The itinerary for day three in Kyoto includes the Arashiyama (嵐山) western outskirts where the famous bamboo grove is, Daikaku-ji, the ‘Golden Pavillion’ Kinkaku-ji, and Daitoku-ji.

I have chosen to travel on foot and by buses as they are very convenient to go from one place to another. If you are following my route, remember to purchase the one-day bus pass at ¥500 to enjoy the unlimited travel on buses. You are also recommended to travel on a bicycle as it seems like a good idea to cycle past the peaceful houses and fields.

Getting to Arashimaya

From Kyoto Station, take towards Arashiyama station which is the last stop on the Hankyu line (~19 minutes, ¥220). Exit and walk to the left to start climbing up the Monkey Park Iwatayama (~20 minutes). This place can be a fun choice to consider especially if you are going with kids, but do be careful with the monkeys.

After spending about 30 minutes in the monkey park, head downhill and cross the signature Togetsu-kyo Bridge. Walk towards Tenryu-ji and explore the huge temple at your own pace.

As you walk along the guided path, you will soon find yourself in the heart of the famous Bamboo Grove. Stroll down the walking paths and feel the breeze gently caresses your face. At the same time, enjoy while the bamboo stalks dance back and forth gently with the wind. This is quite the picturesque scene.

Upon exiting the bamboo grove, have your lunch and explore around the area. It was a lovely walk around the peaceful neighbourhood to see the little shops and daily lives of the people.

Daikaku-ji 大覚寺

After exploring the area, walk to a bus stop and take the bus towards Daikaku-ji.

If you need help with the bus, check out this post on how to use the app Arukumachi Kyoto.

Originally built as a palace for Emperor Saga in the calm northern outskirts of Kyoto, this place was then transformed into a temple after the emperor’s death. Daikaku-ji is a less touristic temple as compared to other temples, but it has an ancient atmosphere you’d only see in the movies. I’d recommend you to skip this if you have had enough of all the temples to visit. Otherwise if you absolutely love to visit all the temples Kyoto has to offer, this temple is rather unique and tranquil.

Kinkaku-ji 金閣寺

After Daikaku-ji, take the bus towards Kinkaku-ji a.k.a the famed ‘Golden Pavilion’. The temple is always crowded so be prepared to squeeze with the other tourists!

As the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it was later transformed into a temple according to his own will. The only golden pavillion left is now overlooking a large pond and no entry is allowed. Though it was an impressive architecture, I was rather disappointed that I couldn’t get closer to view the places within the complex.

Daitoku-ji 大德寺

When you’ve finished exploring the grand Kinkaku-ji, if time allows, take the bus towards Daitoku-ji. You will definitely appreciate the tranquility of Daitoku-ji after experiencing the over-crowded Kinkaku-ji.

Mind you, there are almost two dozen of subtemples with different Zen gardens here. One can easily spend a whole day here garden-hopping, provided if you absolutely love Zen gardens.

Dinner

For dinner, I walked into a local supermarket located right in front of Daitoku-ji Mae (bus stop) and took a big box of sashimi and some sushi. Absolutely delicious and so cheap!
If I remember correctly, it was ~¥480 for 8 pieces of salmon sashimi. 

Otherwise, get your dinner fixed from one of my recommendations here before returning to have a good rest for the next day!

Check out my itinerary for day four here where I visited Osaka and Himeji!

Details of the temples for today:
Monkey Park Iwatayama

Hours:
9:00am-5:00pm (15 Mar-Oct), 9:00am-4:00pm (Nov-14 Mar)
Fees:
¥550 / adult

Tenryu-ji Temple 臨済宗天龍寺派大本山

Hours:
8:30am-5:30pm (21 March-20 October)  
8:30am-5:00pm (21 October-20 March)
Hojo garden opens 9:00am to around 4:30pm
Fees:
Grounds: Free
Hojo garden: ¥500 / adult
Hodo (Unryu-zu): ¥500 / adult

Daikaku-ji 旧嵯峨御所 大本山 大覚寺

Hours:
9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
Fees:
¥500 (or ¥600 with Gio-ji)

Kinkaku-ji 臨済宗相国寺派大本山 金閣寺

Hours:
9:00am-5:00pm
Fees:
¥400 / adult   

Daitoku-ji 臨濟宗大德寺派大本山

Hours:
24-hours (the subtemples open until ~4:30pm)
Fees:
Free