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Before Tokyo, Kyoto was Japan's former capital. Until the 19th century, the Emperor resided here and he later relocated to Tokyo. It is said that Kyoto's old culture is due to two factors. Kyoto became the capital in the eighth century and was for a long time the hub of Japanese society. Furthermore, since Kyoto was not bombed during WWII, we can still admire the many old homes, parks, and artwork. Kyoto is a major city with many modern structures. However, if you spend any time there, you will be able to see many wonderful historic places.
It is a city on the Honshu island. It's known for its nature reserves, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden structures, as well as various classical Buddhist temples. It's also known for formal ceremonies like kaiseki dining, which consists of many courses of delicious dishes, and female entertainers known as geisha, who are often seen in Gion.
Five days is the best amount of time to spend in Kyoto. You can go on a day trip to Nara and see the major tourist attractions. This itinerary will help you make the most of your five days in the region.
Itinerary Summary
Travelling period: 5 days, 6 to 8 hours a day
The areas targeted Southern Higashiyama, Downtown, Fushimi, Arashiyama, Central Kyoto, Kurama/Kibune, Northern Higashiyama, and Nara.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sannen and Ninen-zaka Area, Chion-in Temple, Shoren-in Temple, Downtown, Nishiki Market, Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine, Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji Temple and Daitoku-ji Temple, Kurama-dera Temple, Ginkaku-ji Temple, Honen-in Temple, Honen-in Temple, the Path of Philosophy, Nanzen-ji Temple.
Day 1: Southern Higashiyama, Downtown and Fushimi-Inari
Kiyomizu-dera
To get to the Gojo-Kawaramachi intersection, take a bus or a taxi.
Gojozaka is the nearest bus station.
Gojo-zaka, the main street that leads east to Kiyomizu-dera Temple and up the hill, is a good place to start. You'll eventually blend in there with the crowd. You should go right up Chawan-zaka halfway down, away from the rest of the noisy surroundings.
Sannen-zaka and Ninnen-zaka, followed by Maruyama-koen Park.
After exploring Kiyomizu-dera, exit from the front of the temple and walk down Matsubara-dori Street (which is lined with shops) to reach the lovely preserved district of Sannen-zaka Hill. Continue down the road until it flattens out, then turn right into Ninnen-zaka, a delightful preserved suburb. You'll reach a larger crossroads. Take a left down the hill and a short right into Nene-no-Michi, which is mostly car-free. To get to Maruyama-koen Park, follow this north for a quick walk.
Chion-in Temple a Buddhist temple.
Exit Maruyama-koen on the north side and head north on the street to Chion-in Temple's impressive entrance gate. Climb the steep stairs to Chion-in's courtyard and continue north after descending the stairs.
Shoren-in Temple
Travel to Downtown
Exit Shoren-in and walk north to Sanjo-dori Street (downhill). To get to Higashiyama Station on the Tozai subway line, walk a short distance west (left) on Sanjo-dori. To get to Shiyakushomae, take the train two stops west (downtown)
Nishiki Market
Make your way to the Nishiki Market's east end (where it joins the Teramachi Shopping Arcade). This place is still busy, even in the off-season. If the crowds get too much for you, walk one block south on Shijo-dori Street and carry on.
Daimaru Basement Food market
Continue straight for a block after exiting Nishiki's west end, and you'll see Daimaru Department Store on your left. Join the grocery area by going down the stairs in front of the entrance. Look around the food court, and don't forget to check out the Japanese sweets and tea section.
Take the Keihan Line to Fushimi-Inari Station
Exit Daimaru via the main entrance onto Shijo-dori Street after taking the Keihan Line to Fushimi-Inari Station. Walk east on Shijo-dori, cross the Kamo-gawa River, and enter Keihan Gion-Shijo Station from the basement. To get to Fushimi-Inari Station, take the Keihan Line south (all trains EXCEPT the limited express stop at Fushimi-Inari).
Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine
From the station, the path is clearly defined. Taking a left out of the station and head up the slope, passing the JR tracks on the way. After going through one major road, the first shrine gate can be located. You'll soon arrive at the shrine's main precinct if you go up through this. On this day, we don't recommend doing the whole route, but getting as far as Shin-ike Pond is a good option.
Gion Shimbashi
Begin your journey at the Shijo-Ohashi Bridge (the big bridge on Shijo-dori over the Kamo-gawa River). Cross Kawabata-dori at the east end of the bridge and walk north for about 100 meters on the east side of Kawabata. A tree-lined pedestrian lane will be visible shortly. Shirakawa-dori has come to a close. Follow it east to the Shimbashi District, where you'll find Kyoto's most gorgeous street.At peak seasons, it would be very crowded. Walk south through the alleys to Shijo-dori, east to Shijo, and then cross into Hanami-koji, another beautiful street. Keep your eyes open because this is geisha land.
Day 2: Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji and Daitoku-ji
Your mode of transportation to Arashiyama will be determined by where you are stayin. Best transport options would be taxi, train, or bus, and travel west to Arashiyama.
Tenryu-ji Temple
First, visit Tenryu-ji Temple, making sure to see the interior of the main hall as well as the vast stroll garden.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Take a left out of Tenryu-ji from the north gate (accessible through the garden) and into the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Take the time here, savoring the magical ambiance while carefully making your way uphill.
Okochi-Sanso Villa
A small hut and a path leading up the hill into the Bamboo Grove can be seen at the top of the hill in the Bamboo Grove. This is the entrance to the magnificent Okochi-Sanso Villa, which was once the residence of a well-known Japanese star. Taking your time entering the villa and enjoying the garden. After the garden tour, keep the ticket they offer you because it will get you a good cup of green tea and a sweet.
Kinkaku-ji Temple
There isn't a convenient way to get there by public transportation, so take a cab from Arashiyama to Kinkaku-ji Temple, the legendary "Golden Pavilion" in Northwest Kyoto.
Daitoku-ji Temple
Daitoku-ji is a Buddhist temple and one of fourteen independent Rinzai Zen temples in Japan. It's in Kyoto's Kita-ku neighborhood. Ryhzan is the "mountain name" for which it is known.
Ginkaku-ji Temple
Travel east along Imadegawa-dori toward the Higashiyama mountains. The trip up to Ginkaku-ji Temple, which is at the base of the mountains, will take about 20 minutes. From Hyakumamben, a taxi will take you there in a few minutes for about Y700. Enter the Ginkaku-ji Temple and have a look around.
Path of Philosophy
After exploring Ginkaku-ji Temple, walk south along the popular Path of Philosophy for about 100 meters (Tetsugaku-no-Michi). It's the canal, and there's a walking bridge alongside it. You can take a brief detour up the hill to see the lovely Honen-in Temple if you like.
Nanzen-ji Temple
Continue walking south along the Path of Philosophy until you reach the southern end, then continue south to Nanzen-ji Temple (you'll pass a high school along the way). And if you arrive after the inner garden has closed, you are welcome to visit the grounds at any time (the outer grounds are open 24 hours).
Following your visit to the temple, walk a short distance south and west to meet Keage Station on the Tozai subway line. This will drive you downtown for dinner or to your hotel for a break. Alternatively, a taxi rank is located near Nanzen-front ji's entrance.
Day 4: Daytrip to Nara
Daytrip to Nara
Since you only have five days in Kyoto, it's a better idea to spend one of them outside of the city. Nara, about 30 minutes from Kyoto by quick direct express trains, is indeed the obvious choice for your day out of the city (Kintetsu Line trains).
Day 5: It’s your choice
On your final full day in Kyoto, we recommend becoming a little more adventurous and venturing off the beaten path. Do something new from the majority of Kyoto tourists. Here are few suggestions:
Tofuku-ji Temple.
Climb of the Mt Daimon-ji.
Visit Teramachi-dori and Shijo-dori to do some shopping.
Try a new experience like Zen meditation or the tea ceremony at Myoshin-ji temple.
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