4 Perfect Days in Kyoto: Temples, Tea & Timeless Charm in Japan's Cultural Heart

Written By Matthew Cogossi
Kinkaky-ji Temple (Golden Temple) Kyoto

Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Temple)

Kyoto is one of our absolute favorite cities in Japan—and once you visit, you’ll understand why. Kyoto is where you get to experience traditional and old world Japan. It’s where ancient Japan meets modern comfort, with atmospheric wooden townhouses, winding cobblestone streets, and over 1,600 temples scattered across its lush landscape. Whether you're watching geisha walk through Gion at twilight (a tour we highly recommend!), wandering around wooden villages, exploring beautiful temples and shinto shrines, or venturing outside of Kyoto to sip matcha in Uji or bow to deer in nearby Nara, Kyoto feels like stepping into a living postcard of Japan’s past. We were told that Kyoto was spared from much of the bombing during WWII to preserve this traditional Japanese city and it became our favorite (so far!) in Japan.

If you're planning your Japan itinerary, here's our Kyoto travel guide on how to spend 4 unforgettable days in Kyoto, including day trips to Nara, Uji, and Osaka—plus our personal hotel picks, favorite food stops, and what we’d do with more time.

First time to Japan? Check out our First Timers Guide to Japan! Interested in learning more about what apps you should download before heading to Japan and Hakone? Check out our Looking for Essential Apps you should download before heading to Japan post!

Why Visit Kyoto?

If you're dreaming of a place that reflects “old Japan”, Kyoto delivers in every way. This is where you'll find:

  • Over 1,600 temples and 400 shrines

  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites around every corner

  • A city that still reveres ancient tea traditions, seasonal festivals, and geisha culture

  • Easy access to side trips like Osaka, Uji, and Nara

Kyoto is perfect for travelers who want to balance cultural immersion, natural beauty, and culinary adventures in one unforgettable city.

Best Time to Visit Kyoto

  • Spring (March–May): Cherry blossom season (late March to early April) is magical. We visited in Mid-March and adored the plum blossoms blooming surrounding the temples. We were about a week too early for cherry blossom season but we found the plum blossoms to be just as photogenic. If you are looking for fewer crowds come right before cherry blossom season. Otherwise, once the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, expect large crowds. We found the weather to be a little chilly, but there were times during the day where you would be fine in a long sleeve shirt or light sweater.

  • Fall (October–November): Brilliant autumn foliage in temple gardens is a local favorite. This is a very really popular time to visit Kyoto, so expect some crowds. You will also most likely experience variable weather during this time, so be prepared with layers!

  • Summer (June–August): Humid and hot, but home to the famous Gion Matsuri festival. This is another popular time to visit, but tends to be a little less crowded than Spring and Fall. Expect hot weather and some crowds.

  • Winter (December–February): Quiet, cold, and possibly snowy—perfect for photography and fewer people. If you are looking for a more peaceful experience, winter could be a perfect time to visit. The weather can be quite cold with lows around 33 Fahrenheit or 0 Celsius and high around 45 Fahrenheit or 7 Celsius.

Pro Tip: For comfortable weather, fewer crowds, and stunning nature, visit in mid to late March or mid-November.

Weather in Kyoto & What to Pack

Kyoto’s weather changes a lot with the seasons, and packing right can make your trip much more comfortable. Since you’ll spend long days walking through temples, parks, and city streets, think about layers, comfort, and cultural respect.

Spring (March–May)

Mild, sunny, and cherry blossom season! Bring:

Summer (June–August)

Hot and humid with sudden rain. Pack:

  • Breathable and dry fit clothing that is light for the humid days but also dries quickly.

  • Consider bringing a quick-dry towel that can really help for those hot days wandering around.

  • Refillable water bottle – tap water is perfectly safe to drink

Fall (September–November)

Cooler temps + fiery autumn foliage. Pack:

Winter (December–February)

Cold, crisp, and fewer crowds. Pack:

Year-Round Essentials

  • Travel Backpack for your carry-on. Ash got this specific one for her birthday and it fits so many things. It also comes with additional bags that are great for fitting shoes, laundry, etc.

  • We love our Samsonite luggage. We’ve had so many issues with fabric bags ripping or snagging over the years that we switched to the hard cover bags and have had no issues!

  • Luggage scale - great right before the airport to ensure your bag isn’t overweight but also for the way back once you stuff those extra purchases in your bag!

