Top Kyoto: most famous places to see in 3-4 days

During my trip to Japan, after visiting Nara, I went to Kyoto; I had planned to see Kyoto in 4 days, and although I’m sure I missed some things, I believe I saw everything essential. Here, I’ll share everything I learned about Kyoto

Kyoto is located on the island of Honshu, Japan’s central island, the largest and most populous. Specifically, it is in the Kansai Region, very close to Osaka and Nara. It was the capital of Japan from 794 to 1868 when Emperor Meiji moved the courthouse to Tokyo.

For many Japanese, Kyoto is the best city to live in Japan by far. It is characterized above all by being a place full of temples and historical places. Many of these historical places have been considered World Heritage by UNESCO.

How many days to stay and where to sleep in Kyoto?

If you have only planned to stay one or two nights in Kyoto I am sorry for you, but you will have to change your plans. There are so many things to see that in four days you wouldn’t have enough. In my case, I stayed four nights and although I saw quite a few places of interest I still had a lot to see.

If you are a backpacker looking for cheap places to sleep is lucky, in Kyoto you will find the best prices in Japan. In my case, I stayed at Samurai Home Shijo Omiya Hostel. It cost me 2000 yen (15 euros) every night. It’s true that it’s not the cheapest hostel you can find but quality – price is great.

For starters, the place is brand new, it’s flawless and the beds are big. In addition, there are subway and train stops right next door and convenience stores (Seven Eleven and Family Mart). It is very close to Nijo Castle, 10 minutes walk from Nishiki market and 15 minutes from Gion district.

What to do and what to see in Kyoto?

1. Visiting the Imperial Palace

From 1331 to 1869, it was the residence of the emperors of Japan until the Meiji Restoration period, when the emperor decided to move to the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. This elegant complex reflects traditional Japanese architecture and imperial history.

The Imperial Palace is located in the center of the city. The visit is exterior, and if you want to enter the gardens and the interior of the buildings, you must make a reservation here. Admission is free. It is generally open from 9:00 to 16:30. Inside the palace, we find:

• The Main Palace: It was used for official ceremonies such as coronations. It stands out for its symmetrical design and classic Japanese style.
• Seiryo-den Hall: It served as the emperor’s private residence. It represents the residential architecture of the Heian period (794-1185).
• Imperial Gardens: Designed with ponds, bridges, and carefully selected plants, the gardens are an example of classic Japanese landscaping.
• Gates and Accesses: Decorative gates, such as Kenreimon and Gishumon, showcase the elegance of imperial design.
• Kyoto Imperial Park (Kyoto Gyoen): Surrounding the palace, this park is a peaceful place to walk, run, or have a picnic. It also contains other historical sites such as the Sento Imperial Palace.

2. A walk around Nijo Castle

The Nijo Castle, built in the 16th century, was the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, who held the military and political power of the country at the time, while the emperor had merely spiritual and religious power.

It is located in the center, near the Imperial Palace. You can visit the interior of the buildings and the gardens. The entrance costs 600 yen for adults and 350 yen for children. Inside Nijo Castle, you can enjoy:

• Ninomaru Palace: This is the main building of the castle, where the shoguns held official meetings. The sliding doors (fusuma) are decorated with golden and colorful paintings from the Kano school, a traditional Japanese art style. The wooden floor is designed to “sing” when stepped on, alerting to potential intruders.
• Ninomaru Gardens and Seiryu-en: Designed with ponds, decorative rocks, and carefully arranged plants, these are perfect examples of Japanese landscaping. The Seiryu-en garden, a more modern addition, is ideal for events such as tea ceremonies.
• Honmaru Palace and its enclosure: This was the innermost defense area of the castle, although the original palace was destroyed. Today, you can walk through the grounds and enjoy views from the walls. The watchtower offers a panoramic view of the complex.
• Monumental Gates: The Kara-mon Gate, richly decorated, is a masterpiece of Momoyama period architecture.

