Go early to avoid the crowds (before 9 is ideal, before 7:30 and you can watch the sun rise). Trek to the top is worth it - not many people do it, so you can have long stretches all to yourself.
Wonderful atmosphere. Smal historicl side streets with old architecture and random geisha sightings. Just give you time wandering around the streets in late afternoon, evening.
If you want to experience Kyoto's spiritual side, you can walk from shrine to shrine along this well-tended path. Keep in mind that some sanctuaries are more active than others and be respectful.
Beautiful temple at the top of the mountain. Wear comfortable shoes cause you will have to hike up (after the cable car) and walk down!
Cute food market in the center of Kyoto. Nice selection of local products and seafood. It's a little bit touristy (but still authentic) with somewhat higher prices. But nice to visit nonetheless.
It is free to enter the complex but to visit individual schools it is ¥400 each. Beautiful hidden gardens.
Stunning! Very calming and lots to see-you could definitely spend a couple of hours exploring. The aquifer and gardens are the star attractions.
Very beautiful temple and shrine off the beaten path. We were very lucky to stumble upon it on our walk through Kyoto.
Beautiful garden to escape the crowds in Arashiyama, matcha tea served on a terrace overlooking the bamboo forest and a lovely postcard included in entry fee
Go for a later lunch (~2:45) to miss the long lines. They will make a veggie ramen if you ask. Highly recommend adding a soft boiled egg to whatever you order!
Awesome ramen. Thick broth. Portions are big. Was there 10 minutes after they've opened and the place was full, so there is definitely a possibility of lines. Well worth a detour and/or waiting!
Found in a little street of small restaurants. Tasty soba noodles - just the right about of chewiness to dip in a tasty hot broth. Satisfying with a soft boiled egg on top, would come back again
Tofu kaiseki that's beautifully presented and is a unique taste experience. The tofu is the best I've had with textures ranging from soft and creamy to jelly-like.
Really good tea house, mostly frequented by couples and women. They are famous for their chilled glass noodle dessert that gets served with a brown sugar sauce that it's unlike anything you'll try!
A great place to eat Japanese sweet before or after your visit to katsura villa.130 years history, try their famous mugi or chestnut manju sweets. They have tables inside if you can't sit on tatami.
阿闍梨餅を売っている和菓子屋さんの本店です。工場の向かいにあるので、タイミングがいいと出来立ての温かい阿闍梨餅を買うことが出来ます。買ってからお店の中で食べることも出来ますよ（お茶を出してくれました！）。
Private rooms with great views, incredible presentation and tastes. Impeccable service. One of the best.
Roan Kikunoi is the junior version of the famous kaiseki restaurant. Get a counter seat if you can. http://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2602/A260201/26000766/
Amazing. Sit bar side and watch the chef prepare your tempura and lift it straight from the fryer to your plate. After dinner you are taken to a special room to sit around a fire for desert.
Koicha setu comes with mochi, and is first delivered thick like paste. Then, after you cannot sip more, water is added and it is whipped into a standard matcha.
Real deal Japanese hipster coffee shop located nearby temple scene. Secretly has wifi and power (need to ask) and maybe 8 spots to sit.
One of the “UNESCO Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto". Located at the junction of the Kamo and Takano rivers, Shimogamo shrine is surrounded by an ancient forest, with trees as old as 600 years.
Kifune-jinja Shrine is an ancient shrine located in a village in the mountainous area north of Kyoto. The best-known feature is the well-worn stone staircase lined by distinctive red wooden lanterns.
Amazing local curry spot! Menu is only in Japanese, so kind of hard to go beyond vegetable, chicken or spinach. Owner is super nice and you can use google translate to order stuff!
Absolutely delicious udon with amazing soup. Even with simple toppings it tastes great. Definitely worth a try, but it is crowded with the locals as well so be prepared to queue up.
Fantastic little hole in the wall rock bar. A bit pricey cover of 5,100 yen, but well worth it. Friendly, local staff and patrons.
Great atmosphere, stylish interior, super kind staff and delicious coffee. You should take a breakfast!
Authentic matcha place to go especially for their breakfast. Had the this green tea soup rice bowl with raw fish, very tasty and healthy! Love their iced hojicha too!
