Kyoto is one of the most visited cities in Japan. The city is known for its historical sites and structures like temples, shrines, and ancient merchant streets. It will undoubtedly fascinate those who will take the time to explore both the popular attractions and those that are still novel. Who knows, maybe you’ll discover something new while roaming around the old streets and alleyways.

Kyoto is usually included in day tour itineraries offered in Osaka, together with other nearby destinations such as Nara and Kobe. This is not really surprising as the main gateway to the Kansai region is the Kansai International Airport, which is located in Osaka Prefecture. Here are sample possible itineraries for your Kyoto trip.

Option 1: Kyoto Only (3D/2N)

Day 1: Arrival/Fushimi Inari
Arrival at Kansai International Airport
Travel to Kyoto
Hotel Check-in
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Lunch
Gion District
Dinner

Day 2: Arashiyama
Wake up
Arashiyama
Lunch
Golden Pavilion
Kyoto Tower
Dinner

Day 3: Theme Park/Departure
Check out
Toei Movie Studio Park
Travel to airport
Departure

Option 2: Kyoto + Osaka (5D/4N)

Day 1: Arrival/Fushimi Inari
Arrival at Kansai International Airport
Travel to Kyoto
Hotel Check-in
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Lunch
Gion District
Dinner

Day 2: Arashiyama
Wake up
Arashiyama
Lunch
Golden Pavilion
Kyoto Tower
Dinner

Day 3: Theme Park
Check out
Travel to Osaka
Hotel Check-in
Universal Studios Japan
Dinner

Day 4: Osaka
Wake up
Osaka Castle
Umeda Sky Building Observatory
Lunch
Dotonbori Tour
Dinner

Day 5: Departure

Option 3: Kyoto + Osaka + Nara (6D/5N)

Day 1: Arrival/Fushimi Inari
Arrival at Kansai International Airport
Travel to Kyoto
Hotel Check-in
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Lunch
Gion District
Dinner

Day 2: Arashiyama
Wake up
Arashiyama
Lunch
Golden Pavilion
Kyoto Tower
Dinner

Day 3: Theme Park
Check out
Travel to Osaka
Hotel Check-in
Universal Studios Japan
Dinner

Day 4: Osaka
Wake up
Osaka Castle
Umeda Sky Building Observatory
Lunch
Dotonbori Tour
Dinner

Day 5: Nara
Wake up
Travel to Nara
Start DIY Walking Tour: Sarusawa-ike Pond, Kofuku-ji Temple, Isuien Garden, Yoshikien Garden, Todai-ji Temple
Lunch
Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Shinyakushi-ji Temple, Naramachi
Travel back to Osaka
Dinner

Day 6: Departure

Kyoto Essentials

Kyoto Pocket Wi-fi Stay Internet-connected while in Kyoto! ➡️ RESERVE HERE	Kansai-Kyoto Limousine Bus Hassle-free airport to Kyoto transfer! ➡️ RESERVE HERE
ICOCA Card Easy access to train, subway and buses! ➡️ RESERVE HERE	JR Pass Unlimited train rides within the JR network. ➡️ RESERVE HERE

Top Kyoto Hotels

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY	Hotel Granvia Kyoto ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
Aoi Hotel Kyoto – Luxury Apartment ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY	Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY