How many days do you need in Kyoto?

Kyoto has a rhythm of its own—slower, more traditional, and deeply connected to the seasons. Your mornings might start with a quiet walk through the vermillion torii gates of Fushimi Inari, while evenings could be spent in a centuries-old townhouse turned kaiseki restaurant. But how many days in Kyoto do you actually need? This guide breaks it down with daily itineraries, the best areas to stay based on your travel style, and key tips to help you make the most of your trip. 

How many days do you need in Kyoto?

If you’re heading to Kyoto, three days is the bare minimum to hit the highlights, but five to seven days lets you take it all in at a more relaxed pace. In three days, you can check out must-see temples like Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera, wander through districts like Gion and Arashiyama, and maybe squeeze in a quick day trip to Nara. 

With more time, you can go beyond the big sights—take a cooking class, join a tea ceremony, visit quieter temples, or explore different areas at different times of day. A longer stay also means you can catch seasonal festivals or add extra day trips to Osaka, Nara, or even the mountain town of Kurama. Plus, you’ll have time to revisit your favorite spots without feeling rushed. 

A good way to decide might be to see sample itineraries. Our Japan itineraries include Kyoto and other places you shouldn't miss in Japan: 

7 days in Japan | 10 days in Japan | 14 days in Japan

2 days in Kyoto

Two days in Kyoto gives you just enough time to experience its essence— temples, peaceful gardens, and the food traditions that make this city unique. This itinerary keeps things focused on the best things to visit with as little travel time as possible.

Suggested itinerary

Day 1

Start your morning at Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, where the gold-leaf facade reflects beautifully in the surrounding pond—especially in the early morning light. Though it survived multiple wars, the original structure was burned down by a monk in 1950 and rebuilt in 1955. 

A short walk takes you to Ryoan-ji, home to Japan’s most famous rock garden. The 15 rocks are arranged so that from any angle, at least one is always out of sight—a meditation on the idea that complete knowledge is impossible. For lunch, Mizuho serves handmade soba using fresh-ground buckwheat.

Spend the afternoon at Nishiki Market, where you can try Kyoto’s specialty foods, like pickled vegetables that have been perfected over centuries. End the day in Gion, Kyoto’s historic geisha district, where Giro Giro Hitoshina serves modern kaiseki in a converted merchant house. Counter seating lets you watch the chefs at work. 

Day 2

For your second day, head to Arashiyama early, before the crowds arrive. The towering bamboo grove hums with natural wind music, a sound long associated with traditional tea ceremonies. Tenryu-ji’s garden, designed with the surrounding mountains in mind, is absolutely worth a visit. For lunch, Shoraian prepares tofu dishes overlooking the Oi River—their yudofu (hot tofu) is made with mountain spring water.

In the afternoon, visit Gio-ji, a moss-covered temple with a backstory. It was once home to a 12th-century dancer who became a Buddhist nun after a heartbreak. The moss garden changes in color depending on the weather. Wrap up your trip with dinner at Izuju, where Kyoto’s signature pressed sushi dates back to a time when preserving fish was essential in this landlocked city.

3 days in Kyoto

With three days in Kyoto, you can slow down a bit and take in the city’s quieter, more meditative side.

Suggested itinerary

Day 3

With an extra day, take the morning to walk the Philosopher’s Path, named for Nishida Kitaro, a Kyoto University professor who used this route for daily meditation. Start at Nanzen-ji, where the massive wooden gate frames a wide view of the city. On the temple grounds, you’ll come across an unexpected sight—a red-brick aqueduct from the Meiji period that still carries water today.

For lunch, Okutan serves Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, a 350-year-old tradition passed down through generations. Afterward, visit Honen-in, where monks rake intricate patterns into the sand each morning (easily one of the best things to do in Japan). End at Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion—though it never actually got its silver coating. The plan was abandoned due to war, but its understated design became a key influence on Japanese aesthetics.

For dinner, head to Obanzai Sakana no Yamamoto, where Kyoto-style home cooking is served in portions meant for sharing.

4 days in Kyoto

With four days in Kyoto, you have time to explore beyond the classic sights and experience more of the city's deep-rooted traditions. This final day brings together some of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks, from the vermilion torii gates of Fushimi Inari to the Edo-period streets leading up to Kiyomizu-dera.

Suggested itinerary

Day 4

Start the morning before sunrise at Fushimi Inari Taisha. The thousands of vermilion torii gates create a tunnel-like path up the forested hillside, each gate donated by businesses or individuals. Getting there early means you’ll have a rare quiet moment before the crowds arrive. Along the way, you’ll see fox statues holding keys in their mouths—symbolizing their role as messengers of Inari, the Shinto god of rice and prosperity. 

A short walk from Fushimi Inari, Tofuku-ji is home to Japan’s oldest Zen garden, designed in 1939. Unlike Kyoto’s more classic temple gardens, this one features a mix of checkerboard moss patterns and raked gravel. Its covered walkways frame seasonal views perfectly—cherry blossoms in spring, fiery maple leaves in fall.

For lunch, Vermillion serves udon with local mountain vegetables. In the afternoon, walk through the preserved Edo-period streets leading to Kiyomizu-dera. The temple’s wooden stage, built without nails, provides a wide view of Kyoto. 

Best areas to stay in Kyoto

Here's a quick overlook at some of our favorite places to base yourself, but be sure to see our much more in depth guide to the best places to stay in Kyoto. 

Higashiyama: best for first-time visitors

Higashiyama is the Kyoto most people imagine—narrow streets lined with traditional wooden townhouses, well-known temples, and an atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time. Staying here puts you close to major sights like Kiyomizu-dera, Maruyama Park, and Yasaka Shrine. Early mornings and evenings are the best times to explore, when the crowds thin out and the city feels more like its old self.

Kyoto Station Area: best for families

Staying near Kyoto Station makes getting around easy, which is a big plus when traveling with kids. You’ll have direct train and bus connections to major sights, so there’s less walking and fewer chances of little ones getting tired too quickly. Hotels here tend to have more space, and there are plenty of casual restaurants, shops, and even Kyoto Aquarium nearby to keep everyone entertained. It’s not the most atmospheric part of the city, but the convenience makes up for it—especially if you’re planning day trips.

Arashiyama: best for nature lovers

In western Kyoto, Arashiyama has a quieter pace while still being well-connected to the city. The famous bamboo grove is just the start—peaceful riverside paths, traditional wooden boats, and scenic temples like Tenryu-ji make it a great place to slow down. The area is especially beautiful in spring and fall, when cherry blossoms and autumn leaves transform the landscape. Accommodations here tend to be more spacious, making it a good option for those who want to stay close to nature without feeling far from the city.

Things to know before going to Kyoto

Kyoto moves at a slower, more traditional pace compared to Tokyo, and you’ll notice that etiquette plays a big role in daily life. This is especially true at temples and shrines, where you’re expected to dress modestly—covering shoulders and knees is recommended, particularly at more traditional sites.

The city’s seasons shape everything, from the cherry blossoms in spring to the fiery red maples in fall. Both are stunning, but they also mean higher prices and hotels booking out months in advance, so planning ahead is essential. It’s also worth noting that many restaurants and shops close early, often around 5-6 PM, and some traditional businesses still operate on a cash-only basis.

If you’re planning to visit multiple temples, a cultural pass can help save money on entrance fees. And since Kyoto’s top sights are scattered across different districts, it’s best to plan your itinerary with travel time in mind. 

Daily budget

Here's what you can expect to spend:

• Budget (¥8,000-¥12,000 / $55-$80 per day): Expect to stay in dorm-style hostels or budget ryokans, eat at noodle shops and convenience stores, and rely on public transport. A one-day bus pass is worth it, and some temples have free admission days.
• Mid-range (¥15,000-¥25,000 / $100-$170 per day): This gets you a standard hotel or a basic ryokan, meals at mid-range restaurants (including a kaiseki lunch or two), and entry to all the major sights. This is a typical tourist budget for Kyoto.
• Luxury (¥35,000+ / $240+ per day): If you want the full experience, this budget covers boutique hotels or high-end ryokans, multi-course kaiseki dinners, private tea ceremonies, exclusive geisha experiences, and private guides. Expect top-tier hospitality and deep cultural immersion.

How to get around

Kyoto’s transport is built around buses, subways, and JR train lines. Buses are the best way to reach most tourist sites, but they can be confusing at first—routes 100 and 101 are especially useful for visitors. A one-day bus pass (¥600) is a great deal. 

The subway has only two lines but is efficient for getting north-south and east-west quickly. Renting a bike is another solid option, especially in the flatter central and eastern areas—expect to pay around ¥1,000 per day. Taxis are expensive but useful late at night or if you have luggage. For certain districts like Southern Higashiyama or Arashiyama, walking is the best way to go since many attractions are close together. 

How to get to Kyoto

Most travelers fly into Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka International Airport (ITM). From KIX, the fastest way to Kyoto is the Limited Express Haruka train (75 minutes, ¥3,570). The cheaper route is the Airport Express plus a local train (about 105 minutes, ¥1,510). 

If you’re coming from Tokyo, the Shinkansen bullet train takes around 2.5 hours and is covered by the JR Pass (or ¥13,320 one-way if paying separately). If you’re traveling to other cities in Japan, activating a JR Pass for this trip can be worth it. Domestic flights to Osaka exist but don’t save much time once you factor in airport transfers. Once in Kyoto, Kyoto Station is well connected by bus and subway. 

Planning your trip to Japan

Planning a trip to Japan? Our Japan itineraries are a great starting point, crafted by Rough Guides editors to help you make the most of your visit. 

For more inspiration, check out The Rough Guide to Japan or browse our trip ideas gallery.

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