How Many Days In Kyoto Is Enough?

If you are thinking about visiting Kyoto you’ll first need to start thinking about how many days in Kyoto is enough to experience the cultural heart of Japan, steeped in history and filled with traditional temples and shrines.

It’s here you can see geisha and experience the tranquility of the Zen gardens for which the country is famous.

With frequent festivals and some incredible restaurants, it’s no surprise that the city is one of Japan’s most popular destinations for tourists.

So how many days do you need in Kyoto if you’re planning a short break and want to see the best of the sights? Would a 2-day visit be enough or should you plan for longer?

Well, 2 days would certainly give you a real taste of the city, but you’d need to be prepared for a pretty hectic schedule!

If you’d like the freedom to spend longer at certain attractions, then plan for 3 or even 4 days in Kyoto.

This will also give you time to sit back and observe the locals going about their daily lives – one of the best ways to understand a new culture.

To make it easier to work out just how much time you’ll need, I’ve put together this simple guide to planning your trip.

I’ve included a list of some of the best things to do in the city and how long to set aside for each.

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How To Decide How Long To Stay In Kyoto

In this guide, you’ll find all the things you’ll need to take into account when deciding how many days for Kyoto will be enough.

To help you figure out exactly how long you’ll need in Kyoto, make a list of the things you want to do in Kyoto, and consider the time of arrival and departure.

Then, look at the distance between places to keep it realistic.

At the end of this exercise, you’ll know how many days in Kyoto you’ll need.

Time Of Arrival, Hotel Check-In Time, And Time Of Departure

If you already have an idea of how many full days in the city you’ll need, take a look at your arrival and departure times.

If you arrive late or leave early, then you won’t be able to count those as full days. In that case, you might want to add an extra night to your stay.

The next thing to think about is your luggage. 

An early arrival in Kyoto will give you plenty of time for sightseeing. But if you can’t check into your hotel as soon as you arrive, you may be stuck with your bags. 

The first step is to call your hotel to see if they will store your luggage before you check-in. Most will be happy to do this, although you might need to pay a fee.

If necessary, you should also ask if they will look after your bags once you’ve checked out. If there is no storage facility where you’re staying, then consider using the coin lockers at Kyoto Station. 

There are lots of them throughout the building, with different sizes available. There are even change machines to make it easier to pay.

If your luggage is too big for a locker, head to floor B1 where you’ll find a Baggage Room.

If you’re planning on using the subway, then you might find the bank of lockers in Porta’s underground shopping mall easier to use. You’ll also find lockers outside Kyoto Theater.

If the locker option doesn’t appeal to you, you can find private companies online offering luggage storage. Some of these will collect your bags from you and deliver them to the airport if needed.

Activities In Kyoto

When thinking about how many days in Kyoto you’ll need, decide how many activities you want to do.

Before you travel, make a list of the attractions that appeal to you the most and find out how long you’ll need to set aside for each. Make sure that you factor in your travel time.

Also, remember that you may have to spend some time queuing, especially during Kyoto’s high season. This is from March through May and September through November.

Note that many travelers prefer to book tours and activities in advance to save time, skip the queues and make the most of their holidays.

Browse Tours In Kyoto

Pace Of Activities

Once you’re clear on just what you want to see and do, you’ll need to work out how you will fit everything in. 

If you thrive on a fast pace, then see if you can squeeze all the attractions into a couple of days. 

But if you tend to have a more relaxed and laid-back approach to seeing the sights, then a slightly longer break will definitely suit you better.

Remember, too, that Kyoto’s restaurants offer some of the best cuisines in Japan – so you won’t want to be rushing your meals!

Transportation

Consider how you’ll be getting around the city and the best ways to minimize your travel time.

Fortunately, Kyoto is extremely easy to explore and you can see much of it on foot! Cycling is a great option too.

The city is very flat and drivers are – on the whole – pretty considerate.

But if speed is of the essence, your best options are definitely the trains and subways. With six different train lines and two subway lines, getting from one spot to another is quick and easy!

