I had a feeling Kyoto would be the city I connected with most on our Japan trip, and that instinct ended up being right.
We visited Kyoto in November 2025, right in the middle of fall foliage season. My friend Amy put together a Kyoto travel itinerary for our group, but we treated it more like a loose framework than a rulebook. Some days we followed it closely. Other days we ditched parts of it based on crowds, weather, or how tired our legs were.
This post reflects what we actually did in Kyoto, not an idealized version of how the days were supposed to go. I’m sharing what felt worth the time, what I’d happily repeat, and what I’d change if I were visiting Kyoto for the first time again.
If you’re deciding between a Kyoto itinerary 3 days or a Kyoto itinerary 4 days, this guide should help you plan something realistic. We walked a lot. We started early some days and stayed out late on others. We skipped things when we were tired and lingered when something held our attention.
This is a real Kyoto itinerary built from tired feet, cold mornings, crowded temples, quiet side streets, and days that I’ll remember forever.
At A Glance: 5 Days In Kyoto
This 5 day Kyoto itinerary is designed for first-time visitors who want a realistic pace without rushing temples
At A Glance: Kyoto First-Timer Cheatsheet
- Best Area To Stay First Time: Gion for the history
- Ideal Trip Length: 4–6 days for that sweat spot
- Best Seasons: late March–early April for cherry blossoms, mid–late November for fall foliage
- Getting Around: walk + buses which come more than trains. Intercity trains for day trips
- Crowd Rule: be there before 9am or accept chaos
- Cash: Always have cash for temples and dining
Then immediately underneath:
At A Glance: Your 5-Day Kyoto Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival + Gion/Pontocho
- Day 2: Yasaka + Fushimi Inari + Nishiki + Kiyomizu night
- Day 3: Osaka day trip + To-ji + bars
- Day 4: Tea ceremony + Nijo + Gion Corner
- Day 5: Kinkaku-ji + Imperial Palace + shopping + final night
Short On Time? Here’s How To Use This Guide
- Only 3 Days in Kyoto: Follow Days 1, 2, and 4
- 4 Days in Kyoto: Skip Osaka, keep everything else
- 5+ Days: Do it exactly as written
Where We Stayed in Kyoto and Why It Worked
My husband, Robin, and I spent about three weeks in Japan in November 2025, starting in Tokyo and then heading to Mount Fuji. We traveled with my bestie Amy and her partner Kyle, who split off to Kyoto for a few days before we all reunited.
Robin and I chose to split our time in Kyoto into two hotels to test different neighborhoods. We started in Gion, staying at Granbell Kyoto. Rooms were small but comfortable, the smart TV was clutch, and the location mattered more than anything else. I booked this for the location but mainly for their onsen in the basement, which I used after a long day of walking almost 11 miles.
Being in central Kyoto, near major bus lines and a short walk from Gion nightlife, made it easy to explore without constantly checking transit apps.
Later, Robin and I moved to Moxy Kyoto near Nijo Station. The rooms were larger and modern, and near the castle, but we were farther from Gion at night. It’s a good option if you prioritize space and easy train access, but I preferred our Gion base overall for a first-time trip.
Kyoto Airbnbs Are Perfect For Large Groups
If you’re traveling with your family, you should look into renting one of these beautiful Kyoto Airbnbs that range from traditional Japanese houses to luxury, chic condos overlooking the city.
We traveled with our friends and stayed in different hotels but honestly, it would have been so much fun to rent a house together to have a common space to hang out in each night.
Top Things To Do In Kyoto: Ultimate 5 Day Kyoto Itinerary
Now onto all the fun things we did in Kyoto!
Day 1 Kyoto Itinerary: Arrival, Gion, and Pontocho at Night
We traveled from our Mount Fuji Hotel to Kyoto via bus and train, arriving mid-afternoon at Kyoto Station. After checking in, we kept things intentionally simple.
Dinner was at Aiyo! Kawaramachi Branch, an all-you-can-eat and drink apps place. It was fine. Not a highlight of our trip, but it worked for a tired arrival night.
What was a highlight was walking Pontocho Alley after dinner. Narrow streets, glowing lanterns, tiny bars tucked upstairs. It reminded me of Golden Gai in Tokyo, but quieter and moodier.
We went to bed early after the long travel day to the city. Kyoto will humble you if you don’t.
Day 2 Kyoto Itinerary: Shrines, Red Torii Gates, Markets, and Night Illuminations
Early Morning: Yasaka Pagoda and Shrine
Robin and I headed out around 7am to photograph the famous Yasaka Pagoda, that street you often see on Instagram with the templein the background. It was already busy, but manageable. Right after, we walked through Yasaka Shrine while it was still quiet.
Fall colors were popping off, and this was one of those moments where Kyoto finally slowed my brain down.
