Kyoto is famous around the world for its remarkable temples and shrines. There are a whopping 1,600 temples and 400 shrines in and around Kyoto, which is the imperial capital of Japan and the heart of traditional Japanese culture. Glimpse geisha in colourful kimonos, see the wonderful inari gates, wander through bamboo and eat amazing Japanese food. Check out this guide for a 3, 5 or 7-day itinerary for Kyoto.
3, 5 and 7-Day Kyoto Itinerary Options
Kyoto Itinerary Tips
Where to Stay?
When visiting the city, it’s a good idea to stay in downtown Kyoto. This location means you are within walking distance of many restaurants, shops and bars and you can easily access the city’s subway lines and two train lines.
Staying in the heart of downtown Kyoto means you are also within walking distance of Southern and Northern Higashiyama where many of the top sightseeing spots are.
You may also want to consider staying near Kyoto Station. There’s plenty to do and its convenient if you are visiting other cities in Japan and are maybe only staying in Kyoto for several days.
Getting Around Kyoto?
Getting around Kyoto is easy with the subway system. You can use a prepaid IC card which is accepted on virtually all trains to make buying tickets easier. Most of the popular tourist attractions are located close to subway stations or within a short walking distance of a station.
How to Pay?
Be sure to exchange enough Japanese yen before you head to Japan. Japan and Kyoto still rely heavily on cash for payments. Everything from taxis to stores and malls. Though it is possible to use credit cards you should not rely on this payment method.
Kyoto Itinerary
Day 1 – Fushimi Inari Taisha & Daigo-ji Sanbo-in Temple
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari Taisha is the top thing to do in Kyoto and you can’t go to the city without visiting this wonderful shrine.
At the site there are thousands of vermilion torii gates that follow numerous trails leading up into the forest of Mount Inari which is 233 metres high.
This shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice.
Around the shrine you will see many foxes because they are believed to be Inari’s messengers.
The shrine itself predates the capital’s move to Kyoto in 794.
You can easily spend two to three hours at Fushimi Inari.
You must walk up the mountain which takes around 45 minutes.
Then you will reach Yotsutsuji intersection where you can enjoy wonderful views of Kyoto.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is at 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto.
Recommended tour: Kyoto: 3-Hour Fushimi Inari Shrine Hidden Hiking Tour.
Daigo-ji Sanbo-in Temple
This temple was constructed in 1115 but in 1598 it received a total revamp under the orders of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
This temple reflects the opulence of this period, housing Kano paintings and a garden filled with 800 stones.
These stones are perfectly arranged in a tradition that goes back hundreds of years.
The most famous stone at the temple is large and rectangular, known as Fujito-no-ishi.
Daigo-ji Sanbo-in Temple is at 22 Daigohigashiojicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 601-1325.
Day 2 – Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Arashiyama Monkey Park
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Another popular tourist destination in Kyoto is Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
Arashiyama is a quaint district on the outskirts of Kyoto.
Nobles dating back to the Heian Period (794-1185) used to visit the area for its natural setting and fall foliage.
The path through the emerald, green bamboo grove is short but impressive.
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what it is that makes this place so awe-inspiring.
Is it the eerie silence?
The texture of the bamboo?
The darkness in the middle of the day?
For the best effect, head to the grove from Tenryu-ji Temple.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is at Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8394.
Arashiyama Monkey Park
Arashiyama Monkey Park has more than 120 Japanese macaques in a protective sanctuary.
The monkey park is located on top of the aptly named Monkey Mountain.
To reach the top you will have to climb a long stone staircase that is surrounded by lush foliage.
Arashiyama Monkey Park is at Arashiyama Nakaoshitacho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0004.
Recommended tours:
Day 3 – Kyoto International Manga Museum, Nishiki Market, Gion
Gion
Gion is the most famous geisha district of Kyoto and is close to Shijo Avenue between Tasaka Shrine and the Kamo River.
This is the place to go to experience old restaurants, ochaya (teahouses) and local geisha culture.
The area is filled with traditional wooden machiya merchant houses.
When visiting Gion you must head to Hanami-koji Street.
Here you can enjoy some wonderful food (though its pricey) along the quaint and narrow side alleys and in the machiya houses.
This is the best place to try Kyoto style kaiseki ryori, which is a multi-course Japanese dinner.
Recommended tours:
Kyoto International Manga Museum
The Kyoto International Manga Museum opened in 2006 and is dedicated to manga.
To those not quite in the know about Japanese modern culture, manga are Japanese comics which originated in the mid-1990s.
Today manga is super popular in Japan and even internationally.
There are a myriad of manga genres from history to science fiction and teen romance.
This museum has three floors and a basement and most of the walls are lined with manga.
Most of the manga is in Japanese though there is a small section for foreign and translated manga.
Kyoto International Manga Museum is at 452 Kinbukicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0846.
Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market is often referred to as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”.
The market is narrow but covers five blocks.
There are more than 100 shops and restaurants in the market selling everything from fresh seafood to kitchenware, sweets, pickles and more.
The market is busy but there’s a real buzz about the place.
Some shops even give out samples.
Walk along this narrow street smelling a fusion of flavours and appreciating the history of this place (the first shop opened in 1310).
Nishiki Market is in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8055.
Recommended tours:
Day 4 – Ryoan-ji, Kyoto Botanical Gardens, Kyoto Imperial Palace
Ryoan-ji
Ryoan-ji Temple is where you can see Japan’s most famous rock garden.
