Half day in Magical Kyoto

See the temples and shrines that make Kyoto famous – and the popular local haunts your guidebook doesn’t even know exist! From feasting on wagyu (yes, wagyu!) sushi ordered by your in-the-know host at centuries-old Nishiki Market to exploring the historical, wood-built streets of Higashiyama, to gazing out over the city from Yasaka Pagoda, the soul of Kyoto is quick to discover – and even faster to love.

Enjoy modern and ancient Japan, harmoniously intertwined, as you snack on street food while listening to live traditional music at Kamo River. Gather with other revelers in the streets of Gion and Ponto-chō for a night of karaoke, upscale dinners, and draft beer at intimate izakayas where the crowds outside seem to fade from existence.

It may be small in size, but Kyoto is vast in cultural heritage – and with a host’s invaluable insider knowledge, you’ll make the most of your time. You could explore ancient temples, like cherry blossom-flanked Kiyomizu-dera, or head north to the tranquil Rakusho teahouse for Uji green tea and wagashi confections.

Five minutes away, Kyoto’s lantern-lit central district, Gion, is the perfect place for a draft beer at a cozy izakaya bar or a multi-course kaiseki meal at one of the many traditional restaurants. From here, you might stroll a short distance south to the wood-built streets of historical Higashiyama for a view from 1400-year-old Yasaka Pagoda, then cross the Kamo River bridge west to Nishiki Market for your street food fix.