Our 4-Day Kyoto Itinerary: Everything We Did & Food We Loved

Kyoto was one of my favorite cities we visited during our Japan trip!

It still feels like old Japan (it was Japan’s capital until 1868) with its ancient temples and narrow streets lined with cafes and small shops.

We spent four days here and didn’t feel rushed. It was just the right amount of time to see a bit of everything.

If you’re planning a 4-day Kyoto itinerary, here’s exactly what we did, plus my favorite food and coffee spots, how to get around, where we stayed, and tips if it is your first time visiting.

4-Day Kyoto Itinerary

I also made a Google Map with all the places pinned so you can plan your routes easily and get directions. 

Day 1 – Higashiyama Ward & Gion District

We started our trip in Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama area. 

It’s the classic Kyoto you’ve probably seen in all the photos with sloped streets, old wooden houses, and temples everywhere.

Morning

• Walk around Higashiyama: Start at Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, two sloped streets lined with souvenir shops, food stalls, and old townhouses. It’s worth getting here early (8–9 AM) to see it before the crowds fill in. We visited in the evening, just after sunset (around 8:00 PM), which was a great time for photos since the streets are practically empty.
• Starbucks Ninenzaka: It might sound silly to recommend Starbucks, but this one is inside a restored traditional townhouse. You can drink your coffee sitting on tatami mats upstairs!
• Kiyomizu-dera Temple (¥500): One of the most iconic temples in Kyoto. The wooden stage overlooks the city and is beautiful year-round (especially during the fall and cherry blossom season). If you walk around the back, there’s the Otowa Waterfall where people can drink the water for health, success, or love.
• Tea Ceremony: If you’re interested in experiencing a traditional tea ceremony, this one on Get Your Guide would be the perfect choice. It is in the Higashiyama Ward area and takes about 45 minutes. You get to learn how to make your own matcha!

Tip: Kiyomizu-dera opens early (6 AM). If you’re up for it, this is the best time to visit for photos without crowds.

➡️ This 1-day Kyoto itinerary is useful if you are short on time in Kyoto.

Afternoon

• Kodaiji Temple: Just a short walk from Kiyomizu-dera. This temple is known for its peaceful gardens and bamboo grove.
• Lunch at Mare: A good spot for wagyu beef rice bowls at a more affordable price.
• Yasaka Shrine: Right at the edge of the Gion district. It’s free and open 24/7, so you can visit during the day or at night. At night, the lanterns around the main hall look beautiful.
• Walk Through Gion District: After Yasaka Shrine, we just wandered through the Gion district for a while. Hanamikoji Street is the main street. The side streets are beautiful with old teahouses and paper lanterns. It’s worth coming back here in the evening too once the lanterns come on.
• Shirakawa Canal Walk: Head over to the Gion-Shirakawa area. This canal is lined with willow trees and old buildings and is one of the nicest parts of Gion. It’s a popular spot for a walk before or after dinner.

If you want to explore the Gion District with a guide, I recommend this tour on Get Your Guide. They have daytime and evening options, but I’d go in the evening after sunset to see Gion lit up at night.

Evening

• Gyoza Taizou: A small, casual spot and one of my favorite places in Kyoto. They open for dinner at 5 PM, and it’s best to arrive right at opening to avoid a long wait. The restaurant fits about 10 people at a bar where the owner prepares each batch of gyoza fresh after you order. The whole experience took around two hours, but the owner was very friendly and took time to chat with everyone. Keep in mind that it is definitely more of a touristy spot.

Day 2 – Fushimi Inari & Central Kyoto

Day 2 is for Kyoto’s famous Fushimi Inari Taisha hike and exploring food stalls.

Bring good walking shoes, especially if you’re hiking to the top of Fushimi Inari Taisha.

