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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Nijo Castle and Imperial Palace Visit with Guide ($80)
- Kyoto City Adventure! Explore All Twelve Attractive Landmarks! ($100)
- Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle Walking Tour ($114)
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 Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour ($84)
- Half-Day Private Walking Tour in Kyoto ($90)
- Arashiyama Walking Tour - Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Secrets ($80)
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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour ($84)
- Half-Day Private Walking Tour in Kyoto ($90)
- Arashiyama Walking Tour - Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Secrets ($80)
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:
- Bento Box Cooking Class ($68)
- Sushi - Authentic Japanese Cooking Class - the best souvenir from Kyoto! ($64)
- Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour ($84)
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 ($40)
- Bar and Izakaya Nightlife Tour in Kyoto ($38)
- Private Guided Local Bar Crawl Experience in Kyoto ($223)
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.
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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Walking Tour - Osaka Castle and River Cruise from Osaka or Kyoto ($112)
- Private Kamigamo River Electric Bike Tour ($80)
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.
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