Kyoto, Japan-6-day-itinerary

6-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Downtown Kyoto

• Morning: Arrive at Kansai International Airport and take the Haruka Express train to Kyoto Station ( approx. 1 hour)
• Check-in: Stay at Hotel Gion Nanba or similar, located in the heart of Gion District
• Lunch: Try some delicious ramen at Ichiran Ramen
• Afternoon: Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace and stroll through the beautiful gardens
• Evening: Explore Gion District, famous for its geisha culture and traditional Japanese architecture

Day 2: Temples and Gardens

• Morning: Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates
• Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch at Gion Nanba Chaya
• Afternoon: Explore Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) and stroll through its beautiful gardens
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Kyoto-style dinner at Ganko Takasegawa Nijoen

Day 3: Philosopher’s Path and Ginkaku-ji

• Morning: Walk along the scenic Philosopher’s Path, a beautiful walking path lined with cherry blossom trees
• Lunch: Try some delicious yudofu (boiled tofu) at Tofuya Ukai
• Afternoon: Visit Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion) and explore its beautiful gardens
• Evening: Enjoy a relaxing evening at Kyoto Handicraft Center, where you can try your hand at traditional crafts

Day 4: Nijo Castle and Kyoto Station

• Morning: Visit Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its “nightingale floors”
• Lunch: Try some delicious Kyoto-style cuisine at Kyoto Ekibil
• Afternoon: Explore the shops and restaurants around Kyoto Station
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at En Tea House

Day 5: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

• Morning: Take the Hankyu Railway to Arashiyama Station and visit the beautiful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
• Lunch: Try some delicious shojin-ryori (Buddhist cuisine) at Shigisan
• Afternoon: Explore the scenic Tenryu-ji Temple and its beautiful gardens
• Evening: Enjoy a relaxing evening at Arashiyama Onsen, a hot spring with a great view of the city

Day 6: Departure

• Morning: Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions
• Departure: Take the Haruka Express train back to Kansai International Airport (approx. 1 hour)

Things to Know

• Kyoto is a very walkable city, but you can also use the city’s efficient public transportation system, including buses and subways.
• Many temples and shrines have an admission fee, which can range from ¥500-¥1,000.
• Try to avoid visiting during peak tourist season (March-May and September-November) for smaller crowds and lower prices.
• Don’t forget to try some of Kyoto’s delicious local cuisine, including kaiseki (multi-course meal), shojin-ryori (Buddhist cuisine), and yudofu (boiled tofu).

Transportation

• The Haruka Express train is a convenient way to get from Kansai International Airport to Kyoto Station.
• You can use the city’s public transportation system, including buses and subways, to get around the city.
• Taxis are also available, but may not have English-speaking drivers.

Tips

• Try to learn some basic Japanese phrases, such as “konnichiwa” (hello), “arigatou” (thank you), and “sumimasen” (excuse me).
• Dress modestly when visiting temples and shrines.
• Don’t forget to try some of Kyoto’s delicious local cuisine and drinks, including matcha (green tea) and sake.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Kyoto!