Morning

• Fushimi Inari Taisha: The thousands of red torii gates winding up Mount Inari are even better in real life. We got there around 11:00 AM and it was very crowded but after climbing up a bit it became much quieter. There is no view at the top but a shrine. The full loop can take 2–3 hours if you’re up for it. Make sure to bring water!
• Once you’re done with the hike, there is a decent sized town next to it with plenty of cafes and food options. I got a delicious acai bowl from Chinchirorin and my husband enjoyed this fried shrimp sandwich from a food stand. I also got a creme brulee sweet potato from Imo Pippi which was excellent!
• You can totally do this hike on your own, but if you are interested in joining a guided tour, these two on Get Your Guide are highly reviewed!
  • Early Morning Tour: This one’s a good option if you want to visit early and avoid the crowds. It also includes stops at Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).
  • Evening Tour: This one’s nice if you’d rather go later in the evening when it’s quieter.

Tip: Fushimi Inari Taisha is free and always open. Early morning or evening are best for the lightest crowds. The lanterns light up the path at night making it extra beautiful but do be aware that at night you need to be cautious about wild boars.

Afternoon

• Tofuku-ji Temple: About 15 minutes away on foot or one stop by train. Famous for its Zen gardens and big wooden gate. If you’re here in fall, the maple leaves here are beautiful.
• Nishiki Market: Nishiki Market is a perfect place to explore when you’re hungry. Rather than sitting down for a full meal, you can browse the food stalls and try a variety of foods like fresh sashimi, mochi, grilled meat skewers, and more.
• Teramachi & Shinkyogoku Shopping: Just a short walk from Nishiki Market, these covered shopping streets have everything from unique shops to traditional crafts and plenty of snack stands. It’s a great spot to explore local stores, pick up souvenirs, or grab a sweet treat.
• Good Good Not Bad Kyoto: This was one of our favorite coffee shops in Kyoto. The salted caramel latte is so good.

You can easily explore Nishiki Market on your own, but if you’d like a local guide to show you the best food spots, I recommend this Get Your Guide tour!

Tip: Bring cash for Nishiki Market as a lot of stalls are cash-only. I always used 7-Eleven ATMs because they give the best exchange rate. When you withdraw cash, choose YEN (the local currency) instead of USD since your bank’s rate is better than the ATM’s conversion.

Evening

• Wagyu Ramen Syomon: This was hands down my favorite place we ate at during our entire Japan trip – don’t skip it! I ordered the Kyoto Miso Ramen, and it was so delicious. The wagyu beef was great, and the broth was rich and creamier than any other ramen I tried.

Day 3 – Arashiyama

We set aside a whole day for Arashiyama.

It can be crowded but that is because it has some of Kyoto’s best sights.

Morning

• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest: The bamboo forest is shorter than what I expected but still stunning. Early morning is best for photos and to avoid the crowds. Most people only go halfway. If you keep walking you’ll reach Okochi Sanso Garden, a quieter spot with lovely gardens.
• % Arabica Coffee: Right on the river near the Togetsukyo Bridge. It can get very crowded here, but the views are worth it.
• Tenryu-ji Temple: Right by the bamboo forest. A beautiful Zen garden and ponds with mountain views. Easy to visit while you’re already here!

Afternoon

• Monkey Park Iwatayama: A 20-30 minute uphill hike. Bring water! The view over Kyoto at the top is beautiful. You can buy food to feed the monkeys from inside a hut. Mornings or late afternoon are best for fewer people, cooler temperatures, and active monkeys.
• Togetsukyo Bridge: Walk across for views of the river and the hills. If the weather’s good, rent a rowboat or take a short river cruise!
• Gio-ji: If you want to see more temples, Gio-ji is a small moss temple nearby that feels hidden away.

You can easily explore Arashiyama on your own, but if you want to join a guided tour, this one on Get Your Guide has great reviews!

Evening

• Taku Sando: When you’re back in central Kyoto, I recommend hitting up Taku Sando for delicious fried chicken sandwiches for dinner! My husband loved this place so much that he went back twice.

Day 4 – Northern Kyoto: Golden Pavilion & Philosopher’s Path

Morning

• Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): One of Kyoto’s most famous sights. It opens at 9 AM and I recommend getting there close to opening if you can. The golden temple reflecting on the pond is gorgeous but can get very crowded. The loop path is quick, takes maybe 30–40 minutes total.
• Ryoan-ji Temple: About a 20-minute walk from Kinkaku-ji. Famous for its Zen rock garden. The grounds around it are pretty too.

