4 Days in Kyoto: Temples, Food & Cultural Immersion

Asian Temple Among Trees in Kyoto
© AXP Photography

Explore ancient temples, indulge in authentic cuisine, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Kyoto. This 4-day itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking a unique blend of history, tradition, and modern charm.

Day 1 in Kyoto: Discover Kyoto's Cultural Gems

Explore the Gion District

Wander through the traditional geisha district and experience the unique atmosphere.

Explore the Gion District
© 小川元

Attend the Miyako Odori

Witness the captivating spring dances by Geiko and Maiko.

Attend the Miyako Odori
© Tomas R

Discover the Serene Beauty of Shoren-in Temple

Discover the serene beauty of Shoren-in Temple.

Discover the Serene Beauty of Shoren-in Temple
© えぐちともみ

Immerse Yourself in the Vibrant Atmosphere of Nishiki Market

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this traditional food market.

Immerse Yourself in the Vibrant Atmosphere of Nishiki Market
© YawEng Yong

Day 2 in Kyoto: Embrace the Tranquility of Kyoto's Temples and Shrines

Discover the Famous Rock Garden and Serene Atmosphere of Ryōan-ji Temple

Discover the famous rock garden and serene atmosphere of this Zen Buddhist temple.

Discover the Famous Rock Garden and Serene Atmosphere of Ryōan-ji Temple
© Kengo Y

Experience the Iconic Wooden Stage and Stunning Views from Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Experience the iconic wooden stage and stunning views from this historic temple.

Experience the Iconic Wooden Stage and Stunning Views from Kiyomizu-dera Temple
© 櫻井恆夫

Ascend the Mountain Path Lined with Thousands of Vibrant Red Torii Gates

Ascend the mountain path lined with thousands of vibrant red torii gates.

Ascend the Mountain Path Lined with Thousands of Vibrant Red Torii Gates
© Mario kamo

Experience the Beauty of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine's Plum Blossoms

Experience the beauty of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine's plum blossoms.

Experience the Beauty of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine's Plum Blossoms
© Masaaki Moriyama

Day 3 in Kyoto: Journey Through Kyoto's History and Nature

Enjoy a Serene Walk Along the Philosopher's Path, Lined with Cherry Trees

Enjoy a serene walk along the Philosopher's Path, lined with cherry trees.

Enjoy a Serene Walk Along the Philosopher's Path, Lined with Cherry Trees
© タバサアン

Explore the Former Residence of the Emperors of Japan

Explore the former residence of the Emperors of Japan.

Explore the Former Residence of the Emperors of Japan
© 高木俊行

Explore the History of Japanese Railways and See Various Trains and Exhibits

Explore the history of Japanese railways and see various trains and exhibits.

Explore the History of Japanese Railways and See Various Trains and Exhibits
© 保谷雲雀

Relax and Enjoy the Scenery Along the Banks of the Kamogawa River

Relax and enjoy the scenery along the banks of the Kamogawa River.

Relax and Enjoy the Scenery Along the Banks of the Kamogawa River
© Martin Wong

Day 4 in Kyoto: Experience the Beauty of Kyoto's Gardens and Parks

Explore the Famed Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji Temple

Explore the famed Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji Temple.

Explore the Famed Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji Temple
© Aneta Angielczyk

Enjoy a Relaxing Walk in Maruyama Park, Especially During the Cherry Blossom Season

Enjoy a relaxing walk in Maruyama Park, especially during the cherry blossom season.

Enjoy a Relaxing Walk in Maruyama Park, Especially During the Cherry Blossom Season
© JUN T

Explore the Beautiful Gardens Surrounding the Kyoto Imperial Palace

Explore the beautiful gardens surrounding the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

Explore the Beautiful Gardens Surrounding the Kyoto Imperial Palace
© 山脇孝之

Explore the Okochi Sanso Garden, a Beautiful Garden in Arashiyama

Explore the Okochi Sanso Garden, a beautiful garden in Arashiyama.

Explore the Okochi Sanso Garden, a Beautiful Garden in Arashiyama
© Tatsuya Watahiki

References

Weather in Kyoto

In April, Kyoto, Japan experiences mild and pleasant weather, with average temperatures ranging from 4°C (39°F) to 20°C (68°F). It's a great time to visit, with the cherry blossoms in full bloom, but it's still a bit chilly in the mornings and evenings, so it's recommended to pack layers, including a thermal, a shirt, a wool sweater, and a trench coat. You may also want to bring an umbrella, as the weather can be fickle, and it's not uncommon to experience some rain showers. With the average high temperature reaching up to 20°C (68°F), you can expect to enjoy pleasant days, but it's still a good idea to pack light clothes, such as t-shirts and shorts, for warmer afternoons. Don't forget to bring comfortable shoes, as you'll likely want to explore the city's temples, gardens, and streets on foot.

Transportation in Kyoto

To get around Kyoto, I recommend using a combination of public transportation and walking. The city has a well-connected railway and subway network, with easy-to-navigate lines that can take you to most major attractions. However, many of these attractions are not well-served by the metro, so it's a good idea to use buses or taxis to get to these areas. If you plan to use public transportation frequently, consider purchasing an IC Card, such as PASMO or ICOCA, which can be refilled and used to tap in and out of stations without calculating fares. Additionally, walking and cycling are great options for exploring the city, as Kyoto is relatively flat and pedestrian-friendly. If you're looking for a convenient and affordable way to get around, consider purchasing a 1-day or multi-day unlimited transportation pass, but be aware that these may not offer as much value if you only plan to take the bus between a few temples.

Dos in Kyoto

Don'ts in Kyoto