4.5 days in Kyoto Itinerary Check

Hey folks, I'll be heading to Japan for the first time a little later in the year, and while putting together a more detailed itinerary (mostly so I can book things ahead of time that I need to), I've struggled a bit with Kyoto. There is just so much to do and it feels quite spread out across the city. I think I finally have something that makes sense, but wanted to gut check it here.

A bit about me — solo traveler, young and active, comfortable with public transit and am used to being on my feet for very long distances. Will be arriving from Hiroshima and leaving to Hakone. I plan to have my luggage forwarded to my hotel in Kyoto ahead of time. The closest station to my hotel is Sanjo Station.

I'm only including specifically booked food in the itinerary since everything else is flexible, but of course I'll be eating through the day!

Day 1

  • Travel from Hiroshima to my hotel in Kyoto to drop the rest of my stuff off. I would aim to arrive around noon.
  • Start with some easy shopping at Termachi and Shikyogoku Arcades
  • Head to Nishiki Market to sample some food and drink
  • Check-in to hotel at 3pm and freshen up
  • Taxi to Kamishichiken Kabukai to see the Kotobuki-kai show at 4pm
  • Dinner at specific restaurant in Nakagyo Ward (not yet booked, will book the moment it's possible to and aim for around 7:00-7:30pm)
  • Return to area that my hotel is in and head to Bar Alchemist for a night cap

Day 2

  • Arrive early to Kiyomizu-dera to beat some of the crowds, check out the more empty Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka and Yasaka Padoga on my way
  • Return to Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka to see the streets alive and open
  • Wander around Gion
  • Head up to the Okazaki Shrine and walk the Philosophers Path
  • Return to hotel to freshen up
  • Dinner at specific restaurant in Nakagyo Ward — already booked for 7:30pm

Day 3

  • Arrive VERY early to Arashiyama (I'm talking 6-6:30am)
  • Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Tenryu-ji, Kimono Forest
  • Saga Torrimoto Preserved Street
  • Otagi Nenbutsu-ji
  • Saiho-ji (have an alarm set to book this…latest possible reservation is at 11am)
  • Built-in time to relax, nap, whatever after such an early and busy morning. No specific plans.
  • GEAR Kyoto show at 7pm

Day 4

  • Arrive early to Fushimi Inari Taisha to beat some of the crowds. I plan to hike up.
  • Travel to Uji. Eat and shop all things tea and matcha.
  • Byodo-in
  • Nintendo Museum (if I win the lottery)
  • Head back into Kyoto for the autumn night illumination at Kodai-ji and Entoku-in
  • Stroll through Gion after dark
  • Late night eats/drinks at Pontocho Alley

Day 4.5

Check-in for my ryokan in Hakone is 3pm, so I can spend the morning in Kyoto. I'll be forwarding my luggage straight to Tokyo and only taking a light bag with me. I'm not sure if this is the best use of my morning because it's pretty out of the way, but not sure where it'd fit otherwise.

  • Arrive early to Kinkaku-ji to beat some of the crowds
  • Ryoan-ji

by oopsu812

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