The Ultimate Kyoto 4 Day Itinerary

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This ultimate Kyoto 4 day itinerary will take you through the historical streets of Japan’s ancient capital to breathtaking temples, through torii gate tunnels, and natural bamboo groves. Get ready to be awed by Kyoto’s old-age charm!

The city is without a doubt Japan’s cultural heart. It has more than a thousand years’ worth of history, with the first settlers arriving in the 7th century. Wandering through Gion’s ancient streets you’ll come across geishas, serene gardens, and more temples than you could visit in a lifetime! On this itinerary, you’ll also get to do epic things like join a tea ceremony and sample peculiar local dishes at food markets on this 4 day trip!

4 Day Itinerary For Kyoto

Kyoto is a city packed with Unesco World Heritage Sites, so get ready to wander through the city’s winding streets that lead you from temple to temple and explore the local culture and landscape on this ultimate 4 day Kyoto itinerary!

Kyoto Day 1 – Land And Visit The Fushimi Inari Shrine

Land in Kansai Airport and make your way to your hotel. Check if you can use the bullet train or Shinkansen railway for the quickest route from the airport to your Kyoto hotel.

Settle in and drop off your bags before heading back out into the city. We recommend flying into Kyoto early in the morning if you can, that way you can still explore some of the city on your first day there.

As you’ll probably be tired after a long-haul flight to Japan, we’ve planned a gentle itinerary for your first day.

Make your way to the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. This popular Shinto shrine in the south of the city is famous for its tunnel walkways made of thousands of red torii gates. 

Before heading into the shrine, stop for breakfast at Sando Shoten, a restaurant by the temple’s main gate. This traditional Japanese cafe is the perfect place for your first breakfast in Kyoto. They have Japanese sweet treats like shaved ice, and you can sit and sip hot tea on their low-down stools and floor mats. 

The shrine was built in honor of the Shinto god of rice, Inari. This particular god’s messenger animal is a fox, so keep a look out for the fox statues that are dotted around the temple grounds. 

Incredibly, the temple has been there since 794! At the entrance to the temple there is a giant torii gate that frames the main temple building and has been there since 1589.

Though it’s very beautiful, the temple itself isn’t the coolest thing about Fushimi Inari. At the back of the shrine there is a network of torii gate tunnels. The path begins with two parallel rows of gates known as the Senbon Torii. 

Did you know each of the gates was donated? Companies and individuals can donate a gate to the park, and this way the trails keep being extended. The name of the donor is engraved on the back of each gate.

You can follow the gates up to the Yotsutsuji intersection. It’s about a 30–45-minute hike away from the temple and roughly halfway up the mountain that rises behind the shrine. There are panoramic views of Kyoto and benches you can take a break on at the intersection before heading back down the trail.

After exploring, head back to the park’s entrance and have a light noodle soup lunch at Umiya. Their spicy Tan Tan Ramen is great, and they serve mouthwatering gyozas too! Before you go, read up on Japan’s Ramen eating etiquette!

Next, make your way to the Yasaka Shrine, also known as the Gion Shrine. More than 1350 years old, the shrine has an inner sanctuary known as a honden, and an offering hall known as a haiden. 

In front of the shrine there’s also a dance stage that is surrounded by hundreds of lanterns that get lit up in the evenings.

If you visit Kyoto in July you’ll witness the temple come to life with the Gion Matsuri Festival celebrations. The festival is more than a thousand years old and it’s an important part of local tradition. 

After seeing the shrine, go for a unique dinner at Unagi Sora. They have delicious unagi and we loved it so much here it’s made it onto our 10 day Japan itinerary too! We had the grilled eel on a bed of rice and even though the dish was simple the quality of the ingredients made it really tasty.

