Kyoto, in the heart of Japan, is a cultural city that blends ancient traditions with modern allure. As you wander through the historic streets of this city, the Golden Gates of Kinkaku-ji Temple glisten in the sunlight, casting a radiant reflection upon the serene waters that surround them. Kyoto’s vibrant pulse is felt in the lively jazz bars tucked away in narrow alleys, where the smooth melodies intertwine with the city’s rich tapestry of history. In the Arashiyama district, wild monkeys frolic amidst the lush bamboo groves, while nearby the iconic Nara deer roam freely through Nara Park. In this post, I’ll give you a great itinerary for 4 action-packed days exploring this captivating city.
Getting from Tokyo to Kyoto
We took the bullet train to Kyoto from Tokyo with a Japan Rail Pass. It’s a 2.5-hour train ride that moves swiftly through the country. If you’re heading to Japan, purchase your rail passes in advance. You can’t purchase them once you get there. These passes are for tourists only to discount their fare to travel around the country, otherwise it gets quite expensive.
Where to Stay
We stayed at an Airbnb. After our experience I think it’d be better to stay at a hotel since most Japanese people don’e speak English. That way, if you have any questions you can ask the front desk.
Ace Hotel Kyoto is a stunning hotel with a warm and inviting atmosphere. One of its standout features is its convenient connection to the train station, making travel seamless. The rooms are impressively spacious, offering comfort and modern style, all while being located in the heart of Kyoto, which makes exploring the city’s rich culture and attractions effortless.
Day 1: Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Kinkakuji
Eat Breakfast at Kano Cafe
Kano Cafe is a quaint little breakfast spot we found around the corner from our Airbnb. It was perfect, coffee & eggs with a quiet cozy atmosphere and light jazz humming in the background. It sits right on the Kano river. This is not a must-see or do but it was a great find for a relaxing breakfast.
Visit the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Fushimi Inari Taisha, often recognized for its iconic “golden gates,” was hands down the highlight of my trip to Kyoto. This shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and prosperity. If you’re planning a visit, make sure this stunning shrine is on your list. As you pass through thousands of vibrant torii gates that wind their way up the mountain, you’ll be mesmerized by the beauty that unfolds with each step. I honestly underestimated just how striking the sight of these gates would be in person—no photo can truly capture their grandeur.
The hike to the top is definitely a workout, but the gorgeous views and peaceful atmosphere make it worth every step. If you’re up for the challenge, this place is an absolute must-see.
This shrine is free to visit, but if you prefer to learn more about this site you can opt to take a tour, here are a few highly rated ones I found on Get Your Guide:
- Kyoto: Full-Day Best UNESCO and Historical Sites Bus Tour
- Fushimi Inari Taisha Last Minute Guided Walking Tour
Eat local street food for lunch
After our hike at Fushimi Inari Taisha, we treated ourselves to some delicious local street food at the base of the shrine. Wander down the lively street, where you’ll find an array of mouthwatering options—all conveniently served on a stick! From crab and kobe beef to mochi, there’s something to satisfy every craving as you refuel after your climb.
Visit Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)
Head to the northwestern part of Kyoto to see this beautiful Zen temple covered in gold leaf. Spend some time walking around the peaceful gardens. The Golden Pavilion surpasses expectations. It’s way more dazzling in person than in photos. What seemed golden yellow online is, in reality, a shimmering expanse of gold leaf, metallic and casting reflections onto the serene lake.
Dine in Pontocho Alley
For dinner, explore this narrow alley known for traditional Japanese dining and riverside views.
Grab a night cap at Hello Dolly
Hello Dolly is a cozy bar that serves up fancy cocktails while light jazz fills the air. This throwback to 1920s jazz and speakeasy vibes seems to be a trend in Kyoto, and we noticed it popping up again and again. We couldn’t get enough of it—it added a nostalgic charm to our nights out that we absolutely loved.
Day 2: Nara Day Trip
See the Hundreds of Roaming deer at Nara Park
Nara Park, one of Japan’s oldest and most famous parks, is a sprawling 1,240-acre space known for its freely roaming wild deer. These sacred animals are everywhere—wandering through temple grounds, lounging in open fields, and even approaching visitors. While some deer are gentle and timid, others can be surprisingly bold, especially if they sense you’ve got food!
