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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 +1 · Results: 19

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Guides5 min readFurano and Biei: fields, hills and slow roads from SapporoA day or two in Furano and Biei from Sapporo: the flower fields, the hills and the roads, and why a car or a tour helps.

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.

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 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.

Guides5 min readNara from Kyoto: deer, Todai-ji and a short walkA day in Nara from Kyoto: the deer in the park, the great temple, a walk through the woods and tips for dealing with the deer.

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 readNoboribetsu from Sapporo: hot springs and valley walksA day or a night in Noboribetsu from Sapporo: the steaming Hell Valley, the hot spring baths and the bathing rules to check first.

Guides5 min readOtaru from Sapporo: canal, glass and sushiA day in Otaru from Sapporo: the old canal, the glass and music box shops, the seafood and what to check in winter.

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.