3. A quick visit to Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)

Also called the Golden Pavilion, it was built in 1397 as a resting villa for the shogun of the time. It has been rebuilt several times due to fires. It is currently a Zen temple and one of the most touristy spots in Kyoto.

The visit is from the outside, surrounded by beautiful Zen gardens and a tranquil pond called Kyoko-chi: “Mirror Pond.” The pavilion has three floors with different architectural styles:

• First floor (Shinden): Aristocratic villa style, decorated with natural wood.
• Second floor (Buke): Samurai style, covered with golden paint.
• Third floor (Kekka-dō): Zen style, with a thatched roof structure and a figure of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.

It is located in the western part of Kyoto city. The entrance costs 400 yen for adults and 300 yen for children. Open hours during peak season (March to November) are from 9:00 to 17:00, and in winter (December to February), from 9:00 to 16:30.

4. Relaxing in Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion)

Also called the Silver Pavilion, its official name is Jishō-ji (慈照寺), which means ‘Temple of the Compassionate Retreat,’ and it was originally built as the retirement villa of the shōgun Ashikaga Yoshimasa in the 15th century during the Muromachi period.

After his death, the building became a Zen temple. Surrounded by typical Japanese gardens and a small lake, it is a perfect place to relax. It is located to the east of the city. The entrance fee is 500 yen for adults and 300 yen for children.

5. A morning walking around Shinto shrine Fushimi Inari-taisha

The Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is one of the most iconic and visited destinations in Japan. It is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the Japanese deity of fertility, agriculture, and general success.

Located at the base of a mountain, it is characterized by the numerous torii gates that the visitors encounter while walking through the area. The torii gates are donated to the deity Inari by merchants and artisans with the aim of gaining prosperity in their businesses. It is located to the south of Kyoto. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and entrance is free. Inside the shrine, we can enjoy:

• Torii Path: Thousands of torii gates aligned to form picturesque tunnels leading to the top of the mountain.
• Main Shrine: At the base of the mountain. This is where worshippers pray for prosperity and success.
• Fox Statues: Foxes are messengers of Inari, and the statues representing them are scattered throughout the shrine. Some carry keys in their mouths, symbolizing access to the rice granaries.
• Panoramic Viewpoints on the Mountain: As you ascend, you’ll find viewpoints such as Yotsutsuji, offering spectacular views of Kyoto. It’s a popular spot to rest and take photos.
• Climb to the Top of Mount Inari: The path to the summit (233 meters) is surrounded by smaller shrines and charming pathways. The full hike takes between 2 and 3 hours round trip.

6. The viewpoint of Kiyomizu – dera

It is a complex of Buddhist temples, with the main building standing out due to its intricate architecture, supported by hundreds of pillars. Its name means ‘Temple of Pure Water,’ referring to the waterfall that flows within the temple.

The Great Wooden Platform is the main building. About 13 meters above the ground, the platform’s viewing area offers a spectacular view of Kyoto and the surrounding area. Additionally, within the complex, we find:

• Main Hall: This is a large Buddhist hall where the statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, is located. It is a very important place for worshippers, who come to pray and make wishes.
• Garden and Waterfall Area: The Otawa Waterfall is a unique feature of the temple, located beneath the main platform. Visitors can drink from three streams of water, which are believed to have beneficial properties: one for health, one for longevity, and one for success in studies. It is recommended to drink from only one stream at a time, as drinking from all three is considered not advisable.
• Bamboo Forest Path: Near the temple, you can walk along a small path surrounded by trees and bamboo, allowing you to enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding natural environment.
• Jishu Shrine: This is a small shrine within Kiyomizu-dera, dedicated to Jishu, the god of love and marriage. Here, visitors can try their luck with a stone called the ‘love stone.’ It is believed that if you manage to walk from one stone to another with your eyes closed, your romantic wish will come true.

It is located to the east of the city, in the Higashiyama hills. Generally open from 6:00 to 18:00. The entrance fee is 400 yen for adults and 200 yen for children and students.