It was an almost surreal experience to explore the park, especially in the rain, surrounded by these curious creatures at every turn. The blend of nature, history, and wildlife made it an unforgettable adventure. Read more
Todai-ji Temple
Explore Tōdai-ji, an awe-inspiring wooden temple that houses one of the world’s largest bronze Buddha statues. As you walk through the park and approach the temple, the sheer size of the structure itself is impressive, but stepping inside to see the Great Buddha is a true wow moment! The scale is almost impossible to describe—it’s absolutely massive! We were pleasantly surprised by this unforgettable discovery.
Have dinner at Chojiro sushi
Chojiro in Gion offers a fun and unique dining experience with conveyor belt sushi. As the dishes glide by, you can grab whatever catches your eye, with each plate color-coded by price. At the end of your meal, the waitstaff tally up your plates to calculate the total. The whole process made for a super enjoyable dining experience.
Order a Cocktail at rocking chair bar
Rocking Chair Bar is a charming, intimate spot featuring four cozy rocking chairs by a crackling fireplace. We lucked out, snagging seats just as a group left the prime spot. The atmosphere had a distinct 1920s throwback vibe, with waiters in bow ties, soft jazz playing in the background, and a warm, yellow glow filling the room. Sipping on Japanese whiskey in such a snug, vintage setting was the perfect escape from the bitter February chill outside.
Day 3: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Monkey Park
Visit wild macaques at Iwatayama Monkey Park
Iwatayama Monkey Park in Arashiyama is home to over 170 wild Japanese macaque monkeys. The hike up to the park was a bit of a challenge, especially with the unusual combination of sun and snow during our visit, but it was absolutely worth it. Once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping views of Kyoto, and the monkeys roam freely all around you. For a fun twist, you can buy food to feed them from inside a building—making you feel like the caged one as the monkeys climb on the outside, reaching in for treats. Read more
Notes: Macaques can become aggressive if they feel threatened or if people get too close, especially if food is involved. To stay safe:
- Follow the park’s rules about feeding and interacting with the monkeys.
- Avoid eye contact, which they can perceive as a challenge.
- Do not touch or try to provoke them in any way.
Dine at Arashiyama Yoshimura Soba
Arashiyama Yoshimura is a charming traditional soba restaurant located along the Katsura River, just a stone’s throw from Iwatayama Monkey Park. Specializing in soba, these delicious buckwheat noodles are served with a variety of dipping sauces and toppings that are simply delightful. The ambiance is warm and inviting, complemented by top-notch service, making for an exceptional dining experience.
Stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a breathtaking forest filled with towering green stalks of bamboo that reach high into the sky. As you wander through the grove, the gentle rustling of leaves creates a serene atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful stroll. Sunlight filters through the dense canopy, casting beautiful patterns on the ground enhancing the ambiance.
Day 4: Day Trip to Miyajima and Hiroshima
Travel to Miyajima Island
Discover the renowned floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine and immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of Miyajima, often referred to as the “Island of the Gods.” Located on the southeastern coast of Japan, this picturesque island features the iconic shrine, which appears to hover above the water during high tide, creating a stunning visual effect. The great torii gate, seemingly floating on the waves, adds to the island’s ethereal charm.
Wild deer roam this island as well and are quite friendly.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in Japan poignantly recounts the devastating impact of the atomic bomb in 1945, offering a sobering collection of artifacts and personal testimonies. Through immersive exhibits, it strives to convey the tragic consequences of nuclear warfare and promote a fervent commitment to lasting global peace.
Going to see this memorial was incredibly emotional. It’s a very powerful message reminding us of the inhumanity and danger of nuclear weapons.
Whether you’ve sipped sake in a cozy bar, hiked among playful monkeys, or savored delicious local cuisine, Kyoto has surely captured your heart. We hope this itinerary inspires you to embrace the beauty and culture of this city and all it has to offer.
Watch The Video
Are you planning a trip soon? These are some of my favorite sites for finding places to stay, booking tours, and more:
- Booking.com for the best hotel deals
- Get Your Guide to book a variety of tours and activities
- Expedia for flights, hotels, rental cars and more.
- Herschel for nice luggage that’s made to last