  • Packing Cubes - We don’t go on any trip without these. It helps divide out items by function and rolling and stashing items in these cubes allows for more room in your bag for souvenirs.

  • Last but definitely not least: Apple Air Tags for your checked luggage. This can come in handy if your luggage does not make it or gets lost in transit so you can find its location.

  • Download offline maps such as Google Maps to help you explore even if you lose or don’t have service.

If you’re continuing your trip after Kyoto, check out our Complete First-Timer’s Guide to Japan for transit tips, etiquette, and cultural dos & don’ts.

How Long Should I Stay in Kyoto?

We recommend a minimum of 3–4 full days to explore Kyoto at a relaxed pace and add in day trips. There’s so much to see here that you could easily spend a week and still not see it all. If you are planning day trips to Osaka or other surrounding areas, we would recommend staying 5-6 days.

Helpful Hints for Visiting Kyoto

Gion Neighborhood at night

Getting Around:

  • Public transit is excellent – use buses for temple routes and trains for nearby cities.

  • The ICOCA card (like Suica) works on all public transportation and can be loaded with credit. We recommend downloading it in advance - check out our essential apps post for a how to guide on setting up your SUICA or ICOCA card.

  • Taxis (and Uber) are reliable but very expensive. Walking is often the best way to discover hidden gems.

Fun Fact: Kyoto was Japan’s imperial capital for over 1,000 years and has 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Weather & Packing:

  • Pack for variable weather in spring and fall. Bring layers, good walking shoes, a travel umbrella, and sunscreen.

  • Summers are humid, so stay hydrated and start sightseeing early.

  • Winters are cold but not harsh—bring warm layers.

Safety Tips: This is of the safest cities in Japan—use basic common sense, and be respectful in sacred spaces.

Population: Kyoto has a population of about 1.5 million, but it feels much calmer than Tokyo or Osaka thanks to its slower pace and preserved historical areas.

Unique Fact: Kyoto was originally spared from bombing during WWII due to its cultural significance. This means many ancient buildings and temples are original, not reconstructed.

SIM Cards & Wi-Fi: Rent a pocket Wi-Fi or buy an eSIM(such as Airalo) or physical SIM (either at the airport or downtown). Free Wi-Fi is limited in public spaces, so having your own is smart.

Entrance Requirements: No visa needed for U.S., Canada, Australia, or EU residents for stays under 90 days. Just bring your passport.

Cash or Card? Yes! While many places accept credit cards, some smaller restaurants, shrines, and shops are cash only. You can withdraw yen from 7-Eleven or Japan Post ATMs with international cards. We ended up having to pull out cash several times - so always make sure to have some yen on hand.

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink? Yes—safe and clean to drink.

Restaurant Reservations? Recommended for popular or upscale spots, especially kaiseki, sushi counters, or restaurants in Gion. Walk-ins okay at most casual places.

Plug Type: Type A/B (same as U.S.). Voltage is 100V—most devices are compatible.

Etiquette: Always remove shoes when entering traditional homes or accommodations. No need for hotels.

Where We Stayed:

Fauchon Hotel Kyoto
We really loved this unique hotel situated right in the heart of Kyoto. If you are looking for a different hotel experience, we highly recommend this one. This hotel is a stunning fusion of French elegance and Japanese hospitality. Fauchon is a luxurious and creative stay located in central Kyoto. The rooms are modern and artsy, the service is fantastic, and the Fauchon pink aesthetic is surprisingly fun as well. One of the hallmarks is the beautiful top floor dining room that also offers High Tea for a unique Japanese and French fusion experience. You're within walking distance of both the Gion District and Nishiki Market, making it a perfect home base. We found most everything was within an easy 15 minute walk or a quick bus ride.

Other Recommended Areas to Stay:

  • Gion: Classic Kyoto charm with cobbled lanes and machiya townhouses. There is a great variety of hotels in this region ranging from luxury to budget

  • Higashiyama: This area is very convenient and near the top temples like Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka Shrine. There are a wide range of hotels from very high end to budget. This is a great location if you are looking to be closer to the top temples.

  • Downtown Kyoto (Kawaramachi): If you are looking for convenience and an area that is walkable, central, and near lots of dining and shopping, this is a great option to consider!

  • Arashiyama: If you are looking for something more quiet, scenic, and right next to the Bamboo Forest, consider this area. This is outside the main city center area, but offers closer proximity to the beautiful Kyoto countryside.

