4 Day Kyoto Discovery

Welcome to Kyoto, Japan's former imperial capital, a city of centuries-old temples, quiet gardens and long-held traditions. On arrival make your own way to the hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure to settle in and recover from the journey at your own pace. There is time to wander the historic streets, seek out a local eatery for dinner, or simply relax close to the hotel. Special Information Airport transfers are not included. Your transfer portal may offer the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.

After breakfast, meet your English-speaking guide for a full day exploring a different side of Kyoto on foot, with a focus on local life, traditional arts and the city's samurai heritage, travelling between sights on public transport. Begin at Nishiki Market, known locally as Kyoto's Kitchen, starting at Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine at the market's eastern end before setting off on a guided eating tour. The tour will include four small specialty items, such as tofu skin croquettes, tempura, and skewers to taste. The covered arcades are lined with stalls of fresh produce, pickles, sweets, street snacks and local specialties, and the sampling settles into a relaxed brunch at a local restaurant. We continue to the Samurai Ninja Museum for an interactive look at Japan's feudal past, with armour, weaponry and hands-on demonstrations, then walk through Gion, Kyoto's best-known geisha district, with its preserved wooden machiya townhouses, traditional teahouses and lantern-lit lanes. The tour finishes at Pontocho Alley, a narrow lane lined with restaurants and bars, where we are free to enjoy dinner at your own leisure before returning to the hotel or carrying on at your own pace. Inspiring Highlights Kyoto – Nishiki Market food tour Kyoto – Samurai Ninja Museum Kyoto – Gion geisha district walking tour Kyoto – Pontocho Alley

Today is free to spend as we please. With the guided day behind us, there is time to enjoy the city at a gentler pace. Close to the hotel, the temples and gardens of the Higashiyama district reward an unhurried morning, and the grounds of the great temples are easy to reach on foot or by a short ride. For a quieter outing, the Philosopher's Path makes for a level riverside walk, and the food halls beneath the large department stores near Kyoto Station are a good spot to pause for lunch. Those who would prefer a full day out can choose from the optional tours below. Special Information Should you wish to add an optional tour, you can select one for the day, as they run at the same time and can't be combined.

Enjoy a final morning in Kyoto at leisure before departure. Depending on your flight time, there may be a chance for some last-minute shopping, a nearby café, or simply a quiet morning before we head to the airport. Make your own way to the airport for your onward flight. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special Information Airport transfers are not included. Your transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier departure experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.