After visiting Tokyo for a week and spending a couple of days in Hakone, we arrived in Kyoto, Japan for our next stop. I was very excited to visit this city as you can feel a more traditional vibe mixed with the modernity of how Japan has evolved over the centuries. Once the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years, Kyoto is still full of culture with its many temples, shrines, and palaces as well as luxurious ryokan accommodations, kaiseki restaurants, and easily accessible classic neighborhoods and geisha districts from the Sengoku period.
Like many areas in Japan, Kyoto was destroyed through different wars and fires, but because of its historical significance in Japan, it was able to avoid being a target during World War 2, unlike Tokyo, so a lot of the historical and traditional structures are still standing today. Kyoto is one of Japan’s 10 largest cities but compared to Tokyo, Kyoto has a more relaxing and laidback vibe until you get to the Downtown area (which is still significantly smaller than Tokyo) and is even a little cheaper when it comes to things like food, hotels, and some shopping.
But before we get started on the details of the itinerary for 4 days in Kyoto, Japan, read about the 46 Comprehensive Things To Know Before Visiting Japan to make your trip smoother and more convenient for you!
When To Visit Kyoto, Japan
Like Tokyo, the weather is still very similar in Kyoto so the best times to visit are actually the same. Read How To Plan Your First Trip To Tokyo, Japan for further detail on the seasonality and weather, as well as the high and low seasons.
How To Get To Kyoto, Japan
When visiting Japan, travelers usually have a few different prefectures and cities in mind to visit. A common itinerary includes visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka as they are some of the major and most popular cities in Japan. And although there is plenty to do in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, both have different atmospheres as Kyoto is more of a cultural mecca and Osaka is known as Japan’s street food capital and for their vibrant nightlife. This leads to me say that Kyoto likely won’t be your first stop on your trip to Japan. If that is the case, your best way to get from Tokyo to Kyoto is by the Shinkansen (bullet train) which takes about a 2-hour and 15-minute ride. The nearest airport to Kyoto is Osaka International Airport which may also have you starting from Osaka, to Kyoto, to Tokyo. So it all depends on your itinerary, but your best bet is definitely the Shinkansen which you can book a reserved seat to guarantee your spot or get an unreserved seat when it’s not rush hour.
Because Kyoto was my third destination for my 2.5-week trip to Japan, I didn’t come directly from Tokyo, but Hakone where I spent 3 days. However, I still took the Shinkansen from Hakone (nearest station was Odawara Station) to get to Kyoto which was just under two hours as we took the first train out in the morning.
If you do plan to travel all over Japan, it might be worth it for you to get the JR Pass as you can take different railways, buses, and ferries across Japan. Just remember to do your planning ahead of time and use the JR Fare Calculator to determine if it’s something worth buying for your trip.
Where To Stay In Kyoto, Japan
We stayed at Noku Kyoto because it was in the center of everything we needed to visit on our itinerary for 4 days in Kyoto, Japan and it was literally right next to the subway and across the street from the buses we needed to take. However, the best area to stay in Kyoto is usually Downtown Kawaramachi as there is so much that’s easily accessible whether it is food, shopping, or other kinds of entertainment and it is walkable to Gion, the epitome of Kyoto.
If you don’t get a chance to in Tokyo, I highly recommend staying at a ryokan in Kyoto to really emulate the essence of being in such a traditional and cultural part of Japan. Because it is slower-paced in Kyoto as well, I find that this kind of accommodation provides just the right feeling for your time here. I had the pleasure of being able to stay at a ryokan, having kaiseki breakfast and dinners, and soaking in a private onsen while I was in Hakone and if you don’t plan to make that a stop, this is the perfect place to treat yourself to this special experience.
How To Get Around Kyoto, Japan
Like Tokyo and Osaka, you can easily get around Kyoto from place to place using your Suica or Pasmo card. You can find more details on these transportation cards under point 22 of my 46 Comprehensive Things To Know Before Visiting Japan blog post. A majority of the time you’ll be either on the bus or the subway in Kyoto if you want to get somewhere. The only thing I found a little different in Kyoto is that there is only one fare no matter how long or short your ride is on the bus here and you only tap your card when you get off. Whereas in Tokyo, you usually tap before and after your ride so that you pay the exact distance.
Types Of Food To Try And Must-Eat Places In Kyoto, Japan
Adding to your itinerary for 3 days in Kyoto, there are certain foods you need to try when you’re in this city. There are a few types of food they are known for in this area of Japan and you don’t want to miss the opportunity while you’re there.
