Kyoto & Mount Fuji Zen Journey: Golden Temples to Lake Viewpoints

Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8394, Japan

💡 Arrive early to experience the towering stalks in silence and capture crowd-free photography before the intense mid-morning rush begins.

Japan, 〒616-8385 京都府京都市右京区嵯峨天龍寺芒ノ馬場町６８

💡 Walk through the Sogenchi Garden, a flawless example of traditional Japanese landscaping that incorporates the Arashiyama mountains into its background design.

Japan, 〒616-8385 Kyoto, Ukyo Ward, Sagatenryūji Susukinobabachō, 嵯峨天竜寺芒ノ馬場町45

💡 Enjoy a traditional, multi-course Buddhist tofu meal while seated on tatami mats overlooking a beautiful private courtyard garden.

1 Kinkakujichō, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan

💡 The iconic Golden Pavilion is covered in actual gold leaf; photograph its stunning reflection in the pond before wandering through the tranquil native gardens.

1-chōme-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan

💡 Stand on the massive wooden stage for sweeping views over the city canopy, which is completely constructed without the use of a single nail.

Sannen-Zaka Path & Ninen Zaka Path, 3 Chome Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan

💡 Stroll these beautifully preserved stone-paved streets to admire traditional machiya wooden houses and pick up artisan matcha sweets.

349-12 Masuyachō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0826, Japan

💡 Participate in an authentic tea ceremony masterclass led by an English-speaking expert, learning the precise etiquette of whisking and serving matcha.

白川筋, Motoyoshichō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0087, Japan

💡 Walk along the willow-lined Shirakawa Canal; this is Kyoto’s most picturesque geisha district and a perfect spot to find an atmospheric local restaurant for lunch.

2-chōme-4-1 Asama, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0011, Japan

💡 Prepare for a climb of nearly 400 steps; go past the main observation deck to the panoramic platform for the classic, unobstructed shot of the pagoda framing Mount Fuji.

1672-2 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0301, Japan

💡 Housed in a striking, cloud-like white building, this is the best spot to try the Yamanashi region's signature hearty flat-noodle miso soup (houtou).

Japan, 〒401-0305 Yamanashi, Minamitsuru District, Fujikawaguchiko, Ōishi, ２５８５−８５ ２５２５番地の１１先

💡 Located on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi, stroll the flower paths for front-row, uninterrupted views of Mount Fuji reflecting perfectly on the water's surface.

1163-1 Azagawa, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0303, Japan

💡 Take the cable car up to the Mount Tenjo observation deck in the late afternoon for beautiful golden-hour views of the mountain and sweeping vistas over the lake below.