We grabbed breakfast from a 711.
Late Morning: Fushimi Inari Taisha
Around 10am we met our friends and headed to Fushimi Inari Taisha, the head shrine of Inari Taisha. Yes, the crowds were intense by 10:30am. Next time, I’d go closer to 8am. But here’s the real tip: keep walking.
Most people stop after the first few hundred Red torii gates. If you continue the climb, the crowds thin out dramatically. It took us about 45 minutes to reach the top with photo stops and it was worth the climb to see Fushimi Inari Shrine at this view, and with a fraction of the crowds.
Things I wish I’d known:
- Bring cash for offerings and fortunes
- Wear bug spray in warmer months, I hear they can get intense
- Leave tokens at the smaller shrines along the way
- Look for the fox statues everywhere. This is the shrine dedicated to the fox kami
Also, look for the shop with cats! We spotted a new Nekos at the top hanging around the shrines that made it more special.
Afternoon: Nishiki Market and Kawaramachi Shopping
The boys went back to the hotel to rest, but Amy and I walked to Nishiki Market for lunch. Sushi and beer, wandering stalls, zero rush.
Afterward, we explored the Kyoto-Kawaramachi area. Highlights:
- Le Labo Kyoto for their exclusive scent, OSMANTHUS 19. Go early, bring your passport, and plan an hour for production
- Kyukyodo for incense and stationery
Night: Kiyomizu-dera Autumn Illumination & Onsen
That evening, Robin and I visited Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage temple, during their autumn illumination. It cost 500 yen and was genuinely magical.
If you’re visiting outside illumination season, make sure this temple is in your day Kyoto itinerary before 5pm.
When I came back to our hotel, I slipped into the Onsen so I could relax my sore body after walking so long. The onsen in the Hotel Granbell Kyoto allowed tatoos, but many don’t so make sure to bring tatoo tape to cover them up.
Warning, if you’ve never used an onsen before, you have to enter nude. It’s separated by gender, with little lockers for storing your things before entering the shower area, which is required before you enter the onsen hot waters.
Day 3 Kyoto Itinerary: Osaka Day Trip and Kyoto Nights
Morning: Day Trip To Osaka
We used our Suica card to take a day trip to Osaka, about 35 minutes away. We intentionally choose to spend more nights in Kyoto and take a couple of day trips so as to avoid checking in and out of hotels every 2 days and transferring cities.
Osaka felt friendlier and more lived-in compared to Kyoto’s tourist zones. Highlights included:
- Den Den Town and Billiken statues
- Curry Pringles at the Pringles store
- Goonies for takoyaki. Cash only. Ponzu and green onion. Best of the trip
- Kuromon Market
- Dotonbori canal, which I wish we’d seen at night
Next trip I plan on coming to Osaka in the evening since I have a feeling all the neon signs and restaurants will be more lively.
Afternoon: To-ji Temple near Kyoto Station
On your way back to Kyoto your train will probably pass To-ji Temple, and it’s worth the 15-minute walk over to visit. It’s a huge five-story pagoda, garden and also houses massive Buddha statues
It’s cash only to enter, and I recommend bringing some coins as offerings. You can actually walk around the bottom of the pagoda, which was super special.
Evening: Pontocho Alley
Robin and I went bar hopping in Pontocho this evening. Bar Shimon was our favorite. Second floor, locals, antique glassware, and incredible cocktails. The bartender casually mentioned a geiko had rented the back room later that night. Kyoto flex.
This is one of the best things to do in Kyoto at night if you don’t want club energy. Most tourists stick to bars on the first floor so my big tip is to look for bars on the second floor.
Also, skip Bar Momo. I know TikTok makes it seem cool but the line is insanely long no matter the day of the week. There’s plenty of other bars with unique offerings here.
Day 4 Kyoto Itinerary: Tea Ceremony, Castles, Culture, and Street Food
Morning: Tea Ceremony
I booked a traditional Japanese tea ceremony with Aya Ito through Airbnb Experiences. She’s been practicing Sadō for over 40 years.
It lasted about an hour and took place in her home. We learned hand placements, how to whisk matcha, and the meaning behind each step. This was one of the most grounding experiences of the entire Japan trip.
If you want a unique thing to do in Kyoto, book this.
Midday: Nijo Castle
We walked a few blocks to Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a top-rated Kyoto attraction for a reason, and is worth the visit (though I am biased since I love castles and palaces!)
Get the interior pass. Hearing the nightingale floors squeak beneath your feet while walking through the palace was unforgettable.
Evening: Gion Culture and Street Food
Amy and I attended the Gion Corner show, a 50-minute introduction to Kyoto arts. The maiko dance alone made it worth booking tickets in advance. Plus, if you get to Hanamikoji Street early enough before the show, you just may catch a glimpse of a real-life geisha.
