Five-Day Kyoto Itinerary: Seeing the Best of Kyoto

Asia

10 Mar

Are you planning to spend five days in Kyoto? This itinerary will guide you through the best areas of the city visiting tranquil zen gardens, iconic shrines and temples, and postcard-perfect corners. Read on for the perfect five day Kyoto itinerary for first timer’s.

View across the tiled rooftops and forested hills at of higashiyama in kyoto

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Kyoto is one of my favourite places in Japan. As cliche as that might sound, I’m drawn to its historic corners, plethora of ancient temples and shrines, and traditional craftsmanship that is displayed, from ceramics to silk dyeing. While most visitors only allow two days in their Japan itinerary for Kyoto, it deserves so much more.

Best known for its contrast to Tokyo’s ultramodern metropolis, Kyoto is home to more than 2,000 shrines and temples, some of the most iconic historic quarters, and a host of traditional crafts that have been passed down for generations. Topping the list of millions of travellers every year, many are wondering how to best navigate all the incredible sights in just a few days.

This five day Kyoto itinerary helps you make the most of your time in this idyllic city effectively, with tips along the way. Read on to discover how to spend your time in Kyoto.

Five day Kyoto itinerary overview

Day 1

Fushimi Inari Taisha
Yasaka Shrine
Higashiyama
Kiyomizu-dera
Gion

Day 2

Arashiyama Bamboo forest
Okochi Sanso Villa
Tenryu-ji Temple
Hogon-in Temple
Hozugawa River boat ride

Day 3

Nishiki Market
Teramachi and Shinkyogoku Arcades
Kinkakuji Temple
Ryoanji Temple
Pontocho Alley

Day 4

Ginkakuji Temple
Philosopher’s Path
Honen-in Temple
Eikando Zenri-ji Temple
Nanzen-ji Temple

Day 5

Nara day trip or bonus sightseeing in Kyoto

Day one: Discovering old Kyoto in Higashiyama and Fushimi Inari

No doubt you’ve seen photos of the historic corners of Kyoto’s old districts of Gion and Higashiyama. It’s here you’ll find streets lined by machiya (traditional Japanese wooden houses), iconic temples, and some of the most photogenic spots in Kyoto. So it’s the perfect place to enjoy the first of your five days in Kyoto. This itinerary assumes you’ve arrived the afternoon or evening before and begins with your first full day.

Morning

Start the day with one of the most iconic places in Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Taisha. Best known for its hundreds of vermilion torii gates that lead to a forest at Mount Inari, it’s worth taking the time to journey the 4km path to the top. It will take approximately 2-3 hours to complete the path, allowing for stops to take photos of the smaller shrines on the way up. I suggest starting here early, around 6-7 am, as it gets quite busy as the day gets on. When you’re finished, stop by Vermilion Cafe which is a lovely spot for a refreshment on a leafy green terrace overlooking the river.

Red torii gate tunnel of fushimi inari shrine with single lantern hanging from the top

Afternoon

Make your way to Higashiyama, which is easily reached by taking the train from Inari station to Gion-Shijo station on the Keihan Line. Start at Yasaka-Jinja shrine which dates back to the 7th century and often hosts seasonal festivals and events. This is a great starting point for exploring Higashiyama, where streets are lined with traditional architecture.

Spend the afternoon wandering through the streets and visiting stores, sampling local delicacies and picking up unique souvenirs. One of my favourite stores is a mum-and-pop ceramic shop with the kindest people who sell handmade dining ware crafted by local artists. We picked up a few tea cups, chopstick rests, and a matcha bowl that I use regularly. It’s the perfect souvenir as I’m reminded of our trip every time we use them.

view looking down nannenzaka in the old district of kyoto with wooden buildings and black tiled roofs

yasaka pagoda looking down the street against a blue sky

Higashiyama is best explored at your own pace, but a few notable places of interest and photo spots are Yasaka Pagoda, Ninenzaka, and Sannenzaka, and of course Kiyomizu-dera. On a sunny day, the sunsets from the platform at Kiyomizu-dera are incredible, albeit busy. Despite a cloudy afternoon, the sun broke through right at sunset when we visited and made for some beautiful light cast across the autumn leaves in November.

