First Timer’s Guide to Kyoto: 4 Day Itinerary, Hidden Gems & Essential Tips
Surrounded by lush mountains and filled with centuries of history, Kyoto is one of the most magical cities in Japan and one of my favorite cities in the world! From hidden temples and tranquil bamboo forests to well-preserved historic districts and a vibrant food scene, Japan’s cultural capital is a must-visit for first-time travelers.
I put this itinerary together based on my own trip to Kyoto: this complete 4-day guide will help you figure out where to stay, what to eat, which sights to see, and which smart travel tips will help you make the most of your trip.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you use these links to book something I may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you.
WHERE TO STAY IN KYOTO
Whether you’re on a tight budget, splurging on a luxury stay, or booking your stay entirely with points, Kyoto has countless accommodation options for every type of traveler.
💡 Smart Travel Tip: Picking the Right Location
Kyoto is a large city full of great neighborhoods, but wasting time traveling between locations can eat into your itinerary, so here's how to pick the right spot from the start.
To customize the location of my hotel to my trip itinerary, I always use this easy Google Maps trick to figure out exactly where to book - and it works in any city. Want to try it out for yourself?
👉 Want to try it out for yourself?
Watch this video to learn how to use the saved lists feature to find the perfect location for your accommodation.
Budget: The Millennials Kyoto
Perfect for solo travelers, this capsule hotel is features smart pods, a spacious co-working space, and a complimentary beer hour every evening. It’s a high-tech hotel experience that also happens to be walking distance from Kyoto’s central Kawaramachi district.
Budget: Hotel Traveltine Kyoto Kiyamachi
An affordable, no-fuss hotel in a central location, this hotel is just off the Kamogawa River and walking distance of both Gion and downtown Kyoto. The rooms are simple but clean, and the price point is hard to beat, especially during peak travel seasons.
Mid-Range: Miru Kyoto Nishiki
Tucked away on a quiet side street steps from Nishiki Market, this minimalist boutique hotel is a tranquil escape in the center of Kyoto. The rooms are simple but thoughtfully designed, with clever layouts that make even the smaller spaces feel open. If you’re looking for comfort, design, and walkability without breaking the bank, this hotel is a hidden gem.
Mid-Range: Ace Hotel Kyoto
If you’re looking for a more modern stay, the newly opened Ace Hotel is built in a converted 1920s building with a contemporary annex, a cool rooftop, and an on-site cafe. The retro-inspired decor with record players and curated minibars gives the rooms a cozy yet stylish feel. It’s the perfect pick for travelers who want a boutique hotel experience with the consistency and quality of a trusted chain.
💡 Smart Travel Tip: Use Credit Card Points for a Free Stay
Want to avoid sky-high hotel prices during peak season? Use points to book your stay and save that cash for once-in-a-lifetime experiences instead.
By transferring your credit card points to the Hyatt program, you can stay at the centrally located Hyatt Place for just 8,000 points per night, or splurge on a luxury stay at the Park Hyatt Kyoto for 40,000 points per night.
👉 Not sure if your credit card points transfer to Hyatt?
Click here to download my cheat sheet to credit card transfer partners to which cards give you access!
Luxury: Ryokan Motonago
For a truly traditional stay, this ryokan offers an authentic Japanese experience right in the heart of the historic Gion district. Sleep on tatami mat floors, relax in a private onsen bath, and a traditional Japanese breakfast each morning. It’s peaceful, intimate, and ideal for travelers looking for a more immersive and culturally rich stay.
Luxury: Six Senses Kyoto
One of the newest luxury hotels in the city, Six Senses is a wellness retreat that blends modern design with traditional Japanese touches. The rooms are spacious, the spa is incredible, and the whole property is designed to help you unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.
💡 Smart Travel Tip: Getting Around Kyoto
Japan’s public transportation systems are unmatched, so the easiest way to get around Kyoto is by using the metro and local buses.
For a seamless travel experience, make sure to add a Suica or Pasmo card to your phone’s Wallet app before you arrive: it can pay for trains, buses, and even vending machines and convenience store purchases.
🚆 Taking the train? Always tap in and tap out of the station!
🚌 Taking the bus? Only tap your card when you get off - not when you get on!
WHERE TO EAT IN KYOTO
As the home of the imperial court and nobility for over a millennium, Kyoto is considered the birthplace of many traditional Japanese cuisines. From cozy sushi bars and neighborhood izakayas to obanzai-style restaurants serving Kyoto’s signature home-cooked dishes, the city’s culinary variety is truly endless.
These are a few standouts spots I tried on my own trip that are absolutely worth a spot on your itinerary:
Sushi Taka: For fresh sushi that won’t drain your wallet - the menu changes daily based on the fish brought in that morning.
Rutubo: For a cozy and relaxed izakaya featuring small plates that are perfect to share with friends.
curry & tempura koisus: For the most unique curry dish that also happens to look like a work of art.
Gyoza Chao Chao: For affordable and delicious crispy pan-fried gyozas.
% Arabica: For the Kyoto latte - maybe the most perfectly balanced coffee beverage I’ve ever had.
Ippodo Tea Main Store: For purchasing ceremonial grade matcha and premium teas to bring home.
Nishiki Market: For trying an endless variety of street food and snacks - spend a whole afternoon here tasting all the local specialties, or book a guided food tour for local recommendations and cultural context!