1 – Yudofu
Although a simple dish, Kyoto is known for this boiled tofu which has a rich taste from the domestic soybeans and a natural flavor from Kyoto’s famous water, high-quality soft water due to the lush and mountainous area. You can also find it made with Rishiri kelp soup stock as well as a dipping sauce to go with it.
2 – Kaiseki
As I mentioned above and in my Hakone blog post, kaiseki is a traditional multi-course Japanese meal and showcases the skills and techniques of preparing these kinds of meals as they not only use their creativity but will always have different ingredients and offerings depending on what’s in season and what can be foraged locally. Kaiseki meals have evolved over the many years and can include any number of courses (traditionally it is 9 but I can be more) and usually have an appetizer, sashimi, various cooked dishes including seasonal fish, rice and soup courses, and dessert. Although it can be expensive because of the labor involved with high-quality ingredients, it is a very unique Japanese meal that I encourage you to try at least once, especially in Kyoto!
3 – Matcha
Kyoto has over 800 years of of producing and consuming matcha and green tea and is home to some of the best kinds of tea. Not only can you drink it, but you can find it as an ingredient in many different foods such as desserts like ice cream or mochi and other snacks. Uji is the birthplace of green tea varieties and is known as the “Town of Matcha” and you can find very fine quality matcha powder here. This is also a great souvenir to bring home or to just stock up if this is something you like.
4 – Obanzai
Obanzai is Kyoto-style home cooking and at least half the ingredients need to be produced or processed in Kyoto to be considered obanzai. Not only that, the ingredients need to be in season. This kind of cooking mostly has simple preparation of seafood and vegetables. One unique characteristic of this style of meal is that the ingredients used are usually discarded as parts that would usually get thrown away or considered waste. There are 5 core spiritual elements involved with obanzai: 1) genuine things such as seasoning that provide value 2) balance which involves flexibility and creativity of using the available ingredients 3) encounter which is the act of living with nature and acquiring ingredients from it 4) hospitality is the effort in selecting and creating the foods that allows others to enjoy the meal 5) limiting waste so that you can make use of everything available
Here are 3 obanzai restaurants you can check out while you’re in Kyoto.
5 – Shojin Ryori
Shojin Ryori is a traditional Buddhist way of cooking that’s focused on seasonal vegetables, mountain plants, and soybean-based foods and avoids meat, fish, or strong flavors like garlic or onion. Not only does this type of cuisine bring balance to the body, but it’s also great for health as this kind of diet has a lot of vitamin and nutrient-rich ingredients. This type of cuisine is based around the rule of 5 – 5 colors: green, yellow, red, black, and white; 5 flavors: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami; 5 elements: proper temperature, ingredients, portions, techniques, and heart; 5 senses: sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell.
Here are 5 Shojin Ryori restaurants in Kyoto with different price ranges for everyone.
6 – Tsukemono
Tsukemono are preserved vegetables or better known as pickles, are one of the core foods in Japan. As you can tell from the previous types of food I mentioned, balance is key and tsukemono includes different varieties of flavors, colors, and cooking methods. It also helps clean the palate to counter umami-rich foods and can be served as a side dish, as a snack with drinks, or a garnish.
7 – Beef
Because the areas surrounding Kyoto are famous for their beef (such as Kobe – and yes it’s a location!), naturally this beef culture has transferred to Kyoto as well. Kyoto is one of the places in Japan that are highest in beef consumption and is also the birthplace of shabu shabu (hot pot) and sukiyaki. Kyoto Beef also has certain requirements to be deemed as such: it has to be Japanese Black cattle, raised in Kyoto for a majority of its life, and receives the highest grade from the Japan Meat Grading Association.
Here are some of the best places to eat delicious beef in Kyoto and you can filter your options as you like!
8 – Yatsuhashi
Yatsuhashi is a popular sweet snack that makes for a great souvenir as well. It kind of looks like crepes and has different kinds of filling inside such as strawberry, matcha, mango, or others. It is made from rice flour, sugar, and Japanese cinnamon and has been around for over 150 years. I actually purchased this at the Fushimi Inari Shrine and although it was good, it wasn’t the best dessert I had in Japan.
Restaurant Recommendation
Although this isn’t a unique food to Kyoto, I think it’s a restaurant worth visiting as it’s a kind of ramen I’ve never had: Menbaka Fire Ramen. The very eclectic and personable chef Masamichi Miyazawa, opened his restaurant in 1984 and he actually pours fire in front of you (with precautions of course) all over his signature ramen which gives it a unique, smoky flavor. It’s not only delicious, but it’s quite an experience and very entertaining. And not to mention he has a recording setup with about a dozen selfie sticks all around his kitchen so that you can film your entire experience on your own phone! He also spends time talking to each guest individually and provides them tips on how to get home or to their next stop, and has even created his own booklet of recommendations to visit the hidden gems of Kyoto which he’ll give you at the end of your meal.
