If this is your first time in Kyoto in the spring, then you might be overwhelmed by the number of things to do and see in the city. There are so many great places to see the cherry blossoms, and experience Kyoto culture, that you might have a hard time knowing where to start.
For those of you that like a set plan for your travels, the author, who is a Kyoto resident, has compiled a perfect three-day itinerary that hits all the major sites you won’t want to miss. The plan has about 6 hours of sightseeing time per day, including meals, which gives you plenty to do, and enough time to relax at the end of the day. If you like exploring at a faster pace, check out the additional suggestions at the end of the article.
Read on for a Kyoto trip full of dreamy sites, tasty food spots, and of course amazing temples and shrines.
The fantastic sights of western Kyoto (or Rakusai), which include areas around Arashiyama and Okusaga, were a favorite of Japan's past leaders and make for an exciting tour – especially when bicycling in Kyoto.
You can reach this area via JR or private railroads like Hankyu or Keifuku. Many of the rail stations in this area have a bicycle rental shop nearby for convenience. Here, we'll share some of the area's highlights in a fun, self-guided bicycle tour, starting with the back of Arashiyama and the mountain temple of Oku-Saga.
Main image: PIXTA