Uncover the Heart of Kyoto
Bite-sized trip
Day 1 – Arrival in Kyoto
You’ll arrive in Kyoto by train (it’s the best way to get around Japan after all). From here you’ll make your own way to your accommodation near the centre of the city. In the evening we recommend heading out to one of the traditional restaurants; there are plenty to choose from in Kyoto! Then wash it down with some local sake, we think warmed sake is the best.
Day 2 – Morning bike tour
This morning you’ll head out to meet your English-speaking guide and hop on your bike. Cycling through the back streets feels like a world (and century) away from the car-congested highways. You’ll visit the old entertainment districts with their wooden houses and make a stop at Shinto shrines with their Torri gates. You’ll finish at Kyoto station at about 1pm, giving you the rest of the day to do as you please.
Day 3 – Departure
Today we’ll arrange your transport to your next destination. If you have time, it’s worth heading up to Fushimi Inari Taisha where you can walk beneath the row upon row of red torri gates. Or, head back to the old entertainment districts and, if you’re lucky, perhaps spot a geisha picking her way along the streets in towering geta sandals. Kyoto is a great city to extend your stay in; just let us know if you’d like to.
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
Tea time in Kyoto
Green tea has a long and honoured tradition in Japan. Both the preparation and the act of drinking it are considered a mindful and cultural experience. In this 30-minute session, you’ll be guided through the ritual of the Japanese tea ceremony. After washing your hands, you’ll enter the tea room and observe how tea is prepared with care and precision. A tea master will demonstrate the steps, giving you a quiet, authentic moment of Japanese culture. Kanpai – to your health!
Walking Tour through Nara
Join your guide and fellow travellers on a cultural walking tour through Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital. You’ll visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the majestic Todaiji Temple, home to a giant bronze Buddha, and the sacred Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Along the way, your guide will share insights into Japan’s religious traditions and cultural heritage. The tour also takes you off the beaten path to discover quieter corners of the city. And of course, you’ll encounter Nara’s famous deer, considered sacred messengers in the Shinto faith.
The tour starts around 10:00 AM in Nara and ends around 4:00 PM. Travel from Kyoto to Nara takes about 45 minutes. You can use your JR Pass for this journey, or pay approximately £ 5 per person each way.
Calligraphy Workshop in a traditional home
Tucked away in a quiet residential area of Kyoto lives a family that has been in the kimono trade for generations. They have opened their traditional home as a cultural space for visitors – and today, you’ll join them for a calligraphy workshop. After some initial practice, you’ll use a brush to write your favourite kanji character. You’ll take home both your finished piece and the brush as a souvenir. This workshop is ideal for beginners and even young children.
Uncover the Heart of Kyoto - In Style accommodation
If you’re looking for a unique experience during your stay in Kyoto, consider our In Style option. Our In Style option is a little more special and unique, but still full of local character! You will be staying in a very comfortable well located hotel, the perfect base for exploring! The rooms are large and spacious considering the Japanese standards and there is a trainstation nearby. Once you have checked in take a stroll through the wonder that is Nishiki food market, or head to the Gion district in the hope of spotting a Geisha. If you’re interested in upgrading to our In Style accommodation for this bite-sized trip, you can select this option below.