💡 Smart Travel Tip: Download my Food Map to Japan
I saved all my favorite restaurants, cafes, snack stalls, and hidden gems across Kyoto (and the Tokyo) to one easy-to-use Google Maps list - so you can spend less time Googling and more time eating!
👉 Click here to download my Google Maps list with 100+ saved places and start adding your own recommendations!
MUST-SEE SIGHTS & HIDDEN GEMS
Familiarize yourself with the city on a free walking tour
I firmly believe that a walking tour is the best way to get acquainted with a new city and learn details about the local culture that you can’t find online - and this tour I booked with Kyoto Localized did just that.
💡 Smart Travel Tip: Locals Know Best
Want to find the best spots that aren’t packed with tourists? Ask your tour guide at the end for their favorite places to eat, shop, or explore.
Some of my favorite spots in every city I’ve visited have come from doing this!
This walking tour takes you through the historic Gion district and ends right by the famous Sannenzaka street. While these are the most popular areas in Kyoto, they still deserve a spot on your itinerary, especially if this is your first time visiting. Here, you’ll get to explore more of Kyoto’s traditional architecture and find plenty of souvenir shops. This is also where you’ll find the world's first Starbucks in a traditional Japanese house, as well as the iconic view of Hokan-ji temple.
If you're short on time or just want to explore beyond the usual tourist route, an e-bike tour is a great alternative to a walking tour, especially in a city as large as Kyoto. You’ll still get the local insights and historical context, but with the freedom to visit more neighborhoods, temples, and hidden spots.
Stroll through Rakusai Bamboo Park
If you want to visit the famous Arashiyama bamboo park but don’t want to endure the insane crowds, explore this hidden bamboo forest instead. Rakusai bamboo park is less than 30 minutes from Kyoto station and completely off the beaten path - I was there at noon on a Tuesday and had the entire park to myself! After the crowds in Kyoto, spending the afternoon strolling through this peaceful forest was the perfect escape.
Take a cooking class
If you’re like me and love to travel through food, then a cooking class is one of the most rewarding (and delicious) ways to dive deeper into Japanese culture. Whether you want to roll your own sushi or master the art of a perfect bowl of ramen, Kyoto has no shortage of culinary experiences to choose from.
🍢 Izakaya Cooking Class with Cooking Sun: For those who want to make the full spread of Japanese home-style dishes and learn more about the local dining culture.
🍜 Ramen, Gyoza & Onigiri Class with Manryo: A small-group class perfect for mastering three Japanese staples from scratch.
🍣 Sushi-Making Experience with a Sushi Chef: A hands-on class led by a professional sushi chef. You’ll learn traditional techniques and use fresh fish that was bought earlier that morning from the local market.
📝 Be sure to book in advance… these fill up fast, especially during peak travel seasons!
Explore Kyoto’s Most Beautiful Temples
Nicknamed the “City of Ten Thousand Shrines,” Kyoto has over 1600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, so no trip here is complete without visiting at least one.
💡 Smart Travel Tip: Come Prepared with Cash
Most temples in Kyoto charge a small entry fee of 500 yen and only accept cash, so make sure to stop by an ATM before your visit.
💳 Want to avoid unnecessary ATM fees?
I always travel with a fee-free debit card, like this one from Charles Schwab, which reimburses ATM fees worldwide and guarantees you the best exchange rate.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
One of the most famous structures in Kyoto, this shrine features a thousand red torii gates that form a trail to the top of a mountain. Entry to walk through the gates is actually free, but because it does get incredibly crowded, I do recommend going early in the morning and climbing all the way to the top. You’d be surprised just how quickly the crowds thin once you pass the first third of the gates, so bring comfortable shoes and take your time walking through this magnificent structure and admiring the spectacular views of Kyoto from above.
Sanjusangendo Temple
Undoubtedly the most unique temple in Kyoto, this shrine is Japan’s longest wooden structure and holds 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Moreover, each of these statues features 11 heads (to better witness the suffering of humans) and 42 arms (to better help them fight the suffering).
Pictures are not allowed inside the hall, but believe me when I say this temple is absolutely worth experiencing for yourself.
Kiyomizu-dera
The name of this widely celebrated temple translates to “Pure Water Temple” due to its proximity to the nearby Otowa waterfall. Here, visitors can drink from the fall’s three streams, where each stream is said to have a different benefit - longevity, success at school, a fortunate love life. Over 1250 years old, the temple is also built into the side of the mountain and offers a stunning view of Kyoto from above, especially at sunset.
Adashino Nembutsu-ji
Located in the scenic Arashiyama disctrict, this hauntingly beautiful temple is home to approximately 8000 stone statues honoring the souls of the dead. The moss-covered ground and hidden bamboo grove make this one of the most serene and moving temples in Kyoto. If you want to escape the overwhelming crowds of the nearby Arashiyama bamboo park, this is the perfect alternative to visit instead.
Tenjuan Temple
Away from the crowded center of Kyoto, this hidden zen garden is the perfect escape to experience the natural beauty of Kyoto. Spend a peaceful afternoon strolling the paths surrounding the pond and enjoying the foliage - especially in the fall! This is one of my favorite places I visited during my trip.
I hope this guide to visiting Kyoto helps you better plan your dream trip to Japan. If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me an email or DM on Instagram @pointstopointtravel!
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Welcome to Points to Point Travel, your go-to guide for unlocking the world of international travel. I'm Stacy, and my mission is to empower you with destination guides, insider travel tips, and travel credit card strategies to help you travel smarter - so you can see more and spend even less!
