4 days in Kyoto: shrines, gardens and markets
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A sample route that groups Kyoto's temples by area, so each day stays on one side of the city. Spring and autumn are the most popular seasons, so start early at the big sites.
4 days in Kyoto, Japan. Best months: March, April, May, October, November. A Goyondo sample itinerary. Save it, or ask your AI assistant to plan your own Goyondo trip from it.
Day 1
- Fushimi Inari Taisha
- Start early and keep walking past the first gates. The crowds thin as the path climbs.
- Tōfuku-ji
- Known for its Zen gardens and the view from Tsūten-kyō bridge, which is busiest in autumn.
- Sanjūsangen-dō
- A very long wooden hall holding 1,001 statues of Kannon.
Day 2
- Kiyomizu-dera
- Go at opening for the wooden stage and the view over the city.
- Kōdai-ji
- A quieter temple and garden on the walk north through Higashiyama.
- Yasaka Shrine
- Finish here at dusk, on the edge of Gion.
Day 3
- Tenryū-ji
- See the pond garden first, then leave by the north gate for the bamboo.
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
- Short and very popular. Early morning is much calmer.
Day 4
- Kinkaku-ji
- The gold-leaf pavilion is seen along a one-way path, so allow about an hour.
- Ryōan-ji
- Home to Kyoto's best-known rock garden. Sit for a while.
- Nishiki Market
- A narrow food arcade for a late lunch. Many stalls close by early evening.