Kyoto Day 2 – Nishiki Market, Pontocho Alley, And Kyoto Imperial Palace

Before setting off to any attractions on today’s itinerary, go for breakfast at Kagizen Yoshifusa Shijo. Styled with traditional decor, this cute cafe has great coffee and is a relaxing place to do some people watching in the morning. Whilst you’re there try their Kuzukiri, a fruit noodle dish that is hard to get your hands on in Japan! 

Kickstart your day at the bustling Nishiki Market. With more than 100 shops and food stalls, the market spans across five blocks! Locals call it ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’ because you can get your hands on all sorts of ingredients and kitchen utensils at the market.

The market’s history dates back to 1310 when the area’s first stall opened. Back then the district was known for its wholesale fish shops. Amazingly, some of the stalls have been run by the same family for centuries, passed down from generation to generation.

Soak in the lively atmosphere of the place and keep a look out for peculiar fruit and vegetables you haven’t seen before! The market really is a feast for all your senses. 

As you wander by, some sellers might even offer you free samples of the pickles and cooked skewers they sell! 

Stop for lunch at Kimura Fresh Fish. The stall doubles up as a little eatery, although you may struggle to find a place to sit, it is very popular! Fill up on their fresh sashimi skewers and peculiar dishes like sea urchins and octopus, worth enjoying even with standing room only. 

If you want to make sure you don’t miss any of the best food stalls, book onto this tour of Nishiki Market for foodies. You’ll get to try all the most curious foods and learn more about the Gion district.

Once you’ve wandered through the stalls of Nishiki Market and filled up on the market’s most peculiar dishes, make your way to the Kyoto Imperial Palace. 

The palace you see today was built in 1855 after the old palace was burnt down. It hasn’t always stood where it is now, and the palace was relocated around Kyoto numerous times. 

Japan’s Imperial Family lived in the palace till 1868, and the enthronement ceremonies of Emperors Taisho and Showa were held in the palace’s main hall. 

Just beyond the Imperial Palace you’ll find the secondary Sento Imperial Palace. Not long ago the Kyoto Imperial Park that both palaces are on could only be accessed with a guide and you had to reserve in advance to get in. Luckily you can go in without needing to worry about going with a guide now, but you still can’t actually go inside the palace buildings.

If you do want to learn more about the palace’s history, book onto this guided walking tour that goes to the Imperial Palace and to Nijo Castle!

Once you’ve explored the palace and surrounding park, make your way to Pontocho Alley. The narrow street is lined with restaurants and is one of the coolest places to eat in Kyoto. Foodies will love it! 

Most of the establishments along the alley don’t open till the evening, so although it’s back in the direction of the Nishiki Market from the Kyoto Imperial Palace it’s worth waiting till later in the evening to visit. 

If you head to the restaurants on the eastern side, you can dine with views over the Kamogawa River! In summer the restaurants even build temporary platforms for visitors to dine on, a practice known as kawayuka and a great way of beating the summer heat! 

The street is pedestrian-only, so it has a relaxed atmosphere that compliments the alley’s traditional architecture. 

For dinner, sample fine cuts of wagyu beef at Kaiseki Yakiniku. They serve plates with different cuts of this popular Japanese meat, along with side dishes that complement the meat’s unique flavor. 

If you don’t want to miss any of the best spots to eat and you fancy learning more about the area from a local, check out this casual Pontocho evening food tour.

Kyoto Day 3 – Arashiyama, Tenryuji Temple, And Iwatayama Monkey Park

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Blue Fir Tree before a busy day sightseeing. Wander through the streets of Gion to get there, soaking in the city’s sleepy early morning atmosphere. They serve breakfast classics like avocado on toast, but the best item on the menu are the fluffy Japanese pancakes! These souffle-style pancakes are so tall they look more like a cake sponge.

Next make your way to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a stunning bamboo forest park with walking trails straight through it. Get lost in the tranquility of this patch of Japanese nature and take a moment to gather your thoughts away from the city noise. 

Soaring shoots of bamboo form green tunnels that shelter you from the sun and make you feel submerged in the landscape. The main path winds through the bamboo grove before going up a hill that leads you to the Okochi-Sanso Villa. 

