7 days in Kyoto, Japan: What to see, eat and do. Full city guide
Ah, Kyoto, Japan! A magical city that effortlessly marries the past with the present. Home to over 1,600 temples, stunning gardens, and the mesmerizing Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto is a treasure trove of culture and history. Even its cuisine, the delightful kaiseki dining experience, is a work of art. Kyoto effortlessly draws you into its charm, and you’ll find yourself yearning to explore its every nook and cranny.
Things to consider before arriving in Kyoto
Incredibly safe and clean
Excellent public transportation
Can be crowded during peak seasons
Perfect for history buffs, foodies, and nature lovers
What to bring with you
• Comfortable walking shoes: There’s so much to explore, you’ll be walking a lot!
• A camera: Kyoto’s beauty will leave you breathless – you’ll want to capture every moment.
• Cash: While credit cards are widely accepted, some smaller shops and temples only accept cash.
• Layered clothing: Kyoto’s weather can be unpredictable, so dressing in layers is key.
Best time of the year to visit
Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) are the most beautiful times to visit Kyoto, as the city is adorned with cherry blossoms or changing autumn leaves. While these seasons are more crowded, the breathtaking scenery is worth the hustle.
How to get into the city
1. By train: The fastest and most convenient way to get to Kyoto is by train. From Tokyo, you can take the Shinkansen (bullet train) which only takes about 2.5 hours.
2. By bus: If you’re on a budget, consider taking an overnight bus. Companies like Willer Express and JR Bus offer comfortable rides at a fraction of the train fare.
3. By plane: You can also fly into Kansai International Airport (KIX) near Osaka and then take an express train (Haruka) or a limousine bus to Kyoto, which is approximately a 1.5-hour journey.
7 day city guide trip to Kyoto, Japan
Day 1: Getting acquainted with Kyoto
Start the day by visiting the most well-known Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Kinkakuji also known as the Golden Pavilion, an architectural piece covered in gold leaves. Next, visit the nearby Ryoanji Temple, known for its beautiful rock garden. For lunch, visit the Nishiki Market, a traditional marketplace filled with various stalls selling local food. In the afternoon, visit the Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns. End the day by strolling through the Gion district, home to traditional Japanese tea houses and geishas.
Day 2: Exploring Fushimi Inari-Taisha and Arashiyama
Take a morning train to Fushimi Inari-Taisha, a famous Shinto shrine known for its thousands of bright orange torii gates. After lunch, head to Arashiyama, a scenic district filled with temples, gardens, and bamboo forests. Be sure to visit the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge and the Tenryuji Temple.
Day 3: Discovering Kyoto’s past
Visit the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its stunning views of Kyoto. Afterwards, head to the Higashiyama district and stroll through its preserved streets filled with old-fashioned shops and restaurants. In the evening, experience a traditional tea ceremony at a local tea house.
Day 4: Day trip to Nara
Take a day trip to Nara, a city just an hour away from Kyoto with a rich history and a myriad of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit the Todaiji Temple, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue, and the sacred deer park where you can feed and interact with the friendly deer.
Day 5: Visiting the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Philosopher’s Path
Start the day at the Kyoto Imperial Palace, a beautiful complex that was once the residence of the Emperor of Japan. Afterward, visit the Philosopher’s Path, a serene walking trail that follows a canal and is surrounded by cherry blossom trees. Stop by the Eikando Zenrinji Temple, known for its stunning autumn foliage.
Day 6: Exploring Kyoto’s art and culture
Visit the Kyoto National Museum, housing a diverse collection of Japanese art and artifacts. Next, head to the Gion Museum of Traditional Kyoto, a small museum that showcases the traditional arts and culture of Kyoto. In the evening, enjoy a dinner show of Gion Kobu Kaburenjo, a traditional dance performance by geishas.
Day 7: Day trip to Hiroshima
Take a day trip to Hiroshima, a city that suffered the world’s first atomic bomb attack during World War II. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, two sites that are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites. End the day by visiting the nearby Miyajima Island, known for its famous floating torii gate and beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea.
How to continue your travel after you have spent 7 days in Kyoto
If you have already explored Nara on a day trip, consider visiting Osaka, just an hour away by train. Osaka is known as the culinary capital of Japan, famous for its street food and vibrant nightlife. Be sure to visit the iconic Osaka Castle and the Dotonbori district filled with neon lights and bustling shops.
Alternatively, if you want to experience the beauty of Japanese nature, consider visiting the nearby prefecture of Shiga and its stunning Lake Biwa. The lake is Japan’s largest freshwater lake and is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, including the famous Shirahige Shrine built on the water.