The Most Popular Wards To Visit In Kyoto, Japan And What To Do
There are 11 wards in Kyoto and I will share 8 of the most popular wards you’d want to visit on your first trip to Kyoto with this 4-day itinerary. Unlike the special wards of Tokyo, the wards in Kyoto are not separate municipalities, but just divisions under the same city council. However, I will still group each location under the wards so you have an idea of the areas you will be visiting and be able to have a smoother trip as the attractions will be within the same vicinity. As always, feel free to customize your own itinerary with the recommendations below as I know not everyone has the same interests and there may be a shrine or temple too many if you’re going to be visiting different parts of Japan.
First Day In Kyoto, Japan
If you want to get photos without a lot of people in them, I always suggest getting up early – and in this case, visiting the first location below at 8 AM or earlier would be a good idea. With that in mind, it is possible to cross off multiple locations listed below as you’re starting your day early which means you can do much more with the short amount of time you have in Kyoto.
Ukyo Ward
1 – Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Time Spent – Up to 45 minutes
Interesting Facts – Notably Japan’s most famous bamboo forest, it is also one of the most photographed locations in Kyoto. Although the path through the forest is short, it is quite a wonder to see in person. You can also visit Okochi-Sanso Villa at the top of the grove and it offers some of the best views of Kyoto as well as gorgeous gardens.
Here is an Instagram Reel I shared with 7 tips on how to avoid crowds at the Bamboo Forest.
2 – Arashiyama Shopping Street
Time Spent – Up to 2 to 3 hours (if you’re planning to eat or visit other temples and shrines)
Interesting Facts – This area is right outside the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and although touristy, there is lots to see here between browsing the small shops, trying new foods, and just exploring in general. There’s a spice store I came across, Sannenzaka Ochanoko Sai Sai, known for its dried chili pepper powder seasoning which is made using Japanese chili peppers called ichimi and schimi. They were passing out samples and it was so good I had to buy a bag – to be honest, I wish I bought more than just one.
3 – Arashiyama Monkey Park
Time Spent – 45 minutes to 2 hours
Interesting Facts – There are 120 snow monkeys also called Japanese Macaque and they may look a little familiar as they’re the ones who are often seen bathing in onsens! There are warning signs to not stare at them or touch them so it’s something to keep in mind as a precaution as they are still wild animals even though they’re fed by humans.
4 – Ninna-ji Temple
Time Spent – 1 to 2 hours
Interesting Facts – Started as Nishiyamagogoanji Temple by the 58th Emperor Koko during the Heian period, it was completed by Emperor Uda in the Ninna era in 888. It is the head temple of the Omuro School of the Shingon Sect of Buddhism and is a World Heritage Site. The temple grounds are quite large and there is even a 5-story pagoda, which is an important cultural property, and the width of each story of the pagoda is almost the same size which makes this pagoda unique from others.
5 – Toei Kyoto Studio Park
Time Spent – 4 hours
Interesting Facts – This theme park is also a film set that’s modeled after the Edo period and is dedicated to the world of film and television. Movies have been produced here by Toei Company and if you like anime, ninjas, samurais, and the like, you’ll have a fantastic, immersive experience here. Although not as popular as Studio Ghibli, it’s well worth a visit while you’re in Kyoto!
6 – Ryoan-ji Temple
Time Spent – 30 minutes
Interesting Facts – You can find the Ryoan-ji Temple Rock Garden here and it is one of Kyoto’s most famous gardens and is known worldwide. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you can enjoy the traditional Japanese gardens and architecture here. It was originally an aristocrat’s villa in the Heian Period, but it was turned into a Zen temple in 1450.
Kita Ward
1 – Kinkaku-ji Temple
Time Spent – 30 minutes
Interesting Facts – Also known as the Golden Pavilion, it is the most famous of all UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto and is also a Special Place of Scenic Beauty. This Zen temple, once a family villa, shows the Kitayama culture and was the center of politics and culture. They even welcomed the Emperors of Japan and trading partners from China here. Something to keep in mind here is that no tripods, drones, food, or drinks are allowed here.
