Tall bamboo stalks lining a path in the Arashiyama bamboo grove, Kyoto

Japan7 days

Japan: Kyoto, Slowly

Kyoto → Nara → Arashiyamaculture, wellnessFrom $4,200 per person (illustrative)

01Overview

One city, seven days, and no rush: temples in the morning, craft in the afternoon, and quiet evenings in Gion.

Most visitors give Kyoto two days. We give it a week. You base yourself in a restored townhouse near the Kamo river and let the city unfold in walks, workshops, and long meals. There is time for the famous sights and, more importantly, for the streets in between.

Duration: 7 days
Locations: 3
Style: culture, wellness
From: $4,200

02Highlights

What makes this journey.

01
Sunrise at Arashiyama bamboo grove, then breakfast nearby
02
Half day with a textile or ceramics maker
03
Kaiseki dinner in a quiet Gion machiya

03Itinerary

Day by day.

A working plan. We adjust the pace, the stays, and the activities once we know how you like to travel.

01
Day 1 · Kyoto
Arrival and the river
Settle into your townhouse and walk the Kamo river at dusk.
- Airport transfer
- River walk
- Welcome dinner
02
Day 2 · Kyoto
Higashiyama in the early hours
Old lanes and temples before the tour groups arrive, then a slow lunch.
- Sunrise walk in Higashiyama
- Kiyomizu-dera
- Tofu lunch
03
Day 3 · Arashiyama
Bamboo and the river
Arrive at first light for the grove, then ride the scenic train and float on the river.
- Bamboo grove at dawn
- Sagano scenic train
- River boat
04
Day 4 · Kyoto
A day with makers
Spend the day in workshops: dyeing, ceramics, or paper, depending on your interests.
- Textile workshop
- Ceramics studio visit
- Free evening
05
Day 5 · Nara
Nara and the deer park
A gentle day trip to Nara's temples and old town streets.
- Todai-ji
- Nara Park
- Naramachi walk
06
Day 6 · Kyoto
Kaiseki and Gion
A slow day, ending with a kaiseki dinner in a machiya in Gion.
- Free morning
- Ginkaku-ji
- Kaiseki dinner
07
Day 7 · Kyoto
Departure
Breakfast and a transfer to the airport.
- Breakfast
- Airport transfer