Once the home of a famous Japanese actor, Okochi Denjiro, the house is now open to visitors. The house itself is cool, but it’s the gardens that really make the villa worth visiting. You’ll also get a hot cup of matcha tea at the property’s tea house!

You have to visit the house with a guide, so why not book this Arashiyama walking tour? A knowledgeable local guide takes you to all the spots on today’s awesome itinerary!

Next, wander over to the Tenryuji Temple. Conveniently located right next to the bamboo grove it’s a charming temple worth a visit. Although the original temple was built there in 1339, it has sadly burnt down numerous times. The structure you see today was built between 1868 and 1912. So, it’s not ancient, but it’s still pretty old!

The temple is a Zen Buddhist temple, a branch of Buddhist thinking that emerged in China during the Tang dynasty and spread to Japan. There are a number of Zen temples in Kyoto, but this is by far the most beautiful. Surrounded by tall pine trees and a pond, the temple is nestled against the Arashiyama Mountains as a striking backdrop.

Before moving on to the Arashiyama Monkey Park stop for lunch at Udon Arashiyama Tei. They make exquisite handmade udon noodles and trust us; you can taste the difference!

After lunch, make your way to the Arashiyama Monkey Park. This epic park is a wildlife sanctuary for Japanese Macaque monkeys. Follow the Iwatayama path through the park to the top of the hill – keep a lookout for monkeys along the way!

Bear in mind the monkeys are wild, and even though they are used to seeing people you shouldn’t stare at them for too long or get up close. Stay about 2 meters away from the monkeys at all times and don’t try to pose with them for pictures.

Make sure you wear comfortable shoes today, because the climb to the top of the hill takes about half an hour and there’s a mixture of steps and dirt tracks along the way.

We promise the climb will be worth it! The views from the top of the hill are epic! 

You’ll also find a little cage at the top of the park. It’s designed so that visitors can go in the cage and safely feed the monkeys that are on the outside. There’s a little fruit stall where you can buy bananas and other fruits that the monkeys like. 

Feeding the monkeys is an unforgettable experience, and a great way to get up-close with the macaques without putting yourself in danger!

At the end of the day, head back to Gion and try some grilled Kobe beef at Premium Pound Gion. The restaurant is super unique because they have barstool styled seating arranged around their hot grills, so you can watch the chef prepare the meat right before your eyes.

Kyoto Day 4 – Higashiyama Neighborhood Temples And Tea Ceremony

Today’s itinerary takes us to Higashiyama, a historical district that is reminiscent of Kyoto centuries ago. The neighborhood is a network of narrow lanes lined with old wooden houses and shops selling crafts and traditional Japanese souvenirs.

The district is also famous for its breathtaking temples. Relax and enjoy a breakfast on route to the day’s first temple at Zen Cafe then kickstart your day at the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Its name translates to ‘Pure Water Temple’ as it was founded at the site of the Otowa Waterfall. Founded as far back as 780, it’s one of the country’s most famous temples!

The whole complex was built using traditional Japanese construction methods, so there’s not a single nail in the temple! At the back of the hall there’s a Jishu Shrine dedicated to the deity of love and matchmaking, whilst at the base of the hall you can drink from the Otowa Waterfall. Use one of the cups on a long pole to scoop up the water.

Next, join a traditional tea ceremony. The practice can be traced as far back as the 9th century. Four principles govern the ceremony – harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. The first ever recorded tea ceremony occurred in 815 and tells the tale of how a Buddhist monk named Eichu served tea to Emperor Saga, the country’s then ruler. 

Join this tea ceremony in a 150 year old townhouse and learn more about this age-old Zen practice. Situated by the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, there’s nowhere in the world better for your first tea ceremony. 