Afternoon

• Philosopher’s Path: Walk along this beautiful stone path that follows a small canal lined with cherry trees. It’s especially popular in spring but nice year-round.
• Nanzen-ji Temple: At the southern end of the Philosopher’s Path. This big Zen temple complex has gardens and hiking trails extending beyond the temple if you are up for some hiking! We did this hike to Mount Daimonji which gave us an amazing view over Kyoto.
• Weekenders Coffee – great spot to sit and enjoy a coffee!

Evening

• Honke Daiichi-Asahi: This is a great stop for delicious ramen near Kyoto Station.

Best Places to Eat in Kyoto

Here are the places we ate at in Kyoto that I recommend!

I have also included some of the places I had to saved to try but didn’t have the time.

• Mister Gyoza: another great spot for dumplings
• Honke Daiichi-Asahi: good ramen near Kyoto Station
• Chao Chao Gyoza: really popular spot for dumplings – there was always a line out the door when we walked by it!
• Men-ya Sanda & Men-ya Inoichi: more solid ramen spots
• Wagyu Hokusai: high-end wagyu beef – pricier option
• Chichi: ice cream in a croissant – so good!
• Gyoza Taizou: tiny counter spot serving fresh handmade dumplings.
• Taku Sando: fried chicken sandwiches — delicious!
• Wagyu Ramen Syomon: a must-visit – the Kyoto Ramen Miso here was the best meal I had during my entire trip to Japan
• Mare: wagyu beef at a more affordable price
• Boulangerie Friandise Karasuma: a great local bakery in Kyoto – highly recommend visiting here and getting the black bean cinnamon bread!

Here are some great coffee shops in Kyoto if you’re a coffee lover like me!

• Good Good Not Bad: loved their salted caramel latte
• Weekenders Coffee: great iced lattes
• Starbucks Coffee in the Nineizaka area: tatami-mat Starbucks offering a unique experience in the historic area of Kyoto
• Cafe Bibliotic Hello!: cozy spot for a coffee with a cool interior & atmosphere
• School Bus Coffee Bakers: great iced lattes, breakfast options, and pastries
• Dunstan Coffee Roasters: delicious coffee

Where to Stay in Kyoto

We stayed at Hyatt Place Kyoto, and I highly recommend it!

The rooms were clean, the beds were comfortable, and it was located right next to a subway station, making it super easy for getting around.

We also wanted to experience staying at a traditional ryokan, so we booked one night at Luck You Kyoto.

They offer free breakfast, complimentary snacks when you arrive, and the staff were really friendly and welcoming.

Overall, I am glad I tried the ryokan experience, but it wasn’t for me. I enjoy sleeping in a regular bed and the bathrooms in ryokans tend to be very small.

But, I think it is worth trying once to try the traditional ryokan experience and see if it is something you enjoy.

Here are other places to stay in Kyoto that are well-reviewed:

• Hotel Granvia – Connected to Kyoto Station – perfect for easy train and bus access!
• Hotel Okura – Classic hotel with great service
• Hotel Kanra – Modern ryokan feel
• Shiraume – Traditional riverside ryokan
• Mume – Boutique ryokan – highly rated!

Check out this interactive map below for more options on places to stay in Kyoto!

➡️Before booking your hotel, read my where to stay in Kyoto guide to help you pick the best area for your trip.

Getting Around in Kyoto

Kyoto is pretty easy to get around using public transit.

The main options are the subway, local trains, and buses – plus a bit of walking.

I recommend using Google Maps (not Apple Maps) for public transit directions. It is more detailed and accurate.

Subway & Trains:
Kyoto has two main subway lines (Karasuma and Tozai) and a few train lines that connect you to spots just outside the city, like Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari.

The JR Nara Line is the one you’ll use for Fushimi Inari, and the Sagano Scenic Railway or JR Sagano Line can get you to Arashiyama.

• Tip: If you have a JR Pass, you can use it on JR lines within Kyoto (like to Fushimi Inari or Arashiyama). For the subway and non-JR trains, you’ll need to pay separately.

Buses:
Kyoto’s buses are super convenient, especially for places that don’t have subway stations nearby like Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Ryoan-ji.

Buses can get crowded, but they run often and are reliable.

