Kyoto-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Gion

  • Morning: Arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka Itami Airport (ITM)
  • Transportation: Take the train to Kyoto Station ( approx. 1 hour from KIX, 10 minutes from ITM)
  • Where to Stay: Hotel Mume (Gion area), a traditional Japanese-style hotel with a beautiful garden
  • Place to Visit: Gion District, famous for its geisha culture and traditional Japanese architecture
    • Stop by the famous Ichiran Ramen restaurant for lunch ( reserve in advance )
    • Take a stroll along the Kamo River and visit the Yasaka Shrine
    • Explore the narrow streets of Gion and discover local shops and cafes
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Kyoto-style dinner at Gion Nanba, known for its kaiseki cuisine
  • Things to Know:
    • Respect for temples and shrines: dress modestly, take off shoes when required, and avoid taking photos inside buildings
    • Learn basic Japanese phrases: “konnichiwa” (hello), “arigatou” (thank you), and “sumimasen” (excuse me)
  • Tips:
    • Try to visit Gion District in the evening for a more relaxed atmosphere
    • Don’t be afraid to ask locals for directions or assistance

Day 2: Fushimi Inari Shrine and Nishiki Market

  • Morning: Visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates
    • Hike the Shugakuin Imperial Villa’s walking trails for a stunning view of Kyoto
    • Explore the shrine’s inner grounds and try some sacred sake at the shrine’s own brewery
  • Lunch: Try local street food at Nishiki Market, often called “Kyoto’s Kitchen”
    • Sample various local specialties such as pickled vegetables, grilled meats, and fresh seafood
  • Afternoon: Visit the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks
    • Take in the stunning views from the temple’s wooden stage ( reserve tickets in advance )
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at Urasenke Foundation
    • Learn about the history and significance of Japan’s tea culture
  • Where to Eat:
    • Try some delicious street food at Nishiki Market for dinner
    • Visit Gion Nanba for another night of kaiseki cuisine
  • Things to Know:
    • Respect for temples and shrines: dress modestly, take off shoes when required, and avoid taking photos inside buildings
    • Learn basic Japanese phrases: “konnichiwa” (hello), “arigatou” (thank you), and “sumimasen” (excuse me)
  • Tips:
    • Try to visit Fushimi Inari Shrine early in the morning or late in the afternoon for a more relaxed atmosphere
    • Don’t be afraid to try local street food at Nishiki Market

Day 3: Kinkaku-ji Temple and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

  • Morning: Visit the stunning Kinkaku-ji Temple, famous for its golden pavilion
    • Explore the temple’s beautiful gardens and grounds
    • Take a stroll around the nearby Ryoan-ji Temple’s Zen garden
  • Lunch: Try some delicious tempura at Ganko ( reserve in advance )
  • Afternoon: Visit the breathtaking Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, a serene and peaceful oasis
    • Take a boat ride on the Hozu River for a unique perspective on the forest
    • Explore the nearby Tenryu-ji Temple’s gardens and grounds
  • Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner at Kyubey Gion, known for its high-quality kaiseki cuisine
  • Things to Know:
    • Respect for temples and shrines: dress modestly, take off shoes when required, and avoid taking photos inside buildings
    • Learn basic Japanese phrases: “konnichiwa” (hello), “arigatou” (thank you), and “sumimasen” (excuse me)
  • Tips:
    • Try to visit Kinkaku-ji Temple early in the morning for a more relaxed atmosphere
    • Don’t be afraid to try local street food at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Day 4: Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace

  • Morning: Visit the stunning Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Explore the castle’s beautiful gardens and grounds
    • Take a stroll around the nearby Kiyomizu-dera Temple
  • Lunch: Try some delicious udon noodles at Sanuki Udon ( reserve in advance )
  • Afternoon: Visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence of Japan’s emperor
    • Explore the palace’s beautiful gardens and grounds
    • Take a stroll around the nearby Ninna-ji Temple’s Zen garden
  • Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner at Gion Nanba for another night of kaiseki cuisine
  • Things to Know:
    • Respect for temples and shrines: dress modestly, take off shoes when required, and avoid taking photos inside buildings
    • Learn basic Japanese phrases: “konnichiwa” (hello), “arigatou” (thank you), and “sumimasen” (excuse me)
  • Tips:
    • Try to visit Nijo Castle early in the morning for a more relaxed atmosphere
    • Don’t be afraid to try local street food at Kyoto Imperial Palace

Day 5: Philosopher’s Path and Gion District

  • Morning: Visit the stunning Philosopher’s Path, a beautiful walking path lined with cherry blossoms
    • Take a stroll around the nearby Nanzen-ji Temple’s Zen garden
    • Explore the nearby Tenryu-ji Temple’s gardens and grounds
  • Lunch: Try some delicious soba noodles at Ichiran Soba ( reserve in advance )
  • Afternoon: Visit the famous Gion District, known for its geisha culture and traditional Japanese architecture
    • Take a stroll around the narrow streets of Gion and discover local shops and cafes
    • Stop by the famous Ichiran Ramen restaurant for lunch ( reserve in advance )
  • Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner at Kyubey Gion, known for its high-quality kaiseki cuisine
  • Things to Know:
    • Respect for temples and shrines: dress modestly, take off shoes when required, and avoid taking photos inside buildings
    • Learn basic Japanese phrases: “konnichiwa” (hello), “arigatou” (thank you), and “sumimasen” (excuse me)
  • Tips:
    • Try to visit Philosopher’s Path early in the morning for a more relaxed atmosphere
    • Don’t be afraid to try local street food at Gion District

Day 6: Last Day in Kyoto

  • Morning: Visit the stunning Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates
    • Take a hike up the mountain and explore the shrine’s inner grounds
    • Try some sacred sake at the shrine’s own brewery
  • Lunch: Try some delicious street food at Nishiki Market ( reserve in advance )
  • Afternoon: Visit the Kyoto International Manga Museum, a unique museum showcasing Japan’s manga culture
    • Explore the museum’s extensive collection of manga and comics
    • Take a stroll around the nearby Sanjo-dori Street
  • Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner at Gion Nanba for another night of kaiseki cuisine
  • Things to Know:
    • Respect for temples and shrines: dress modestly, take off shoes when required, and avoid taking photos inside buildings
    • Learn basic Japanese phrases: “konnichiwa” (hello), “arigatou” (thank you), and “sumimasen” (excuse me)
  • Tips:
    • Try to visit Fushimi Inari Shrine early in the morning for a more relaxed atmosphere
    • Don’t be afraid to try local street food at Nishiki Market