Top Things to Do in Kyoto in 4 Days:

  • Visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) - This was our favorite temple to explore! If you go during golden hour you will be able to take some amazing pictures.

  • Wander the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and nearby Tenryuji Temple

  • Take a Geisha walking tour in Gion - we did a night walking tour through the old town and it was one of our favorite things in Kyoto. It’s a wonderful way to explore Gion without the crowds.

  • Walk the 1,000 torii gates at Fushimi Inari-taisha - This was another wonderful highlight.

  • Enjoy a tea ceremony in Uji

  • Feed deer at Nara Park - Another absolute must do!

  • Shop and stroll Nishiki Market

  • Relax at the Kamo River

  • Explore the backstreets of Higashiyama and Sannenzaka

4-Day Kyoto Itinerary

Day 1: Temple Hopping in Arashiyama & Northern Kyoto

  • Travel from Kyoto - we took the bullet train from Hakone to Kyoto (but you can also take the train from Tokyo or fly). Arrive at your hotel or AirBnB/VRBO, drop off your bags and go exploring!

  • First stop, head straight to the Arashiyama district. Start your visit by wandering around Ryoan-ji (rock garden) & Tenryu-ji (Zen temple). We’d recommend opting to explore inside the temple. You can wander around the different rooms and see some historical Buddhist artifacts.

  • After visiting the Tenryu-ji temple, exit and immediately take a stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. The bamboo forest is a beautiful place to wander around and take pictures or just take in the towering bamboo all around you. If you have some extra time, be sure to stop at the Okochi Sanso Garden (you will need to pay an admission fee to enter). Here you can find great panoramic views of Kyoto as well as a tea house with snacks.

  • After the bamboo forest, head back into town for shopping, matcha, and dessert. If you want to see additional temples, there are several others in the area that may be worth exploring such as Daikaku-ji Temple or Jōjakkōji Temple. Once you are finished exploring, head over to one of our favorite temples (about a 20 minute drive or a roughly 50 minute bus ride) and end your day at the Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). This temple is a beautiful golden temple surrounded by a lake. We recommend spending at least an hour walking around the beautiful grounds. Afterwards, head back to your accommodation to rest your feet and freshen up for the evening.

  • Evening: Food & Bar Crawl Tour – this is a great way to explore Kyoto’s izakayas and sake spots - this was one of our favorite tours where we met some awesome people and had some fantastic food (and sake!)

Day 2: Day Trip to Nara & Uji

We recommend making this a full day tour to explore the surrounding areas of Nara and Uji. If you want to spend more time in Kyoto, we recommend opting for a guided tour which will save you time and logistics. If you prefer to explore on your own, like we did, then setting aside 2/3’s of a day to enjoy both Nara and Uji. Take the Kintetsu Limited Express train from Kyoto to Nara station, roughly a 35 minute train ride south, or you can take the Nara line which will take you closer to an hour.

  • Morning in Nara:

    • This is one of the coolest and unique experiences! Be sure to feed the bowing deer in Nara Park. There are plenty of stalls selling crackers to feed them - be sure to bring cash!). Once you are in the park, there are deer everywhere and once they know you have crackers, they will want to be your best friend and flock to you. You can bow to the deer and they will bow their heads back, and then expect a treat.

      • Quick tip: Be sure to break apart the crackers in advance, once the deer see the crackers they can get a little over eager and may come over and try to eat them all. Just know that although they are friendly, the deer may nip you - we found that if you hold your hands up showing that you had nothing in your hands (no food) they will normally disperse and move on to someone else.

    • After spending time with the deer, go wander around the town. Be sure to visit Todai-ji, Chumon, Nandaimon Gate, and Himuro Shrine. If you only have time for one other sightseeing experience, don’t miss Todai-ji. This massive temple complex is impressive and the massive statues of Buddha are worth the visit!

  • Afternoon in Uji:

    • Take the Nara Line from Nara to Uji, roughly a 50 minute train ride north back towards Kyoto. Uji is a beautiful riverside town with winding streets, tea houses, and temples. If you are interested in a traditional tea ceremony or just want to try out quality matcha tea, Uji is for you.

    • First, take some time to explore Ujibashi-dori Street and Byodoin Omote-Sando.

    • Take a break and rest your legs with a Matcha tasting at Uji Chaganju Cafe for a traditional tea ceremony. We’d recommend reserving the tea ceremony in advance as these fill up quickly!

