How to Spend 4 Days in Kyoto - Japan Travel Itinerary

Perched on a mountainside, this iconic Buddhist temple offers breathtaking panoramic views of Kyoto from its wooden stage. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its impressive architecture and spiritual ambiance.

Mount Ottawa is mentioned as the location of Kiyumizu-dera temple.

Ottawa waterfall is located at the base of Kiyumizu-dera's main hall, its pure water is separated into three streams which are said to bestow three forms of luck.

Ninen-zaka is mentioned as one of the traditional Edo style streets near Kiyumizu-dera.

San-nen-zaka is mentioned as one of the traditional Edo style streets near Kiyumizu-dera.

Yasaka Pagoda, the last remaining structure of the 6th Century Hokanji Temple, is an unforgettable photo spot.

Gion is the area one can walk through from Yasaka Pagoda, towards Guillon.

Kodaiji is one of the temples and gardens located along the way to Gion.

Hanami Koji Street is Kyoto's famous Geisha District, filled with beautiful shops, restaurants and traditional tea houses.

The Kamagawa River is a place where one can find beautiful places to dine.

Pontocho Alley is located along the Kamagawa River and offers many beautiful places to dine.

Sanjo is one of the best Kyoto night spots.

The Kiagi Incline is an Old Railway that is now one of Kyoto's top socrata spots.

Nanzenji Temple is one of Kyoto's most significant temples, which features a unique red brick Aqueduct.

The Philosopher's Path is a two kilometer Stone Road along a canal lined with hundreds of sakura trees.

Ginkakuji, known as the Silver Pavilion, was once the home of an art obsessed Shogun and became the center of higashiyama culture in Kyoto.

Heian Jingu Shrine is a relatively new Shinto shrine dedicated to the spirits of the first and last emperors who reigned from Kyoto. It's known for its vibrant vermilion architecture and expansive gardens.

The former ruling palace of the Emperor of Japan, the Kyoto Imperial Palace is set within a vast park. While the buildings themselves are simple and elegant, the historical significance is immense.

Okazaki Ginger, nicknamed Usagi Ginger or the rabbit Shrine, is one of the cutest temples.

Kinkakuji, Kyoto's golden Pavilion, was formerly the retirement home of the Shogun ashikaga yoshimitsu.

Arashiyama is where you'll find the Saginaw Forest, a stunning Bamboo Grove walk.

The Sagano Forest is a stunning Bamboo Grove walk.

Toroko (or Sagano) Romantic Train station in Arashiyama offers a scenic railway journey through the mountains and along the Hozugawa River. It’s a popular way to experience the area's natural beauty.

Hozugawa River is where the Sagano Railway runs along.

Toketsukyo Bridge is the perfect place to sit down and enjoy a snack along the river.

Iwatayama Monkey Park leads you up to the open Mountainside and all of the Japanese macaques.

Amanohashidate is a winding Sandbar lined with pines referred to as the bridge in heaven.

Fushimi Inari is famous for thousands of a million Tory Gates.

Tofukuji Temple is a large Zen Buddhist temple known for its spectacular autumn colors, especially viewed from the Tsutenkyo Bridge that spans its valley.

Kyoto station has incredible architecture and Sky walkway.

Uji is a small City in southern Kyoto which is famous for its matcha green tea and the two rivers.

Byodo-in Temple is a stunning Buddhist temple in Uji, famous for its iconic Phoenix Hall (Hoo-do) which appears on the Japanese 10 yen coin. Its architecture is a masterpiece of Heian period design.

The Temple's Phoenix Hall is the very very same that you'll find on the back of the Japanese 10 Yen coin.

Osaka has a lively exciting atmosphere.

Street food along the de tonbury Canal is recommended.

Castle Buffs might also enjoy a small trip down to himeiji.