Early Morning
Fushimi Inari Shrine
The iconic shrine with thousands of orange torii gates. Come EARLY to beat the heat and crowds — this is non-negotiable in July!
The hike: Full loop to the summit is ~2-3 hours. For families, doing the first 30-45 minutes gets you great photos without exhausting everyone.
Tip: The shrine is open 24/7 and free. Early morning light through the gates is magical.
Late Morning / Afternoon
Kiyomizu-dera Area
Head to the Higashiyama district. When it gets hot, duck into the many shops along the traditional streets.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Famous wooden stage with views over Kyoto. Worth the walk up!
Tip: The surrounding streets (Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka) are lined with shops and are great for escaping the heat.
Traditional Street Shopping
Browse the preserved streets leading to and from Kiyomizu-dera.
Look for: Pottery, fans, sweets, pickles, Kyoto crafts, matcha everything
Evening
Gion / Pontocho Dinner Walk
As it cools down, walk through Gion (the geisha district) and Pontocho (narrow alley along the river with restaurants).
Gion: Traditional wooden machiya townhouses, possibly spot a geiko or maiko
Pontocho: Atmospheric dining alley — peek at menus and pick a spot
Beat the Heat Strategy
| Time | Activity | Heat Level |
|---|---|---|
| 6:30-9:00 AM | Fushimi Inari | Bearable |
| 9:00-11:00 AM | Travel + early Higashiyama | Getting warm |
| 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Indoor shops, cafes, AC breaks | Hot — stay inside! |
| 3:00-6:00 PM | More exploring (with shade breaks) | Still hot |
| 6:00 PM+ | Gion evening walk | Cooling down |
No Reservations Needed
All sites today are open access. Just show up early for Fushimi Inari!
Family Notes
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