Kyoto 5 Day Itinerary

Kyoto 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Downtown Kyoto

Morning

  • Arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka Itami Airport (ITM)
  • Take the train (JR Haruka or Hankyu Railway) to Kyoto Station ( approx. 1 hour, ¥2,850 - ¥3,500)
  • Check-in to your hotel: Hotel Gion Nanba (traditional ryokan experience)

Afternoon

  • Visit the iconic Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) (9:00 am - 5:00 pm, ¥500)
  • Stroll through the beautiful gardens of Kyoto Imperial Palace (9:00 am - 4:00 pm, free admission)

Evening

  • Enjoy a traditional Kyoto-style dinner at Gion Nanba Chaya (try their kaiseki course)
  • Explore the lively streets of Gion, known for its geisha culture

Day 2: Temples and Gardens

Morning

  • Visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine (thousands of vermilion torii gates) (24/7, free admission)
  • Take a short hike up the mountain for stunning views

Afternoon

  • Explore the serene gardens of Sanjusangendo Temple (9:00 am - 5:00 pm, ¥500)
  • Visit the nearby Kyoto National Museum (9:30 am - 5:00 pm, ¥520)

Evening

Day 3: Arashiyama and Sagano

Morning

  • Take the Hankyu Railway to Arashiyama Station ( approx. 30 minutes, ¥230)
  • Visit the stunning Bamboo Grove (free admission)
  • Explore the scenic Tenryu-ji Temple (9:00 am - 5:00 pm, ¥500)

Afternoon

  • Take a leisurely walk along the Philosopher’s Path, lined with cherry blossom trees
  • Visit the picturesque Sagano Romantic Train station (free admission)

Evening

  • Enjoy a local dinner at Tofuya Ukai (try their tofu kaiseki course)
  • Stroll along the tranquil Katsura River

Day 4: Nijo and Kiyamachi

Morning

  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Nijo Castle (9:00 am - 5:00 pm, ¥600)
  • Explore the nearby Nishiki Market, known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen” (free admission)

Afternoon

  • Walk along the charming Kiyamachi Street, lined with traditional shops and cafes
  • Visit the beautiful Pontocho Alley, famous for its geisha culture

Evening

  • Savor a delicious dinner at Kyubey Gion (try their high-quality sushi)
  • Enjoy a traditional Japanese performance at Gion Corner (6:00 pm - 8:30 pm, ¥3,000)

Day 5: Fushimi and Uji

Morning

  • Visit the Fushimi Sake District, famous for its sake breweries (free admission)
  • Take a tour of the Gekkeikan Sake Brewery (10:00 am - 4:30 pm, ¥500)

Afternoon

  • Take the train to Uji Station ( approx. 1 hour, ¥230)
  • Visit the famous Byodo-in Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site (9:00 am - 5:00 pm, ¥500)
  • Explore the picturesque Uji River

Evening

  • Return to Kyoto Station and depart from Kansai International Airport or Osaka Itami Airport

Things to Know

  • Kyoto has a complex train network; consider purchasing an ICoca card for easy travel
  • Many temples and shrines have dress codes; cover your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect
  • Try to avoid visiting during peak seasons (March - May, September - November) for smaller crowds

Transportation

  • Train: JR West Japan Railway, Hankyu Railway, Keihan Electric Railway
  • Bus: Kyoto City Bus, Kyoto Prefectural Transportation Public Corporation
  • Taxi: available at train stations and major tourist areas

Tips

  • Learn basic Japanese phrases to show respect and appreciation for the culture
  • Bring comfortable walking shoes; Kyoto is best explored on foot
  • Try local specialties like kaiseki, shojin-ryori, and yudofu

Other Things of Interest

  • Kyoto Handicraft Center: learn about traditional crafts and try your hand at making some
  • Nishijin Textile Center: explore the world of kimono and Japanese textiles
  • Philosopher’s Path Flea Market: find unique souvenirs and local goods on Sundays

Enjoy your time in Kyoto!