Kyoto-7-day-itinerary
7-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Kyoto
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Gion District
Morning
- Arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka’s Itami Airport (ITM)
- Take the train to Kyoto Station on the JR Nara Line, which takes around 45 minutes from KIX and 20 minutes from ITM
- Check-in at a hotel in the Gion district, such as Gion Nanba or Kyo-Hiro Guest House
Afternoon
- Visit the Nishiki Market, a 5-block long shopping street lined with over 100 food stalls and shops
- Explore the nearby Gion District, famous for its traditional Japanese architecture, geisha culture, and high-end boutiques
- Try some local snacks, such as fresh sushi or pickled vegetables at Gion Sasaki
Evening
- Enjoy a traditional Kyoto-style dinner at Kikunoi Restaurant, which offers a seasonal kaiseki (multi-course) menu
- Take a stroll along the Philosopher’s Path, a beautiful pedestrian path lined with cherry blossom trees and temples
Day 2: Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kyoto Imperial Palace
Morning
- Visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates
- Hike up to the top of the shrine for a panoramic view of Kyoto
- Try some local sake at Kinsyu Brewery, located near the shrine
Afternoon
- Visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence of the emperor and a beautiful example of traditional Japanese architecture
- Explore the nearby Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its “nightingale floors” that squeak when walked upon
Evening
- Enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner at Yashima Sushi Restaurant, which offers high-quality sushi and other Japanese dishes
- Take a stroll along the Kamo River, a beautiful waterway that runs through Kyoto
Day 3: Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) and Ryoanji Temple
Morning
- Visit the stunning Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), a Zen temple famous for its golden-roofed building
- Explore the nearby Ryoanji Temple, a Zen temple known for its dry garden and peaceful atmosphere
Afternoon
- Visit the Sanjusangendo Temple, a Buddhist temple famous for its 1,001 life-size statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy
- Try some local sweets at Tsujiri Tea House, located near the temple
Evening
- Enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner at Gion Tofuya Ukai, which offers high-quality tofu and other Japanese dishes
- Take a stroll along the Kawabata River, a beautiful waterway that runs through Kyoto
Day 4: Nara Park and Todaiji Temple
Morning
- Visit Nara Park, a large park that is home to over 1,000 wild deer
- Feed and pet the deer in the park, but be sure to follow the rules and respect their space
- Visit the nearby Todaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s largest Buddha statues
Afternoon
- Explore the nearby Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a Shinto shrine famous for its thousands of stone lanterns
- Try some local sweets at Kakinoha-zushi, located near the temple
Evening
- Enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner at Tofuya Ukai Restaurant, which offers high-quality tofu and other Japanese dishes
- Take a stroll along the Nara River, a beautiful waterway that runs through Nara
Day 5: Gion District and Kyoto’s Geisha Culture
Morning
- Visit the Gion Corner, a cultural center where visitors can learn about traditional Japanese geisha culture
- Learn about the history and customs of the geisha in Japan, and see a live demonstration of traditional tea ceremony
- Try some local snacks at Gion Nanba, which offers high-quality sake and other Japanese delicacies
Afternoon
- Explore the nearby Nishiki Market, a 5-block long shopping street lined with over 100 food stalls and shops
- Visit the famous Kamigyo-ku district, known for its traditional Japanese architecture and local shops and restaurants
Evening
- Enjoy a traditional Kyoto-style dinner at Kikunoi Restaurant, which offers a seasonal kaiseki (multi-course) menu
- Take a stroll along the Philosopher’s Path, a beautiful pedestrian path lined with cherry blossom trees and temples
Day 6: Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle
Morning
- Visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence of the emperor and a beautiful example of traditional Japanese architecture
- Explore the nearby Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its “nightingale floors” that squeak when walked upon
Afternoon
- Visit the Sanjusangendo Temple, a Buddhist temple famous for its 1,001 life-size statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy
- Try some local sweets at Tsujiri Tea House, located near the temple
Evening
- Enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner at Gion Tofuya Ukai, which offers high-quality tofu and other Japanese dishes
- Take a stroll along the Kamo River, a beautiful waterway that runs through Kyoto
Day 7: Fushimi Inari Shrine and Return to Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Morning
- Visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates
- Hike up to the top of the shrine for a panoramic view of Kyoto
- Try some local sake at Kinsyu Brewery, located near the shrine
Afternoon
- Return to Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka’s Itami Airport (ITM)
- Depart from Japan, bringing back memories and experiences from your wonderful journey!
Transportation:
- Train: The easiest way to get around Kyoto is by train. You can use the JR West pass for unlimited travel on JR trains.
- Bus: A more affordable option, buses cover many routes throughout the city.
- Taxi: If you prefer a door-to-door service, taxis are available.
Tips and Other Things of Interest:
- Learn some basic Japanese phrases to help you navigate the city.
- Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples or shrines.
- Don’t forget your camera to capture the beautiful scenery and vibrant culture of Kyoto.
- Try some local cuisine, such as kaiseki (multi-course) meals, which are a unique experience.
Accommodation:
- Recommended hotels: Gion Nanba, Kyo-Hiro Guest House
- Other options: Airbnb, guesthouses, or ryokans (traditional Japanese inns)
Note: This is just one example of how you could plan your 7-day itinerary. Feel free to adjust the schedule according to your preferences and interests!