Kyoto In Depth: 5 Days with a Day Trip to Nara

Stay in Gion and Higashiyama for five days, exploring the north and east of the city, Ginkaku-ji and Arashiyama, with a day trip to Nara.

In addition to the classic sights, this itinerary covers northeastern Kyoto, including Ginkaku-ji, the Philosopher's Path, Nanzen-ji and the Heian Shrine area, along with local food at Nishiki Market. On day four, take the Kintetsu line to Nara to see Todai-ji and the deer, then return to Kyoto in the evening. On the last day, visit Fushimi Inari and Tofuku-ji early in the morning, then take JR from Kyoto Station to the airport. The pace is moderate, suiting first-time visitors who want to see more or repeat visitors.

Summers are hot and humid, so schedule outdoor walks for early morning or evening.

Day by day

Day 1 · From Kiyomizu-dera to Gion

Kyoto（Kiyomizu-dera、Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka、Yasaka Shrine、Gion & Hanamikoji Street）

Take the JR Haruka from Kansai International Airport to Kyoto Station, then take a bus to Higashiyama, about 15 minutes. After dropping off your luggage, explore on foot.

Stay: Gion & Higashiyama

Day 2 · Northeastern Higashiyama and Nishiki Market

Kyoto（Ginkaku-ji、Philosopher's Path、Nanzen-ji、Heian Jingu、Nishiki Market）

Take a bus to Ginkaku-ji, then walk down the Philosopher's Path for about 1 hour to Nanzen-ji. In the evening, take the subway to the city center and explore Nishiki Market.

Most shops at Nishiki Market close around 5 p.m.

Stay: Gion & Higashiyama

Day 3 · Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji and Arashiyama

Kyoto（Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)、Ryoan-ji、Tenryu-ji、Arashiyama Bamboo Grove、Togetsukyo Bridge）

Take a bus to Kinkaku-ji, then walk or take a bus to Ryoan-ji. Take the Randen tram to Arashiyama. In the evening, take the Hankyu line back to Kawaramachi.

Stay: Gion & Higashiyama

Day 4 · Day trip to Nara

Nara（Kofuku-ji、Nara Park、Todai-ji、Kasuga Taisha、Naramachi）

Take the Kintetsu limited express from Kyoto Station to Kintetsu Nara Station, about 35 to 45 minutes. Explore Nara Park on foot, then return the same way in the evening.

Only feed the deer with rice crackers. Be aware that deer may bump into you or grab food.

Stay: Gion & Higashiyama

Day 5 · Fushimi Inari and Tofuku-ji before departure

Kyoto（Fushimi Inari Taisha、Tofuku-ji）

Take the Keihan line to Fushimi Inari early in the morning, then one stop to Tofuku-ji. Take JR back to Kyoto Station and then the Haruka to the airport, about 75 minutes.

Allow at least 2.5 hours to get to the airport, based on your flight time.

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