Kyoto in 4 Days: Culture, History, and Nature

Day 1: Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Begin your day with a serene walk through the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, immersing yourself in its tranquil atmosphere.
Take the train to Arashiyama Station, and the Bamboo Grove is a short walk from there.
300 JPY for train, 1-2 hours

10:00AM

Explore Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit the beautiful Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a stunning garden and mountain views.
Tenryu-ji Temple is located near the Bamboo Grove.
500 JPY, 1-2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Shigetsu

Enjoy a traditional Buddhist vegetarian meal at Shigetsu within the temple grounds, offering a unique dining experience.
Shigetsu is located within Tenryu-ji Temple.
2000 JPY, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the breathtaking Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, set amidst scenic gardens and a shimmering pond.
Take a bus from Arashiyama to Kinkaku-ji.
400 JPY, 1-2 hours

4:00PM

Stroll through Ryoan-ji Temple

Explore the minimalist beauty of Ryoan-ji Temple's famous rock garden, a place for quiet contemplation and reflection.
Ryoan-ji Temple is within walking distance from Kinkaku-ji.
500 JPY, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura

End your day with a delicious kaiseki dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura, savoring Kyoto's traditional multi-course cuisine.
Arashiyama Yoshimura is a short walk from the Bamboo Grove.
5000 JPY, 2 hours
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Day 2: Higashiyama District

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Begin your day at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, known for its wooden stage jutting out over the hillside and panoramic views of Kyoto.
Take a bus to Gojozaka and walk up to the temple.
400 JPY, 1-2 hours

10:00AM

Walk through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka

Stroll through the preserved historic streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, lined with traditional shops and cafes.
Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka are easily accessible from Kiyomizu-dera.
Free, 1-2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ganko Sushi

Enjoy a sushi lunch at Ganko Sushi Higashiyama, offering a mix of traditional and innovative sushi dishes.
Ganko Sushi is located in the Higashiyama District.
2500 JPY, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Kodai-ji Temple

Discover the historic Kodai-ji Temple with its stunning Zen gardens, tea houses, and beautiful architecture.
Kodai-ji Temple is within walking distance from Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka.
600 JPY, 1-2 hours

4:00PM

Shop at Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka Streets

Browse for souvenirs and traditional Kyoto crafts along the charming pedestrian streets of Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka.
The shopping streets are right outside Kodai-ji Temple.
Variable based on purchases, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Gion Kappa

Experience a kaiseki dinner at Gion Kappa, a traditional restaurant in Gion known for its exquisite cuisine and charming atmosphere.
Gion Kappa is located in the Gion District.
8000 JPY+, 2 hours
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Day 3: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Gion District

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Explore Fushimi Inari Taisha

Start your day at the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha, known for its thousands of vermillion torii gates leading up the mountain.
Take the train to Fushimi Inari Station and walk to the shrine.
Free, 2-3 hours

11:00AM

Savor Inari Sushi

Try some delicious inari sushi (sushi rice in fried tofu pouches) from one of the local vendors near Fushimi Inari Taisha.
Various vendors near the shrine offer this popular snack.
300-500 JPY, 30 mins

12:00PM

Visit Fushimi Sake District

Explore the sake breweries and shops in the Fushimi District, known for its long history of sake production.
Walk from Fushimi Inari Taisha to the sake district.
Free (tasting fees may apply), 1-2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Ganko Sushi

Enjoy another meal at Ganko Sushi, savoring their fresh and delicious sushi offerings.
Ganko Sushi in the Gion District is a short train ride away from Fushimi.
2500 JPY, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Gion District

Wander through the historic streets of Gion, known for its traditional machiya houses, tea houses, and the chance to spot geisha.
Gion is easily accessible by bus or train from Fushimi Inari.
Free, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Yasaka Ramen

End your day with a comforting bowl of ramen at Yasaka Ramen, a popular spot known for its flavorful noodles and broth.
Yasaka Ramen is located in the Gion District.
1000 JPY, 1 hour
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Day 4: Nijo Castle & Philosopher's Path

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Explore Nijo Castle

Begin your day at Nijo Castle, an architectural gem with beautiful gardens, historic significance, and nightingale floors.
Take a bus or subway to Nijojo-mae Station for Nijo Castle.
600 JPY, 1-2 hours

10:00AM

Walk along the Philosopher's Path

Stroll along the picturesque Philosopher's Path, a cherry tree-lined canal popular during sakura season and lined with cafes and shops.
The Philosopher's Path is a short walk from Nijo Castle.
Free, 1-2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cafe Kumagai

Relax with a light meal at Cafe Kumagai along the Philosopher's Path, offering a tranquil setting and delicious food.
Cafe Kumagai is located along the path.
1500 JPY, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Eikando Temple

Explore the peaceful Eikando Temple, known for its autumn foliage and serene atmosphere, perfect for contemplation.
Eikando Temple is a short walk from the Philosopher's Path.
600 JPY, 1-2 hours

4:00PM

Shop at Kyoto Handicraft Center

Browse for traditional Kyoto crafts at the Kyoto Handicraft Center, where you can find unique souvenirs and gifts.
Take a bus or train to the Kyoto Handicraft Center.
Variable based on purchases, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Ganko Sushi

End your Kyoto adventure with a delightful dinner at Ganko Sushi, savoring your favorite sushi dishes one last time.
Ganko Sushi has multiple branches in Kyoto, choose one convenient for your accommodation.
3000 JPY, 2 hours
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