Kyoto 6 Day Itinerary

Kyoto 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Downtown Exploration

  • Arrive at Kansai International Airport or Kyoto Station.
  • Check-in at a central hotel like Hotel Granvia Kyoto, Kyoto Century Hotel, or Traditional Ryokan like Gion Yasaka-bashi Yabusameyasou.
  • Visit Gion District, stroll along Sannenzaka and Nenzaka streets, spot Geishas in the evening.
  • Dinner at Kikunoi, a traditional kaiseki restaurant, or Gion Karyo for a more casual experience.

Day 2: Historical Temples & Fushimi Inari Shrine

  • Start with Kiyomizu-dera Temple, then head to Jishu Shrine to see the love fortune telling stones.
  • Visit Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) and Phantom World.
  • Lunch at a nearby café or traditional restaurant like Kiyomizu Yudofu Yamamoto for tofu dishes.
  • Afternoon visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine for the famous torii gates trail.
  • Dinner can be found near Fushimi Inari Station, try Tonki Yakitori Fukusaya or Tenzan Soba Waraji.

Day 3: Arashiyama & Sagano Scenic Railway

  • Spend the morning exploring Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple, and the Iwatayama Monkey Park.
  • Lunch at Arashiyama’s Hiroko-an or Cafe de’Monte Oisan.
  • Take a ride on the Sagano Scenic Railway (Romantic Train).
  • Return to central Kyoto for dinner and explore Pontocho Alley with its bars, restaurants, and traditional entertainment.

Day 4: Northern Kyoto - Kinkakuji, Ryoanji & Nijo Castle

  • Visit Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), then head to Ryoanji Temple famous for its rock garden.
  • Lunch at a nearby restaurant like Café Kaiseki Mugen or Heian Jingu no Mori Cafe.
  • Afternoon visit Nijo Castle, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the Ninomaru Palace.
  • Dinner at Kyoto’s Pontocho or Gion districts.

Day 5: Traditional Crafts & Food Experiences

  • Visit a local pottery workshop like Kiyomizu-yaki Hanbei or Hikaruemon Yasaka-buro.
  • Lunch at Nishiki Market, try traditional Kyoto food like Kushikatsu, Obanzai, or Funa-zushi.
  • Afternoon visit to Kyoto Imperial Palace Park and Heian Shrine.
  • Dinner at a traditional tea house like Yasaka Teahouse or Gion Chaya Ryokusen.

Day 6: Departure

  • Spend your last morning for souvenir shopping in Nishiki Market or Teramachi Street.
  • Depart from Kansai International Airport or Kyoto Station.

Tips:

  • Get a Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass or Kyoto City Subway Unlimited Ride Pass.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for temple visits and walking tours.
  • Try matcha green tea and traditional sweets (wagashi) during your stay.
  • Respect the temples’ dress code, no short pants or shoulders exposed.