2 – Koto-in in Daitokuji Temple
Time Spent – 30 minutes
Interesting Facts – You will find Koto-in, built in 1601, at Daitokuji Temple which was founded in 1319. At Ditokuji Temple, you can find a wide variety of Zen gardens and architecture but Koto-in, a sub-temple, is the most atmospheric and is famous for its maple trees and one of the most photographed locations in the city. It’s also a great location to see the fall foliage.
Second Day In Kyoto, Japan
Sakyo Ward
1 – Shimogamo Jinja
Time Spent – 30 minutes
Interesting Facts – Shimogamo Jinja is one of the oldest and most important shrines in Kyoto, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Historic Monument of Ancient Kyoto. Dating to the 6th century before Kyoto was even the capital of Japan, this shrine is to protect Kyoto from bad influences.
2 – Higashiyama Jisho-ji
Time Spent – 1 to 1.5 hours
Interesting Facts – Also known as the Silver Pavilion, this Zen temple is in fact not silver, but is a nickname to contrast it with the Golden Pavilion. The other theory of where this name came from is that the moonlight reflecting on the building gives it a silvery appearance. The grounds of this temple were originally a retirement villa for a shogun that was built in 1482 but was converted to a Zen temple in 1490 after his death.
3 – Philosopher’s Path / Tetsugaku No Michi
Time Spent – 30 to 45 minutes
Interesting Facts – The canal that Philosopher’s Path runs along was built during the Meiji Period to help with getting more water to Kyoto as well as enhancing transportation efforts. This is one of the best places to look at cherry blossoms and you can find many shrines, temples, cafés, restaurants, and small boutiques in this area.
4 – Honen-in
Time Spent – Up to 1 hour
Interesting Facts – This temple was established in the Kamakura period to honor a famous priest, Honen, who made Buddhism more accessible to the Japanese people. You can get here from Philosopher’s Path and this Buddhist temple is not too frequented by tourists so it is quite calm and peaceful here. The buildings here are only open to the public once in spring and once in fall but you are able to walk around them regardless. The main hall however, is only open from around April 1 to 17 when the camellias are in bloom and November 1 to 7 when the maple trees are turning colors. You can also find unique sand gardens here that are etched with seasonal designs.
Nakagyo Ward
1 – My Only Fragrance Kyoto
Time Spent – Up to 1 hour
Interesting Facts – You can create your own personalized fragrance here by picking your scents and mixing them to become unique to you. You can create an eau de toilette by mixing 3 scents, add an additional scent for an extra charge, or upgrade your eau de toilette to a parfum for an additional cost. It’ll be around $100 USD (depending on the currency exchange rate at the time).
Also, if you love like perfumes like I do, you can Shop My Favorites – Perfume.
2 – Nijo Castle
Time Spent – 1.5 hours
Interesting Facts – Nijo Castle is one of the most well-known castles in Japan because of its prominence and historical significance. It is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a great representation of the power warlords and shoguns had over the emperors in the Edo period as it was a former shogun residence. The entire castle is surrounded by moats and stone walls for further protection and a show of power.
3 – Kyoto Imperial Palace
Time Spent – 1.5 hours
Interesting Facts – This Imperial Palace was used as the residence for Emperors for over 500 years until Tokyo became the capital of Japan. Like many Japanese buildings and structures throughout the centuries, this palace was also plagued by fire many times and had to be rebuilt. The last time the Kyoto Imperial Palace was reconstructed was in 1855. There are also a few other historic sites you can visit while on these palace grounds including the former residence of court nobles: Kaninnomiya Mansion, and Itsukushima Shrine.
Third Day In Kyoto, Japan
Higashiyama Ward
How you envision Kyoto to be with the historic streets is all based around this ward!
1 – Gion – Geisha District
Time Spent – 3 to 3.5 hours (or 1 to 1.5 hours if you go early in the morning)
Interesting Facts – Gion district is where you can find a couple of Kyoto’s most famous streets including Hanamikoji, Ninenzaka, and Yasaka. Here you can take great photos of traditional wooden merchant houses, ochayas (teahouses), and even the Hokanji Temple from afar. If you want photos without crowds, you’ll want to arrive before 6 AM. And if you want to see Gion come to life as well as geishas, come after 6 PM.
You can also visit Kiyomizudera Temple as it’s only a few minutes’ walk from Ninenzaka and there is also a very popular Starbucks in Ninenzaka with the world’s first tatami-floored location housed in a machiya. The lines get long before opening at 8 AM so arrive early!
