Quick summary: Explore Kyoto’s rich heritage with a 4-day itinerary perfect for families. Visit iconic temples, stroll historic tea lanes, and enjoy scenic day trips using mixed transport options.
Route map + stops
Kyoto
- Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所)
Nearest station: Imadegawa Station — Line: Karasuma Line — Exit: Best exit: check station signage
Other
- Fushimi Inari Shrine (伏見稲荷大社)
Nearest station: Fushimi Inari Station — Line: JR Nara Line — Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Kiyomizu-dera Temple (清水寺)
Nearest station: Kiyomizu-Gojo Station — Line: Keihan Main Line — Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Gion District (祇園)
Nearest station: Gion-Shijo Station — Line: Keihan Main Line — Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Nijo Castle (二条城)
Nearest station: Nijojo-mae Station — Line: Tozai Line — Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (嵐山竹林)
Nearest station: Arashiyama Station — Line: Hankyu Arashiyama Line — Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Tenryu-ji Temple (天龍寺)
Nearest station: Arashiyama Station — Line: Hankyu Arashiyama Line — Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Philosopher’s Path (哲学の道)
Nearest station: Keage Station — Line: Tozai Line — Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Nanzen-ji Temple (南禅寺)
Nearest station: Keage Station — Line: Tozai Line — Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Tea Ceremony Experience (茶道体験)
Nearest station: Gion-Shijo Station — Line: Keihan Main Line — Exit: Best exit: check station signage
Timeline (hour-by-hour)
Day 1
Start your day at Fushimi Inari Shrine walking through the famous torii gates. After lunch, visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple for panoramic views and traditional streets. End the day with a stroll in Gion District to experience Kyoto’s geisha culture.
9:00 — Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine
Why go: Iconic shrine famous for thousands of vermilion torii gates offering a unique cultural experience.
Do:
- Walk through the torii gate tunnels
- Explore the main shrine buildings
- Enjoy light hiking on the mountain trails
How to get there: Take JR Nara Line to Fushimi Inari Station, short walk from exit
Cost / tickets: Free
Time needed: 2-3 hours
13:00 — Explore Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Why go: Historic temple with panoramic views of Kyoto and traditional architecture.
Do:
- Visit the main hall and veranda
- Walk the surrounding streets with shops and cafes
- Try local snacks along the way
How to get there: From Fushimi Inari, take Keihan Line to Kiyomizu-Gojo Station, then walk uphill
Cost / tickets: Entrance fee approx 400 yen
Time needed: 2 hours
16:00 — Stroll Gion District
Why go: Famous geisha district with traditional wooden machiya houses and tea houses.
Do:
- Walk Hanami-koji Street
- Spot geisha and maiko in the evening
- Visit Yasaka Shrine nearby
How to get there: Walk or take bus from Kiyomizu-dera area to Gion
Cost / tickets: Free
Time needed: 1.5 hours
Day 2
Tour Nijo Castle in the morning, then head to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove for a peaceful walk. Visit Tenryu-ji Temple nearby to enjoy Zen gardens and mountain views.
9:30 — Tour Nijo Castle
Why go: UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing samurai-era architecture and gardens.
Do:
- Explore the castle interiors
- Walk the beautiful gardens
- Learn about Japanese feudal history
How to get there: Take Tozai Line to Nijojo-mae Station, short walk from exit
Cost / tickets: Entrance fee approx 1000 yen
Time needed: 2 hours
13:00 — Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Why go: Scenic bamboo forest offering a serene and photogenic walk.
Do:
- Walk through the bamboo paths
- Visit nearby shops and cafes
- Enjoy river views
How to get there: Take Hankyu Arashiyama Line to Arashiyama Station, walk to grove
Cost / tickets: Free
Time needed: 1 hour
14:30 — Explore Tenryu-ji Temple
Why go: Historic Zen temple with beautiful gardens and mountain views.
