7-Day Kyoto Itinerary (For First Timers)

Kyoto, the ancient heart of Japan, is a city that seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern sophistication. With its countless temples, shrines, traditional teahouses, and breathtaking landscapes, Kyoto never ceases to amaze those lucky enough to visit and gaze upon it. In this seven-day itinerary, we’ll guide you through some of the city’s most iconic and well-known sights and lesser-known gems for an unforgettable week in Kyoto.

Kyoto’s urban layout is notably user-friendly, with its grid-like arrangement making it simple for visitors to find their way around the city. When it comes to getting from one destination to another, Kyoto boasts a comprehensive network of buses that efficiently connect many of the main temples and shrines. For longer distances or more remote locations, the city’s trains and subway system are equally dependable. Useful transit maps can be found here to help you plan your journey; otherwise, feel free to speak to any of the helpful staff working at any station; you’ll find that they’ll usually go out of their way to assist you.

Another fantastic option for discovering Kyoto is by renting a bicycle. The city’s predominantly flat terrain makes it an ideal place for leisurely cycling. Numerous bike rental shops are available throughout the city, so don’t hesitate to hop on a bicycle for a day or more to explore Kyoto at your own pace. This eco-friendly and fun mode of transportation provides a unique way to experience the city’s charming streets and neighborhood.

No matter your budget or needs, Kyoto has accommodation options for everyone. For a luxurious stay, consider the Hotel Granvia Kyoto or the Kyoto Brighton Hotel. The Hotel Granvia Kyoto is conveniently located within the Kyoto Station building, giving you direct access to the Shinkansen, JR Train, Subway, and Kintetsu Train lines from the moment you step outside of the front door. The Kyoto Brighton Hotel, on the other hand, is situated in the quiet and prestigious neighborhood of Kamigyo-Ku, which lies just west of Kyoto’s awe-inspiring Imperial Palace.

For mid-range accommodation, the Karasuma Kyoto Hotel is an excellent option. This hotel is centrally located, providing easy access to major tourist attractions in the city and public transportation. Budget travelers can opt for the Len Kyoto Kawaramachi, which offers comfortable and affordable lodging in the immediate vicinity of the beautiful Kamo River with easy access to the city.

9:00 a.m.

Start your adventure back in time by visiting Kiyomizu-dera, a magnificent temple perched on a hill overlooking the city. Wander through the temple grounds and drink from the Otowan Waterfall, believed to bestow good fortune.

12:00 p.m.

Explore the charming streets of Higashiyama District, lined with traditional wooden townhouses, teahouses, and artisan food and craft shops. Stop for lunch at Izuju Sushi, a century-old restaurant specializing in Kyoto style sushi.

3:00 p.m.

With a full belly, head over to the iconic Yasaka Shrine, a vibrant Shinto shrine nestled at the end of Shijo-dori. As it gets dark you’ll obtain the chance to marvel at the shrine's many colorful lanterns and take part in a traditional Japanese ritual.

7:00 p.m.

Experience Kyoto’s geisha culture in Gion, the city’s famous entertainment district. Dine at Gion Karyo, a traditional kaiseki restaurant, and enjoy a multi-course meal featuring seasonal fresh ingredients.

9:00 a.m.

Begin the day at Kinkaku-ji, the famed Golden Pavilion. This Zen temple is adorned with gold leaf and set amidst a tranquil pond and lush gardens. Take a leisurely stroll through the grounds and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at the Sekka-tei Tea House.

12:00 p.m.

Make your way west towards Ryoan-ji, a Zen temple renowned for its mysterious rock garden. Meditate on the garden’s 15 stones, which are arranged in such a way that one stone is always hidden from view.

3:00 p.m.

Next, explore Nijo Castle, a 17th century fortress that once served as the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns. Marvel at the ornate interiors, complete with sliding doors adorned with intricate paintings, and stroll through the castle's beautiful and expansive gardens.

7:00 p.m.

Dine at Omen, a popular udon noodle restaurant located near Ginkaku-ji. Enjoy their signature udon noodle dishes and sample other locally exclusive delicacies.

9:00 a.m.

Start the day at Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Arashiyama district. Explore the temple’s tranquil garden, designed by the famous Zen master Muso Soseki, and marvel at the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

12:00 p.m.

Visit the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a mesmerizing pathway lined with towering bamboo stalks. Stroll along the path, soaking in the serene atmosphere and listening to the gentle rustling of the bamboo leaves.

3:00 p.m.

Head to Adashina Nenbutsu-ji, a lesser-known temple with a poignant history. The temple grounds are home to more than 8,000 stone statues, which represent the souls of the departed. Take a moment to reflect on the temple's calm and restful atmosphere and pay respect to those who have passed.

