Higashiyama
Higashiyama is the temple-and-garden heart of Kyoto, walking distance from Altura Higashiyama. Here's how to see the signature sights before the tour buses arrive, and what to do in the afternoons and evenings when the temples close.
Day one, the temple walk
Start at Kiyomizu-dera at sunrise before the buses arrive, walk down the Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka preserved streets to Ko-dai-ji, stopping for breakfast at an old-town café. Lunch at Gion Tan, near the Hanami-koji. Afternoon at Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park. Evening kaiseki at the hotel's restaurant.
Day two, Arashiyama and crafts
Morning train to Arashiyama for the bamboo grove at opening time. Visit Tenryū-ji and its moss and rock gardens. Lunch at a tofu restaurant. Afternoon back in Higashiyama visiting artisan workshops: ceramic at Kawai Kanjiro's House, textile at Nishijin, paper at Kyukyodo. Our concierge arranges private workshop visits.
Day three, Fushimi Inari and beyond
Early morning at Fushimi Inari before the crowds; climb all the way up for the view, ninety minutes round trip. Lunch back in the city, afternoon free. If you want a half-day excursion, Nara is an hour by train, the deer park, Todai-ji, and an extraordinary sunset from Mount Wakakusa.