Exploring Kyoto in 5 Days

Day 1: Central Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Nishiki Market

Start your day with a visit to Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto's Kitchen, where you can sample local street food and shop for traditional Kyoto ingredients.
Nishiki Market is located in downtown Kyoto, easily accessible by walking or taking a short bus ride from Kyoto Station.
Free to explore, cost of food varies, 2 hours

11:00AM

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Head to Kiyomizu-dera Temple for breathtaking views of Kyoto and explore the historic temple grounds.
From Nishiki Market, take a bus to Gojozaka bus stop, then a short walk to the temple.
400 yen, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ganko Sushi

Enjoy a traditional sushi lunch at Ganko Sushi near Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Ganko Sushi is a short walk from the temple.
1500 yen, 1 hour

3:00PM

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates.
Take a train from Kiyomizu-Gojo Station to Inari Station, a short walk to the shrine.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

End your day with dinner at Pontocho Alley, a historic narrow alley lined with restaurants and traditional tea houses.
Pontocho Alley is a short walk from Fushimi Inari Taisha.
Cost varies, 2 hours
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Day 2: Arashiyama District

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Start your day with a peaceful stroll through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
From central Kyoto, take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station, then walk to the bamboo grove.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning gardens and mountain views.
Tenryu-ji Temple is a short walk from the bamboo grove.
500 yen, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Arabica Arashiyama

Enjoy a delicious coffee and light lunch at Arabica Arashiyama overlooking the Hozu River.
Arabica Arashiyama is located near Tenryu-ji Temple.
1000 yen, 1 hour

2:00PM

Monkey Park Iwatayama

Visit Monkey Park Iwatayama to see Japanese macaques up close and enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto.
Monkey Park Iwatayama is a short hike from central Arashiyama.
550 yen, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Togetsukyo Bridge

Stroll across Togetsukyo Bridge and admire the scenic views of the Hozu River and Arashiyama mountains.
Togetsukyo Bridge is a short walk from Monkey Park Iwatayama.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Hirobun

Indulge in a traditional tofu kaiseki dinner at Hirobun, a riverside restaurant in Arashiyama.
Hirobun is located near Togetsukyo Bridge.
5000 yen, 2 hours
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Day 3: Higashiyama District

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Kodai-ji Temple

Start your day with a visit to Kodai-ji Temple, known for its stunning garden and historic architecture.
From central Kyoto, take a bus to Higashiyama Yasui bus stop, then a short walk to the temple.
600 yen, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Yasaka Pagoda

Admire the iconic Yasaka Pagoda and explore the charming streets of Higashiyama District.
Yasaka Pagoda is a short walk from Kodai-ji Temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Gion Kappa

Enjoy a traditional Kyoto lunch at Gion Kappa, a cozy restaurant in the Gion District.
Gion Kappa is located in the historic Gion District.
2000 yen, 1 hour

2:00PM

Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka Streets

Wander along the charming streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka lined with traditional machiya houses and shops.
Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka Streets are a short walk from Gion.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Yasaka Shrine

Visit Yasaka Shrine, one of the most famous shrines in Kyoto, especially beautiful in the evening.
Yasaka Shrine is a short walk from Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Maeda Coffee

End your day with dinner at Maeda Coffee, a traditional cafe serving Kyoto-style curry and coffee.
Maeda Coffee is located near Yasaka Shrine.
1500 yen, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Northern Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Kinkaku-ji Temple

Start your day with a visit to Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, a stunning Zen temple set in beautiful gardens.
From central Kyoto, take a bus to Kinkakuji-michi bus stop, then a short walk to the temple.
400 yen, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Ryoan-ji Temple

Explore the peaceful Ryoan-ji Temple and its famous rock garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ryoan-ji Temple is a short walk from Kinkaku-ji Temple.
500 yen, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Shigetsu

Enjoy a vegetarian shojin ryori lunch at Shigetsu, a restaurant within the grounds of Tenryu-ji Temple.
Shigetsu is located near Ryoan-ji Temple.
2500 yen, 1 hour

2:00PM

Daitoku-ji Temple

Visit Daitoku-ji Temple complex, known for its beautiful Zen gardens and historic sub-temples.
From Ryoan-ji Temple, take a bus to Daitoku-ji bus stop, then a short walk to the temple.
400 yen, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Explore Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to the deity of scholarship and learning, with beautiful plum and cherry blossoms.
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is a short bus ride from Daitoku-ji Temple.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Warajiya

Enjoy a cozy dinner at Warajiya, a traditional restaurant known for its Kyoto-style sukiyaki and seasonal dishes.
Warajiya is located near Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.
3000 yen, 2 hours
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Day 5: Southern Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Fushimi Castle

Start your day with a visit to Fushimi Castle, a historic castle with a beautiful garden and panoramic views of Kyoto.
From central Kyoto, take a train to Fushimi-Momoyama Station, then a short walk to the castle.
500 yen, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Fushimi Sake District

Explore the Fushimi Sake District, known for its sake breweries and traditional sake tasting experiences.
Fushimi Sake District is a short walk from Fushimi Castle.
Free to explore, sake tasting prices vary, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ganko Ramen

Enjoy a delicious bowl of ramen at Ganko Ramen, a popular ramen shop in the Fushimi area.
Ganko Ramen is located near the sake breweries.
800 yen, 1 hour

2:00PM

Fushimi Inari Sake Brewery

Visit the Fushimi Inari Sake Brewery to learn about the sake-making process and sample different varieties of sake.
The brewery is a short walk from Ganko Ramen.
Free admission, sake tasting prices vary, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Tea Ceremony at Ju-An

Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at Ju-An, a tea house with a serene garden setting.
Ju-An is located near the sake breweries in Fushimi.
2500 yen, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Kohaku Tofu

End your day with a vegetarian tofu kaiseki dinner at Kohaku Tofu, a renowned tofu restaurant in the Fushimi area.
Kohaku Tofu is a short walk from Ju-An.
4000 yen, 2 hours
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