While exploring Gion and Higashiyama, it’s a great time to book a tea experience. The art of matcha has been passed on for generations and a tea ceremony is an authentic experience to see the ritualistic way the tea is prepared. Most tea ceremonies are hosted in Gion and pre-booking is advised. I’d recommend the following if you’d like to book a tea experience while in Kyoto.

sunset over the red autumn leaves below the platform at kiyomizu dera temple in kyoto

Gion is also the area where you’re most likely to spot Geisha. You can opt to take part in an experience, but if you’re just hoping to catch a glimpse then if you’re around Gion near sunset, that’s your best chance. We got lucky and happened to see some heading into a taxi on our way to dinner one night, even though we hadn’t been searching. In recent years, there’s been a rise in tourists chasing after geisha and maiko (geisha in training) which is absolutely not okay. It’s also a big part of why there are lots of streets in Gion that do not permit photos. Please respect these women who are doing their jobs, give them space, and do not chase after them for a photo.

Note | You can also do this day in reverse, as Fushimi Inari is open all day/night and crowds thin from late afternoon. It also means if you start in Higashiyama early, you can beat the busiest times of the day.

Day two: Arashiyama

Most people have seen Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, but don’t realise there are a tonne of other incredible things to do in this area to the west of Kyoto. I’d recommend spending the whole day in Arashiyama to visit temples and gardens, explore the forested surroundings, and try some local dishes. This is how I’d spend the day in Arashiyama.

Early morning

Start your morning at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. If you want to avoid the crowds, be sure to arrive very early. We arrived around 6:30 am and only had two other photographers there. When we passed by at 9 am, it was quite busy. Once you’re done here, head to one of the coffee shops before getting on with the rest of the day. Arabica has become social media famous, but the Kyoto latte (made with condensed milk) is delicious! Bread, Espresso & Arashiyama is another option, or if you’re looking for something that opens early, head to Coffee Shop Yamanato.

a long path under the bamboo forest in arashiyama

gardens at okochi sanso villa with autumn leaves in red and yellow with stepping stones in the centre of the image

Mid-morning

Okochi Sanso Villa is a beautiful garden that shouldn’t be missed. It’s right by the bamboo grove but often overlooked by the crowds. Once the former estate of Japanese actor Okochi Denjiro, spend an hour or two wandering through the gardens before stopping by the teahouse for some matcha - it’s included in the entry price.

Before stopping for lunch, pay a visit to Tenryu-ji Temple. The UNESCO-listed temple dates back to the 14th century and has a charming zen garden set against the backdrop of Arashiyama’s mountains. Be sure to take the time to sit and take in the views, the fiery autumn colours are especially beautiful and typically peak around mid-November.

There are plenty of street food stalls and cafes to grab something for lunch, but if you’d prefer a sit-in meal try Taisho HANANA for traditional Japanese dishes, or enjoy the setting of a renovated sento at Sagano-yu which serves Japanese-fusion meals and light snacks.

Afternoon

After lunch, do some souvenir shopping along Arashiyama’s main street before heading to Hogon-in Temple. This is my favourite temple in Arashiyama and the colours in autumn are hard to beat. However, it’s an idyllic spot all year round. A sub-temple of Tenryu-ji, the front garden is expertly manicured, while the back garden is a moss-covered haven. Don’t miss the Arashiyama Rakans, a group of statues representing fully enlightened Buddhist sages, near the front gate.

Round out your afternoon with a boat ride along Hozugawa River. This is one of the best ways to make the most of the scenic landscapes that surround Arashiyama. Journey along the river to Kameoka on a flat bottom boat, a traditional boat directed by a boatman using a bamboo stick. The one-way journey takes around two hours. From here, you can either return via train or head back to central Kyoto for dinner.

small footbridge between a garden of mixed autumn leaves in shades of red, yellow, and green

Traditional wooden flat bottom boat on the hoguzawa river between red autumn leaves

Day three: Downtown Kyoto and the Golden Pavilion

After a big day in Arashiyama, slow things down a little and skip the super early start this morning. Today combines foodie hotspots, shopping, and temples (because Kyoto has more than 2000 after all!).

