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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 postsAll · 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.

Practical5 min readSuica or ICOCA: which IC card to get on arrivalAn IC card lets you tap onto trains, subways and buses. Learn how Suica and ICOCA differ, where to buy one, and how to avoid gate problems.

Practical5 min readA break-even test for the JR PassMost first-time visitors need a clear test before they buy a Japan Rail Pass. Use this method to compare the pass with single tickets for your own route.

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.

Practical5 min readGetting to Kinkaku-ji without a taxi: buses and walkingKinkaku-ji is best reached by city bus, not by taxi. Here is how to plan the bus, board and pay, and when a walk makes sense.

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.

Practical5 min readSend your bags ahead to the hotelSending luggage ahead lets you travel light between cities. Learn the options, the labels to use and the items to keep with you.

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.