Kyoto itinerary for first-timers
The classic neighborhoods in an order that works, with a 4K street walk for every stop. Watch your trip before you take it.
Day 1: Higashiyama & Gion
The Philosopher's Path at dawn, Kiyomizu-dera and the old stepped lanes in the afternoon, and Gion at dusk.
- 1
Early morning
Philosopher's Path & Nanzen-ji
A stone path along a small canal at the foot of the eastern hills, lined with cherry trees and little temples, running from the Silver Pavilion to the great Zen temple of Nanzen-ji and its brick aqueduct.
- Philosopher's Path
- Nanzen-ji
- Suirokaku aqueduct
Walk it early: by mid-morning the path fills up, especially in cherry blossom and autumn leaf season.
Bus or taxi from Nanzen-ji to Kiyomizu-michi, about 15 min.
- 2
Afternoon
Kiyomizu-dera & the old slopes
Kyoto's most famous temple, with its wooden stage over the hillside, reached by the stepped lanes of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, lined with old wooden shops and teahouses.
- Kiyomizu-dera
- Ninenzaka
- Sannenzaka
- Nene-no-Michi
Heavy Snowfall in Kyoto: Gion, Yasaka Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple
Video by VIRTUAL KYOTO on YouTube
Jump toWalk down Ninenzaka and Nene-no-Michi to Yasaka Shrine, about 20 min.
- 3
Evening
Gion & Yasaka Shrine
The old geisha district, with wooden teahouses along Hanamikōji Street, and the Yasaka Shrine with Maruyama Park behind it, glowing with lanterns at dusk.
- Hanamikōji Street
- Yasaka Shrine
- Maruyama Park
Gion's back lanes are private; stay on the main streets and don't photograph geiko and maiko without asking.
Heavy Snowfall in Kyoto: Gion, Yasaka Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple
Video by VIRTUAL KYOTO on YouTube
Jump to
Day 2: Fushimi Inari & the centre
The red gates of Fushimi Inari early, Nishiki Market and the arcades in the afternoon, and Miyagawachō by the river in the evening.
- 1
Early morning
Fushimi Inari Taisha
The great shrine of Inari, with thousands of vermilion torii gates forming tunnels up the wooded slopes of Mount Inari, and fox statues at every turn.
- Torii gate tunnels
- Main shrine
- Mount Inari trail
Go early, and keep climbing: the crowds thin out a lot after the first viewpoint.
Keihan line from Fushimi-Inari to Gion-Shijō, about 10 min, then walk west, about 10 min.
- 2
Afternoon
Nishiki Market & Teramachi
A narrow covered market street known as Kyoto's Kitchen, with pickles, sweets, tofu and seafood snacks, next to the shopping arcades of Teramachi and Shinkyogoku.
- Nishiki Market
- Teramachi Street
- Shinkyogoku Street
Many stalls ask you not to eat while walking; eat by the stall or in the spaces they provide.
Walk east across the Shijō Bridge, about 15 min.
- 3
Evening
Miyagawachō & the Kamo River
A quieter old teahouse district by the river, with lanterns and wooden façades, a short walk across the Shijō Bridge from Gion.
- Miyagawachō
- Shijō Bridge
- Kamo River
Heavy Snowfall in Kyoto: Gion, Yasaka Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple
Video by VIRTUAL KYOTO on YouTube
Jump to
Day 3: Arashiyama & the Golden Pavilion
The bamboo grove and Togetsukyō Bridge in the morning, then the Golden Pavilion in the afternoon.
- 1
Early morning
Arashiyama
Kyoto's western edge, where the Togetsukyō Bridge crosses the Katsura River below wooded mountains and a path runs through the famous bamboo grove.
- Bamboo grove
- Togetsukyō Bridge
- Katsura River
The bamboo grove is busiest from mid-morning; be there by 8am for quiet paths.
Walking in the Snowfall in Arashiyama, Kyoto
Video by Drifted Films on YouTube
Bus or taxi from Arashiyama to Kinkaku-ji, about 30 min.
- 2
Afternoon
Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion
A pavilion covered in gold leaf, reflected in a mirror pond and surrounded by a Japanese strolling garden, one of the best-known sights in Japan.
- Golden Pavilion
- Mirror pond
- Strolling garden
Golden Pavilion Kinkaku-ji Walking Tour
Video by Rec Lab. on YouTube
Travelling with someone?
Send them this 3-day Kyoto plan, videos included.
Planning your first trip to Kyoto
How many days?
Three days covers Higashiyama and Gion, Fushimi Inari and the centre, and Arashiyama with the Golden Pavilion. With one day, focus on Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera and Gion.
Where to stay
Stay around Kawaramachi and Shijō for the trains, shops and restaurants; Gion and Higashiyama are atmospheric and close to the temples; the area around Kyoto Station is best for arriving and leaving. Compare areas →
Getting around
City buses reach most temples but get crowded; combine them with the subway, the JR and Keihan lines, and plenty of walking. Taxis are handy for short hops between hills.
Kyoto was Japan's capital for more than a thousand years, and its temples, shrines and old wooden streets are spread across the edges of a modern city. A first visit falls into clear pieces: the eastern hills of Higashiyama with Kiyomizu-dera and the geisha district of Gion; Fushimi Inari's tunnels of red gates in the south; the market streets of the centre; and Arashiyama and the Golden Pavilion in the west.
Every stop comes with a walking video filmed on those paths, so you can see the shrines, lanes and gardens before you arrive; some were filmed in rare heavy snow. Use the buttons under each video to jump to the landmark, or press Preview to watch a whole day in a row.
Kyoto itinerary: common questions
How many days do you need in Kyoto?
Three days is a good first visit: one for Higashiyama and Gion, one for Fushimi Inari and the centre, and one for Arashiyama and the Golden Pavilion. In one day you can still see Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera and Gion.
What is the best time of day to visit Fushimi Inari?
Early morning. The shrine is open all day and night, and the lower gates fill up quickly from mid-morning. The higher you climb, the quieter the trail becomes.
When is the best time to visit Kyoto?
Late March to early April for cherry blossoms and November for autumn leaves are the most beautiful, and the busiest. Winter is quiet and occasionally snowy, and summer is hot and humid.
How do I get around Kyoto?
Use the subway and the JR and Keihan trains for longer trips, buses for the temples they reach, and walk within each area. Higashiyama, Gion and the centre are all within walking distance of each other.
Travel times are approximate. Check opening days and any booking requirements before you go.
Where to stay in Kyoto
5 areas compared, each with a street walk so you can see the neighborhood before you book.
Read the guide →Keep exploring Kyoto
More 4K walking videos, top sights, food markets and dishes to try.
Kyoto city guide →