A five-story pagoda above Kyoto in autumn

Kyoto · Japan

Four days in Kyoto

Wooden temples on the hillsides, thousands of red torii gates, a bamboo grove at dawn and a golden pavilion over its pond. Four unhurried days in Japan’s old capital.

4 days
Solo
Couples
Families
Culture
City
Food

Copy this trip into Andamos See the plan

Day by day

The plan

Times are suggestions. Opening hours and seasons change, so check before you go. Once it’s in your trip, move anything you like.

Day 1
Higashiyama and Gion
1. 08:00
  Kiyomizu-dera
  Activity
  A wooden temple stage high over the hillside; early morning is calmest.
2. 10:00
  Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka
  Activity
  Stone-paved lanes of old wooden shops and teahouses.
3. 12:30
  Lunch: soba or tofu dishes
  Food & drink
  Kyoto is known for delicate tofu and buckwheat noodles.
4. 14:30
  Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park
  Activity
  A bright vermilion shrine opening onto the city’s best-known park.
5. 17:00
  Gion at dusk
  Activity
  Walk Hanamikoji as the lanterns come on; be respectful, and skip lanes marked private.
Day 2
Fushimi Inari and the market
1. 07:30
  Fushimi Inari Taisha
  Activity
  Tunnels of red torii gates climb the mountain; the higher you go, the quieter it gets.
2. 11:00
  Tofuku-ji
  Activity
  A large Zen temple with fine gardens, famous for its autumn maples.
3. 13:00
  Nishiki Market
  Food & drink
  A long covered market of pickles, sweets and snacks to try as you go.
4. 17:30
  Pontocho and the Kamo River
  Activity
  A narrow lantern-lit alley beside the river, lovely for an evening stroll.
Day 3
Arashiyama
1. 07:30
  Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
  Activity
  Towering bamboo along a short path; arrive early to have it almost to yourself.
2. 09:00
  Tenryu-ji
  Activity
  A great Zen temple with a pond garden framed by the hills.
3. 12:00
  Lunch: tofu hot pot in Arashiyama
  Food & drink
  Simmered tofu, or yudofu, is a local specialty here.
4. 14:00
  Togetsukyo Bridge and the river
  Activity
  The classic view of wooded hills over the Katsura River.
5. 15:30
  Iwatayama Monkey Park
  Activity
  A steep short climb to wild monkeys and a view over the whole city.
Day 4
Golden Pavilion and the Philosopher’s Path
1. 09:00
  Kinkaku-ji
  Activity
  The Golden Pavilion, reflected in its pond.
2. 10:30
  Ryoan-ji
  Activity
  Japan’s most famous rock garden, best taken in slowly from the veranda.
3. 12:30
  Lunch: a bowl of ramen
  Food & drink
  Quick, warming and found near every station.
4. 14:30
  Ginkaku-ji
  Activity
  The Silver Pavilion and its raked sand garden.
5. 15:30
  Philosopher’s Path
  Activity
  A canal-side walk lined with cherry trees, ending near Nanzen-ji.

Good to know

Tips

Getting around

City buses get crowded, so mix trains, subway and walking. A rechargeable IC card works on most buses and trains.

Seasons

Cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn leaves are beautiful and very busy. Summers are hot and humid; winters are cold but quiet.

Go early

The most famous sites are calmest right after they open. Start early and save shopping streets for the afternoon.

Temple manners

Take off your shoes where asked, keep your voice low and follow signs about photos.

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