Alone in Japan's Most Beautiful City | Kyoto Vlog 🇯🇵

@ernsto

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Join this solo traveler on his second Japan vlog as he explores Kyoto, from a scenic river boat ride to feeding wild monkeys, visiting ancient temples, and indulging in delicious local cuisine and unique shopping experiences.

1 plan · 16 places · 5 experiences

Plan · 3 places · Kyoto, Japan

Arashiyama Day Trip: River, Monkeys, Bamboo, and Wagyu

“We started the morning with the river boat ride, then found ourselves face to face with wild monkeys, got lost trying to find the bamboo forest, found it, and finished the day off with one of the best meals I've had on the trip.”

Experience · 1 place
Hozugawa River Boat Ride to Arashiyama
morning
Take the Hozugawa River boat ride, a 2-hour journey down the river that ends at the bamboo forest. It's a unique way to see a different, more rural side of Japan compared to the big cities. I booked it through the Klook app. Don't worry if you're scared of boats; it's not as scary as it seems, and the boatmen (Sendo) work hard to push you through. There are some rapids where you might need a cover to protect from water, but I never felt unsafe. I recommend dressing in layers and a rain jacket, and bringing a waterproof bag for electronics. My boat left at 10:00 AM, so I arrived around 9:30 AM after a 40-minute train ride.
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Hozugawa River Boat Ride
Rafting · Kyoto
4.5Closed · opens Thursday 9 AM
Creator's voice
A 2-hour boat ride down the Hozugawa River, offering a different perspective of Japan's rural scenery. It ends at the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Tickets can be booked via the Klook app.
Hozugawa River Boat Ride End Point, 8386 １３-616 Sagakamenoocho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8386, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Feeding wild monkeys at Arashiyama Monkey Park
afternoon
Hike up to the Arashiyama Monkey Park, which I initially mistook for the bamboo forest entrance. The hike is beautiful, but be prepared for cardio! At the top, you'll find wild monkeys and an incredible view of Kyoto. There's a caged area where you can feed the monkeys peanuts or apples for 100 yen. I recommend apples, as a monkey threw my peanut away! Remember to follow the rules posted around the park, especially not staring them in the eyes or bringing food outside the caged area. It cost 1,000 yen to enter.
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Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
Wildlife park
4.5 (952)Closed · opens Tuesday 9 AM
Creator's voice
A park on a mountain where you can see and feed wild Japanese macaques. It offers stunning panoramic views of Kyoto. Entry costs 1,000 yen, and monkey food is 100 yen. Be aware of the rules for interacting with wild monkeys.
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, ６１-61 Arashiyama Nakaoshitacho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0004, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Strolling through Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
afternoon
Step into the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, which feels like a different world. It's one of the coolest parks I've ever been to. The downside is the crowds, so try to come as early as possible. It's open 24/7.
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Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Tourist attraction · Kyoto
4.4 (24,591)Closed
Creator's voice
A stunning natural bamboo forest that feels like stepping into another world. It's open 24/7, but can get very crowded, so an early morning visit is recommended.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8394, Japan