    • Lastly, visit the Byodo-in Temple (featured on the ¥10 coin) - a beautiful temple located next to the river. This is a picturesque place to wander. After you are done exploring, head back to Kyoto for dinner.

  • Evening: Geisha Walking Tour – this is a must-do cultural experience and a really interesting way to learn about both the Geisha performing artists and the historical side of Kyoto.

Day 3: Half-Day Trip to Osaka & Evening in Kyoto

On this day we would recommend visiting Osaka either in the morning or in the afternoon. Osaka is a huge city and you can easily take a full day to explore. We chose to hit just two of the major highlights the Osaka Castle and Dotonbori. There are a ton of things to do in Kyoto, but for us we chose a quick visit to spend more of our time in Kyoto. Whether you choose to spend a partial day or a full day, Osaka is absolutely worth a visit!

  • Morning train to Osaka (roughly an hour to an hour and fifteen minute train ride from Kyoto). There are plenty of local trains that will take you to Osaka from Kyoto.

    • First stop, visit the amazing Osaka Castle! The Osaka Castle is a towering monument right in the heart of Osaka. Plan on spending at least two hours here, although you can easily spend more time if you are history buff. We would recommend buying tickets in advance to skip the lines. We bought tickets when we arrived in waited about 30 minutes to buy tickets. Don’t make the same mistake we did and be sure to purchase your tickets in advance or if exploring more of Osaka, consider buying the Osaka Amazing Pass, which will grant you access to 40 attractions throughout Osaka. Once inside the Osaka castle, you will find the history of both the castle as well as some history of Japan with floors of artifacts and exhibits. Once you have finished exploring the museum, be sure to wander to the observation deck for some beautiful views of Osaka.

    • Once you are finished wandering through the castle, visit the Plum Blossom Park located on the outskirts of the castle grounds. Bring your camera and enjoy wandering through this beautiful park with the castle in the background. If you have some additional time, you can even take small boat ride around the castle moat.

    • Next, explore one of the coolest areas in Osaka, Dotonbori. Dotonbori is one of the most famous districts in Japan and is a perfect place to wander and explore with tons of restaurants, shopping, market stalls, street food, attractions, and impressive billboards! Be sure to take a canal ride to take it it all in. One of our favorite things was grabbing some amazing sushi, wandering around and having strawberry mochi, and then grabbing a beer and relaxing by the water, making for a great afternoon.

    • If you want to spend more time in Osaka here are few ideas to consider:

  • After exploring around Osaka, if you decided to only spend a half day, head back to Kyoto to explore more of Kyoto in the afternoon:

    • First head to the Philosopher’s path for some beautiful scenery and reflection time and to check out one of the most scenic temples Ginkaku-ji. This is a fantastic way to spend the afternoon and see more of Kyoto’s nature.

    • If you have additional time after the Philosopher’s path head to the Shimogyo Ward near Gion for one of the best shopping areas in Kyoto. Specifically, head to the Kyoto Takashimaya Shopping Center and head to the top floor to visit Nintendo Kyoto Store (remember to bring your passport if you want to shop tax free!). For another unique experience you can head slightly north and check out the Loutre otter cafe - where you can visit and play with otters! [Two caveats: 1. Make sure you book in advance as the otter cafe books up fast! 2. These cafes are typical in Japan, while the otters seem well cared for, always do your own research before visiting].

    • Dinner on Nabeyacho Street (Gion) - we really liked Sushi Kizaemon for some great sushi and sashimi. If sushi isn’t your jam, there are plenty of others restaurants from upscale to ramen bars.

    • If you are looking for a great place and fantastic cocktail bar be sure to grab drinks at Cavalier Bar to either start or end your night!

Day 4: Kyoto Farewell

  • We recommend getting up early and getting a quick breakfast and grabbing the train to visit Fushimi Inari-Taisha (1,000+ torii gates). This was one of our favorite places to visit in Kyoto. When you first arrive you are met with the beautiful Fushimi Inari Shrine. Spend some time wandering around, buy an omikuji (fortune slip which you can translate via Google Translate), and grab some pictures in front of the buildings. When visiting you have two options, you can do a leisurely stroll amongst the beautiful orange torii gates and partially wander the trail OR you can hike up to the summit of Mount Inari (roughly a 2-3 hour hike with a lot of stairs - BRING WATER). Due to time constraints we only made it up to the Yotsutsuji intersection, which is about 30 minutes up the mountain and winds you through the majority of the densely packed toriis. If you are short on time or the hike isn’t your jam, this is a great turn around point where you can still find some amazing views of Kyoto while wandering through the majority of the toriis.

