Kyoto: a five-storey wooden pagoda rising above tiled rooftops and green trees under a cloudy sky. — Photo: Vinicius Brasil · Unsplash

AI-drafted · check before you go

Kyoto

3–4 days suggestedFirst time in JapanTemples & gardensEating as you go

Spring (cherry blossoms) and autumn (autumn colours) are the busiest; winter is quiet.

Areas

Higashiyama
Kiyomizu-dera, old streets and Gion, linked on foot
See "Higashiyama" on Google Maps
Arashiyama
Bamboo, temples and the river; quieter in the morning
See "Arashiyama" on Google Maps
Fushimi
Thousands of torii gates; the climb to the top and back takes two to three hours
See "Fushimi" on Google Maps
City centre
Markets, shopping streets and the station area
See "City centre" on Google Maps

Sample route

Day 1Higashiyama: Kiyomizu-dera → Ninenzaka → Yasaka Shrine → Gion
Day 2Arashiyama: Bamboo Grove → Tenryū-ji → Togetsukyō Bridge
Day 3Fushimi Inari → Nishiki Market → Kyoto Station

Opening hours and ticket prices aren't listed here (they change often): open each place in Google Maps for the latest.

See this route planned out Plan your own trip (after sign-up opens)