Kyoto Japan 7 Day Itinerary

Here’s a 7-day itinerary for traveling in Kyoto, Japan:

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka Itami Airport (ITM). Take the train or bus to Kyoto Station.
  • Afternoon: Check-in at your hotel or ryokan (traditional Japanese inn).
  • Evening: Visit Nishiki Market (Kyoto’s Kitchen), a narrow shopping street lined with over 100 food stalls and shops selling local specialties. Try some traditional Japanese sweets, like wagashi.
  • Dinner: Eat at Gion Sasaki, a well-known restaurant in the Gion district serving Kyoto-style kaiseki (multi-course) cuisine.

Day 2: Fushimi Inari Shrine and Nara

  • Morning: Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Inari Station (10 minutes).
  • Visit: Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates.
  • Afternoon: Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Japan’s most famous temples. Take in the views of Kyoto from its wooden stage.
  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Japanese sweets at Suzuya, a shop with various flavors.

Day 3: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Arashiyama

  • Morning: Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple, famous for its stunning golden pavilion.
  • Afternoon: Take the train to Arashiyama (20 minutes from Kyoto Station). Visit Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful gardens. Walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a serene and peaceful spot.
  • Evening: Enjoy Kyo-Machiya Cafe, a traditional Japanese townhouse-turned-cafe serving tea and sweets.

Day 4: Gion District

  • Morning: Visit Gion District, known for its geisha culture. Take a stroll down the narrow streets and admire the traditional architecture.
  • Afternoon: Visit Kiyamizu-dera’s sister temple, Honkoji Temple. Explore the nearby Nishijin District, famous for its textile industry and beautiful gardens.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Kyubey Gion, a restaurant serving traditional Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine.

Day 5: Sanjusangendo Temple and Funaokayama Park

  • Morning: Visit Sanjusangendo Temple, famous for its thousands of life-size statues of Buddhist deities.
  • Afternoon: Visit Funaokayama Park, a beautiful park with stunning views of Kyoto. Take a stroll through the gardens and visit the nearby Ryugen-in Temple.
  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Japanese sweets at Yumemoriya, a shop with various flavors.

Day 6: Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu-dera’s Garden

  • Morning: Visit Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former residence of the Tokugawa shoguns. Take a stroll through its beautiful gardens.
  • Afternoon: Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple’s garden, which offers stunning views of Kyoto.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Gion Sasaki, a well-known restaurant serving traditional Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine.

Day 7: More Exploration

  • Morning: Explore more of Kyoto’s hidden gems, such as the Kamigamo Shrine or the Nishikiyama Park.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Kyoto Handicraft Center, which sells traditional Japanese crafts and souvenirs.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Kyubey Gion, a restaurant serving traditional Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine.

Transportation

  • Kyoto Station: The main transportation hub in Kyoto, with access to trains, buses, and subways.
  • Nishiki Riverwalk: A scenic walkway along the Kamo River that connects several downtown areas.
  • Buses: An efficient way to get around Kyoto, with numerous bus routes covering most areas.

Tips

  • Respect local customs: Dress modestly when visiting temples or shrines. Remove shoes when required and follow other local etiquette rules.
  • Use public transportation: Kyoto’s public transportation system is well-developed and efficient.
  • Try local food: Sample traditional Japanese cuisine, such as kaiseki, shojin-ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), or okonomiyaki (savory pancake).
  • Explore on foot: Kyoto is a compact city, and exploring on foot can be a great way to discover hidden gems.

Places to Stay

  • Gion Hotel: A luxurious hotel in the heart of Gion district.
  • Hotel Mume: A traditional Japanese ryokan with beautiful gardens.
  • Kyoto Guest House: A cozy guest house with a homey atmosphere.

Where to Eat

  • Gion Sasaki: A well-known restaurant serving traditional Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine.
  • Kyo-Machiya Cafe: A traditional Japanese townhouse-turned-cafe serving tea and sweets.
  • Yumemoriya: A shop selling traditional Japanese sweets with various flavors.

Things to Know

  • Weather: Kyoto has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for rain and sunshine throughout the year.
  • Currency: The official currency is the Japanese yen (JPY).
  • Language: While many locals speak English, it’s still a good idea to learn basic Japanese phrases, such as “konnichiwa” (hello) or “arigatou” (thank you).

Other Things of Interest

  • Kyoto International Manga Museum: A museum showcasing a vast collection of manga and anime.
  • Nishiki Riverwalk: A scenic walkway along the Kamo River that connects several downtown areas.
  • Gion District’s geisha culture: Explore the traditional architecture, shops, and restaurants in this charming district.

This itinerary provides a comprehensive guide to exploring Kyoto, Japan. From its stunning temples and shrines to its delicious local cuisine and hidden gems, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city. Enjoy your trip!