    • Pro Tip: Arrive EARLY - the 1,000 torii gates can get very busy, so we’d recommend making this your first stop of the day. While the paths are fairly large, expect a lot of people stopping to take pictures of the gates. If you want some time to take pictures and avoid some of the larger crowds, go early. You can also continue to walk 5-10 mins through the gates and be able to stop to get pictures without any other people.

  • Head back to the Higashiyama Ward and stroll through Yasaka-Kamimachi (if you took one of the Gion tours you mostly likely visited this area before) and walk past Hokan-ji (Yasaka Pagoda). This beautiful pagoda is well worth a stop and a few pictures as you wander amongst the old wooden buildings and narrow streets. While wandering through this area, whether you are a Starbucks fan or not, we would recommend stopping at one of the most unique Starbucks.

  • After grabbing a matcha, walk about 10 minutes north to the beautiful Yasaka Shrine. Take some time to enjoy the grounds and the ornate gates. Depending on your train time, head back towards your accommodation and grab a delicious Ramen lunch.

  • Continue on your Japanese journey. For us, we returned back to Tokyo via Shinkansen (bullet train).

More Ideas & Optional Experiences

Can’t-Miss Day Trips from Kyoto

One of Kyoto’s biggest perks is its central location, making it easy to explore other iconic destinations by train or guided tour. Here are a few unforgettable day trips worth booking in advance:

  • Nara 🦌 – Visit the famous giant Buddha at Todai-ji Temple and meet the friendly free-roaming deer in Nara Park.
    → Book a Nara day trip from Kyoto here

  • Arashiyama 🎋 – Technically part of Kyoto but best done as a half-day escape. Stroll through the Bamboo Grove, visit Monkey Park Iwatayama, and the stunning Togetsukyo Bridge.
    → Join a guided Arashiyama tour here

  • Osaka 🍜 – Just 15 minutes away by bullet train. Perfect for foodies, to explore Dotonbori’s neon lights, sample takoyaki and okonomiyaki, and visit the Osaka Castle.
    → Book a day trip around Osaka here

  • Himeji Castle 🏯 – Japan’s most spectacular samurai-era castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    → Reserve a tour of Himeji Castle here

  • Uji 🍵 – The birthplace of Japanese green tea. Visit Byodo-in Temple and take part in a traditional tea ceremony.
    → Book a Uji tea experience here

  • Gion and Geisha Walking Tour - Discover some of this history of both Kyoto and the Geisha, a cool cultural experience.

    → Book a Geisha Walking Tour

  • Food and Drink Tour - Kyoto is a foodie’s dream and taking a tour can really open you up to new food experiences.

    → Book a Food and beverage tour

Why We Chose Kyoto Over Osaka to Stay

While Osaka has unbeatable street food and a fun nightlife scene, Kyoto offers a richer cultural experience, more scenic beauty, and a slower pace—perfect for immersing yourself into the city. Kyoto offered more of the traditional Japanese experience to us with plenty of temples, nature, hiking, amazing food, and beautiful districts to explore. Also, we liked the proximity to Nara and Uji that were high up on our list of places to visit. Additionally, Osaka felt like more of a metropolitan city, much like Tokyo, and we wanted to experience something different. The best part is that you you can still visit Osaka in under 30 minutes (15 minutes by bullet train), so why not have the best of both worlds?

Kamo River in Kyoto

Should I Stay Overnight in Nara?

For most travelers, a day trip is plenty. But if you’re seeking a quieter experience after the crowds leave, Nara has charming ryokan stays and peaceful walks through temple parks. Ideal for slow travelers or return visitors. While we found a half day to be plenty, Nara is a beautiful city to explore.

What We Would Have Done If We Had More Time:

Final Thoughts

Kyoto is one of our favorite Japanese cities. The people, the sights, the temples, they all leave a lasting impression. Exploring this beautiful city makes you feel like you are stepping back into traditional Japan - you can feel the history all around you. Four days gave us a glimpse of its magic, and we already can’t wait to go back.

Rooftop at The Nintendo Store in Kyoto

Interested in visiting the beautiful mountains and onsens with views of Mount Fuji? Check out our blog post about Hakone!

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✨ Ready to plan your own Kyoto escape?
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Matthew Cogossi
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48 Hours in Hakone, Japan: Spas, Scenic Views & Soothing Vibes