7:00 p.m.

Finish the day by fuelling up at Arashiyama Yoshimura, a riverside restaurant known for its delicious and healthy soba noodles. Enjoy your meal on the outdoor terrace, taking in the awe-inspiring views of the Hozu River and Togetsukyo Bridge.

9:00 a.m.

Today’s the day where you’ll make your way to the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of prosperity and rice. Wander through the shrine's iconic torii gates, which create a striking vermillion tunnel leading up the sacred Mount Inari.

12:00 p.m.

Explore the bustling Nishiki Market, a lively food market located within central Kyoto. Sample a variety of local street foods, such as takoyaki (octopus balls), taiyaki (fish-shaped waffle cakes filled with sweet red bean paste), and matcha soft-serve ice cream.

3:00 p.m.

Walk only 15 minutes and you’ll find yourself at the Kyoto International Manga Museum, a fascinating institution dedicated to the art of Japanese comics. Browse through the museum's vast collection of manga, attend workshops, and learn about the history of Japan’s most popular and beloved art form.

7:00 p.m.

Dine at Gyu-Katsu Kyoto Katsugyu, a restaurant specializing in mouth-watering beef cutlets. Enjoy the unique experience of cooking your own mouth-watering beef cutlet on a personal hot stone grill, ensuring it's cooked to your liking.

9:00 a.m.

Begin the day with ease and enjoy a prolonged breakfast at the trendy café % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama, this popular coffee shop is situated in the Higashiyama district, not far from our next destination. They serve excellent specialty coffee along with a small selection of delicious pastries. The modern and minimalist interior, combined with views of the charming streets, creates a pleasant atmosphere while you charge up for the day ahead.

12:00 p.m.

Stroll along the Philosophers Path, a peaceful stone walkway that follows a cherry tree-lined canal. This picturesque path is named after the famous Japanese philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who used it for daily meditation.

3:00 p.m.

Visit Nanzen-ji, a historic Zen temple nestled at the base of Higashiyama mountains. Explore the temple's expansive grounds, which include a beautiful rock garden, a massive Sanmon gate, and an ancient aqueduct.

7:00 p.m.

Dine at Kyoudon Kisoba Okakita, a cozy restaurant located a short walk from Nazen-ji. Savor delicious tempura and udon noodle dishes, accompanied by a soothing cup of green tea.

9:00 a.m.

For today’s itinerary, we are going to pop over to Kyoto’s best next-door neighbor, Nara. The quickest option is taking the JR Nara Rapid Service, which takes about 45 minutes. The Kintetsu Kyoto Line is another option, with a travel time of approximately 50 minutes. Of course, the mode of transportation you take is up to you, with many visitors opting to take various bus lines and local trains on their journey instead.

12:00 p.m.

Visit Nara Park, a spacious public park home to over 1,200 free-roaming deer. Feed and interact with these friendly creatures, which are considered to be sacred messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion.

3:00 p.m.

Explore the beautiful Kasuga Taisha, Nara’s most celebrated shrine, and dedicated to the deity responsible for the protection of the city. Admire the shrines numerous stone and bronze lanterns, which are lit during special lantern festivals twice a year.

7:00 p.m.

For dinner, eat like a local at Maguro Koya, a small and cozy restaurant that specializes in tuna dishes. Located in the Naramachi area, this hidden gem is beloved by locals for its delicious and high-quality tuna offerings. The menu includes a variety of sushi, sashimi, and rice bowls featuring different cuts of tuna, all expertly prepared by the skilled chef. Just be sure to arrive early or make a reservation, as this restaurant has limited seating and can fill up quickly.

9:00 a.m.

Start your final day in Kyoto with a visit to the Kyoto Botanical Garden, a vast green space featuring thousands of plant species, beautiful flower displays, and peaceful walking paths.

12:00 p.m.

Indulge in a leisurely lunch at Mumokuteki Café, a popular vegetarian and vegan-friendly café in downtown Kyoto. Savor their healthy and creative dishes made with local, organic ingredients.

3:00 p.m.

Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at the Camellia Flower Teahouse. Learn about the history and etiquette of this time-honored custom while savoring a bowl of frothy matcha green tea accompanied by a delicate Japanese sweet.

7:00 p.m.

Celebrate your last night in Kyoto with dessert for dinner at Gion Tokuya, a compact sweet shop serving traditional Japanese shaved ice, mochi and various other Japanese desserts inside of an intimate and historic setting. You can start your diet tomorrow.

With seven days in Kyoto, you’ll have plenty of time to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. This itinerary offers a perfect balance of must-see sights, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences, ensuring that your trip to Kyoto is truly unforgettable.