Morning

Explore One of Kyoto’s Most Picturesque Temples. It’s called the Silver Pavilion, but Ginkaku-ji Zen temple doesn’t actually have any silver. Rumors say the shogun ran out of money before the temple could be coated with silver leaf. What it does have is a dreamy reflection pond, a raked sand garden, and a canopy of meticulously manicured trees.
 

Midday

Admire the Local Artists. The National Museum of Modern Art showcases the work of 20th-century artists from the Kyoto area who have used traditional mediums (bamboo, ceramics, lacquer) and traditional techniques, like the nihonga style of painting done on fine washi paper.

Find Comfort in Ramen. You would see a lot of Ramen restaurants when you explore Kyoto city. If you are a ramen lover, try authentic local ramen by visiting them a few steps from our hotel. At the concierge desk, ask for some recommendations from our ladies and gentlemen with a map around the area.
 

Afternoon

Experience a Traditional Tea Ceremony.  Japanese tea ceremony, Sado, the Way of Tea, is an ancient art involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha, or powdered green tea. At the tea ceremony, you would be served whisked matcha in a cup and delivered the extra-grassy, local green tea brew to you with a bow.
 

Evening

Eat Some of the Best Local Food of Your Life in Gion. Originally developed during the middle ages, the district of Gion is within walking distance from the hotel and offers a wide range of establishments where you can enjoy a Japanese dinner in a traditional Japanese setting.

Explore the Bustling Gion Neighborhood. At night, the streets of Gion are lined with lanterns, geishas shuffle along the streets on the way to shows, and karaoke bars are filled with energetic singers.

Morning

Join the Exclusive Morning Chanting Experience. Wake up early and visit a Nichiren school temple, Myokaku-ji, escorted by our Guest Activities agent. You would enjoy an unforgettable experience by joining chanting and learning to play the Japanese drums by monks. 

Midday

Browse the Stalls of Nishiki. Nishiki Market has been around 400 years. Five blocks long, the market easily deserves a few hours of browsing (maybe even multiple visits). Snack on bites of baby octopus, rice balls and mocha (rice cake that involves pounding).

A Shrine to Remember. You wouldn’t expect to find one of Kyoto’s most beautiful and important shrines along a busy street but such is the case with the red-gated Yasaka Shrine, which is adorned with hundreds of paper lanterns.
 

Afternoon

Fall in Love With Pretty Little Sweets. Exquisitely crafted wagashi sweets have been enjoyed in Japan since ancient times. Enjoy making Kyo-gashi with the Japanese sweets artisan at our luxury hotel. He will teach you the art of creating your own traditional Japanese confectionery, which you can enjoy with a cup of matcha tea.
 

Evening

Experience a Kaiseki Dinner. At The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, the Mizuki restaurant hosts a Kaiseki — a multicourse dinner traditional to Kyoto — in a serene setting. A few of the small plates you’ll enjoy miso grilled salmon, steamed rice with roe, and deep-fried tofu topped with bonito flakes.

Morning

Cycle Kyoto and Discover Ancient Cities. Go on an adventure to find ancient Kyoto right before the city wakes up by joining Cycle Kyoto at 8:30 am. It would take you to explore authentic Kyoto by visiting Gion area and passing by a few temples by cycling. Immerse yourself in the history and enrich your experience with Kyoto.

Have a Sweet Start After the Exercise. After the morning exercise, treat yourself to matcha (green tea) sweets and a cup of coffee! Parfaits and pancakes are ubiquitous in Kyoto. You would see various types of matcha sweets such as spongy matcha pancakes, matcha soft serve and matcha tea cake.
 

Midday

Purchase a Handcrafted Souvenir. Pursue your discovery of handcrafted arts in Kyoto. Enjoy exploring Teramachi Street, one of two streets forming the heart of Kyoto’s main shopping district. Filled with a variety of art galleries, crafts & antique stores and much more, Teramachi Street helps you to find pretty souvenirs from Kyoto for your family, and friends.
 

Afternoon

Dance, With a Sword. To get ready for battle, samurai soldiers used to perform kembu, a traditional sword dance still practiced by martial artists today. Learn some of these moves by booking the Samurai Experience at the hotel.
 

Evening

Enjoy a Unique Dining Experience. The popular and well-known Japanese cuisine in Kyoto is Kaiseki and Tempura. End your trip in Kyoto with something new: Kappo. This is another style of fine cuisine, just as delicious and artful as Kaiseki, but served in a more casual setting, at a counter in front of the diners. Enjoy conversing with the chef as you watch him prepare the food.

Morning

Indulge in a Wake-Up Pastry. Interestingly, Japan’s most historic and traditional city, Kyoto is known to be the best bread consumption prefecture in Japan. You will find a lot of bakeries when you walk around the city, especially in Kitayama district. Enjoy finding your favorite bakery and get inside. Beautifully presented pastries will welcome you. Grab a few with tea for a walk.