2 – Maruyama Park
Time Spent – 1 hour
Interesting Facts – This location is perfect during cherry blossom season as it has become Kyoto’s most popular spot for viewing parties known as hanami. There is also a weeping cherry tree that’s illuminated at night and is also the park’s most famous feature. It is a gorgeous place to visit during the fall when the leaves are changing colors.
3 – Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Time Spent – 30 minutes
Interesting Facts – Also known as Pure Water Temple, it is best known for its wooden stage that provides beautiful views of the maple and cherry trees, especially during the spring and fall, and a great view of the city. Founded in 780, it too is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Shimogyo Ward (Central Kyoto)
1 – Shijo Dori and Kawaramachi Shopping Street (Downtown Kyoto)
Time Spent – 2 to 5 hours (depending on if you love to shop)
Interesting Facts – Shijo Street and Kwaramachi Shopping Street are the busiest shopping areas in Kyoto with a large array of boutiques, large department stores, large shopping complexes, traditional craft shops, souvenir stores, restaurants, cafés, and more. You can find some of Kyoto’s best shopping here. Shijo Street (also known as Fourth Street) runs east to west and has prestigious and luxurious shopping experiences available as well as international designer brands, you can also find great night life here. Kawaramachi intersects with Shijo Street so it’s the perfect opportunity to get all your shopping done in one go.
It’s almost like a mini Tokyo and I think Kyoto offers a great mix of both the historical and modern side of Japan.
2 – Nishiki Market
Time Spent – 1 to 1.5 hours
Interesting Facts – Over 400 years old, Kyoto’s Kitchen – Nishiki Market, is one block north and parallel to Shijo Street. This is the best traditional food market in Kyoto and it has over 100 food stalls and shops with souvenirs, crafts, seafood, fresh produce, Japanese snacks, and more. My favorite part about this market is hands-down all the street food I can try out here! You can find a range of mochi here as well as fish cakes, senbei (rice crackers with different seasonings), tsukemono, fresh tofu, Japanese sweets known as wagashi, dried fish, and more. You can really spend your time eating, shopping, and exploring here!
3 – Ichihime Shrine
Time Spent – 10 minutes
Interesting Facts – Dating back to 795, this small shrine is dedicated to goddesses who protect women and grants their wishes, which makes it unique.
4 – Shosei-en Garden
Time Spent – Up to 1 hour
Interesting Facts – This hidden gem in Kyoto is a traditional Japanese strolling garden and was possibly built in the 9th century. Here you can find teahouses, a large pond with a bridge, a small waterfall, stone lanterns, and many different plants, flowers, and trees. This location is easy to miss as it’s hidden on a side street behind large walls so it doesn’t get crowded with tourists if you are looking for something more serene.
Fourth Day In Kyoto, Japan
Fushimi Ward
1 – Fushimi Inari Taisha & Inari Gates
Time Spent – 1 hour or 2 to 3 hours if you hike to the summit
Interesting Facts – Fushimi Inari is the most famous and most photographed shrine in Kyoto. It has over 10,000 torii gates, each one with a person or a business’s name on it in the hopes of receiving fortune and good luck with their donation. There are over 10 million people who visit this shrine every year so it gets quite busy! The trail here takes you through a wooded forest that leads you to the top of Mount Inari.
My Instagram Reel provides tips on how to get photos with little to no people in them.
2 – Jonan-Gu Shrine
Time Spent – Up to 1 hour
Interesting Facts – This shrine was built to protect Kyoto as the capital city and was the at political center of Japan. Now it is famous for their festivals and 5 separate gardens that surround the main shrine for maximum enjoyment of nature. This shrine is also quite popular for its weeping plum blossoms when they’re in season early spring and late winter.
3 – Fushimi Sake District/Village
Time Spent – 1 to 2.5 hours
Interesting Facts – Fushimi translates to underground water which makes a lot of sense because the clean, soft water that flows from the underground spring is the home to about 40 sake breweries. Fushimi Sake District is the second largest brewery district in Japan and you can find many sake breweries and shops around here. With their traditional appearance well-preserved, several brewers are open to the public and have shops where you can taste and purchase their sake. A tip is to choose the kikizake set as it the store’s special selection. Besides sake, you can of course find shrines and other historic sites here.
4 – Daigo-ji Temple
Time Spent – 1 to 2 hours
Interesting Facts – This Buddhist temple is a large complex that was founded in 874 CE by a scholar-monk. It was an important pilgrimage location with close ties to the imperial family. It Is located at the base of the mountain with a hiking trail to other temples. The pagoda here is also the oldest building in Kyoto and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These days, people come in droves during cherry blossom season as it is another perfect location to view them.
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