Arashiyama: is a great place to head to and offers a choice of activities and attractions. It is located on the outskirts of Kyoto and can be reached by train in 15 minutes. Among the highlights is a walk through a forest of bamboo to Nonomiya Shrine and Okochi Sanso.

There are boat tours down Hozu river that take you through a picturesque canyon and over some rapids, lasting about 2 hours and finishing at the Togetsukyo Bridge. Tenryuji is one of Kyoto's Five Great Zen Temples and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Iwatayama Monkey Park is located on top of a mountain to the south of the river, and worth the hike to get there.

Philosopher's Walk: is a pleasant 2kms path in the northeast of Kyoto. It was popular with Kitaro Nishid, a philosophy professor, who used to take frequent walks along the path. Along the way are several temples, including the beautiful Honen-in with its thatched gate.