This Kyoto 5 day itinerary is your guide for slow travel in Japan’s cultural centre. When I travel, I’m always trying to find a balance between seeing as many places as I can and making sure I have enough time to savour the every place that I visit. This has become even more important since becoming a parent – our travel itineraries are a constant juggle with the needs of our kids.
Kyoto is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Japan, particularly for the first time. The city offers a striking contrast to the bustling modern cities of Tokyo and Osaka. From wandering through the red torii gates at Fushimi Inari, experiencing a traditional tea ceremony in the historic geisha (geiko) district of Gion, getting lost in the endless bamboo groves of Arashiyama, and marvelling at the majestic Kinkaku-Ji (Golden Pavillion). This Kyoto 5 day itinerary includes them all.
I often base my guides on an active traveller and include as much as I can so you can pick the best spots for your interests. Instead, with this Kyoto 5 day itinerary, I’ve planned out slow travel days so that you can take your time experiencing the best of Kyoto.
This guide will also work well for families looking to travel slowly with their kids. This Kyoto 5 day itinerary is perfect if you need to return to your hotel for toddler naps and chill time between your family adventures. As with all my itineraries, I’ve included recommendations to help other parents navigate Kyoto with kids.
Is Kyoto family friendly? My honest thoughts
Kyoto is a must-see destination if you’re visiting Japan, including with kids. We had a fantastic time exploring Kyoto with our toddler and learning more about Japanese history and culture. I would highly recommend Kyoto with kids, but there some things to be aware of to make the most of your stay.
It can be difficult to have a busy itinerary in Kyoto if you’re travelling with kids. It is particularly important to plan out your days and logistics in Kyoto if you have a nap schedule to work around, or your little one can’t walk far. Kyoto isn’t a compact city where you can walk between sights.
Kyoto also doesn’t have the extensive metro system of Osaka or Tokyo. Some spots rely on buses rather than trains, which can be more challenging with a stroller (but still doable).
We had a fantastic time in Kyoto and I am so glad we visited with our toddler, but we did need to do a bit more planning and logistics to make the most of our time and get between sights. I think that Kyoto is a great destination to travel slowly, particularly if you’re travelling with kids.
5 Days in Kyoto: Getting around Kyoto
Trains in Kyoto
The Kyoto train system is easy to use and runs similarly to other networks in Japan. Simply use a prepaid travel card (such as ICOCA or Suica). You can also buy individual tickets at the booths before each journey. We found prepaid travel cards much easier and saved us time buying tickets for each journey. Some lines are also covered by the JR Pass: We were able to use our JR Pass to get to Fushimi Inari Taisha and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Buses in Kyoto
There are a few things you should know about taking the bus in Kyoto. Like the rest of Japan’s transport system, the buses run on time, so be sure to arrive early. Get on the bus using the back door and leave using the front door. Take a ticket from the machine by the back door when you get on, and pay the flat fee using the ticket machine as you leave through the front door.
Can I spend 5 days in Kyoto?
Kyoto is an ideal place to spend a lot of time and really embrace slow travel. You won’t be lacking in things to do – the city is home to over 1600 temples, 400 shrines, and 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The top tourist spots are spread out around the outskirts of the city, meaning you can spend a fair bit of time on public transport. If you have 5 days in Kyoto, you can enjoy the journey rather than worry about travel times. Kyoto is also a fantastic base for day trips to other cities, including Nara, Osaka, Kobe, and Uji..
If you are an active traveller or don’t have much time to spend in Kyoto, you can also see a lot in 2 full days in Kyoto. You can check out my Kyoto 2 day itinerary which is full of logistics tips and laid out to minimise travel times.
Kyoto 5 day itinerary: Where to stay
If you have 5 days in Kyoto, you can be really flexible about where you stay. If you have 2 days in Kyoto, I recommend staying in Higashiyama or somewhere within a 5-10 minute walk of the trains. With 5 days in Kyoto, you have the luxury of taking your time getting between sights.
Higashiyama
Higashiyama is the ideal area to stay as it’s close to many of the sights, while also being close to public transport. The area is a relatively large though and parts of it are hilly, so it pays to check out distances from public transport before booking.
Accommodation options in Higashiyama:
- Hotel Granbell: mid-range, modern hotel offering a range of room options. Perfectly positioned walking distance to the sights in Gion while also being a 2-minute walk to the nearest train station.