Do:
- Visit temple buildings
- Stroll the Sogen Pond garden
- Relax in the peaceful surroundings
How to get there: Short walk from Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Cost / tickets: Entrance fee approx 500 yen
Time needed: 1.5 hours
Day 3
Walk the scenic Philosopher’s Path and visit Nanzen-ji Temple. In the afternoon, participate in a traditional Tea Ceremony Experience in Gion.
9:00 — Walk the Philosopher’s Path
Why go: Scenic canal-side walk lined with cherry trees and small temples.
Do:
- Walk the full path
- Visit small shrines and cafes
- Enjoy seasonal flowers
How to get there: Take Tozai Line to Keage Station, walk to path start
Cost / tickets: Free
Time needed: 2 hours
12:00 — Visit Nanzen-ji Temple
Why go: Large Zen temple complex with impressive gates and gardens.
Do:
- Explore temple grounds
- See the aqueduct
- Relax in the gardens
How to get there: Walk from Philosopher’s Path southern end
Cost / tickets: Entrance fee approx 500 yen
Time needed: 1.5 hours
15:00 — Participate in Tea Ceremony Experience
Why go: Engage in traditional Japanese tea ceremony to understand cultural heritage.
Do:
- Learn tea preparation steps
- Enjoy matcha tea
- Experience traditional setting
How to get there: Return to Gion area by bus or taxi
Cost / tickets: Approx 2000-3000 yen
Time needed: 1.5 hours
Day 4
Visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace and its gardens in the morning. Spend your afternoon relaxing in Gion with some shopping and a final meal before departure.
9:30 — Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace
Why go: Historic residence of the Imperial family with beautiful gardens and architecture.
Do:
- Tour palace grounds
- Walk surrounding park
- Learn about Japanese history
How to get there: Take Karasuma Line to Imadegawa Station, walk to palace
Cost / tickets: Free, guided tours available
Time needed: 2 hours
13:00 — Relax in Gion and Final Shopping
Why go: Last chance to enjoy traditional streets and pick up souvenirs.
Do:
- Shop local crafts
- Enjoy a final meal at a family-friendly restaurant
- Stroll the Shirakawa Canal
How to get there: Walk or short taxi ride within Gion
Cost / tickets: Varies
Time needed: 2-3 hours
Logistics (read this first)
- Purchase a prepaid IC card for convenient bus and subway travel
- Wear comfortable walking shoes due to moderate walking each day
- Mid-range budget covers entrance fees and meals at local restaurants
- Use taxis selectively for convenience, especially with family
- Check opening hours in advance as some sites close early
- Carry water and light snacks for day trips
Local tips and guide
Kyoto Local Guide
Kyoto is a city rich in history and culture, known for its temples, traditional tea houses, and scenic natural beauty. The city center is compact and well connected by subway and buses, making it easy to explore. Key areas include the historic Gion district, the Arashiyama bamboo grove, and the Philosopher’s Path. Visitors can enjoy seasonal beauty, especially cherry blossoms in spring and colorful leaves in autumn. Local cuisine and crafts add to the cultural experience.
If it rains (2 alternatives)
If something is closed (2 alternatives)
FAQ
Is this itinerary suitable for children?
Yes, it is family-friendly with moderate walking and cultural activities suitable for all ages.
What is the best way to get around Kyoto?
A mix of subway, buses, and occasional taxis is recommended for convenience and coverage.
Are entrance fees included in the budget?
Yes, the mid-range budget accounts for typical entrance fees and meals.
Can I do the tea ceremony with children?
Many tea ceremony venues welcome families, but check in advance for age restrictions.
Is the itinerary wheelchair accessible?
Some sites have limited accessibility; check individual locations and consider alternative plans if needed.
How we planned this route
Byline: Planned by Kyoto travel experts with local insights
Based on cultural highlights, family-friendly pacing, and efficient transport routes
Last updated: 2024-06-01