## Kyoto Travel Itinerary
### Trip Details
- **Destination:** Kyoto, Japan
- **Duration:** 7 days
- **Budget:** $2000
- **Interests:** Cultural sites, local food, outdoor activities
- **Family Details:**
- Ages: 10, 12
- One vegetarian
### Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Gion
- **Morning:** Arrive in Kyoto. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
- **Afternoon:** Visit the **Gion district**, famous for its geisha culture. Take a stroll along the **Kamo River** and explore the traditional Japanese tea houses.
- **Evening:** Enjoy a family-friendly dinner at **Gion Nanba**, which has vegetarian options.
### Day 2: Fushimi Inari and Kyoto Tower
- **Morning:** Visit **Fushimi Inari Shrine**, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. Hike the trails suitable for families.
- **Afternoon:** Head to **Kyoto Tower** for panoramic views of the city. Explore the nearby **Nishiki Market**, often called Kyoto's Kitchen, where you can sample local foods, including vegetarian options.
- **Evening:** Have dinner at **Shojin-ryori Sagano**, a restaurant offering traditional Japanese Buddhist vegetarian cuisine.
### Day 3: Kinkaku-ji and Arashiyama
- **Morning:** Visit the **Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)**, a stunning example of Japanese architecture.
- **Afternoon:** Head to **Arashiyama Bamboo Grove** for a serene walk. Take a ride on the **Arashiyama Ropeway** for breathtaking views.
- **Evening:** Enjoy a traditional **kaiseki** dinner at **Mame & Shiba**, which can accommodate vegetarian diets.
### Day 4: Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace
- **Morning:** Explore **Nijo Castle**, a UNESCO World Heritage site with "nightingale floors" that squeak to alert guards of intruders.
- **Afternoon:** Visit the **Kyoto Imperial Palace**, the former residence of the emperor.
- **Evening:** Free time to explore **Pontocho**, another traditional quarter with plenty of dining options.
### Day 5: Day Trip to Nara
- **Full Day:** Take a day trip to **Nara**, known for its friendly deer at **Nara Park**. Visit the **Todai-ji Temple** and **Kasuga Taisha Shrine**.
- **Evening:** Return to Kyoto. Dinner at **Yudofu Sagano**, known for its tofu dishes suitable for vegetarians.
### Day 6: Outdoor Activities
- **Morning:** Rent bikes and ride along the **Kamo River** or through **Maruyama Park**.
- **Afternoon:** Visit **Philosopher's Path**, a scenic walking path lined with hundreds of cherry blossom trees (seasonal).
- **Evening:** Enjoy a casual dinner at **Ganko Takasegawa Nijoen**, a restaurant with a beautiful garden and vegetarian options.
### Day 7: Last Day in Kyoto
- **Morning:** Visit the **Sanjusangendo Temple**, known for its 1001 life-size statues of Kannon.
- **Afternoon:** Explore **Gion** for last-minute shopping or a relaxing stroll.
- **Evening:** Departure
### Budget Breakdown
- **Accommodation:** $600 (avg. $85 per night for 7 nights)
- **Transportation:** $150 (public transport and some guided tours)
- **Food and Drink:** $800 (avg. $115 per day for meals and snacks)
- **Activities and Entrance Fees:** $200 (guided tours, attractions)
- **Miscellaneous:** $250 (souvenirs, unexpected expenses)
### Tips
- **Best Time to Visit:** Spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) for comfortable weather.
- **Local Customs:** Bowing is a common greeting. Remove shoes when entering traditional homes or some temples.
- **Dietary Restrictions:** Inform restaurants about vegetarian requirements in advance.
### Safety
- Kyoto is generally very safe. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
This itinerary provides a mix of cultural exploration, outdoor activities, and relaxation, ensuring a memorable trip for your family.