Stroll in the Gardens. Japan has some of the world’s most carefully tended gardens, and Kyoto’s 59-square-acre Botanical Gardens is no exception. View bonsais, lotus ponds and patches of peonies, but don’t miss the conservatory, where over 4,000 plant species thrive.
 

Midday

Explore One of Japan’s Most Old Shrines. Shimogamo Shrine is registered as one of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto” by UNESCO. Located at the junction of the Kamo and Takano rivers, Shimogamo shrine is surrounded by an ancient forest, with trees as old as 600 years. It is lovely and cool in summer, and colorful in autumn. Explore to stroll amid the peaceful surroundings and soak up the ancient atmosphere.
 

Afternoon

Kyoto by Rickshaw. Since the Meiji period in the late 1800s, the rickshaw has been used for transportation all over Japan. Today, you have the opportunity to travel through time and experience age-old traditions dressed in a kimono. We have chosen some attractive routes for you to ride a rickshaw through the most authentic and beautiful old streets of Kyoto. This complete experience will bring you memories for a lifetime.
 

Evening

Have an Authentic Kyoto-Style Meal. Reserve a private room at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto restaurant, Mizuki. The chef prepares kaiseki — a multicourse dinner that is traditional to Kyoto. Courses at the carefully paced dinner range from miso grilled salmon to deep-fried tofu topped with bonito (fish) flakes.

Morning

Run Kyoto: Join Morning Exercise and Explore Kyoto. Here’s a fun way to experience Kyoto’s natural and cultural beauty. We have mapped out several running routes that take you past a number of lovely Kyoto landmarks. In this activity, it’s not about the distance, or the speed, but the journey our General Manager and his team invite you to join. Enjoy Kyoto before the city wakes up.
 

Midday

Experience Arashiyama. Back in the 900s, the verdant neighborhood of Arashiyama was where royals went to unplug from society. Today, it’s still a beautiful retreat of towering bamboo. Immerse yourself in tradition and nature in Kyoto.

Dine In at a Tofu Restaurant. Kyoto is known to be a great vegetarian cuisine influenced by Buddhist and monk cultures. After explore Arashiyama by walking, why don’t you dine in at a tofu restaurant? You would fall in love with a subtle sweetness, delicate but refined taste of Tofu.  
 

Afternoon 

Relax and Escape Civilization.  After your little adventure in the morning, come back to our hotel and indulge in some relaxation. At The Ritz-Carlton Spa, let us take care of you with one of our numerous treatments including Ryokucha Serenity Ritual, Higashiyama Vigor, and Kyoto Bamboo Ritual at a special suite couple room.
 

Evening

Take in the Authentic Street: Pontocho. Just steps from our luxury hotel, you will find yourself in the authentic atmosphere alley with wonderful selections of cousin from inexpensive yakitori to traditional Japanese. Pontocho is known to be one of the licensed geisha areas and is designated for restaurants and bars in Kyoto area.  A dining experience at this narrow yet exotic street will add extra memories to your journey in Kyoto.

Explore the Bustling Gion Neighborhood. At night, the streets of Gion are lined with lanterns, geishas shuffle along the streets on the way to shows. Enjoy Japanese sake brewed in Kyoto at bars in Gion district.

Morning

Cycle Kyoto: Walk Through Endless Gates. One of Kyoto’s most photographed sites, the revered Shinto shrine of Fushimi Inari-taisha is known for its 10,000 or so bright red gates at the base of a mountain. Enjoy your morning cycling offered by our Guest Activities, and it’s not uncommon to spot foxes on your journey.
 

Midday

Explore Higashiyama’s Charming Alleys. One of the best-preserved neighborhoods in Kyoto, the historical district of Higashiyama sits at the foot of a mountain range and is covered in quaint buildings.

Admire One of Japan’s Most Majestic Temples. One of Japan’s most celebrated temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kiyomizu-dera gets its name — literally “pure water” — from the waterfall on the property, which is built into a steep cliff. Legend has it that visitors who walk to the sacred stones on the property will find true love.
 

Afternoon

Visit One of Japan’s Most Important Museums. Along with world-famous artists including Salvador Dali, Monet, and Renoir, many Japanese masters view work at the Kyoto city KYOCERA Museum of Art, one of the country’s oldest institutions. Don’t miss the pond, a peaceful place to enjoy a cup of tea. 

Evening

Enjoy Japanese Traditional Arts and Performances. End your day in Kyoto with dances performed by Maiko and Geiko. Kyo-mai is known to be born in Kyoto in the 17th century. You would have a breathtaking moment when you see the elegant yet powerful performances from beautiful Maiko and Geiko.