Kyoto 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Historic Sites

• Morning: Arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka’s Kansai International Airport (ITM). From there, take a train to Kyoto Station. JR Pass is beneficial if you plan to travel extensively within Japan.

• Lunch: Visit Gion district for a traditional Kaiseki meal at Kikunoi or a casual Bento box at Yuba.

• Afternoon: Visit Kiyomizudera Temple, one of Kyoto’s most famous temples. Then walk down to the picturesque Sannen-zaka and Ninenzaka streets.

• Evening: Explore Gion district more, possibly spot a Geisha. Dine at Pontocho Alley or try local cuisine at Izuju.

• Stay: Ryokan Rinn offers a traditional Japanese experience, while Hotel Granvia Kyoto is a modern alternative near the station.

Day 2: Temples & Zen Gardens

• Morning: Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha to walk through the iconic Thousand Torii Gates. For a quieter experience, visit Tofukuji Temple or Nanzen-ji Temple.

• Lunch: Eat at Cafe & Kiche near Fushimi Inari, or try vegetarian cuisine at Okuyu no Mori.

• Afternoon: Visit the stunning Zen Gardens of Kiyomizu-dera or Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion).

• Dinner: Enjoy a seafood dinner at Ajisai or Nishiki Market’s many food stalls.

Day 3: Cultural Experiences & Arashiyama

• Morning: Learn the art of tea ceremony at Ishida Tea School or Tankuma Ryokuchien.

• Lunch: Try local delicacy Yudofu (tofu hot pot) at Kifune Yudofu Mugenyotei in Arashiyama.

• Afternoon: Visit the beautiful bamboo grove of Arashiyama, take a scenic boat ride on the Hozu River, and explore Tenryu-ji Temple.

• Dinner: Dine at Okonomiyaki Katsukura in Arashiyama or return to downtown Kyoto for a different option.

Day 4: Modern Kyoto & Departure

• Morning: Visit the Kyoto International Manga Museum, Fashionable Harajuku District of Kyoto or Kyoto Railway History Museum.

• Lunch: Try modern Kyoto cuisine at Five & Co, a short walk from the Manga Museum.

• Afternoon: Do some shopping in trendy areas like Kyoto Station Building or Teramachi.

• Departure: Head to Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka’s Itami Airport (ITM) for your onward journey.