Kyoto

This is a plan I made for friends visiting kyoto for 1 day. I booked the accomodation at www.travel.rakuten.co.jp/en/

Sanjusangen-do is definitely worth a visit. It was founded in 1164 and became famous for its 1001 beautiful wooden and gold-leaf covered statues of Kannon, goddess of mercy, housed in thirty-three bays (sanjusan = thirty-three, gendo = bays) in the main hall. Sanjusangendo is the popular name for Rengeo-in, a temple in eastern Kyoto . The temple was founded in 1164 and its present structures date from 1266.
The main hall, which houses the statues, is with over 100 meters Japan's longest wooden structure. In its center sits one large Kannon, flanked on each side by 500 smaller statues, standing in neat rows side by side, each as tall as a human being.
short bus ride (lines 100, 206 or 208) from Kyoto Station.
8:00 to 17:00 (9:00 to 16:00 from Nov 16 to Mar 31)Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time.
No closing days
600 yen
Kiyomizudera The main hall's wooden veranda, supported by hundreds of pillars and offering incredible views over the city,
Kiyomizu-dera. This temple complex, with a spectacular location overlooking the city, is a deservedly popular attraction, approached by either of two tourist-filled souvenir-shop-lined streets, Kiyomizu-zaka or Chawan-zaka. Admission ¥300. Open daily, 6am-6pm. Nearest bus stop: Kiyomizu-michi or Gojo-zaka.
Kiyomizudera("Pure Water Temple") is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. It was founded in 780 and remains associated with the Hosso sect, one of the oldest sects within Japanese Buddhism. In 1994, the temple was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.
Kiyomizudera stands in the wooded hills of eastern Kyoto and offers visitors a nice view over the city from its famous wooden terrace. Below the terrace, you can taste the spring water, which gives the temple its name and which is said to have healing power.
Behind Kyomizudera's main hall stands Jishu Shrine, Jishu-jinja, the love-themed shrine selling countless charms to help you snag the one you love, and featuring two "love stones" positioned around 18m apart which the lovelorn must walk between with eyes closed to confirm their loved one's affection a shrine dedicated to the deity of love. In front of the shrine are two rocks, placed several meters apart from each other. Successfully walking from one to the other rock with your eyes closed is said to bring luck in your love life.
Otowa-no-taki the temple's waterfall, which gives it its name (Kiyomizu literally means 'pure water'). Visitors stand beneath the waterfall, and collect water to drink by holding out little tin cups.
Part of the fun of visiting Kiyomizudera is the approach to the temple along the steep and busy lanes of the atmospheric Higashiyama district. Except early in the morning, do not expect a tranquil, spiritual atmosphere.
The many shops, restaurants and ryokan in the area have been catering to tourists and pilgrims for centuries. Products on sale range from local specialties such as Kiyomizu-yaki pottery, sweets and pickles to the standard set of souvenirs.
Kiyomizudera can be reached from Kyoto Station in about 15 minutes by bus. Take bus number 100 or 206 and get off at Kiyomizu-michi or Gojo-zaka, from where it is a 10-15 minute uphill walk to the temple.
Hours:
6:00 to 18:00
Closed:
No closing days
Admission:
300 yen
Nijo-jo Castle
First we visited Nijo-jo Castle, built over 400 years ago and former Imperial residence. Kyoto is most famous for its religious sites, like the many World Heritage temples and shrines, but Nijo-jo Castle is unique in presenting a chance to experience the history of the Tokugawa Shogunate. On Tuesdays in January, July, August, and December (or the following day should they be national holidays) the castle is closed, and the tour visits Ryoanji Temple instead. If you're interested in visiting the heart of Zen Buddhism in Kyoto, try a tour that visits Ryoanji! Nijō Castle. Certainly one of the highlights of Kyoto. The series of ornately-decorated reception rooms within the Ninomaru complex is particularly impressive, and known for its "nightingale floors" - wooden flooring which makes bird-like squeaking sounds when stepped on. From the donjon of the inner castle, you can get good views over the castle layout, and the rest of the city. Open daily, 8.45am-5pm, with last admission at 4pm. Admission ¥600. Nearest bus stop: Nijojo-mae. Nearest subway station: Nijojo-mae
Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple formally known as Rokuonji.
In 1397 construction started on the Golden Pavilion as part of a new residence for the retired shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Kinkakuji was converted into a Zen temple after Yoshimitsu's death in 1408.
Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
Popular among Japanese and visitors to Japan alike, Kinkakuji Temple, or the Golden Pavillion, is perhaps Kyoto's most famous temple, and with good reason! On a clear day, the temple's sparkling reflection in the nearby Kyoko Pond is simply a breathtaking sight. Everyone that comes to Kyoto should see this!
Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku Temple In the 1220s it was the comfortable villa of Kintsune Saionji. In 1294, Yoshimitsu, the third shogun of Ashikaga abdicated the throne and started building Kitayamaden and took special care to make Kinkaku a breathtaking site. He lived the life of a hermit or "vanaprastha" as it is known in sanskrit in the serene setting. In due accordance to his will, Kinkaku was made into a Zen monastery after his death.
This building consists of three types of architecture. The first floor is Shinden-zukuri, the palace style. It is called Ho-sui-in. The second floor is Buke-zukuri, the stule of the Samurai house and is called Cho-on-do. The third floor is Karayo style or Zen temple style and is called Kukkyo-ch. The second and the third floors are covered with gold-leaf on Japanese lacquer. The roof, upon which the Chinese Phoenix settles is thatched with shingles. A number of renovation projects were done on this building and the building as it stands today was completed in 1987.
There is also a beautiful pond called Mirror Pond or Kyoko-chi. This pond contains many large and small islands. Climbing a few steps, there is another small pond, An-min-taku with a small pagoda called Hakuja-no-tsuka. There is also classic teahouse called Sekka-tei, which has a celebrated pillar. On the exit of the temple Fudo-myoo stands guard.
The Golden Pavilion functions as shariden, housing sacred relics of the Buddha and is covered in gold leaf. The present building dates from 1955 as the pavilion was burnt by a fanatic monk in 1950.
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how to get there
Kinkakuji can be accessed by direct bus number 101 or 205 from Kyoto Station.
hours and fees
Hours:
9:00 to 17:00
Closed:
No closing days
Admission:
400 yen
Ryōan-ji . Famous for its Zen garden, which is considered to be one of the most notable examples of the "dry-landscape" style. Surrounded by low walls, an austere arrangement of fifteen rocks sits on a bed of white gravel. That's it: no trees, no hills, no ponds, and no trickling water. Behind the simple temple that overlooks the rock garden is a stone washbasin called Tsukubai said to have been contributed by Tokugawa Mitsukuni in the 17th century. It bears a simple but profound four-character inscription: "I learn only to be contented". The rest of the grounds are worth a look too - particularly the large pond. Open daily 8am-5pm (Mar-Nov), 8.30am-4.30pm (Dec-Feb). Admission ¥500. Nearest bus stop: Ryōanji-mae.
The Zen Garden at Ryoan-ji
Visiting the vast temple complexes of north-western Kyoto can take the better part of a day. A suggested itinerary is to walk along Kitaoji-dori. Daitokuji, Kinkakuji, Ryoanji and Ninnaji Temples are all on Kitaoji-dori, and about 15-30 minutes' walk apart. En route, you will see the giant "dai" symbol burned on Mt. Daimon-ji, which can be climbed in an hour or so
Ninnaji . Another large temple complex which is often overlooked by tourists. Admission to the grounds is free, allowing visitors to view the 17th century five-storey pagoda, and the plantation of dwarf cherry trees (which are always the last to bloom in Kyoto, in early-mid April). However, visitors shouldn't miss the temple itself, which demands an admission fee of ¥500, and features some beautifully painted screen walls, and a beautiful walled garden. In the hills behind the temple, there is a delightful miniature version of the renowned 88 Temple Pilgrimage in Shikoku, which takes an hour or two (rather than a month or two). This can provide a delightful end to a day of looking at tourist attractions. Open daily 9am-4.30pm. Nearest bus stop: Omuro Ninnaji.
Dinner option
Kushiya Monogatari: Karasuma, Kyoto
Kushiya Monogatari
075-229-3068
Kyoto: Karasuma / Kushiage
Tachiurihigashicho 28, Sakizo Plaza 5F. [Shijo between Fuyamachi-dori and Tominokoji-dori] Open 4-11pm daily.
This popular kushiage chain lets you cook up your own deep-fried skewers of meat, fish and vegetables right at your table. Y2500 for all you can eat.
