Kyoto, Japan-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Fushimi Inari Shrine and Nishiki Market

Morning

  • 8:00 AM: Start the day with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. Take the train (JR Nara Line) from Kyoto Station to Inari Station (5 minutes, ¥210).
  • 9:30 AM: Hike up the steep trail behind the shrine and explore the orange torii gates.

Afternoon

  • 12:00 PM: Visit Nishiki Market, a narrow shopping street lined with over 100 food shops and restaurants. It’s a great place to try local specialties like fresh sushi, kaiseki (multi-course meal), and Japanese sweets.
  • 1:30 PM: Lunch at Kikunoi, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving traditional Kyoto cuisine.

Evening

  • 4:00 PM: Visit the nearby Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its “nightingale floors” that squeak when walked upon. Take the train (JR Nara Line) from Inari Station to Nijo Station (5 minutes, ¥210).
  • 7:00 PM: Dinner at Gion Nanba, a traditional Japanese restaurant with a beautiful garden.
  • 9:30 PM: Enjoy a stroll along the Kamo River and take in the city lights.

Accommodation

  • Hotel Gion Nanba: A traditional Japanese hotel located near Nijo Castle. Rates start from around ¥20,000 per night.

Day 2: Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Higashiyama Ward

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its wooden stage protruding over the valley. Take the bus (Keihan Bus) from Gion Station to Kiyomizu-michi Stop (10 minutes, ¥230).
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the temple grounds and take in the stunning views of Kyoto.

Afternoon

  • 1:30 PM: Lunch at Nishikiya, a traditional Japanese restaurant with a beautiful garden.
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the nearby Maruyama Park, a peaceful oasis in the heart of Kyoto. Take a stroll and enjoy the cherry blossom trees (seasonal).
  • 4:00 PM: Visit the Sanjusangendo Temple, famous for its 1,001 life-sized statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Dinner at Gion Sasaki, a traditional Japanese restaurant with a beautiful garden.
  • 9:30 PM: Enjoy a stroll along the Kiyamachi Street and take in the city lights.

Accommodation

  • Hotel Gion Nanba: A traditional Japanese hotel located near Nijo Castle. Rates start from around ¥20,000 per night.

Day 3: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a serene and picturesque spot famous for its towering bamboo stalks. Take the train (JR Sagano Line) from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station (30 minutes, ¥240).
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the nearby Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful garden and peaceful atmosphere.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Lunch at Nonbei Yokocho, a small alleyway lined with tiny restaurants serving local specialties.
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the nearby Okochi Sanso Garden, a beautiful Japanese garden famous for its stunning views and tranquil atmosphere.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Dinner at Gion Sasaki, a traditional Japanese restaurant with a beautiful garden.
  • 8:00 PM: Enjoy a stroll along the Kamogawa River and take in the city lights.

Accommodation

  • Hotel Gion Nanba: A traditional Japanese hotel located near Nijo Castle. Rates start from around ¥20,000 per night.

Day 4: Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kyoto Imperial Palace

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the nearby Inari Shrine’s museum, which showcases the history and culture of Shintoism.

Afternoon

  • 1:30 PM: Lunch at Kikunoi, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving traditional Kyoto cuisine.
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the nearby Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence of the Emperor of Japan. Take the train (JR Nara Line) from Inari Station to Omiya Station (10 minutes, ¥210).

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Dinner at Gion Nanba, a traditional Japanese restaurant with a beautiful garden.
  • 8:00 PM: Enjoy a stroll along the Kamo River and take in the city lights.

Accommodation

  • Hotel Gion Nanba: A traditional Japanese hotel located near Nijo Castle. Rates start from around ¥20,000 per night.

Things to Know

  • Kyoto is known for its cherry blossom trees (seasonal), which bloom in late March and early April.
  • The city has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and trains.
  • Many restaurants and shops accept credit cards, but it’s still a good idea to have cash on hand.
  • Tipping is not expected or required in Japan.

Tips

  • Try local specialties like fresh sushi, kaiseki (multi-course meal), and Japanese sweets at Nishiki Market.
  • Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine at night for a stunning view of the torii gates lit up.
  • Take a stroll along the Kamo River and enjoy the city lights.

Other things to do

  • Visit the Kyoto International Manga Museum, which showcases the history and culture of manga (Japanese comics).
  • Explore the Gion district, known for its geisha culture and traditional Japanese architecture.
  • Take a day trip to the nearby Nara, famous for its ancient temples and friendly deer.

Getting around

  • The city has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and trains. You can use the JR Pass or local passes like the Kyoto Sightseeing Card to save money on train fares.
  • Many hotels offer free Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected and plan your itinerary.

Language

  • Japanese is the official language of Japan. While many people in the service industry speak English, it’s still a good idea to learn basic phrases like "" (konnichiwa) for “hello,” "" (arigatou) for “thank you,” and "" (sumimasen) for “excuse me.”
  • You can use translation apps or carry a phrasebook with you to help communicate.

Currency

  • The official currency of Japan is the Japanese yen (JPY). You can exchange your money at banks, post offices, or currency exchange machines.
  • Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s still a good idea to have cash on hand for small purchases and street food.