Kyoto, Japan 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Central Kyoto

  • Arrival at Kansai International Airport (KIX)

    • Take a train from Kansai International Airport to Kyoto Station. The JR Haruka or the MK Limited Express will get you there in about 1 hour.

  • Check-in at Hotel

    • Recommended hotels: Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) such as Gion Kakuetei, or modern hotels like Hotel Granvia Kyoto or Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto.

  • Fushimi Inari Shrine

    • One of the most iconic sites in Kyoto, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. It’s a beautiful and peaceful hike.

  • Lunch at Nishiki Market

    • Try local specialties like obento (boxed lunch), yudofu (tofu hotpot), or kushikatsu (deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables).

  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Higashiyama District

    • Visit Kiyomizu-dera, an historic temple with stunning views of Kyoto. Explore the charming streets of Higashiyama district.

  • Dinner at Gion

    • Have a traditional multi-course kaiseki dinner in a local restaurant or experience a Maikoya (maiko performance and dinner).

Day 2: Eastern Kyoto & Arashiyama

  • Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

    • Start the day with a visit to Kinkaku-ji, a golden Buddhist temple sitting on the shore of a lake.

  • Ryoan-ji Temple

    • Next, visit Ryoan-ji Temple, famous for its rock garden.

  • Lunch at Arashiyama

    • Try local dishes like soba noodles or tempura in one of the restaurants in Arashiyama.

  • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Monkey Park Iwatayama

    • Walk through the beautiful bamboo forest and visit the Monkey Park Iwatayama where you can see snow monkeys.

  • Tofuku-ji Temple

    • On your way back to central Kyoto, stop by Tofuku-ji Temple for its stunning Autumn leaves or Zen garden.

  • Dinner at Pontocho Alley

    • Enjoy a casual dinner at one of the many bars (izakaya) in Pontocho Alley.

Day 3: Northern Kyoto & Traditional Arts

  • Kiyomizu-manga Museum & Ninnaji Temple

    • Start your day with the Kiyomizu-manga Museum, a manga museum dedicated to mangaka Yoshitomo Nara. Then, visit Ninnaji Temple.

  • Lunch at Gion

    • Have another chance to try traditional Kyoto cuisine in Gion district.

  • Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

    • Visit the Silver Pavilion, a humble and peaceful temple with beautiful gardens.

  • Philosophers Path & University of Kyoto

    • Stroll along the Philosophers Path, a lovely walk lined with cherry blossom trees in spring, to the historic University of Kyoto.

  • Dinner at Demachiyanagi

    • Try local delicacies like yudofu (tofu hotpot) or okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) in Demachiyanagi area.

Day 4: Southern Kyoto & Departure

  • Byodo-in Temple & Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple

    • Take a day trip to Uji and visit Byodo-in Temple, famous for its Phoenix Hall and beautiful pond. Also, stop by the quirky Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple filled with stone Buddhas.

  • Lunch in Uji

    • Try matcha (green tea) flavored foods like matcha ice cream or matcha sweets. Don’t forget to buy some high-quality Uji matcha as a souvenir!

  • Return to Kyoto & Departure

    • Return to Kyoto and head to the airport for your departure. If you have extra time, explore more of downtown Kyoto or do some last-minute shopping.