On our 10 day Japan itinerary we chose a different tea ceremony, which is really cool as you get to do it in kimonos on traditional Japanese seating matts, but since you’ll be near Kiyomizu-dera Temple today it makes more sense to go to this one! If you go off schedule and you end up in Nishiki and you want to do a tea ceremony, this epic tea ceremony in kimonos is just as good!

From there, walk 10 minutes through the charming streets of Higashiyama to Hikan-ji Temple. Also known as the Yasaka Pagoda (not to be confused with the Yasaka Temple from day two), the temple has a breathtaking 46-meter-high pagoda. 

Built in 589, it captures the essence of Japan’s past. The best bit is that you’re allowed to go inside the pagoda, where you’ll see the statues and faded paintings up close! 

Stop for some of the most decorative sushi in the city at Sushi Imai. There’re only 9 tables in the restaurant and the chef takes his sushi very seriously, preparing each piece with careful attention.

Continue through the streets of Higashiyama to the third and last temple you’ll visit today, the Kodai-ji Temple. Built in 1606 in memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi by his wife, it’s another of Kyoto’s coolest Zen Buddhist temples. 

The temple complex is beautiful, but the best thing about this temple is the rock garden. The gravel garden is meticulously raked to look like a vast ocean, with gentle curves and sweeps! Just beyond that there’s a tsukiyama-style garden with maple trees and a memorial hall. The gardens are especially beautiful in spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. 

After a long day of exploring the district’s most famous temples, wander around and buy any last souvenirs you want to take home! 

For your final meal in Kyoto, splash out on a meal at the elegant Sword restaurant in Gion. Fine dining at its best, their lobster is out of this world.

Map Of Kyoto

We want your 4 day Osaka trip to be as relaxed and hassle free as possible, so we’ve designed this easy-to-use interactive map.

We’ve pinned all the restaurants, hotels, and attractions on the itinerary. Download it and get ready for the ultimate Kyoto trip!

About Kyoto

Kyoto was the capital city of Japan for more than 1,000 years! From 794 to 1868 it was the country’s epicenter of commerce and culture. It was towards the end of this period that the imperial household moved to Kyoto.

The city is dotted with endless historical temples, and throughout its history it has had names like Heian-kyo, which means ‘Capital of Peace and Tranquility’ which suit the city’s more historical charm. Whilst cities like Tokyo have been built up with neon-lit billboards and skyscrapers, Kyoto feels like it has a slower and more traditional character.

Kyoto Packing Guide

Kyoto is a safe and trendy metropolitan city, so you can pack casual clothes for this trip. Here are some specific things worth bringing along:

• Pack the right travel adapter: You’ll need a 2-pronged Type A for Japan, so check your plugs to see if you need to get an adapter ahead of your trip.
• Your comfiest shoes: There’s plenty of walking planned into this 4 day itinerary, so bring your comfiest shoes!
• Bring hand sanitizer: Even though Japan is very clean, there isn’t always soap in public and restaurant toilets.
• Get some Japanese Yen in advance: Having some local currency in your wallet before you arrive is always a good idea, just in case there’s an emergency or you need to get in a taxi.
• Check if you need a Visa ahead of your trip! Most people don’t need a Visa for a short stay in Japan, but it’s important to check the unique requirements for your country. You can find out more on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website.
• Bring a raincoat: October is the wettest month in Japan, but bring a lightweight rain coat no matter what month you’re visiting Kyoto just in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Immerse Yourself In Japanese Culture And History In Kyoto

This 4-day Kyoto itinerary visits all the top Kyoto attractions, like the Arashiyama bamboo forest, the spectacular zen temple of Kodai-ji, and other awesome temples! You’ll get to stay in the city’s geisha district at a traditional Japanese ryokan, take part in a tea ceremony, and eat at the city’s best restaurants and cafes.

You can visit Kyoto by itself or combine this itinerary with other destinations on our 10 day Japan itinerary for first timers. Remember to practice your Japanese ahead of time using Rosetta Stone and download some of these 12 handy apps! 

Kyoto Frequently Asked Questions