Kyoto 7 Day Itinerary

Kyoto 7-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Central Kyoto

  • Accommodation: Stay in a traditional Ryokan (Japanese Inn) like Gion Kawaramachi Yasaka or Hotel Granvia Kyoto for convenience.
  • Breakfast: Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at your Ryokan.
  • Activities: Visit the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, walk through the Senbon Torii gates. In the afternoon, explore Kiyomizudera Temple and enjoy the city view from its veranda.
  • Lunch: Try Kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal) at Kiyomizuka Hanagen or Katsukura for Tonkatsu.
  • Transportation: Kyoto City Bus, subway, and taxi are convenient options. Consider getting a Kyoto City Transportation 1-day Pass if you plan to use both bus and subway.

Day 2: Eastern Kyoto

  • Breakfast: Grab a bowl of Kyoto’s famous Tofu at Sobadokoro Katsukura or try Matcha Mochi for breakfast.
  • Activities: Visit Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), Philosopher’s Path, and Nanzenji Temple. In the afternoon, explore Honen-in and Eikando.
  • Lunch: Have lunch at Nanzenji Omotesando area or near Ginkakuji.
  • Dinner: Dine at a traditional Izakaya like Ishibei or Yubara for authentic Japanese pub experience.

Day 3: Northern Kyoto

  • Breakfast: Try traditional Kyoto breakfast at a Machiya Cafe, like Kohaku or Yumekobo.
  • Activities: Visit Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) in the morning, then head to Ryoanji Temple known for its famous rock garden. Spend your afternoon exploring Kitano Tenmangu Shrine and Nijo Castle.
  • Lunch & Dinner: Have lunch at a local eatery near Kinkakuji or Nijo Castle. For dinner, try Okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) at Mizuno or Motomura.

Day 4: Western Kyoto - Arashiyama and Saga-Arashiyama

  • Breakfast: Start your day with a breakfast box from your Ryokan and head to Arashiyama early.
  • Activities: Visit Tenryuji Temple, walk the famous Bamboo Grove, take a scenic river cruise on Hozu River, explore Monkey Park Iwatayama.
  • Lunch & Dinner: Have lunch at a local restaurant in Arashiyama like Arashiyama Yoshimura or Katsuren. For dinner, return to Kyoto city and dine at Pontocho Alley’s famous restaurants.

Day 5: Southern Kyoto - Uji City

  • Breakfast: Have breakfast at your Ryokan or grab a bento box for the day.
  • Activities: Take a short trip to Uji City and visit Byodoin Temple, Tensho-in, and Ujigami Shrine. Enjoy Matcha ice cream from a local shop in Uji. Return to Kyoto and explore Gion district in the evening.
  • Dinner: Dine at a traditional Japanese restaurant in Gion area like Gion Namba or Yoshikawa.

Day 6: Flexible Day - Shopping & Cultural Experience

  • Breakfast: Have breakfast at a local cafe in Gion or Teramachi Street.
  • Activities: Visit Kyoto International Manga Museum, traditional craft shops like Kinkakuji Yachiyo or Nishijin Textile Center, and explore Nijo-jo-mae Tenjinbashi Shopping Street. In the evening, attend a traditional Maiko performance at Gion Corner or Miyagawacho Hanami Koji.
  • Lunch & Dinner: Explore Kyoto’s street food scene in Teramachi, Shijo Dori, or Nishikikoji. For dinner, try a Ramen restaurant like Ichiran or Ramen Kanrei.

Day 7: Departure

  • Breakfast: Enjoy your final breakfast at your Ryokan.
  • Activities & Transportation: Check out from your accommodation and head to Kansai International Airport (or Itami Airport for Osaka) depending on your departure flight. You can use the airport limousine bus or subway/train for transportation.