- Hotei-an Holiday Rental: mid-range, traditional 2-bedroom home in South Higashiyama. Hotei-an is a 2-minute walk from the train but not walking distance to Gion or the other sights in Higashiyama.
- Hyatt Regency Kyoto: luxury accommodation in the heart of the Higashiyama area with cots available on request.
- Ritz-Carlton Kyoto: This luxury hotel is a 2-minute walk to public transport and quite close to Higashiyama attractions. They also have free cots available on request.
5 days in Kyoto: Other areas to stay
With 5 days in Kyoto, you have the luxury of picking where you want to stay. There are so many fantastic options, but some involve longer travel distances between sights. I also found that while the Higashiyama area was a great location, it didn’t have many budget or family-friendly options.
The below options are all highly-rated hotels in central Kyoto and are less than a 10-minute walk from the nearest train station:
- Budget-friendly accommodation in central Kyoto:
- Family-friendly mid-range accommodation in central Kyoto:
- The General Kyoto (cots available on request)
- Mimaru Apartments Kyoto (free cots available on request).
Kyoto 5 day itinerary: At a glance
Day 1: Arrive in Kyoto. Fushimi Inari Taisha (Torii Gates) and Tofuku-Ji Temple
Day 2: Kiyomizu-Dera, Gion, Geisha, and Traditional Streets (Nannenzaka and Sinnenzaka)
Day 3: Arashiyama Area, Bamboo Forest, Boats, Trains, and Monkey Park
Day 4: Downtown Kyoto (Nishiki Market, Shopping, Castles, and Pontocho Alley) Note: This is also a good wet weather day option
Day 5: Kinkaku-Ji Temple Golden Pavillion and other things to do
5 days in Kyoto: Itinerary
Day 1: Fushimi Inari and Tofuku-Ji
Fushimi Inari Taisha (Torii Gate Shrine)
Allow 1.5 – 3 hours depending on whether you are hiking the back trail.
You can also turn this into a mini day trip by taking your time exploring the area around Fushimi Inari Taisha. There are lots of shops, souvenir stalls, markets, and eateries in the streets between Fushimi Inari Taisha and the station.
Open 24 hours
Admission is free
Getting there: Take the train to Fushimi Inari Station (the shrine grounds are a 2-minute walk from the station)
Fushimi Inari Taisha Official Website
The Fushimi Inari shrine is famous for its thousands of torii gates that frame the winding paths up Mount Inari. Take your time wandering the trail. Look for the fox statues throughout the complex, seen as sacred messengers. The torii gates themselves are donated by individuals and companies, and the Japanese characters on the gates are the names of the donors.
If you keep following the track it will eventually take you all the way up Mount Inari. The full loop walk will take 2-3 hours, or you can walk as far as you like before returning back the way you came. The torii gates reduce as you get further up the path, but so do the crowds. When we visited, the first few hundred metres was packed with tourists but the crowds thinned out the further we got up the trail.
Tips for visiting Fushimi Inari
About halfway up the mountain you will arrive at a steep set of stairs. It is at this point that the trail turns into a circular route and stops being stroller friendly. There are some food options and lovely views at this point, making it a great place to stop before continuing back down (or continuing on to do the rest of the trail).
You can turn your visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha into a mini day trip by taking your time exploring the surrounding area. There are lots of shops, souvenir stalls, markets, and eateries in the streets between Fushimi Inari Taisha and the station.
Tip on crowds at Fushimi Inari: A lot of the information we read before visiting said to get to Fushimi Inari at 6am if you want to visit when it’s quiet. But don’t stress if you aren’t an early riser or if you have arrived in Kyoto later in the day. We weren’t able to get to Fushimi Inari until mid-morning when we visited Kyoto with our toddler in May. While the start of the torii gate path was packed, the crowds quickly thinned as we got further up the path.
Tip for parents with strollers: The first half of the Fushimi Inari trail is relatively stroller friendly. After about 30-45 minutes, you will reach a steep set of stairs that connects the main path with the back circuit. The back circuit has stairs and uneven tracks. I’d recommend a front pack if you’re looking to do the full track with your little one.
Tofuku-Ji Temple
Allow 1-1.5 hours
Open: 9am-4pm, 7days
Admission: 1,000 Yen for adults and 500 yen for children (for full access to the main hall, Tsutenkyo Bridge and Kaisando Hall). The gardens and gate area are free.
