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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

Filter postsGuides · Kyoto

TypeAll Guides Festivals Seasons Practical

PlaceAll Tokyo Kyoto Osaka Fukuoka Sapporo

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 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.

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Guides5 min readNishiki Market and the covered streets of KawaramachiHow to shop and taste your way through Nishiki Market in the morning, then use the covered arcades of Kawaramachi on a rainy day. Tips for families and solo travellers.

Guides5 min readRyoan-ji and the quiet temples north-west of the centreRyoan-ji is famous for its stone garden. Here is how to pair it with quieter temples and gardens in north-west Kyoto, and how to slow the visit down.

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Guides6 min readTen days across Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto and OsakaA ten-day first trip through Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto and Osaka: the order, the nights, the food and the train days that need a check.

Guides5 min readUji and matcha, a day from KyotoA relaxed day from Kyoto to Uji: the Phoenix Hall, the river, the tea shops and how to choose a matcha stop.