Kyoto also has an extensive bus system. Whilst it’s a slower way to travel, the buses cover a wider area than the trains or subways.

There are plenty of taxis in Kyoto too. They may be the most expensive option, but they are still reasonably priced and ideal if you’re splitting the cost with a group.

What To Do In Kyoto

There are lots of cool things to see and do in Kyoto. Here are some of the best activities to do during your stay in Kyoto.

See The City’s Highlights On A Private Tour

There is simply so much to learn about Kyoto that a guided tour with a knowledgeable local is a must!

This Kyoto walking tour can be customized to suit your interests and includes both the modern and traditional aspects of the city.

You’ll see the Fushimi Inari Shrine – famous for the Torii Gate Corridor – and visit the Kinkaku-ji Temple (Temple of the Golden Pavilion), named for the beautiful color of its reliquary hall. 

After enjoying the panoramic views from the verandah of the ancient Kiyomizu-dera temple, you’ll head to Gion where you can stock up on authentic souvenirs.

You’ll even get some great recommendations for the best spots to stop for dinner or a snack.

Suggested time: Choose between a 4 or 6-hour tour

Take A Night Walk In Kyoto’s Geisha District

The majority of Japan’s geisha live and work in Kyoto – specifically in its most traditional district, Gion.  

One of the most popular experiences in the city, this Geisha district tour takes you through the area at night. 

Walking down the cobblestoned streets beside the Shirakawa River you’ll be surrounded by the scenery that is featured in the book and film ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’. 

Your local guide will tell you all about this living tradition, giving you an insight into the daily life, rules, hairstyles, and kimonos of the geisha.

And – although there are no guarantees – you may be fortunate enough to see one walking in the street.

Suggested time: 2 hours

Learn How To Prepare A Japanese Bento Box

The ‘bento’ takeaway meal is a staple of Japanese cuisine and during this experience, you’ll learn how to make your own! 

Working with an English-speaking instructor you’ll learn about the history of bento and try your hand at making sushi, teriyaki chicken, miso soup, and tempura.

At the end of the session, you’ll get to sit down and enjoy your creations for lunch.

Suggested time: 3 hours

Explore Japanese Zen Gardens

Japanese gardens are famed for their peace and beauty, with spirits represented by plants, rocks, and the ways in which the gardens are designed.

This private walking tour is customizable, so you can choose to visit the places you most want to see.

Alternatively, you can leave the route in the capable hands of your guide!

Taking in the dry landscape gardens to be found at Zen temples and the beautifully landscaped gardens filled with seasonal plants elsewhere, you’ll learn more about the stories behind them and what their different styles represent.

Suggested time: 6 hours

Experience A Tea Ceremony

Tea ceremonies are intrinsic to Japanese culture and there is no better way to understand their meaning than to experience one for yourself. 

When joining this Tea ceremony, you’ll be seated on a tatami (a traditional Japanese floor mat) as you meet your host – a licensed tea master from Urasenke, Japan’s biggest tea ceremony school.

You can watch how the tea is prepared, then have the chance to make your own as you listen to the history and spiritual role of the tradition. You’ll enjoy some Japanese sweets at the end of your visit.

Suggested time: 45 minutes

See The Monkeys At Arashiyama’s Bamboo Forest

After taking stunning photos at Arashiyama’s Bamboo Forest Path and seeing the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, walk around Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama. 

As well as enjoying the mountain’s unique scenery, you’ll also get to photograph the wild monkeys that come to visit. 

You can also go for lunch in one of the local cafés in the area.

Suggested time: 6.5 hours

Final Thoughts On Kyoto Getaways

So just how many days in Kyoto is enough for a memorable short break?

I hope this guide has helped you work out just how long you’ll need to see the best of the city at a comfortable pace. 

Traveling to Japan soon? Read one of the following blog posts:

• Kyoto in the fall
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• Best cities to live in Japan for expats