to go further inside.
Kiyomizu-dera, 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Drinking life-prolonging water at Otowa Waterfall
At Otowa Waterfall, I drank some of the 'Enmei-sui' (life-prolonging water) using an extended ladle. It's a unique and refreshing experience, believed to bring good fortune and longevity. Make sure to try it when you visit Kiyomizu-dera.
5
Otowa Waterfall
観光名所 · Kyoto
4.3Closed · opens Monday 6 AM
Creator's voice
Known as 'Enmei-sui' or life-prolonging water, this waterfall is a popular spot where visitors drink from its three streams using extended ladles. Each stream is said to grant a different blessing.
Otowa-no-taki Falls, 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan

Day 2 · 2 places · Kyoto, Japan

Kifune Shrine & Fushimi Inari Hike

“Day 2 was an overcast day, perfect for visiting Kifune Shrine in the evening to see the lanterns lit up, followed by brunch at Sagan, a hike through Fushimi Inari's torii gates, and dinner at Oyako Shokudo.”

Experience · 1 place
Water Omikuji at Kifune Shrine
Kifune Shrine offers a unique water omikuji (fortune slip). You pay 200 yen, pick a blank paper slip, and then dip it into the sacred water. Your fortune slowly appears from the water. I got middle luck! It's a fun and interactive way to experience a traditional Japanese shrine ritual.
6
Kifune Shrine
Shinto shrine · Kyoto
4.5 (12,229)Closed · opens Monday 6 AM
Creator's voice
Dedicated to the god of water, Kifune Shrine is about an hour away from Kyoto. It's particularly beautiful in the evening when the famous lanterns are lit up by 5 PM. The environment, with its lush greenery and mini waterfalls along the journey up, is very fitting for a water shrine.
Kifune Shrine, 180 Kuramakibunecho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 601-1112, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Hiking through Fushimi Inari's torii gates
Hiking through the thousands of red torii gates at Fushimi Inari is an impressive experience. Don't worry about the crowds at the entrance; it gets less busy the further you go up the mountain. I found that most people congregate at the entrance, so keep walking to find quieter sections. There are different paths to take, and I went to 'the place with a nice view' which offers a lovely panorama of Kyoto city. This would be especially beautiful during sunset.
7
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Shinto shrine · Kyoto
4.6 (90,859)Closed
Creator's voice
Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that stretch seemingly forever up the mountain. It's a popular spot, so expect crowds, especially at the entrance. The further you go, the emptier it gets. Each gate is donated by a Japanese business.
Fushimi Inari Taisha, 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan
Strawberry soft-serve — A delicious strawberry soft-serve ice cream, perfect as a snack while exploring the shrine.