We met the boys near Pontocho Alley for dinner, which ended up being a tiny street hot dog stand literally called “Hot Dog.” This was one of our favorite dinners of the whole trip since it was unplanned and a place we got to meet some locals our age.
Chatting with them while standing in a street drinking beer and eating egg hot dogs is that flavor of magic I love while traveling.
Day 5: Golden Pavilion, Imperial Palace, Incense Shopping, and One Last Night Out
Morning: Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)
The Golden Pavilion is famous for many reasons, but we wanted to visit it since it was the inspiration for Pokémon’s Ho-Oh. There’s literally a golden phoenix on top of the palace; Robin and I were giddy.
It’s all self-guided tours, and it takes just about 30 minutes to walk through since it’s a small park. We arrived around 9:30am and it was already packed. Next time, I’d aim closer to sunset to have it more empty.
Cash only to enter and bring extra yen for offerings.
Midday: Kyoto Imperial Palace and Gardens
The Kyoto Gardens and Imperial Palace are totally free to enter and a great reset after crowds. The park is beautiful and inside the middle is the palace. You can’t go inside buildings, but walking the grounds felt grounding and spacious.
Robin and I wanted to visit the garden teahouse, inside the park for lunch but realized they are only open Thursday to Saturday, so plan accordingly.
Afternoon: Lisn Incense Shopping
Japan makes some of the best incense in the world, and Lisn was such a fun stop. They have over 150 incense scents and you build your own bundle. Robin picked five favorites and stocked up, and we already wish we had bought more.
Evening: Pokémon Center + Wagyu Burgers + Pontocho
For dinner, Robin was craving a wagyu burger so we headed to Shogun Burger in Gion for craft beer and tasty burgers. It’s a casual fast-food style of seating with stellar food.
After, we ended with more Pokémon shopping and then drinks at Beer Bar Miyama 162. Craft beer, rock music videos, great vibes. We planned for one drink and stayed for three.
Optional Alternative: Nara Half Day Trip Or Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
If you have extra time or want to swap days, these are two fun things to add!
Nara Half Day Trip
Robin and I chose to visit Nara since it’s been on my bucket list to visit ths deer park for years.
- Deer everywhere
- Bring cash for crackers, which are 200 yen each
- Walk deeper into the park for calmer deer and fewer crowds
- Be mindful of antlers
- Wear something with pockets that can hide the crackers
The iconic Five-Story Pagoda at Kofukuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was being renovated when we visited in November 2025 but if it’s open, go inside. For lunch, we ate at the one of the restaurants in the train station so it was easy to head back to Kyoto.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Visiting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove works best early in the morning. We opted to skip it this trip but plan on visiting on our next Kyoto trip.
Pair the bamboo forest with:
- Tenryu-ji, a Zen temple and world heritage site
- Katsura River and Togetsukyo Bridge
The Arashiyama bamboo forest is beautiful, but it’s short. Combine it with a full day walking tour of the area so it doesn’t feel rushed.
Where To Eat In Kyoto (Quick, Real Picks)
This list mixes places we actually ate with a few top-rated Kyoto restaurants that consistently show up in local and traveler “best of” lists. Think of this as a short hit list, not a deep dive.
Places We Personally Ate
- Nishiki Market: Snack your way through lunch. Tuna nigiri, tamago on a stick, croquettes, and mochi were our favorites.
- Aiyo! Kawaramachi Branch: All-you-can-eat-and-drink apps. Fun with friends, fine food, not a must-repeat for me.
- Street Hot Dog Stand near Kohaku: Cash only, loaded hot dogs, locals hanging out. One of those accidental meals that ends up being a highlight.
- Shogun Burger: Tourist-friendly wagyu burger spot that’s actually very good. Pricey, but worth it once.
- Bar Shimon: Intimate Pontocho bar with incredible cocktails and mostly locals. Calm, polished, no TikTok chaos.
- Beer Bar Miyama 162: Local craft beer, great vibe, unexpectedly fun music videos. We stayed longer than planned.
- 丸福 三条店: Classic izakaya on Sanjo Shopping Street with some of the best sushi we had all trip.
- SD トムヤムクン: Thai restaurant we hit when we needed a break from Japanese food.
- Le Labo Cafe: some of the best matcha is hidden away here
Top-Rated Kyoto Restaurants Worth Bookmarking
These are consistently praised in Kyoto food guides and forums and make sense to layer into a first trip.
- Kikyo Sushi: Small, intimate sushi bar in central Kyoto known for ultra-fresh nigiri and friendly chefs. Reservations strongly recommended.
- Tajimaya Shijo Kawaramachi: Grill-your-own wagyu in a lively setting. Approachable pricing and a fun, interactive dinner.
