Kyoto, Japan-7-day-itinerary

Kyoto 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Downtown Kyoto

Morning

  • Arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka Itami Airport (ITM)
  • Take a train or bus to Kyoto Station ()
  • Check-in to your hotel, such as Hotel Gion Nanba or Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo
  • Visit the nearby Kyoto Station Building () for a panoramic view of the city

Afternoon

  • Walk to Nijo Castle (), a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its “nightingale floors” that squeak when walked upon
  • Explore the Gion District (), known for its geisha culture and traditional Japanese architecture

Evening

  • Enjoy a traditional Kyoto-style dinner at Gion Nanba Chaya (), a 400-year-old teahouse
  • Take a stroll along the Kamo River () and enjoy the city lights

Day 2: Fushimi Inari Shrine and Uji

Morning

  • Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine (), famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form a tunnel up the mountain
  • Hike the popular Orange Torii Gate Trail () for breathtaking views of Kyoto

Afternoon

  • Take a train to Uji (), a city located just south of Kyoto and famous for its green tea plantations
  • Visit the Uji Tea Plantation () and learn about Japan’s traditional tea ceremonies

Evening

  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at Ganko Takasegawa Nijoen (), serving seasonal kaiseki cuisine
  • Return to your hotel and rest your legs after a busy day

Day 3: Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Gion

Morning

  • Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple (), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks
  • Explore the nearby Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka () streets, known for their traditional shops and tea houses

Afternoon

  • Attend a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony at En Tea House or similar
  • Visit the Gion Corner (), a museum showcasing traditional Kyoto crafts and performances

Evening

  • Enjoy a traditional Kyoto-style dinner at Kyubey Gion (), serving kaiseki cuisine
  • Take a stroll around the Pontocho Alley (), known for its geisha culture and traditional Japanese architecture

Day 4: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple

Morning

  • Take a train to Arashiyama (), a picturesque town located on the western outskirts of Kyoto
  • Visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (), a serene and peaceful forest

Afternoon

  • Explore the nearby Tenryu-ji Temple (), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto’s most important temples
  • Take a stroll along the Katsura River () and enjoy the scenic views

Evening

  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura (), serving kaiseki cuisine with a focus on local ingredients
  • Return to your hotel and rest after a busy day

Day 5: Nishiki Market and Philosopher’s Path

Morning

  • Visit Nishiki Market (), known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen” for its variety of fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables
  • Explore the nearby Teramachi Shopping Street (), a lively shopping street lined with traditional shops and restaurants

Afternoon

  • Take a stroll along the Philosopher’s Path (), a scenic walking path lined with cherry blossom trees
  • Visit the nearby Nanzen-ji Temple (), a temple famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture

Evening

  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at Kyoto Kawayaki Izumi (), serving traditional kawayaki (small grilled balls of batter)
  • Take a stroll around the Gion District () and enjoy the evening atmosphere

Day 6: Kurama Onsen and Kibune

Morning

  • Take a train to Kurama (), a town located in the northern mountains of Kyoto
  • Visit the Kurama Onsen (), a hot spring resort famous for its natural hot springs and scenic views

Afternoon

  • Explore the nearby Kibune (), a picturesque village known for its traditional thatched-roof houses and beautiful scenery
  • Take a hike in the surrounding mountains and enjoy the scenic views

Evening

  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at Kurama Onsen Ryokan Seryo (), serving kaiseki cuisine with a focus on local ingredients
  • Return to your hotel and rest after a busy day

Day 7: Kyoto Imperial Palace and Departure

Morning

  • Visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace (), the former residence of the Emperor of Japan
  • Explore the nearby Sento Imperial Palace (), a palace famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture

Afternoon

  • Return to Kyoto Station () and take a train or bus back to Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka Itami Airport (ITM)
  • Depart from Japan with unforgettable memories of Kyoto

Things to Know

  • Kyoto is a city steeped in tradition, so it’s essential to respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples and shrines.
  • The city has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and subways. You can purchase a prepaid IC card (such as ICOCA or SUICA) for convenient travel.
  • Many restaurants and shops in Kyoto only accept cash, so it’s essential to have some Japanese yen with you at all times.
  • Don’t forget to try some of Kyoto’s famous sweets, such as yudofu (boiled tofu) or matcha ice cream.

Tips

  • Consider purchasing a Kyoto City Bus One-day Pass for unlimited bus travel within the city.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking during your trip.
  • Don’t be afraid to try some of Kyoto’s unique and delicious foods, such as kaiseki cuisine or shojin-ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine).
  • Be respectful of Kyoto’s geisha culture and avoid taking photos of them without permission.

Transportation

  • Train: Japan Railways (JR) operates an extensive network of trains in Kyoto, including the Tokaido Shinkansen line.
  • Bus: Kyoto City Bus and Keihan Bus operate an extensive network of buses within the city.
  • Subway: The Kyoto Municipal Subway system consists of two lines: the Karasuma Line and the Tozai Line.

Accommodation

  • Hotel Gion Nanba: A traditional Japanese hotel located in the heart of Gion District.
  • Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo: A modern hotel located near Kyoto Station, with comfortable rooms and a rooftop garden.

Food

  • Ganko Takasegawa Nijoen: Serving seasonal kaiseki cuisine in a beautiful traditional setting.
  • Kyubey Gion: Serving traditional Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
  • Arashiyama Yoshimura: Serving kaiseki cuisine with a focus on local ingredients and a serene atmosphere.

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