Itinerary
Kyoto's Secret Season — A Honeymoon of Quiet Luxury
8 days · 18 stops · ¥350,000–¥550,000
Mon, May 17 – Mon, May 24
Eight days of serene Kyoto — private open-air baths, hidden temple gardens, and a ryokan that feels like your own secret world, timed for May's festivals and the last days of Kyotographie.
Days
Kurama Onsen
Kyoto
Panoramio user, CC BY-SA 3.0
Schedule
Day 01 of 08Land at KIX · Mon, May 17 · from JFK · 2 travelers
Renting a car? Check the license rules
Some licenses (FR/DE/CH/BE/TW) need a JAF translation, not an IDP — 5-min guide.
Stay
Kyoto · 7 nights
Mon, May 17 → Mon, May 24 · 2 guests
17:00
EXPLORE
Event嵯峨野まつり
Stay ~2h
A major festival in Kyoto with a history of over a thousand years, bringing a festive atmosphere to the charming Arashiyama district until evening.
~1h 15m by train & bus
20:15
STAY
鞍馬温泉
Stay ~2h
⚠ likely closed by then — usually closes ~7:00 PM; double-check before going
Kurama Station
A hidden mountain onsen just north of Kyoto — soak in the riverside rotenburo as the forest darkens, then a quiet kaiseki dinner at your ryokan.
Getting around
🚄
JR West Kansai Area Pass
Matched to your route — one pass instead of point-to-point tickets on the rail legs.
View JR West Kansai Area Pass →🚗
Rental car recommended
Several stops on this route are in rural areas with limited rail access. A rental car from the nearest city hub gives you the freedom to reach places no bus serves.
Browse rental cars on Klook →01 / 08
Journey map
Trip budget · お見積り
¥13,000–¥24,000 / person / day
¥205,000–¥385,000 total for 2 travellers
💴 Carry ~¥11,000/day in cash — many hidden spots are cash-only.
Estimated from 17 travel legs, 7 hotel nights and 1 ticketed event. International flights not included. Typical prices, not quotes.
Before you go
Passes for this trip
✓ Matched to your route
JR West Kansai Area Pass
Covers the rail legs on this route — one pass instead of point-to-point tickets.
View this pass
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Get Around
Shinkansen, regional rail passes, and city transit — sorted before you land.
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Stay Hidden
Sleep in a centuries-old ryokan. Tatami floors, onsen, and a 7-course kaiseki.
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Travel Light
Ship luggage ahead on the shinkansen route. Explore every day completely hands-free.
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