Getting there: Tofuku-Ji Temple is a 15 minute walk from the entrance to Fushimi Inari Taisha. You can train from Fushimi Inari Station to Tofuku-Ji Station, and walk 5 minutes to the temple
Tofuku-Ji Official Website
Tofuku-Ji temple is 1 of the 5 great temples of Kyoto and home to the oldest temple gate in all of Japan. The temple grounds are also the largest in all of Kyoto, but it is less popular with tourists than many of the other temples. I found Tofuku-Ji really relaxing to walk around, with expansive grounds that our toddler could freely explore in.
Tofuku-Ji is also a short walk from Fushimi-Inari Taisha, making it easy to add on to your day of exploring while still having a relaxed travel pace.
Day 2: Kiyomizu-Dera, Gion, and Traditional Streets
Day 2 of this Kyoto 5 day itinerary starts with a visit to the beautiful treetop temple of Kiyomizu-dera.
Kiyomizu-dera is close to the famous traditional streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, and the Gion Geisha Districts. You can choose how long to spend in these areas. Here, you can shop, dine, rent a kimono, experience a tea ceremony, or visit the shrines and parks in the area.
If you prefer a quieter scene, there are other geisha districts that have less crowds and are still wonderful examples of traditional neighbourhoods. I’ve included more information on these below.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Allow 1 – 1.5 hours
Open: 6am – 6pm (6.30pm in July and August). Special night viewings available some weeks during summer, see the official website for more information.
Admission: Main hall 500 Y for adults, 200 Y for school children, and free for preschoolers.
Getting there: Take the train to Kiyomizu-Gojo Station and then walk 25 minutes from the station (uphill in parts) Kiyomizu-dera is a 25 minute uphill walk from the station. Depending on where you are coming from, there are buses that take you about 10-15 minutes from the entrance. The Official Website has detailed route options.
Kiyomizu-Dera Official Website
The next stop on your Kyoto 5 day itinerary is the hilltop temple complex of Kiyomizu-dera. Take your time making your way uphill through the temple grounds. Be sure to stop at the different halls and thousand stone Buddhas along the way. At the top of the hill you will reach the main hall, an incredible building constructed without a single nail. The main hall sits amongst the trees and provides breathtaking views over the city.
Walk through the main hall at the top to the inner sanctuary, which truly feels like a tree house. From there, continue on the path down to the Otowa waterfall. While it is called a waterfall, you will see 3 small streams. These represent love, success, and longevity. You can drink from the streams, but you can only pick 2. Drinking from all 3 streams is seen as greedy!
Tips for visiting with strollers: The Kiyomizu-Dera grounds are stroller friendly. There’s an alternative route for wheelchairs and strollers up to the main hall (rather than up the stairs through the other halls). Follow the path on the left from the entrance. A frontpack or carrier would also work quite well if you’re comfortable navigating long distances with it.
Atmospheric streets and pagoda views: Ninenzaka Sannenzaka
Allow 1 – 3 hours to explore the streets, visit the stores, and have lunch.
Your next stops on your Kyoto 5 day itinerary are the atmospheric lanes of Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, and the surrounding streets. These winding hilly lanes are lined with perfect traditional buildings that are now home to stores selling everything from homewares to souvenirs. There are also plenty of options for lunch here, whether you are after a quick bite to eat, a long lunch, or a sweet treat.
Leave Kiyomizu-Dera through the Niomon Gate, and stroll along Matsubara Street. Take a right onto Sannenzaka and then right again onto Ninenzaka. Make sure to return back to Sannenzaka and continue down the hill. It is here you will get incredible views of the Hokan-Ji temple and Yasaka Pagoda framed by the traditional buildings that line the narrow streets.
Tips for visiting with a stroller: Most of these streets are stroller friendly, but they are hilly and there are stairs at the end of both Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. We still found it easier to take the stroller than a baby carrier for our toddler because of the distances covered. It also made it easier to pop into shops.
Geisha (Geiko) Neighbourhoods, Tea Ceremony, and Kimono
Allow 1-3 hours or more depending on what you want to do. A tea ceremony often takes around an hour, and walking tours are often around 2 hours.
Explore the wider Gion area: Kyoto’s traditional geisha entertainment district. There is plenty to see and do beyond Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. Get lost wandering the atmospheric streets and visit one of the many charming teahouses. We really enjoyed doing a Gion walking tour to learn more about the Gion district and the significance of different spots in the area.
