How Many Days Do You Need In Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan’s once capital, owns many historical shrines, museums, and royal palaces. For most visitors, 3 – 4 days are enough for them to visit Kyoto’s most popular and classic tourist attractions. Even with limited time, you need to spend at least 2 days. To explore more niche places in Arashiyama and Kibune, 5 – 7 days are needed.

3 – 4 Days: Sufficient and Best Choice for Most Visitors

Except for Kinkaku-ji Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, which are comparatively remote, many historical sites are close to each other like Yasaka Shrine and Gion. Sometimes walking is the best way from one attraction to another.

Day 1

Since most travelers stay near Kyoto Station, on the first day, you can start your Kyoto trip from nearby attractions, like Kyoto Railway Museum where dozens of different trains will tell you the history of Japan’s railway. After that, continue to see the tallest wooden architecture - Toji Temple, the 800-year-old Zen temple – Tofukuji Temple, and 1,000 golden-colored Buddha statues in Sanjusangendo Temple. Last, end your first day by walking through 10,000 red torii gates in Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Most attractions can be reached from one to another within 20 minutes by bus or train. 

Day 2

Spend the next day around the attraction gathering area – Yasaka Shrine. The ancient district – Gion to watch the Geisha show, the grand red gate of Yasaka Shrine, the spacious Kiyomizu stage in Kiyomizu-dera Temple to see the panoramic Kyoto City, two rows of Japanese wooden houses in Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, all of these places are worth your whole day. At sunset, you can also take a walk along Kamo River. These places are close to each other, so traveling by walking is all right.

Day 3

On the third day, Kyoto-gosho, Nijo Castle, and Kinkaku-ji Temple can be seen in order. The Japanese gardens in the royal palace – Kyoto-gosho, the gilded entrance of the Japanese general’s castle, and the pavilion shining golden light on clear days won’t disappoint you. During your return journey from Kinkaku-ji Temple, you can also go to TOEI Kyoto Studio Park by the way. 

Day 4

In addition to the above places, Kyoto also has many attractions worth going to, such as Nanzen-ji Temple, Heian-Jingu Shrine, and Philosopher’s Path. You can use your 4th day to visit them, or for visitors with limited time while still desiring a slow tour in Kyoto,

Advice – skip similar shrines or temples to save time

Although many shrines or shrines are famous, some of them look identical. Except for Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, it doesn’t matter if you skip some for more different experiences.

2 days at Least to See Most of Kyoto’s Highlights

With only 2 days, just visit the most famous places in Kyoto.
Day 1: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine → Yasaka Shrine → Gion → Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka → Kamo River
Day 2: Kyoto-gosho → Nijo Castle → Kinkaku-ji Temple → Kiyomizu-dera Temple

5 – 7 Days: In-Depth Exploration of Kyoto with Excursions to Neighboring Uji, Nara

Kyoto’s charm not only comes from historical buildings but also relies on Arashiyama and Kibune. Their distant locations isolate the hustle and bustle, making visitors feel peaceful. There are much fewer tourists here than in the above classic attractions.

Day 5 – 6: Arashiyama (half day) + Kibune (a day)

1. Arashiyama

Transportation: 30 minutes
Visit order (reverse is workable): Tenryu-ji Temple → Somekobo Tymeyusai Inc. → Jojakkoji Temple → Gioji Temple
Unmissable – Somekobo Tymeyusai Inc.
Somekobo Yumeyusai Inc.’s huge round wooden windows are very distinctive, from which you can see the shadow of trees swaying on tatami and the magnificent maple leaves above the Jojakkoji Temple
Note
There are only hundreds of meters between these attractions, so half day for tour is totally enough. To avoid crowds, you can skip either Bamboo forest or Togetsukyo Bridge. 

2. Kibune

Transportation: 2 hours from Arashiyama to Kibune
Clockwise Visit Order: Kamigamo-jinja Shrine → Kifune Shrine → Sanzen-in Temple → Rukikoin Temple in a clockwise direction. 
Important note: Kibune’s attractions are much further from each other. It may take you about 1 hour from one to another by train. With only 1 day for Kibune, taking a taxi is more time-saving.

Day 6 – 7: 1-Day or 1.5-Day Trip from Kyoto

Suitable Cities (Feature)	Distance to Kyoto (km/mi)
Nara (Cute Deer)	40 km/25mi
Uji (Tea Ceremony)	13km/8mi
Nagoya	130km/80mi
Osaka (Markets & Shopping)	55km/35mi

For more detailed plan, you can continue reading 5 Best Day Trips from Kyoto.