Also in this video

8
Kissa Kishin Kyoto
Coffee shop · Kyoto
4.6Closed · opens tomorrow 7:30 AM
Creator's voice
A cafe with a minimalistic design, offering a beautiful space for breakfast.
Japan, 〒605-0932 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Myohoin Maekawacho, 427-18 Kissa Kishin Kyoto, MAANA KIYOMIZU
- Omelette breakfast set — A delicious omelette served with a pea soup and koji bread.
- Berry French toast — A berry French toast, perfect for sharing.
9
Kiyomizudera Koyasunoto Pagoda
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.5 (448)Open · until 6 PM
Creator's voice
A beautiful red pagoda nestled amongst the trees, offering a serene view.
Koyasu-no-to Pagoda, 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0000, Japan
10
Sagan Cafe
Cafe · Kyoto
4.0 (1,833)Closed · opens Monday 8 AM
Creator's voice
A cafe recommended by a local, with a menu presented in a newspaper format. It offers a good spot for people-watching.
Sagan, 二丁目-93 Rokurocho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0813, Japan
- Obanzai set meal · ¥1300 — My Obanzai set meal included grilled salmon and simmered veggies, which was delicious. It's a great option for a healthy and flavorful brunch.
- Fruit platter — A refreshing fruit platter with a variety of fresh fruits.
11
Oyako Shokudo
Syokudo and Teishoku restaurant · Kyoto
4.4Closed · opens Monday 11 AM
Creator's voice
A dumpling shop just off the main street, offering really cheap prices for set meals. It's owned by a lovely elderly lady and her son.
Oyako Shokudo, 99-6 Tatsumicho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0855, Japan
- Dumpling set meal · ¥750 — A delicious dumpling set meal. We even had a second serving!
Experience · 3 places
Exploring Tofuku-ji's Zen gardens
I decided to see the Zen garden in Tofuku-ji Temple, as it has four other gardens. The wooden walkway of Tsutenkyo Bridge leads to the famous bridge, and in summer, it offers a quiet respite from tourists, unlike the busy autumn season when the ravine is filled with maple trees. We then reached The Southern Garden, the main Zen garden, where the sand represents water and the rocks represent Chinese mythological islands. The Eastern Garden represents the Ursa Major constellation, and the checkered Northern Garden is a moss garden. Finally, the Western Garden, all perfectly manicured. It's a truly serene and beautiful experience.
12
Tofuku-ji Temple
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.5 (11,279)Closed · opens Monday 9 AM
Creator's voice
A temple known for its beautiful Zen gardens, including the Southern Garden, Eastern Garden, Northern Garden, and Western Garden. It's particularly beautiful in summer, offering a quiet respite from tourists, though it gets very busy in autumn due to the ravine filled with maple trees.
Tōfuku-ji Temple, 15 Chome-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0981, Japan
13
Tsutenkyo Bridge
Bridge · Kyoto
4.7 (198)Closed · opens tomorrow 9 AM
Creator's voice
A wooden walkway leading to this famous bridge, offering stunning views of the surrounding maple trees. It's especially popular in autumn.
Tsuten-kyo Bridge, 15 Chome Honmachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0981, Japan
14
Kaisando Hall
Buddhist temple
4.7 (7)
Creator's voice
Features a lush pond garden on the left and a dry rock garden on the right, creating a beautiful contrast. The dry rock garden's sand represents water (the rough seas), and the rocks represent Chinese mythological islands. The Eastern Garden represents the Ursa Major constellation, and the Northern Garden features a checkered moss pattern. All gardens are perfectly manicured.
Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8295
15
Cafe January
Cafe · Kyoto
4.4Closed · opens Thursday 9 AM
Creator's voice
A little coffee shop with a retro vibe, offering a breakfast platter that includes fruits.
Cafe January, 10-6 Fukuinekakimotocho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0985, Japan
- Breakfast platter with fruits — The only breakfast platter I found that included fruits, along with sausages, toast, and a small salad.
16
Yasaka Shrine
Shinto shrine · Kyoto
4.4 (33,681)Closed
Creator's voice
A vibrant shrine with lots of people, many dressed in beautiful kimonos. There are also food stalls around.
Yasaka Shrine, 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073, Japan
- 900-year-old tree — A massive 900-year-old tree whose branches are said to have the appearance of the Buddha with a thousand arms. It's a truly impressive sight.
17
Sankaku Onigiri
Restaurant · Kyoto
4.3Closed · opens Thursday 8 AM
Creator's voice
An onigiri place offering many different flavors to choose from.
Kyoto Gion Omusubiya Sankaku, 533 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074, Japan
- Onigiri — Various flavors of onigiri, perfect for a quick and tasty meal. I bought some to eat at the park.
18
Maruyama Park
City park · Kyoto
4.3Closed
Creator's voice
A park with lots of places to sit and relax, and it also features a beautiful Japanese garden.
Maruyama Park, Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0071, Japan
19
Otani Sobyo Temple
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.4 (2,315)Open · until 5 PM
Creator's voice
A quiet space in front of the temple, perfect for getting some work done.
Ōtani Sobyō Temple, 477 Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0071, Japan
20
Issen Yoshoku
Okonomiyaki restaurant · Kyoto
4.4Closed · opens Monday 11 AM
Creator's voice
A pretty eccentric shop that only sells one dish: an omelette.
Issen Yoshoku, 238 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073, Japan
- Okonomiyaki-style omelette · ¥850 — The only dish served here is an omelette, which is a mix of green onion, egg, sakura shrimp, bonito, red ginger, Japanese Wagyu beef, seasoned konnyaku, grilled fish paste, tempura, flour, Worcestershire sauce, and seaweed, all together. It's a unique and flavorful take on an omelette.
21
Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple
Buddhist temple
4.7 (3,591)Closed · opens tomorrow 9 AM
Creator's voice
The outside looks unassuming, but inside it houses thousands of moss-covered stone statues known as 'rakan'. These statues are carved by everyday people, each unique to its creator, with different expressions. Some have coins in their mouth or nose, some wear sunglasses, and some are blinged out. It's a truly unique and fun experience, feeling like entering the world of 'Spirited Away'.
Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, 2-5 Sagatoriimoto Fukatanicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8439, Japan
22
Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple
Buddhist temple
4.3 (2,036)Closed · opens 9 AM
Creator's voice
A temple dedicated to the souls of those who have died without surviving family. Each soul is commemorated with a stone statue. It also features a beautiful bamboo forest, which is less busy than the famous one in Arashiyama.
Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple, １７番地 Sagatoriimoto Adashinocho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8436, Japan
23
Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street
Tourist attraction
4.4Closed · opens Friday 10 AM
Creator's voice
A quiet street lined with cafes and souvenir shops, making for a perfect end to a morning stroll. It's a 3-minute walk downhill from Adashino Temple.
Saga-toriimoto preserved street, 嵯峨鳥居本 Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8435, Japan

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