The temple used to be an aristocratic villa during the Heian Period but was converted into a Zen temple in 1450.
The specifics behind the rock garden are unknown, especially its construction.
There’s a rectangular plot of pebbles with 15 rocks laid out in patches of moss.
No matter where you stand there is always one rock placed out of view.
Many suggest the stones represent a tiger carrying cubs across a pond.
You can also visit Hojo, the head priest’s former residence.
There are some paintings inside and a smaller garden to stroll around.
Ryoan-ji Temple is at 13 Ryoanji Goryonoshitacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8001.
Kyoto Botanical Garden
The Kyoto Botanical Gardens is often overlooked but it’s a real hidden gem.
The garden is beautiful and there’s a ton of lush green foliage.
Kyoto is a great location to experience many of the seasonal changes in flora and fauna.
The botanical garden was found in 1924 and houses around 12,000 plant species.
It is the oldest and most substantial botanical garden in Japan.
Kyoto Botanical Gardens are at Shimogamo Hangicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-0823.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
The Kyoto Imperial Palace was the previous residence of Japan’s imperial family up until 1868 when the capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo.
The imperial palace is situated inside Kyoto Imperial Park (or Kyoto Gyoen).
The current Imperial Palace was reconstructed in 1855 after a fire.
The complex has many gates, halls, and gardens.
Beside the Imperial Palace and the Sento Palace are some other historical sites like Kyoto Imperial Park and Kaninnomiya Mansion.
Kyoto Imperial Palace is at 3, Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-0811.
Recommended tour: Kyoto: Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle Guided Walking Tour.
For more about Japan, read:
Day 5 – Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion) and Philosopher’s Path
Philosopher’s Path
Philosopher’s Path is a 2 km (1.24mi) charming pathway in Kyoto’s northern Higashiyama District.
The path follows the canal and is flanked either side by hundreds of cherry trees.
If you are visiting Kyoto between mid-March and mid-April, then you cannot miss a visit to Philosopher’s Path as the trees are in full bloom.
The path got its name because Japan’s most famous philosopher Nishida Kitaro used to walk along the path and meditate on his way to Kyoto University.
You can take a stroll along the path and stop off at some of the cafes and restaurants along the way.
Philosopher’s Path begins around Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) and ends in the neighbourhood of Nanzenji.
Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion)
Another must visit Kyoto site is Ginkakuji Temple, also known as Silver Pavilion.
Where the temple now stands it was originally shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa’s retirement villa.
After the shoguns death in 1490 the villa was converted into a Zen temple
Today visitors can see the main temple as well as six other temples.
The moss gardens are unique. To see the sights, you can follow a circular route around the grounds.
Ginkakuji Temple is at 2 Ginkakujicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8402.
Recommended tours:
Day 6 – Hokan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda), Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, Kiyomizu-Dera
Hokan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda)
Another of Kyoto’s iconic sites is Hokan-ji Temple also known as Yasaka Pagoda.
You may have seen those iconic photos of geisha women in traditional outfits walking along the street.
Well, this is Yasaka Pagoda.
Again, it’s best to get here early because as the day progresses the street can become busy with people posing for photos in front of the pagoda.
The pagoda is 46 metres tall with sloping roofs on each tier.
Visitors are allowed inside to look at the tower’s architecture and old paintings.
The pagoda dates to 589 when Imperial Prince Shotoku ordered it to be built.
It is thought that the pagoda was inspired by a dream.
Hokan-ji Temple is at 〒605-0862 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, 清水八坂上町388.
Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka
The streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka form the approach to Kiyomizu temple.
They run for around 400 metres.
Wandering along these streets is like wandering to the past.
You will walk past religious sites, temples, and colourful shrines.
The buildings lining the street have traditional wooden facades.
You can purchase items from traditional shops, drink at tea houses and eat authentic Japanese snacks.
It’s always advisable to do these streets and Kiyomizu-Dera early because this place gets super busy.
Kiyomizu-Dera
Kiyomizu-Dera is an iconic Kyoto attraction.
This temple is one of the most famous in Kyoto.
It’s impressive hillside location means you can enjoy wonderful views from the temple.
While there you can drink the sacred water at the Otowa no Taki waterfall, which is believed to have been filled with good karma.
You can also wish for true love at the Jishu Shrine.
There’s also the “womb of the bodhisattva” tunnel where you can look at the wonderful architecture.
There’s also the Kiyomizu-dera on site.
This is a three-story pagoda that stands at 31 metres, it’s one of the tallest of its kind in Japan’s.
Kiyomizu-Dera is at 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862.
Day 7 – Shoren-In Temple, Nanzen-ji Temple
Shoren-In Temple
Another temple at the foot of the Higashiyama mountains is Shoren-In Temple.
This is one of Kyoto’s monzeki temples, which traditionally had members who were part of the royal family.
You can follow a path that leads you through a variety of the temple’s buildings and gardens.
It’s a tranquil place to explore and one where you can experience true Japanese culture.
Shoren-In Temple is at 69-1 Awadaguchi Sanjobocho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0035.
Nanzen-ji Temple
Nanzen-ji Temple is one of the most important Zen temples in Japan.
The temple is situated at the base of the Higashiyama mountains.
It is the head temple of the Rinzai sect of Japanese Zen Buddhism.
This temple dates to the mid 13th century so it’s steeped in history.
The temples’ current location was used by the Emperor Kameyama for his retirement villa.
Nanzen-ji Temple is at 86 Nanzenji Fukuchicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8435.
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