Itinerary tip for families: Depending on your daily routine with your little one, you could head back to your accommodation after seeing Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, and then explore the rest of Gion later in the day. Gion is a lot easier to access with public transport than Kiyomizu-Dera, making it easy to return to later.
Gion district
The Gion district is also the setting of the book Memoirs of a Geisha. While the movie was not filmed there, as it now looks too modern, the set was based on Kyoto. You will recognise many of the scenes from the movie, including the Tatsumi Bridge. Fans can also enjoy this Memoirs of a Geisha Private Walking Tour to learn more about the area and geisha (called geiko in Kyoto).
5 Days in Kyoto: Other things to do in Gion
Gion is the perfect place to experience a traditional tea ceremony. This tea ceremony in a traditional tea house is a fantastic option (although it is not suitable for children under 7). If you’re wanting to wear a traditional kimono then Gion is also a perfect place to rent one.
Gion is home to park grounds, temples, and shrines. We enjoyed visiting Maruyama Park and the Yasaka Shrine (not to be confused with the Yasaka Pagoda) when we were in Gion.
Good to know: You might have seen headlines that Gion is closed to tourists, but that is simply not true. Some small private streets in Gion are not open to the public and are blocked off. This is to respect the privacy of the owners and geisha (geiko) working in the area. It is also prohibited to take photos of geisha and there are some areas where photos are prohibited. All of the main streets are still open in Gion and it is still a fantastic area to visit.
Other geisha neighbourhoods
There are actually 5 geisha districts in Kyoto: Gion Kobu, Gion Higashi, Pontoncho (in day 4 of this itinerary), Miyagawacho, and Kamishichiken.
Miyagawacho and Kamishichiken have a quieter atmosphere, which can make them easier to navigate with kids. With 5 days in Kyoto, you might want to spend less time in Gion, and venture to one of these neighbourhoods as well.
Miyagawacho is about a 10-15 minute walk from Gion (and less than a 10 minute walk from the Gion Corner Show which is next on this itinerary).
Kamishichiken is even quieter, but it is about an hour from Gion using the train. I’d recommend visiting there on day 5 of this itinerary after Kinkaku-Ji (Golden Pavillion).
Gion Corner Show
Performance is about 1 hour (arrive 10-15 minutes early to be seated).
Open: Performances are at 6pm and 7pm, 7 days a week (or Tuesday – Friday from December to March).
Admission: 5,500 Y for adults, 3,300 Y for children, and free for children under 6 years.
Getting there: Gion Corner is a 10 minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station
Gion Corner Show Tickets
The Gion Corner show is a showcase of 7 traditional Japanese performing arts combined into an hour long performance. You will see a geisha (geiko) dance, tea ceremony, Japanese theatre, and kyogen comedy.
The Gion Corner is a great way to see a range of traditional Japanese performances in a short time. Children are also welcome. I wouldn’t have wanted to attempt to take my toddler to a traditional tea ceremony or dance, so this was a perfect option for us.
Day 3: Arashiyama, Bamboo Forest, Boats, Trains, and Monkey Park
Arashiyama: Bamboo grove and riverside walk
Allow 1-3 hours. Allow more time if you are visiting Tenryu-Ji, hiring a rowboat, or stopping for a meal
Entry to the bamboo forest is free and it is open 24/7
Getting there: From Kyoto Station, take the San-In line 20 minutes to Saga-Arashiyama Station. The bamboo grove is a flat 12-minute walk from the station.
Venture to the picturesque haven of Arashiyama for your third day in Kyoto. The area is famous for the towering bamboo groves, but is also a beautiful district situated along the river. While many people only see the bamboo forest in Arashiyama, you can easily dedicate a whole slow travel day here.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Tenryu-Ji Temple
Head to the Arashiyama bamboo groves first – one of the most iconic spots in Kyoto. This serene forest of bamboo stretches about a kilometre and is simply magical, with the light filtering through the dense trees as they bend in the breeze. You also visit Tenryu-ji Temple and Zen Garden while you are here (opens at 8.30am). The temple grounds back on to the bamboo forest path.
