Exploring Kyoto in 5 Days

Day 1: Historic Sites

Central Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Start your day by exploring the historic Kiyomizu-dera Temple with its iconic wooden stage overlooking the city.
Take a bus from your accommodation to Gojozaka bus stop and walk for 10 minutes. It takes around 30 minutes.
¥300, 2 hours

11:00AM

Stroll through Gion District

Walk through the traditional streets of Gion, known for its tea houses and geisha culture.
Walk from Kiyomizu-dera Temple to Gion District. It takes around 20 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Enjoy a variety of local street foods and traditional Kyoto dishes at Nishiki Market.
Take a bus or walk to Nishiki Market. It takes around 30 minutes.
¥1000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Fushimi Inari Taisha

Visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine with thousands of Torii gates creating a magical tunnel.
Take a train from Gion-Shijo Station to Inari Station. It takes around 15 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Experience a traditional Kyoto dinner at one of the many restaurants in the atmospheric Pontocho Alley.
Take a train or walk from Fushimi Inari Taisha to Pontocho Alley. It takes around 40 minutes.
¥2000, 2 hours
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Day 2: Zen Gardens & Tea Houses

Eastern Kyoto, Japan

8:30AM

Visit Ginkaku-ji Temple

Start your day with a visit to the Silver Pavilion and its beautiful Zen garden.
Take a bus from your accommodation to Ginkaku-ji Michi bus stop. It takes around 40 minutes.
¥500, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Walk through Philosopher's Path

Stroll along the canal-side path lined with cherry blossoms and temples, reflecting on the beauty of nature.
Walk from Ginkaku-ji Temple to Philosopher's Path. It takes around 30 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Nanzen-ji Temple

Enjoy a traditional Japanese meal at a restaurant near Nanzen-ji Temple.
Walk or take a bus to Nanzen-ji Temple. It takes around 20 minutes.
¥1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Higashiyama District

Wander through the preserved historic streets of Higashiyama, lined with wooden buildings and traditional shops.
Walk from Nanzen-ji Temple to Higashiyama District. It takes around 40 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Tea Ceremony at Camellia Tea House

Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at Camellia Tea House, immersing yourself in the art of tea.
Take a bus or walk to Camellia Tea House. It takes around 30 minutes.
¥2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Arashiyama & Bamboo Forest

Western Kyoto, Japan

9:00AM

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Start your day by exploring the stunning Tenryu-ji Temple and its serene garden.
Take a train from your accommodation to Saga-Arashiyama Station. It takes around 30 minutes.
¥500, 2 hours

11:00AM

Walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Experience the peaceful atmosphere of the bamboo forest and take memorable photos.
Walk from Tenryu-ji Temple to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. It takes around 10 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Arashiyama Street Food Stalls

Try various local street foods at the stalls near the bamboo grove for a cultural culinary experience.
Walk to Arashiyama Street Food Stalls. It takes around 5 minutes.
¥800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama

Hike up to the monkey park to see wild Japanese macaques and enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto.
Walk from Arashiyama Street Food Stalls to Monkey Park. It takes around 20 minutes.
¥550, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Togetsukyo Bridge

Take a leisurely walk across the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, offering picturesque views of the river and mountains.
Walk from Monkey Park to Togetsukyo Bridge. It takes around 15 minutes.
Free, 30 minutes
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Day 4: Imperial Palace & Shrines

Northern Kyoto, Japan

8:30AM

Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace

Explore the beautiful gardens and historic buildings of the former ruling palace of the Emperor of Japan.
Take a train from your accommodation to Imadegawa Station. It takes around 20 minutes.
¥1000, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Discover the peaceful grounds of this historic Shinto shrine dedicated to education and scholarship.
Walk from Kyoto Imperial Palace to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. It takes around 15 minutes.
¥500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Demachi Futaba

Enjoy a traditional Kyoto-style lunch at Demachi Futaba, known for its delicious set meals.
Walk or take a bus to Demachi Futaba. It takes around 25 minutes.
¥1500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Daitoku-ji Temple

Explore the serene Zen temple complex of Daitoku-ji, known for its beautiful rock gardens and tea houses.
Take a bus from Demachi Futaba to Daitoku-ji Temple. It takes around 15 minutes.
¥400, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Nishijin Textile Center

Enjoy a cultural dinner experience at Nishijin Textile Center, where you can also learn about traditional kimono weaving.
Take a bus or walk to Nishijin Textile Center. It takes around 30 minutes.
¥2500, 2 hours
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Day 5: Nature & Temples

Southern Kyoto, Japan

9:00AM

Visit Fushimi Momoyama Castle

Explore the reconstructed castle of Fushimi Momoyama, known for its beautiful architecture and historical significance.
Take a train from your accommodation to Fushimi-Momoyama Station. It takes around 40 minutes.
¥800, 2 hours

11:30AM

Walk in Tofuku-ji Temple

Discover the stunning gardens and traditional architecture of Tofuku-ji Temple, especially famous for autumn foliage.
Walk from Fushimi Momoyama Castle to Tofuku-ji Temple. It takes around 15 minutes.
¥400, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Kyoto Ramen Koji

Enjoy a delicious bowl of Kyoto-style ramen at the famous Kyoto Ramen Koji food court.
Walk to Kyoto Ramen Koji. It takes around 10 minutes.
¥1000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Byodoin Temple

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Byodoin Temple, featuring the iconic Phoenix Hall on the pond.
Take a bus from Kyoto Ramen Koji to Byodoin Temple. It takes around 20 minutes.
¥600, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Uji Tea House

End your day with a traditional dinner at a tea house in Uji, famous for its matcha green tea.
Take a train from Byodoin Temple to Uji Station. It takes around 20 minutes.
¥2000, 2 hours
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