Other things to do if you have time near the station
Instead of heading straight to your lodging after arriving at Kyoto Station, put your luggage in storage and take some time to admire the station. In stark contrast with the more antiquated architecture of the rest of the city, Kyoto Station is a modernist attraction in and of itself.
You can walk along the glass corridor (located on the 11th floor), grab a bite to eat at Ramen Koji (seven Ramen restaurants located on the 10th floor), shop at Isetan Department Store, or simply wander around taking in impressive views of Kyoto Tower, located just across the street.
About 100 meters from the tower you’ll find Higashi Hongan-ji, one of Kyoto’s larger temples. After wandering the temple grounds, take your shoes off and explore the interior. Don’t miss the coil of rope made of human hair, once used to lift large beams for the construction of the temple.
Near Kyoto stationHigashi and Nishi Honganji The majestic main hall of Higashi Honganji, said to be the largest wooden structure in the world, can accomodate up to 5,000 people and is the headquarter of the Shinju Sect of Buddhism. From Kyoto Station, Higashi Honganji is a five-minute walk; Nishi Honganji, a 15-minute walk. Toji Temple is an oasis of calm near central Kyoto. Its pagoda is the tallest wooden structure in Japan. There are also flea markets at various times of the month.
Go here at night time do the walk tour on the map
Higashiyama & Gion
Higashiyama
Higashiyama translates to ‘Eastern Mountain District’, a literal description of its location on the East side of the Kamo River, at the base of the Higashiyama mountain rage. It’s perfect strolling territory, with narrow stone-paved lanes that wind their way through tidy, aged neighborhoods; spires of pagodas that peak above silvery rooftops and the crisscrossing patterns of electrical lines; and temples and shrines that intermingle with modern day shops and homes–a sight that becomes familiar at every turn, but still manages to surprise.
Begin with the Yasaka Shrine at the end of Shijo-Dori, and then make your way down the quaint Ishibe-Koji Lane, past traditional inns and teahouses. Take the stairs up to the Kodai-ji Temple and gaze upon the rooftops of Kyoto from the hilltop. Say a prayer to the giant Buddha called the Ryozen Kannon on your decent towards the Yasaka Pagoda and Sannenzaka Slope, known for its jumble of shops selling traditional crafts and souvenirs. Top it off with a rickshaw tour, powered by men in black tights.
Head over to the heart of neighboring Gion, Japan’s most widely known geisha district. Called geiko in Kyoto rather than geisha, the term means ‘a woman of art’ – geiko are entertainers, trained in conversation, music, and dance. As Gion is an entertainment district, it’s quiet during daylight hours, and offers pleasant strolls along streets lined with old-style houses and traditional teahouses, as well as exclusive restaurants.
Gion district. The flagstone-paved streets and traditional buildings of the Gion district, located to the north-west of Kiyomizu, are where you're most likely to see geisha in Kyoto, scurrying between buildings or slipping into a taxi. The area just to the north of Shijo-dori, to the west of Yasaka Shrine, is particularly photogenic - particularly around Shinbashi-dori and Hanami-koji. Sannen-zaka ("three-year-slope") and Ninen-zaka ("two-year-slope"), two stepped streets leading off from Kiyomizu-zaka, are also very picturesque - but watch your step, slipping over on these streets brings three or two years' bad luck respectively. At the northern end of Ninen-zaka is Ryozen Kannon, a memorial to the unknown Japanese soldiers who died in World War II, with a 24-meter-tall statue of Kannon. Admission is ¥200, including a lit incense stick to place in front of the shrine. Yasaka Shrine at the eastern end of Shijo-dori, at the edge of Gion, is the shrine responsible for Kyoto's main festival - the Gion Matsuri, which takes place in July. The shrine is small in comparison with many in Kyoto, but it boasts an impressive display of lanterns. Admission is free. Nearest bus stop: Gion.
Kyoto’s Pontocho Alley
On the other side of the Kamo River, Pontocho Alley comes alive in the evening, when the restaurants and bars that line the narrow lane and branching streets open for business. Another place to spot geiko on their way to and from appointments at traditional ochaya, Pontocho Alley began as a gay quarter and remains a lively entertainment district best experienced at the dinner hour and beyond.
The next day have breakfast at the hotel and then take an early train to Himeji
If you want to see more and didn't have time the day before you could go to the temples near Kyoto station first and then to Himeji but I think you should allow at least 4 hours in Himeji to see the castle and garden and have lunch.