7. Spin around the neighborhood of Gion

The Gion District is in the heart of the city and is the most traditional part of Kyoto. In this old neighborhood, particularly on Hanamikouji Street, you can enjoy a peaceful walk among traditional wooden Japanese houses and cobbled streets.

Additionally, from time to time, you’ll encounter women dressed as geishas or in their traditional Japanese attire, posing for photographs. In other words, it’s an ideal place for photography lovers. In the Gion District and its surroundings, you can find:

• Yasaka-jinja Shrine: At the southern end of Gion, Yasaka-jinja Shrine, also known as the Gion Shrine, is an important Shinto shrine that hosts annual festivals, such as the famous Gion Matsuri, one of the largest festivals in Japan, held every July. The shrine is dedicated to the goddess Susanoo.

• Maruyama Park: Near Yasaka-jinja Shrine, you’ll find Maruyama Park, famous for being a popular spot to see cherry blossoms (hanami) in the spring. During this season, the park fills with locals and tourists who gather to enjoy the cherry trees in full bloom.

• Tea Houses and Traditional Restaurants: Gion has many ochaya (tea houses) where geishas and maikos perform their artistic presentations, but you can also enjoy traditional Kyoto cuisine at ryotei (high-end restaurants). These establishments typically offer kaiseki (traditional Japanese multi-course meals) and are known for their intimate and elegant atmosphere.

• Gion Geisha Museum: At the Gion Geisha Museum, you can learn more about the history and life of geishas, see exhibits about their clothing, makeup, and the training process of maikos. It’s a great option for those interested in delving deeper into the culture of Gion.

8. Buy Japanese delicacies at the Nishiki Market

Not far from Gion, you’ll find Nishiki Market, a charming street market with a history of 400 years, one of the most traditional and famous markets in the city, ideal for those wishing to explore the authentic flavors of Kyoto.

In this 400-meter-long alley with more than 100 shops, you’ll find all kinds of delicacies and a wide variety of typical Kyoto and Japanese culinary products: such as yuba (tofu skin), fresh tofu, mochi, soy sauces, Japanese pickles (tsukemono), and many more. Many of these products are perfect for taking home as souvenirs or enjoying on the spot. However, be prepared to pay 3-5 euros for each snack.

9. Getting lost around The Arashiyama area

Another almost indispensable visit is the area of Arashiyama. There you will find the famous Bamboo Forest, one of the most touristic places in Kyoto. It disappointed me personally a little as I imagined it would be a mountain where you can walk for several hours surrounding huge bamboos but, to my surprise, it’s just a nice 100 meter road where tourists pile up to take pictures.

Fortunately, in the Arashiyama area you can also go see the monkeys that live on Mont Iwataya, see a few temples and enjoy the river area where the wooden Togetsukyo bridge is located. Arashiyama is in the western part of the city. Entrance to the bamboo forest is free.

4 days in Kyoto: My personal opinion of Kyoto

The 4 days I spent in Kyoto were among the best of my trip to Japan and I even regretted a little bit that I didn’t stay any longer. It is a city that undoubtedly has to be on the list of places to visit for any traveler who is encouraged to come to this country.

In conclusion, in Kyoto you will discover the most traditional Japan and the most spiritual places in the country. My advice is to go to the temples and tourist places very early in the morning to save yourself a lot of tourists and take advantage of the afternoons to go to markets or interesting neighborhoods. If you don’t like to get up early, you can also look for a lesser-known temple on your own. I’m sure it will be just as spectacular and you can also enjoy peace and tranquility, which is difficult to find in these places I mentioned earlier.

Here I leave you a short video that I have made where you will be able to see the Nijo Castle, the sanctuary Fushimi Inari – Taisha and the Bamboo Forest.

Next Destination: From Kioto to Himeji

After visiting Kyoto, I went to Himeji to see Himeji Castle, one of the most beautiful castles in Japan. In the link I explain my experience and I tell you how to go there. Subscribe if you want to receive updates about places and trips. Comment, value and share if you liked this post. Thanks!

Bamboo that curves is stronger than oak that resists.

Japanese proverb