- Chuka-Soba Rantan: Regularly ranked among the best ramen in Kyoto. Deeply flavored broth and serious repeat fans.
- Wagyu Restaurant Bungo: Upscale wagyu specialist in Gion that still feels relaxed. Excellent choice for a splurge night.
- Goichi Pizza: Wood-fired pizza with long lines and a strong local following. Ideal when you want a break from Japanese food.
- Newdelhi Indian Restaurant: A go-to for rich curries and vegetarian-friendly dishes. Great palate reset mid-trip.
- Okonomiyaki Katsu: Tiny, counter-style spot often ranked among Kyoto’s best cheap eats. Hearty, local, and memorable.
Travel Tips for Visiting Kyoto for the First Time
- Buses can be faster than trains. Always check both
- Bring cash for temples and shrines
- Don’t try to see every temple. Pick a few
- Cherry blossom season and fall foliage bring heavy crowds. Go earlier to spots than you think
- Reservations are hard to grab for parties of more than 2
Kyoto Travel FAQ (First-Time Planning Questions)
How many days do you need in Kyoto?
For a first visit, 4-6 days in Kyoto is the sweet spot. A Kyoto itinerary 3 days works if you’re short on time, but it feels rushed. With 5-6 days, you can balance major temples, neighborhoods like Gion and Arashiyama, food stops, and at least one slower cultural experience without burning out.
Is Kyoto worth visiting on your first trip to Japan?
Yes. Kyoto offers a completely different experience from Tokyo. It’s quieter, more traditional, and focused on temples, shrines, and historic neighborhoods. If this is your first time visiting Japan, Kyoto adds cultural depth that balances out Tokyo’s energy.
What’s the best time of year to visit Kyoto?
Spring and fall are the most popular.
- Cherry blossom season runs late March through early April
- Fall foliage peaks in late November and is stunning across temples and parks
- Summer is hot and humid, and winter is colder but less crowded and still beautiful
Is Kyoto easy to get around without a car?
Yes. Kyoto is very walkable in central areas, and public transportation works well. Buses fill in the gaps where trains don’t go, especially around temples. I used Google Maps constantly and found it accurate for routes, timing, and station exits.
Should I stay near Kyoto Station or Gion?
It depends on your travel style.
- Gion works best if you want evening walks, traditional streets, and easy access to temples and nightlife.
- Kyoto Station is more convenient for transit and day trips but feels less atmospheric.
- For first-time visitors, Gion felt more special.
Do you need reservations for temples in Kyoto?
Most temples and shrines do not require reservations. You usually just show up and pay the entrance fee. Exceptions include special experiences like tea ceremonies or seasonal night illuminations, which should be booked ahead.
Is Fushimi Inari Taisha worth it, and when should you go?
Yes, it’s worth it, but timing matters. Go early in the morning, ideally before 9am. Most people stop at the first section of torii gates. If you keep walking up the mountain, crowds thin out and it becomes much more peaceful.
What’s the difference between Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and other bamboo forests?
The Arashiyama bamboo grove is famous for a reason. It’s centrally located, easy to pair with temples and the river, and visually striking.
Go early to avoid crowds. While there are other bamboo forests in Japan, Arashiyama is the most accessible for first-time visitors.
Can you do Osaka as a day trip from Kyoto?
Yes. Osaka is about 35 minutes by train, making it an easy day trip. That said, I learned that Osaka really shines at night. If you only do a day trip, expect to miss some of the neon and nightlife energy.
Is Kyoto expensive compared to Tokyo?
Kyoto can be slightly cheaper for food and lodging, especially outside peak seasons. Temple entry fees are usually modest. Food ranges from affordable street eats to high-end kaiseki, so costs depend on how you plan your days.
What should you wear when visiting temples and shrines?
Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Dress modestly when visiting temples, covering shoulders and avoiding very short skirts. Layers help in fall and winter since mornings and evenings can be chilly while afternoons warm up.
Is Kyoto good for food lovers?
Yes, especially if you enjoy variety. Kyoto excels at traditional Japanese cuisine, casual ramen, izakayas, markets like Nishiki, and even excellent non-Japanese food when you need a break. It’s easy to eat well without booking every meal in advance.
Do you need cash in Kyoto?
Yes. While cards are more accepted than they used to be, many temples, small restaurants, markets, and bars are cash-only. I always carried cash and used ATMs at convenience stores when needed.
Have Fun With This Kyoto Interary
Kyoto isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about rhythm.
Some days were temple-heavy. Some were food-forward. Some were just wandering streets until something pulled us in. That balance is what made this Kyoto travel itinerary work.
If you’re planning your first time in Kyoto, let this be your reminder: you don’t need to see everything. You just need enough time to notice where you are.
