5 Days in Kyoto: Temples, Gardens and Day Trips
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is best planned by district, not by sight. Cluster temples that sit within walking distance of each other and you will spend your time in gardens rather than on buses. This itinerary covers the east, the west, the south and one day trip.
Opens the planner with this trip pre-filled — change the dates, budget or pace and get your own version in about a minute.
Late March to mid-April for cherry blossom and mid-November for maple colour, both very busy. May and early October give near-perfect weather with far fewer people.
Around ¥20,000–¥35,000 per day for two: ¥12,000–¥25,000 for a mid-range hotel or ryokan, ¥5,000–¥8,000 for food, and ¥2,000 for transport and temple entries.
Buses reach most temples but are slow and crowded; the subway plus walking is usually faster. An IC card (ICOCA or Suica) covers everything. A JR Pass is only worth it if you are also travelling between cities.
Day-by-day itinerary
Southern Higashiyama
- Morning
- Kiyomizu-dera at opening, then the Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka lanes before the crowds arrive.
- Afternoon
- Kodai-ji and Yasaka Shrine, then Maruyama Park.
- Evening
- Walk Gion and Pontocho at dusk; eat in a Kiyamachi alley.
Fushimi Inari and Tofuku-ji
- Morning
- Fushimi Inari before 7am — the full loop up the mountain takes about two hours.
- Afternoon
- Tofuku-ji's garden and bridge, then Sanjusangen-do's thousand statues.
- Evening
- Kyoto Station area for dinner and the rooftop view.
Arashiyama
- Morning
- Bamboo grove at first light, then Tenryu-ji's garden, which is the real highlight.
- Afternoon
- Cross to the monkey park for the city view, or take the Hozugawa river boat.
- Evening
- Return east and eat in Nishiki Market's surrounding streets.
Northern Kyoto
- Morning
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) early, then Ryoan-ji's rock garden.
- Afternoon
- The Philosopher's Path from Ginkaku-ji down to Nanzen-ji.
- Evening
- Quiet dinner in Okazaki.
Nara day trip
- Morning
- 40 minutes by train to Nara; Todai-ji and the Great Buddha first.
- Afternoon
- Kasuga Taisha's lanterns and the deer park, then Naramachi's old streets.
- Evening
- Back to Kyoto for a final kaiseki dinner.
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Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Kyoto?
Four to five days covers the major districts and one day trip. Three days is enough for Higashiyama, Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari only.
Is Kyoto walkable?
Within districts, very. Between them, use the subway or a bus — Arashiyama to Higashiyama is right across the city.
When is the cheapest time to visit Kyoto?
January and February, and late June through early September, avoid both blossom and maple peaks and have noticeably lower hotel rates.