Morning

Start at Nishiki Market as it gets busy here by lunchtime. There are around 130 stores at the market and its history spans back around 400 years. It’s a great place to try lots of different local bites and is a must-do for foodies in Kyoto. With so many choices, it can be overwhelming, so you can also opt to take a guided tour like this brunch walking food tour or walking food and culture tour.

From Nishiki Market, make your way over to Teramachi and Shinkyogoku. Japan is known for its long shopping arcades in the cities, and these two are no exception. This is a great place to pick up some souvenirs, from high-quality Japanese kitchen knives to chopsticks, stationery, or clothing. We found these arcades less busy than trying to shop in Tokyo and came home with a few bits, as we always worry we won’t ever see something again!

kinkakuji temple or the golden pavilion relfected in a pond surrounded by a green Japanese garden

Afternoon

When you’re done, head westwards to the famous Golden Temple, Kinkaku-ji Temple. One of the most popular sights in Kyoto, it’s generally always quite busy. A visit here will take an hour or less for most, and there is a nice garden path to follow around the pond and beyond. If the sun is shining, you can expect the gold of the pavilion’s exterior to shine brightly in the afternoon light.

Next, head a little further southwest to Ryoanji Temple. Listed as a UNESCO heritage site in 1994, it is home to one of Japan’s most famous rock gardens and a great place to enjoy some zen. The gardens are a hotspot for autumn foliage too if you’re visiting around November.

For dinner, make your way back to central Kyoto to Pontocho Alley. Just west of the Kamogawa River, Pontocho Alley is a narrow alley full of restaurants and bars running from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori. You can find just about everything here from inexpensive yakitori restaurants to high-end dining experiences. Lots of menus will be written in Japanese, so be sure to have Google Translate ready to go.

If you fancy a drink before or after dinner, there are some great bars along here including Bar Alchemist, or head a few streets further west to Bee’s Knees - both offer great cocktail selections.

lanterns lit up on traditional japanese building-lined alley way

Day four: Eastern Higashiyama and the Philosopher's Path

Another day in the East of Kyoto, but this time further north of where you were on the first day. Kyoto is one of the most densely populated cities when it comes to shrines and temples, so visit a few more along the delightful stretch known as the Philosopher’s Path.

Morning

Start at the foot of the northeast mountains at Ginkakuji Temple, the Silver Pavilion. Surrounded by a beautiful moss garden, a sand garden, and a large sand cone called the "Moon Viewing Platform".

From here, head further south along the Philosopher’s Path. A peaceful leafy walk along a canal, in spring the path becomes lined with delicate blush-pink blossoms during sakura season and is a must-visit. I recommend stopping at Honen-in Temple, which is a quieter place to enjoy a tranquil garden as you make your way along the path.

Continue along the Philosopher's Path until you reach Eikando Zenri-ji Temple. This was one of my favourite places to visit during autumn as the foliage here is magnificent. With a collection of ponds and gardens, you can make your way around the Temple grounds taking in the sights slowly. I’d recommend at least one hour here. There’s also a great little restaurant across the street called Yama-gen, specialising in soba noodle dishes.

autumn leaves surrounding the temple gate covered in moss at honen-in temple

people sitting on a small bridge over the canal at the philosophers path surrounded by green and orange leaves

Afternoon

At the end of the 2km trail is Nanzen-ji Temple, which is a large temple with 12 sub-temples throughout its grounds. The shaded gardens are a great place to enjoy year-round and there is an aqueduct built during the Meiji period. This is another great place to spot momiji (autumn leaves) which tend to peak in mid-late November.

red autumn leaves in the temple gardens at eikando zenriji temple

tan coloured panelled shopfront at yama-gen restaurant

Day five: Nara day trip or free day in Kyoto

If you have five days in Kyoto, then I absolutely recommend taking a day trip to Nara. The city is so much more than the park with bowing deer that have become Insta-famous, and it’s an especially stunning place during cherry blossom season or in autumn when the leaves change. It takes approximately 45 minutes to reach Nara from Kyoto by train, making it perfect for a day trip.