Tip to avoid crowds: Arrive early if possible and walk the whole path (don’t stay by the entrance). Like Fushimi Inari Taisha, we were told that you need to arrive at the bamboo forest at 6am. We arrived mid-morning with our toddler and found that some parts of the forest were packed, while other parts were surprisingly quiet.
Other things to do in Arashiyama
From the bamboo forest, continue through Arashiyama Park down to the river. Walking along the river is incredibly peaceful and quiet compared to the bamboo forest. We had planned to hire a rowboat, but unfortunately the boat hire was closed due to heavy rain the day before.
You can enjoy an early lunch at one of the many eateries in Arashiyama or enjoy a picnic by the river. Many of the restaurants are quite traditional. We chose to pack a picnic lunch for our toddler to have by the river, and then we enjoyed lunch at a nearby restaurant.
If you are close to Arashiyama Station, then consider a visit to the ‘kimono forest’. This is a short path out the back of the station with pillars adorned with different kimono fabrics. Our toddler enjoyed roaming freely down the path while we admired the kimono.
You can also enjoy the Sagano Romatic Train, a sightseeing train that runs along the river from Saga-Arashiyama Station. Enjoy the return journey, or use it to get back into central Kyoto. See the Official Website for train timetables and opening hours.
Arashiyama Monkey Park
Allow 1-1.5 hours
Open: 9am – 4pm 7 days
Admission: 600 yen for adults, 300 yen for children 4-15 years, children under 4 are free
Getting there: Cross Togetsukyo Bridge from the main part of Arashiyama and then it’s a 2 minute walk back along the river to the entrance. Once inside, be prepared for a 20-minute uphill walk inside the park to see the macaques.
Arashiyama Iwatayama Monkey Park Official Website
Many people who visit Japan want to see Japanese macaques during their stay. While some venture to Nagano to see the snow monkeys bathing in the natural onsen, the Arashiyama Monkey Park is a great way to see Japanese macaques in a semi-wild habitat during your time in Kyoto.
The monkey park is a ‘reverse zoo’ with visitors in a cage while the macaques roam on the outside. You can choose to stay inside the cage or wander around the outside, but it is important to follow the signs and exercise caution around the monkeys.
We visited the Ichitani-Munakata Shrine at the entrance to the monkey park, but we didn’t go inside as I was pregnant. I’m including the monkey park in this Kyoto 5 day itinerary as I know it is an essential stop for many travellers and families visiting Kyoto. It’s also easy to add on to your time in Arashiyama, being a short walk from the other spots.
Tip for visiting with kids: There is a 20-minute uphill walk once you get inside the monkey park, including some stairs.
Day 4: Downtown Kyoto, Nishiki Markets, Shopping, and Pontocho Alley
Nishiki Market
Allow 1-2 hours (or more if you are doing a guided food tour)
Open: Most stores are open 10am-6pm, with some closed on Wednesdays and Sundays. Individual store hours vary.
Nishiki Market Official Website
Start your day with a visit to “Kyoto’s pantry”. Enjoy fresh seafood and street eats at Nishiki Market. A guided food tour is a great way to sample a range of local foods and learn more about Kyoto’s culinary heritage.
Tip if travelling with a stroller: The markets are all on ground level and flat, but some individual stores are quite small and not stroller friendly.
Shopping in downtown Kyoto
Teramachi and Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcades are the most popular shopping streets in Kyoto, and a great place to pick up clothes, snacks, or souvenirs. The arcades are covered, which also makes for a great option on a rainy day.
The arcades are stroller friendly and a lot wider than Nishiki Market. Many of the shops are big enough to navigate with a stroller.
There are also several department stores in downtown Kyoto. Daimaru Department Store is right next to the Nishiki Market. Be sure to visit the basement for an incredible range of fine foods.
Tip for travelling with young kids: I always found great family bathrooms and changing facilities in department stores in Japan.
If shopping isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other things to do in downtown Kyoto. Enjoy games otr karaoke at an arcade, walk along Kamo River, or visit the Kyoto International Manga Museum, or Samurai Ninja Museum Kyoto.
The Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle are also less than a 30 minute walk from the Nishiki Market.
Evening in Pontocho Alley
Spend the evening at Pontocho Alley after working up your appetite shopping or exploring, This narrow, enchanting alley runs parallel to the Kamo River and is home to many restaurants and bars. You can easily spend an evening here enjoying Japanese cuisine and hospitality. Many of the venues on the east side of Pontocho Alley have decks that look over the river.
