Plan Your Kyoto Trip: 3, 5, and 7-Day Itineraries

Alma Schwarz

Sep 23, 2024

4

min read

Last Update

November 3, 2024 10:52 AM

Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, is a city where ancient traditions meet stunning natural beauty. From magnificent temples and serene gardens to vibrant geisha districts and traditional tea houses, Kyoto offers a timeless journey through Japan’s rich history and refined aesthetics. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or a full week, these curated itineraries will help you explore the best of Kyoto, from its iconic landmarks to its hidden treasures.

3-Day Itinerary: Kyoto Highlights

Day 1: Historic Temples and Scenic Views

Morning: Start your Kyoto adventure with a visit to the famous Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), a stunning Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf. Stroll through its tranquil gardens and take in the reflection of the temple shimmering on the pond. Next, head to the nearby Ryoan-ji Temple, renowned for its iconic rock garden. This minimalist garden, designed in the kare-sansui (dry landscape) style, invites contemplation and tranquility.
Afternoon: Continue your journey to the historic Arashiyama District. Begin with a visit to the Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful landscape garden and panoramic views of the Arashiyama mountains. For lunch, try a traditional tofu kaiseki meal at a local restaurant, experiencing the subtle flavors of Japanese vegetarian cuisine. Afterward, wander through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Walking through the towering bamboo stalks is a surreal experience, transporting you into a tranquil, otherworldly realm.
Evening: Cross the Togetsukyo Bridge and explore the shops and cafés along the riverbank. Visit the Monkey Park Iwatayama, where you can see wild Japanese macaques up close and enjoy stunning views over Kyoto from the top. For dinner, head to the charming Pontocho Alley, a narrow street lined with traditional restaurants and teahouses. Choose a spot overlooking the Kamo River and savor Kyoto-style kaiseki (multi-course meal) or a warm bowl of yudofu (boiled tofu) to end your day.

Day 2: Traditional Kyoto and Geisha Culture

Morning: Begin your day with a visit to the serene Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that wind up the sacred Mount Inari. Take your time walking through the pathways, lined with these gates, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the shrine complex. Don’t forget to stop by the smaller shrines along the trail and enjoy a traditional street snack, like inari sushi or taiyaki, from the vendors near the entrance.
Afternoon: Head to the historic Higashiyama District, a well-preserved area that evokes the ambiance of Kyoto’s past. Explore the quaint streets lined with traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and artisan shops. Visit the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, perched on a hillside with sweeping views over the city. Take a sip from the Otowa Waterfall, said to bring good fortune, health, and love. For lunch, try a Kyoto specialty like yudofu or obanzai (Kyoto-style home cooking) at a local restaurant.
Evening: Continue to Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district. As dusk falls, the streets come alive with the sight of geiko (Kyoto’s term for geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha) hurrying to evening appointments. Stroll along Hanami-koji Street and admire the traditional teahouses. For a truly immersive experience, book a seat at a traditional Kaiseki dinner with a geiko performance, where you can enjoy refined cuisine and watch classical dance and music performances. After dinner, cross the picturesque Shirakawa Canal and explore the atmospheric streets of Pontocho and Gion’s back alleys.

Day 3: Gardens and Tea Ceremonies

Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture and beautifully painted sliding doors. Walk through the expansive grounds and explore the Ninomaru Palace, famous for its “nightingale floors” that chirp when walked on to warn of intruders. Stroll through the surrounding gardens, which are especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.
Afternoon: Head to the Philosopher’s Path, a scenic walkway lined with cherry trees that follows a canal in the Higashiyama district. The path is particularly stunning during sakura season but offers a peaceful stroll any time of year. Stop by the Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), a Zen temple known for its understated beauty and meticulously maintained sand gardens. For lunch, enjoy a traditional soba noodle meal at one of the nearby restaurants.
Evening: Conclude your Kyoto experience with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at Kodaiji Temple, located in the historic Higashiyama area. The serene atmosphere of the temple’s tea house, surrounded by beautiful gardens, offers a perfect setting to learn about the art of tea and experience the mindfulness of this ancient ritual. After the ceremony, explore the nearby Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park, which are beautifully illuminated at night. For dinner, try a local izakaya in the bustling Kawaramachi area, sampling small dishes like tempura, grilled fish, and seasonal vegetables.