Also in this video

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Kyoto Station
Transit station · Kyoto
4.3
Creator's voice
Kyoto's main station, where I arrived via bullet train from Tokyo. It's a major hub for subways and buses to get around the city.
Kyoto Station, Higashishiokoji Kamadonocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan
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Gyoza place (TikTok recommended)
Izakaya restaurant · Kyoto
4.8 (343)Open · until 10 PM
Creator's voice
A TikTok-recommended spot serving various kinds of gyoza. I accidentally ordered 16 gyoza instead of 3, but they were delicious and the staff were extremely nice. The meal cost 3,700 yen (about $25).
chao chao gyoza kyoto, 1階 276-28 Kitakurumayacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8021, Japan
- Double cheese and chicken gyoza — A delicious combination of double cheese and chicken gyoza that I highly recommend.
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Uniqlo
Clothing store · Kyoto
5.0 (138)Closed · opens Thursday 10 AM
Creator's voice
A Uniqlo store I spotted from the bus. You can never get enough Uniqlo, so it's worth a stop for some shopping.
UNIQLO - Kyoto-Yodobashi, 京都ヨドバシ４階 590-2 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan
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Vintage thrift store
Used clothing store · Kyoto
4.9 (375)Open · until 8 PM
Creator's voice
A curated vintage thrift store where I found a cool quarter-zip sweater. It's a good spot for unique finds.
BRING Kyoto Kawaramachi, 245-1 Yamazakicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8032, Japan
- Quarter-zip sweater — A cool quarter-zip sweater I bought from a curated vintage thrift store.
8
Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama
Coffee shop · Kyoto
4.2 (16,533)Open · until 6 PM
Creator's voice
A popular coffee shop with long lines, known for its Kyoto latte. This is actually their second store opened worldwide. I waited about 20 minutes for my coffee.
% ARABICA Kyoto Arashiyama, 3-47 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8385, Japan
- Kyoto latte — The Kyoto latte is pretty good, though not the most insane coffee I've ever had. It's worth trying if you're a coffee lover and don't mind the wait.
9
Tenryu-ji Temple
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.5 (17,007)Closed · opens tomorrow 8:30 AM
Creator's voice
A peaceful temple located right beside the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. It costs 500 yen to enter and offers a serene atmosphere.
Tenryu-ji, ６８ Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8385, Japan
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Wagyu Katsu Restaurant (TikTok recommended)
Tonkatsu restaurant · Kyoto
4.7Closed · opens tomorrow 10:30 AM
Creator's voice
A TikTok-recommended restaurant where I was lucky to get a table for one, even without a river view. They serve a full menu on one giant plate, with an option to upgrade beef to wagyu for 1,000 yen. The staff were very helpful in explaining how to cook the wagyu.
GYUKATSU Kyoto Katsugyu Kyoto Ekimae, 211 Maoyacho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8211, Japan
- Wagyu beef and kujo negi saki rice bowl · ¥1000 (upgrade) — Breaded wagyu beef that you cook yourself on a hot stone for 5 seconds per side for medium-rare. It's served with various dipping sauces like soft-boiled soy sauce, curry, salted pepper, and yuzu sauce, plus an egg sauce. This was the greatest thing I've ever eaten in my life.
- Winter Delight's crab and four seafood rice bowl — A seafood rice bowl served in a crab's head, which was incredibly delicious and insane.
- Raw egg and rice — A simple yet incredibly delicious combination of raw egg and rice, tasting far better than any I've made myself.
- Yuzu scented golden eye snapper with yuba and thickened sauce rice bowl — A unique dish with a slightly strange, jelly-like texture due to the thickened sauce, making it my least favorite of the meal.
- Shrimp tempura — Delicious shrimp tempura, even for someone who isn't a big vegetable fan.
11
7-Eleven
Convenience store · Kyoto
3.7Closed
Creator's voice
A reliable convenience store for quick and easy Japanese breakfast items like egg salad sandwiches, tuna nigiri, and smoothies. They also sometimes carry Pokémon cards.
7-Eleven - Kyōto Shijō Nishinotōin-dori, 457 Furunishicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8227, Japan
- Egg salad sandwich — A classic Japanese breakfast item from 7-Eleven, which is my favorite way to start the morning.
- Tuna nigiri — A convenient and tasty tuna nigiri from 7-Eleven, perfect for a quick Japanese breakfast.
- 7-Eleven smoothie — The 7-Eleven smoothies in Japan taste way better than similar ones in Canada. A great way to start the day.
- Mega EX Pokémon card pack — A pack of Mega EX Pokémon cards I snagged from 7-Eleven. The top chase card in this pack is Gengar. I pulled a Mew card worth $5.
Experience · 1 place
Climbing to Kiyomizu-dera Temple
morning
Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of my favorite temples on the trip due to its super bright red architecture. Be prepared for a lot of stairs, so don't skip cardio! I arrived around 8:30 AM, and it wasn't as busy as I expected, though there were still many tourists. The main goal was to get souvenirs for family.
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Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.6 (72,172)Closed · opens tomorrow 6 AM
Creator's voice
A beautiful Buddhist temple known for its vibrant red architecture and stunning views. It's a popular tourist spot, so visiting early in the morning is recommended to avoid the biggest crowds. The main hall's wooden stage offers panoramic views.
Kiyomizu-dera, 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan
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Japan Edition
Clothing store · Kyoto
4.9 (86)Open · until 8 PM
Creator's voice
My favorite clothing store in Kyoto, offering versatile items and Japanese denim. It features a garden connecting the main room to a back room filled with Japanese denim. The owner was very nice, which influenced my decision to buy a full Japanese denim set.
Japan, 〒604-8066 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Iseyacho, 350 JAPAN EDITION 京都
- Momotaro Japanese denim jacket and pants set — A full Japanese denim set from Momotaro, including a jacket and matching pants. I was very happy with this purchase.
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Pokémon Center Kyoto
Hobby store · Kyoto
4.4 (3,587)Open · until 8 PM
Creator's voice
A Pokémon Center located in Kyoto. I visited at night, but all the Pokémon card packs were sold out.
Pokémon Center Kyoto, 京都経済センター SUINA室町 2F 78 Kankobokocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8009, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Creating a custom fragrance at My Only Fragrance
evening
Visit My Only Fragrance to create your own custom perfume. You go through different scents, some limited to Kyoto, and write down your chosen scents and the name you want for your fragrance (I put my cousin's name in Japanese). The staff will then give you tester strips and break down the proportions of each scent. It's a unique experience, especially if you love fragrances, and you end up with your own signature scent. The staff were incredibly kind and helpful.
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My Only Fragrance
Variety store · Kyoto
5.0 (21,122)Open · until 8 PM
Creator's voice
A unique store in Kyoto where you can create your own custom fragrance. They offer a wide selection of scents, including some exclusive to Kyoto, and allow you to name your personalized perfume. The prices are surprisingly good, and the staff are very helpful.
Japan, 〒604-8061 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Shikibucho, My Only Fragrance【 TERAMACHI 】, ２４５番 MPビル１階
Custom fragrance — A custom-made cologne with a unique scent, personalized with my cousin's name in Japanese. It smells incredibly good, and I might go back to get one for myself.
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Ramen restaurant (late night)
Ramen restaurant · Kyoto
4.5 (4,417)Open · until 10:30 PM
Creator's voice
The only ramen place open late at night in the area. The ramen was incredibly delicious, especially after a long day of walking and in the rain.
KYOTO ENGINE RAMEN, 580-2 Nakanocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8042, Japan
- Ramen — The ramen here hits different every single time. This bowl was incredibly delicious, especially after a long day and in the rain.

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