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Arashiyama in a half day, away from the crowds

Arashiyama is busy at midday. Go early for the bamboo grove, walk the river and choose one temple garden. Here is a half day that avoids the worst crowds.

Updated Oct 10, 2026 · Guides · KyotoRead the post

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Guides5 min readDazaifu from Fukuoka: a shrine, a plum tree and a sweet stopA calm day in Dazaifu from Fukuoka: the Tenmangu shrine, the plum trees, the old bridge and the sweet called umegae mochi.

Guides5 min readGion after dark: how to walk it respectfullyGion at night is beautiful, and people live and work there. Here is how to walk its lanes, take photos and eat with respect for the neighbourhood.

Guides5 min readHimeji Castle: a day trip from Osaka or KyotoHow to spend a day at Himeji Castle from Osaka or Kyoto: the castle, the garden next door, the route and what to check first.

Guides5 min readHiroshima from Fukuoka: Peace Park and MiyajimaA day from Fukuoka to Hiroshima: the Peace Memorial Park and museum, a ferry to Miyajima and the tide check for the floating torii.

Guides4 min readHonmachi and the Osaka history trailHonmachi is a calm business district beside Osaka Castle. Here is a half-day history walk past the castle moats, a city museum and a quiet garden.

Guides5 min readKawaramachi and Pontocho: a shopping and evening walkA walk from the afternoon arcades to the Kamo riverbank and the lanes of Pontocho at dusk, with dinner, respect for the district and a plan for late nights.

Guides5 min readKinkaku-ji and north-west Kyoto: the Golden Pavilion areaKinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, sits in a quiet north-west part of Kyoto. Here is how to plan a visit with other temples, and how to avoid the crowds.

Guides5 min readKobe from Osaka: harbour, hills and a slow afternoonA slow day in Kobe from Osaka: the harbour, the old foreign houses on the hill, Chinatown and the food to try.

Guides5 min readKoyasan: a mountain temple day or night from OsakaHow to visit Koyasan from Osaka for a day or a night: the old cemetery, the temples, the way up the mountain and what to check first.

Guides5 min readKyoto's first day: Fushimi Inari, then HigashiyamaHow to spend your first day in Kyoto: an early walk up Fushimi Inari, then the temple lanes and streets of Higashiyama in the afternoon.

Guides5 min readKyoto Station: a base for first-timers and day tripsKyoto Station suits late arrivals, heavy bags and day trips by train. Here is how to use it well, and what to check before you book a room.

Guides4 min readNakanoshima museums and the river: a rainy-day planRain in Osaka does not have to spoil the day. Here is a Nakanoshima plan with indoor museums, a cafe stop in Nakazakicho and a river cruise if it runs.