Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Kyoto?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Kyoto?
Not sure how much time you'll need in Kyoto, Japan? Most people spend two to three days in Kyoto during their visit. After all, the fascinating city will let you tour the famous sights and museums, learn about the history of the town, admire the wonderful scenery, and taste delicious cuisine.
Kyoto was once the capital of Japan, and today it is a beautiful historic city that is filled with temples and traditional neighborhoods. There are gardens and palaces as well as traditional shops and dining opportunities. The city is filled with culture and fascinating places to wander and explore.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Kyoto? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Kyoto?
For many visitors, three days in Kyoto would be just the right amount of time. In fact, lots of tourists spend roughly two to three days in the fascinating city to check out the amazing museums and landmarks and terrific charming old town. Below we have some suggestions on how to spend your time here.
How to spend 3 days in Kyoto
Kyoto is home to renowned museums and iconic landmarks, so dive into the city's famous attractions. The city's historical sites rank among the most awe-inspiring globally. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Kyoto Imperial Palace is worth visiting for around 2 hours, which is great for backpackers. Known for its beautifully preserved traditional Japanese architecture, expansive gardens, and rich history as the former residence of the Imperial family before the capital moved to Tokyo, entry is free.
Nijo Castle is worth visiting for around 2 hours, which is great for backpackers. Known for its beautifully preserved Edo-period architecture, stunning gardens, and the famous "nightingale floors" that chirp to alert against intruders, entry is ¥800.
You'll want to have around 1 hour for Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). It's a nice activity for couples and is known for its stunning gold-leaf-covered exterior that reflects beautifully in the surrounding pond, exemplifying traditional Japanese architecture and serene Zen garden design. It's ¥500 per adult to enter Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), with reduced prices for children and students; prices may be subject to change depending on season or exhibition..
Fushimi Inari Taisha is worth visiting for around 2 hours, which is great for families. Known for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that form scenic trails up the sacred Mount Inari, dedicated to the Shinto god of rice and prosperity, entry is free.
It's worth around 2 hours for Kiyomizu-dera. Entry is it costs ¥400 for adults to enter (with discounts for children and students), and special exhibitions may have separate fees.. It's known for its stunning wooden stage that juts out from the main hall, offering panoramic views of the cherry and maple trees below, especially breathtaking during spring and autumn, as well as its historic significance as a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 8th century.
Make sure to set aside around 1 hour for Sanjusangendo Hall, which is ¥600. It's great for backpackers and is known for its remarkable display of 1,001 life-sized statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, arranged in a breathtaking wooden hall that stretches over 120 meters, making it one of the longest wooden structures in Japan.
Make sure to set aside around 1 hour for Ryoan-ji Temple, which is ¥500. It's great for backpackers and is known for its iconic rock garden, which features a minimalist arrangement of fifteen carefully placed stones amidst raked white gravel, designed to inspire meditation and contemplation.
It's worth around 1 hour for Heian Shrine. Entry is ¥600 to enter the Heian Shrine's beautiful gardens, while access to the main shrine grounds is free; children and group discounts may apply.. It's known for its striking torii gate, expansive gardens, and vibrant traditional festivals, including the annual Jidai Matsuri, which celebrates Kyoto's rich imperial history.
You'll want to have around 1 hour for To-ji Temple. It's a nice activity for backpackers and is known for its iconic five-story pagoda, the tallest wooden tower in Japan, as well as its monthly flea markets and historic association as a Shingon Buddhist temple founded in the early Heian period. It's ¥500.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Pedal Adventure Kyoto's iconic landmarks on an e-bike tour ($89)
- Nijo Castle and Imperial Palace Visit with Guide ($82)
- KIYOTO’s Signature Kyoto Experience: Landmarks & Hidden Gems ($89)
Kyoto is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. It's one of the most historical cities in Japan and it has many beautiful Buddhist temples, gardens, and imperial palaces. It's particularly striking during the cherry blossom season.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour at a Zen Temple with Lunch ($98)
- Kyoto Gion: 2-Hour Geisha Culture & History Walking Tour ($30)
- Kyoto Fushimi-Inari Night Walking Tour ($44)
Kyoto is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.
You'll want to have around 2 hours for Nishiki Market. It's a nice activity for families and is known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse array of fresh seafood, traditional Japanese sweets, local produce, and unique kitchenware, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. It's free.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Kyoto Gion: 2-Hour Geisha Culture & History Walking Tour ($30)
- Kyoto Fushimi-Inari Night Walking Tour ($44)
- The Art of Geisha: Exclusive Show & Gion Walking Tour ($129)
You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this city, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Kyoto: Gion Local Food Tour (Taste 15 Dishes) ($90)
- Kyoto Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class with Professional Chefs ($89)
- Ramen Cooking Class at Ramen Factory in Kyoto ($136)
Public transit in Kyoto is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.
Don't miss Kinkaku-ji during your trip to Kyoto, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Kyoto Local Bar Crawl in Kawaramachi Area ($41)
Is 4 days enough time in Kyoto?
With four days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Kyoto has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Kyoto as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can tour the famous sights and museums, learn about the history of the town, admire the wonderful scenery, and taste delicious cuisine at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
Eikando Temple, Kyoto, Japan
How to spend 4 days in Kyoto
Having 4 days in Kyoto will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
Shopping in Kyoto is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.
You'll want to have around 2 hours for Nishiki Market. It's a nice activity for families and is known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse array of fresh seafood, traditional Japanese sweets, local produce, and unique kitchenware, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. It's free.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Kyoto.
Is 5 days enough time in Kyoto?
Five days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Kyoto, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Tour the famous sights and museums, learn about the history of the town, admire the wonderful scenery, and taste delicious cuisine on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Kyoto as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.
How to spend 5 days in Kyoto
With 5 days in Kyoto, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
Kyoto is large enough to spend at least a full day exploring the local neighborhoods, attractions, and activities found around town. It's one of the largest and most historical cities in Japan.
You'll want to have around 2 hours for Gion District. It's a nice activity for couples and is known for its beautifully preserved traditional wooden machiya houses, atmospheric narrow streets, and as a historic geisha district where visitors may catch glimpses of geiko and maiko heading to their appointments. It's free.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Kyoto Bus Tour:Sagano Railway & Hozugawa River Boat Ride 【SW】 ($133)
- Kyoto SKYBUS Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus ($67)
- Yoga by the river in Kyoto ($20)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Kyoto.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Kyoto, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.