• A flat fee covers most city routes (230 yen for adults). Pay when you get off, and have exact change or use an IC card.

IC Cards:
I highly recommend getting an IC card like ICOCA, Suica, or Pasmo.

You can use these on buses, subways, trains, and even at some shops and vending machines.

I recommend downloading the Suica card on your Apple Wallet, and then, you can just tap on and off with your phone.

Walking:
Kyoto’s older districts, like Gion and Higashiyama, are best explored on foot.

Bring comfortable shoes! Some days we walked over 20,000 steps just wandering the side streets.

How to Get to Kyoto

I’ve included directions for getting to Kyoto from Tokyo or Osaka since those are the most common routes. 

For local trains, I recommend using Google Maps for public transit directions.

For longer trips, the Shinkansen bullet train is the easiest option.

Getting to Kyoto from Tokyo: We took the Shinkansen from Tokyo. It took about 2.5 hours. We purchased the tickets at the station for the next train and did not have a problem getting seats. I wouldn’t bother booking ahead unless you’re visiting during Golden Week (April 29th – May 5th).

Getting to Kyoto from Osaka: Kyoto is only about 30-45 minutes by train from Osaka depending on where you’re coming from. I recommend using Google Maps for public transit directions as it is more accurate than Apple Maps.

When to Visit Kyoto

I visited Japan in late May through early June, and I think it was a great time to visit! 

We beat the large crowds from cherry blossom season, but it wasn’t too hot and humid yet.

Here is a breakdown on what to expect by season:

• Spring (March–May): One of the most popular times to visit. Late March to early April is cherry blossom season which is stunning but expect big crowds. Book your hotel early if you want to catch the cherry blossoms in full bloom!
• Summer (June–August): Hot, humid, and you might get afternoon rain showers, but it’s less crowded and festivals like Gion Matsuri in July make it fun. Bring breathable clothes and stay hydrated. I would avoid visiting during this time if you can since it can get very hot and humid.
• Fall (September–November): This is when I would recommend visiting! Late October to November is peak fall foliage. Seeing the temples surrounded by the fall foliage is stunning!
• Winter (December–February): Quieter and peaceful. It can get cold, but seeing the temples lightly covered with snow is beautiful. Fewer tourists and lower hotel prices but remember to pack warm layers!

Final Thoughts: 4-Day Kyoto Itinerary

Four days in Kyoto felt perfect for us! It was enough time to see the big sights and still slow down for coffee breaks and just wandering around the back streets.

I hope this helps you plan your own 4-day Kyoto itinerary! 

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment. I’m always happy to help if I can!

Check out my other Japan blog posts to help you plan your Japan itinerary!

• Best Things to Do on Miyajima Island – Day Trip from Hiroshima
• Koyasan Temple Stay: My Experience at Ekoin (Is It Worth It?)
• Three Days in Osaka Itinerary: What You Can’t Miss!
• 2 Days in Hiroshima Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
• What to Wear in Japan in June: My Summer Packing List and Tips
• 2.5 Weeks in Japan Trip Cost: How Much We Spent for 18 Days
• 5-Day Tokyo Itinerary: My Favorite Sights & Eats
• 1-Day Kamakura Itinerary: Exploring as a Day Trip from Tokyo
• How to Plan a Day Trip from Osaka to Koyasan (Mount Koya)
• Osaka to Nara Day Trip Itinerary: How I Spent My Day
• Osaka vs Kyoto: My Honest Take After Visiting Both
• Where to Stay in Hiroshima: Best Areas & Hotels for First-Time Visitors
• Where to Stay in Osaka: How to Pick the Right Area for Your Trip
• Where to Stay in Kyoto: Choosing the Perfect Area for Your Trip
• Where to Stay in Tokyo: A First-Timer’s Guide Based on My Own Trip
• 22 Things to Know Before Traveling to Japan: What I Wish I Knew Before My First Trip
• 1-Day Kyoto Itinerary: How I’d Spend One Day If You’re Short on Time
• 1-Day Osaka Itinerary: What We Did in Osaka in One Day
• 3-Day Tokyo Itinerary: A Detailed Guide for First-Time Visitors