5-Day Itinerary: In-Depth Kyoto Exploration

Days 1–3: Follow the 3-Day Itinerary Above

Day 4: Day Trip to Nara

Morning: Take a day trip to the historic city of Nara, about an hour away from Kyoto by train. Start your visit at the magnificent Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of the largest bronze statues of Buddha in Japan. Wander through the temple grounds, where friendly deer roam freely, believed to be messengers of the gods in Shinto tradition.
Afternoon: Explore the beautiful Nara Park, where you can feed the deer special shika senbei crackers and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Visit the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, famous for its hundreds of stone and bronze lanterns, which are spectacular when lit during festivals. For lunch, try local specialties like kakinoha-zushi (sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves) or Nara-style pickles at a nearby restaurant.
Evening: Before returning to Kyoto, visit the serene Isuien Garden, a beautifully landscaped garden featuring tea houses, ponds, and views of Mount Wakakusa. The garden’s unique design blends different styles from the Edo and Meiji periods, offering a tranquil retreat. Back in Kyoto, enjoy dinner in the Nishiki Market area, where you can sample a variety of street foods or dine at a cozy izakaya. After dinner, stroll through the illuminated streets of Gion, reflecting on your day filled with history and culture.

Day 5: Traditional Crafts and Cuisine

Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Kyoto International Manga Museum, where you can explore Japan’s rich manga culture. Browse through thousands of manga titles, including English translations, and learn about the history and global influence of this popular art form. Afterward, head to the Nishijin Textile Center to see demonstrations of traditional kimono weaving and try on a beautiful kimono for a photo session.
Afternoon: Explore the Nishiki Market, known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen.” Wander through the narrow alleyways lined with stalls selling fresh produce, local snacks, and traditional Japanese ingredients. Sample delicacies like yuba (tofu skin), grilled mochi, and tsukemono (Japanese pickles). For lunch, try a donburi rice bowl topped with fresh seafood or tempura at one of the market’s small restaurants.
Evening: Conclude your in-depth Kyoto exploration with a visit to the Fushimi Sake District, located in southern Kyoto. The area is famous for its high-quality sake breweries, thanks to its pure spring water. Tour a sake brewery like Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum to learn about the brewing process and sample different varieties of sake. For dinner, enjoy a traditional kaiseki meal at a local restaurant, featuring seasonal dishes that showcase the best of Kyoto’s culinary heritage. If time permits, end your day with a peaceful walk along the canals of Fushimi, illuminated by traditional lanterns.

7-Day Itinerary: Full Immersion in Kyoto Life

Days 1–5: Follow the 5-Day Itinerary Above

Day 6: Day Trip to Arashiyama and Kameoka

Morning: Start your day with a scenic Sagano Romantic Train ride from Arashiyama to Kameoka. This vintage train winds through lush valleys and over picturesque bridges, offering breathtaking views of the Hozu River and surrounding mountains, especially during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Once in Kameoka, join a thrilling Hozu River boat ride back to Arashiyama, navigating through gentle rapids and enjoying the tranquil beauty of the river gorge.
Afternoon: Back in Arashiyama, explore the charming Okochi Sanso Villa, the former estate of a famous Japanese actor. Stroll through its beautifully landscaped gardens and enjoy a cup of matcha tea with a view of the mountains and Kyoto cityscape. For lunch, try a meal at Yudofu Sagano, a restaurant specializing in yudofu (boiled tofu), a simple yet elegant Kyoto delicacy.
Evening: Continue your exploration with a visit to the Jojakko-ji Temple, a hidden gem known for its serene moss-covered grounds and views of Kyoto. End your day with a stroll along the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove as the evening light filters through the towering bamboo stalks. For dinner, head to a traditional restaurant along the Hozu River, savoring Kyoto’s seasonal cuisine in a beautiful riverside setting. If you’re visiting in summer, consider attending a Ukai Cormorant Fishing event on the river, a traditional spectacle where fishermen use trained cormorants to catch fish by firelight.

Day 7: Temples and Onsen Relaxation

Morning: Begin your final day in Kyoto with a visit to the To-ji Temple, home to Japan’s tallest wooden pagoda. Explore the temple’s expansive grounds and visit the flea market if you’re there on the 21st of the month. Then, head to the Sanjusangendo Hall, known for its impressive array of 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The hall’s tranquil atmosphere and the intricate details of the statues make it a fascinating stop.
Afternoon: For a relaxing end to your Kyoto adventure, travel to the nearby Kurama Onsen, located in the mountains north of the city. Soak in the outdoor baths surrounded by lush forest and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the natural hot springs. The scenic train ride to Kurama and the peaceful setting of the onsen offer a perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. After your bath, take a short hike up to Kurama-dera Temple for stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Evening: Return to Kyoto for a farewell dinner at a traditional kaiseki restaurant like Hyotei or Kikunoi, where you can savor meticulously prepared dishes that reflect the season and the essence of Kyoto’s culinary art. End your night with a walk along the Kamo River, where you can enjoy the serene beauty of the city lights reflecting on the water. As you reflect on your week-long immersion in Kyoto, you’ll carry with you the spirit of this timeless city, its serene temples, and its vibrant traditions.