Kyoto: A First Timers Itinerary

Destination: Kyoto, JapanCreated by: Moo_The_TrotterLast updated: 28th September 2026
Discover the beautiful Kyoto with this itinerary that branches from within the city to outside. Keep an eye out for special events around when you visit to add just that little extra to your trip.
First VisitJapanKyoto
3
Day 1 — Southern Higashiyama
Image of 清水寺

清水寺

Place of Worship, History Landmark
Start early for quieter temple grounds
Image of Two-year Slope

Two-year Slope

Historic Site
Image of Three-year Slope

Three-year Slope

Historic Site

Kennin Ji

Attraction, Core Attraction
Image of Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine

Place of Worship, History Landmark
Image of Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park

Park
Day 2 — Fushimi and Southern Kyoto

Senbon Torii (Thousand Torii Gates)

Viewpoint, Core Attraction
Begin early; allow extra time for the upper trails
Image of Tōfuku-ji

Tōfuku-ji

Place of Worship, History Landmark
Image of Sanjūsangen-dō

Sanjūsangen-dō

Place of Worship, History Landmark
Image of Kyoto National Museum

Kyoto National Museum

Museum, Museum Gallery
Day 3 — Arashiyama

Sagano Bamboo Forest

Park
Arrive early before the main walking route becomes crowded
Image of Tenryū Temple

Tenryū Temple

Place of Worship, History Landmark

大河内山荘庭園

Park
Image of Togetsu Bridge

Togetsu Bridge

Historic Site

嵐山公園

Park
Image of Monkey Park Iwatayama

Monkey Park Iwatayama

Zoo
Add after the bamboo grove for a nearby hillside viewpoint.
Day 4 — Northern Kyoto
Image of Golden Pavilion

Golden Pavilion

Attraction, Core Attraction
Visit first to avoid the busiest queues
Image of Ryōan-ji

Ryōan-ji

Place of Worship, History Landmark
Image of Ninna temple

Ninna temple

Place of Worship, History Landmark
Image of Daitoku-ji

Daitoku-ji

Place of Worship, History Landmark
Image of Imamiya Shrine

Imamiya Shrine

Place of Worship, History Landmark
Day 5 — Central Kyoto and Gion
Image of Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market

Marketplace, Market Shopping
Browse late morning before the market becomes crowded
Image of Nijō Castle

Nijō Castle

Castle
Image of Kyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Historic Site, Palace

Pontochō

Attraction, Core Attraction
Day 6 — Philosopher’s Path and Eastern Hills
Image of 銀閣寺

銀閣寺

Place of Worship, History Landmark
Start in the morning, then walk south along the canal
Image of Philosopher's Walk

Philosopher's Walk

Attraction, Core Attraction
Image of Hōnen Temple

Hōnen Temple

Place of Worship, History Landmark
Image of Nanzen-ji

Nanzen-ji

Place of Worship, History Landmark
Image of 平安神宮

平安神宮

Place of Worship, History Landmark
Day 7 — Kurama and Kibune
Image of Kurama-dera

Kurama-dera

Historic Site
Allow a slower mountain day with substantial uphill walking
Image of Kurama Onsen

Kurama Onsen

Hotel, Hotel Accommodation
Image of Kifune Shrine

Kifune Shrine

Place of Worship, History Landmark
Day 8 — Markets, gardens, and tea culture
Image of Kyoto Botanical Garden

Kyoto Botanical Garden

Garden, Botanical Garden
A flexible, lower-intensity day after several temple-heavy routes
Image of Shimogamo Shrine

Shimogamo Shrine

Place of Worship, History Landmark
Image of Kyōto-Gyoen

Kyōto-Gyoen

Park

裏千家今日庵

Historic Site