If you already have a day accounted for to visit Nara during your itinerary, here are some other sights in Kyoto that you might want to visit on your final day:

Daigoji Temple | A beautiful temple in southern Kyoto which is known for having incredible autumn foliage.
Manga Museum | Fans of Manga will enjoy this museum in central Kyoto. I’d recommend allowing 1-2 hours for a visit, which will give you time to enjoy the exhibition on the history of Manga and wander the displays throughout. This is an interactive museum and you can read the books that are spread throughout the museum.
Sake Brewery | Head to Fushimi sake district and visit some breweries to try local sake that follows centuries-old traditions.
Join a cycling tour around Kyoto | A great way to enjoy some of Kyoto’s lesser-known sights, an e-bike tour is a great outdoor activity.
Samurai Experience | Get familiar with the history of the samurai way of life with a 2-hour experience at a Samurai house and even handle a real Kanta sword under the guidance of a sword instructor.

three deer in nara park against the fallen yellow gingko leaves

Is five days enough for Kyoto?

Five days in Kyoto is the ideal amount of time for most travellers. This will let you visit the main sights including historic temples and shrines, as well as explore Downtown Kyoto and the best of the city’s dining scene. Kyoto is also quite spread out, which means you need to account for enough time to travel between destinations in your itinerary, so a five day Kyoto itinerary means you shouldn’t feel rushed.

Important things to know before visiting Kyoto

Kyoto was formerly Japan’s capital and it’s incredibly rich in history and culture, especially as it wasn’t destroyed like other Japanese cities during the war. Here are some useful tips to ensure you can make the most of your time in Kyoto.

You will walk a lot in Kyoto, so wear comfortable shoes. We walked an average of 25,000 steps per day and my feet didn’t ache because I prioritised supportive trainers. I love New Balances as they’re both comfortable and work with most outfits.
Make sure you have an IC card (Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA etc.) as you will need this for public transport to get around on the trains, trams, and buses in Kyoto.
Figure out the best routes using Google Maps. This is a lifesaver for finding public transport directions and it’s how we plan all of our local travel in Japan.
Be aware of opening and closing times, especially for temples and shrines. Most close around 4 pm or 5 pm, which means you need to plan accordingly. There are a handful of shrines open 24 hours, or that run special night events during autumn for momiji festivals for illumination events.
Restaurants aren’t open as late as they are in Europe. Try to eat earlier rather than later, we found by 8 pm we were left with limited options for dine-in meals. Popular restaurants also book out, so prepare and make a reservation if there’s something you really want to eat at while you’re staying in Kyoto.

view across kyoto cityscape with autumn leaves in the foreground

Where to stay in Kyoto

Kyoto has so many choices for accommodation across various areas in the city from the historic districts in Gion and Higashiyama to the convenient location of Downtown Kyoto. Here are just a few of my top picks for hotels in Kyoto.

Luxury hotel SOWAKA | Part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this charming hotel is a combination of a renovated former restaurant and traditional machiya house. We stayed here for a special birthday during our stay in Kyoto and absolutely adored our stay. It’s perfect for those looking to stay in the heart of Higashiyama and looking for a touch of luxury. Check prices and availability here.

Hotel Rings Kyoto | Ideally located near all of Kyoto’s central attractions, this airy hotel is modern yet traditional and perfect for a budget-friendly stay. There’s an on-site cafe and all important amenities you will need during your stay. Check prices and availability here.

Gion Yoshiima | If you’re looking for a traditional ryokan experience, this property is perfectly located in Kyoto's historic quarter. With peaceful green gardens, traditional tatami floor guest rooms and futon beds, this is a must-stay for an authentic stay. Check prices and availability here.