There are walking food tours that you can do along Pontocho Alley. This casual Pontoncho evening food tour is highly rated and includes 5 different food stops.
Tip for Pontocho Alley with kids: You can enjoy Pontocho Alley even if you are travelling with kids. There are lots of casual dining options, including some of the spots overlooking the river. Pontocho Alley also has a park with a basic playground about half way down the lane. There are also restaurants that are open in the afternoon if you need to have an early dinner with your kids.
Day 5: Kinkaku-Ji Golden Pavillion
Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavillion
Allow 1.5-3 hours
Open: 9am – 5pm 7 days
Admission: 500 yen for adults, 300 yen for school children, free for children under 5 years
Kinkaku-Ji Official Website
Getting there: From Kyoto Station, ride the San-In line to Emmachi Station then transfer to the 205 City Bus. Take the 205 bus 6 stops until you arrive at the Kinkaku-Ji Temple stop. The Official Website has detailed options for getting to Kinkaku-Ji
End your Kyoto 5 day itinerary with arguable the most popular attraction in all of Kyoto. The famed Golden Pavilion is known for its top two floors covered completely in gold leaf. This UNESCO World Heritage site was originally built as the residence of a shogun, but was later converted to a temple.
Kinkaku-ji sits by Kyoko-Chi pond, providing a perfect reflection on a still day. The temple grounds include meticulously manicured gardens and other buildings, including a couple of teahouses.
Other than the teahouses, there are no food options inside the temple complex. There are restaurants and combinis near the entrance if you need to get something to eat after your visit.
If you have a half day in Kyoto for your fifth day, then Kinkaku-Ji is a great way to spend it. We found that there weren’t many other spots near Kinkaku-Ji, but it is worth venturing out to see the Golden Pavillion in all its glory.
If you’ve got more time in Kyoto, I’ve included other things to do in Kyoto below.
Tips for visiting with a stroller: Most of the complex and gardens can be visited with a stroller. There are parts of the complex that have stairs, but you can follow the wheelchair accessible route and still see most of the grounds.
5 days in Kyoto itinerary: Other things to do
Kyoto 5 day itinerary: If you’ve got a full 5 days in Kyoto, there are plenty of other things you can do with your time here. I’ve put together some top recommendations below:
- Visit the quieter Geisha (Geiko) districts of Miyagawacho and Kamishichiken. Miyagawacho is a 10-15 minute walk from Gion (making it a good additional to day 2 or 4 of this Kyoto 5 day itinerary), and Kamishichiken is closer to Kinkaku-Ji (so you can add it to day 5 of this itinerary).
- Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence and gardens of the imperial family.
- Walk along the Philosopher’s Path, a beautiful trail running alongside a canal. Enjoy the beautiful nearby temples of Ginkaku-ji Temple and Honen-in Temple.
- Visit Tofukuji Temple and the oldest zen gate in Japan.
- There are several highly-rated museums in downtown Kyoto, including the Kyoto International Manga Museum, and the Samurai Ninja Museum Kyoto.
- Visit Nijo Castle, the former shogun residence.
5 Days in Kyoto Option: Day Trip to Nara
Another reason that Kyoto is a great base for a longer stay is that it’s a great base for day trips. Within an hour, you can get to Nara, Osaka, Kobe, and Uji, as well as the mountain village of Kibune.
I would highly recommend a day trip or overnight stay to see the magical deer in Nara. You can check out my one day in Nara guide with a full itinerary and practical tips (including family-friendly options).
Kyoto 5 day itinerary: Getting to Kyoto
If you’re following my Japan Itinerary: Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors, you’ll be arriving in Kyoto from Tokyo or Hakone.
- Tokyo to Kyoto: Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station. The journey takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
- Hakone to Kyoto: Take the Shinkansen from Odawara Station to Kyoto Station. The journey takes around 2 hours.
If you are flying into Kyoto from overseas, you will land at Kansai International Airport near Osaka. The quickest option to get to Kyoto is the JR Haruka Limited Express. This takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes to get to Kyoto Station. The JR Rapid service trains take about 1 hour and 40 minutes to get to Kyoto Station.
This wraps up my Kyoto 5 day itinerary. I hope this blog has given you plenty of ideas for how to spend 5 days in Kyoto. If you’re travelling with kids, I also hope this takes away some of the stress of travelling to Kyoto with kids.
