4 days in Kyoto, a guide for your first visit

If you are planning a visit to Japan we would recommend you plan 4 days in Kyoto.  Kyoto frequently tops the must visit cities in Japan as it’s packed with so much to see and do, and we have put together a guide for your first visit. It is undeniably one of the countries cultural meccas.  As we discovered during our three weeks in Japan, there is no place offering greater history, tradition and culture in Japan than Kyoto.

This is the place to be if you want to be immersed in Japanese tradition and culture as a visit to Kyoto is like experiencing a glimpse of the past. Kyoto is famous for numerous temples, impeccable gardens, traditional wooden houses and geishas, known as Geiko. As one of the countries ten largest cities, it’s very compact city making it easy to explore on foot.

From historic temples and colourful shrines to the swaying bamboo and spectacular mountain scenery, there are many reasons to visit the cultural heart of Japan. Kyoto’s scenic natural beauty inspires and enchants 50 million visitors annually. With so many tourists coming to see the true beauty, Kyoto does get busy. Authentic Japanese culture comes to life in Kyoto, one of the most FOMO (fear of missing out) cities in the world. With all the beautiful photos flooding Instagram many are planning a visit and are busy building their list.

But before you rush to plan your itinerary for your first trip to Kyoto, I want you to know there are more than 1600 temples in Kyoto. Then there are all the shrines. Clearly it would take daily visits for years to see them all so don’t try to pack too much into your 4 days in Kyoto.

Every itinerary for Japan includes a few visits to a temple or shrine. But Kyoto is not a place for just ticking off sights, it is a place to immerse yourself in the beauty and culture. For first timers there are a handful of highly recommended Kyoto temples and shrines to do this and each offers something unique. Our recommendations below to include in your first trip to Kyoto, are easy to see in 4 days.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

It is one of the most beautiful cities in Japan but just what should you add to your must do list? There is a mix of modern architecture, UNESCO sites and hundreds of temples, shrines and castles that top the most famous landmarks.

Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, is known as the best place to see traditional temples, ancient sites and authentic architecture. It is also home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We visited four of them.

Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle is an impressive samurai castle that was officially the residence of Shogunate rulers of Japan during the Edo Period. Ninomaru Palace within the complex boasts 33 rooms, showcasing the shogun’s immense wealth and power. The outstanding features of the castle’s impressive design and huge wooden buildings are the ornate sliding doors, elegantly decorated ceilings and beautiful gardens. We originally visited Nijo during our first trip to Kyoto and found the most unusual nightingale floors which make a chirping sound when walked upon.

Tenryu-ji Temple

Tenryu-ji Temple in Arashiyama is a stunning 14th century zen garden right on the edge of the Bamboo Grove. This is a beautiful Zen temple with one of the most attractive Japanese gardens using the Shakkei concept for its design, one that borrows its scenery from the backdrop of green hills and majestic mountains. We saw the beautiful wisteria and I can only imagine how beautiful it would be with the Cherry Blossom or autumn foliage. It is so calm and relaxing sitting in the shelter, viewing the garden which has not changed its design for over 700 years.

Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion)

Another beautifully stunning garden is in the grounds of Ginkaku-ji Temple, known as the Silver Pavilion. This temple is often rated second to Kinkaku-ji Temple, the Golden Pavilion, but the temple is framed by one of the finest traditional gardens in all of Japan. It has moss covered gardens and a bamboo grove but the feature of the temple is Ginshaden, known as Sea of Silver Sand, a garden of smooth white sand that reflects the moonlight at night. A Fuji-esque sand cone, or moon viewing platform is the conical mound of sand that stands as high as a man. Based on Zen Philosophy, the moon’s reflection symbolizes consciousness and the moss garden reflects beauty in the ageing process.

Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)

Kinkaku-ji Temple is definitely the most iconic and one of the best known sights in Japan. Truly unforgettable with its top two floors covered in gold leaf this fascinating site gets overcrowded with tourists yet retains a feeling of zen and calm. The reflection of the shining gold in the pond surrounding the temple and lush gardens is truly spectacular.

Philosopher’s Path

Nearby to Ginkaku-ji in Higashiyama is the perfect place to philosophise and be at peace, Philosopher’s Path. Connecting many scenic spots, temples, tea houses and restaurants along the canal, this is said to be simply breathtaking when lined with cherry blossom trees in flower. We enjoyed chatting with a gentleman who was making souvenir necklaces from coins and strolled past a variety of shops and galleries.

Gion

You can discover the old and new in heart of Kyoto, Gion which is Geisha territory. The streets are full of ocaya or wooden teahouses, venues for geisha. In the evening you will hear the sound of the Geiko’s wooden shoes on the paved streets before you spot her scurry on her way to an evening appointment. But an easier way to see one is at a show at Yasaka Hall on Gion Corner where Maiko, who are Geiko in training, perform the kyo-mai dance. Other traditional arts, like the ryurei style of tea making ceremony, ikenobo, Japanese flower arranging, koto, the six-stringed zither, Gagaku court music, Kyogen, a comical theatre and Bunraku, puppet theatre all part of the show. There is also a gallery where maiko’s hair decorations, and other items are on display.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

We saved the best for last. On our last morning in Kyoto we got up early and headed out by train to see one more place before the crowds got there. This was actually top of my list, and one I wasn’t leaving town without seeing.

One of the most stunning landmarks is the sight of the 10,000 vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Dedicated to the Shinto God of rice this is one of the most memorable sites in all of Japan. The shrine has become important for providing luck in business and is today one of the most visited shrines in over 30,000 shrines all over Japan. Unlike a lot of shrines, the shrine itself if not the main attraction, it is the pathway that starts behind the red and golden shrine. Because each of the 1,000’s of torii leading up to top of Mount Inari were donated by Japanese business’s to grant them luck.

One of the most stunning landmarks is the sight of the 10,000 vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Dedicated to the Shinto God of rice this is one of the most memorable sites in all of Japan. The shrine has become important for providing luck in business and is today one of the most visited shrines in over 30,000 shrines all over Japan. Unlike a lot of shrines, the shrine itself if not the main attraction, it is the pathway that starts behind the red and golden shrine. Because each of the 1,000’s of torii leading up to top of Mount Inari were donated by Japanese business’s to grant them luck.

This is one of our most memorable sites in all of Japan and we were so glad we got there early. It is quite a hike to the top of Mt Inari and one that is best not to rush. We were lucky we only shared our time there with no more than six or seven people along the way and by the time we were back at the entry there were many people starting to arrive. The walk through the bright torii gates was stunning in the early morning light.

Along the way are stone statues of foxes, each one different, and each one with symbolic objects relating to rice in their mouths.

The walk to the top takes approximately two hours, depending on how many stops you make for an Instagram photo.  After visiting so many shrines in Japan they can start to look the same, but not Fushimi Inari. This is a unique and unforgettable experience, especially if you come before the tourists crowd the paths to the top.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

In Kyoto there is so much to see that it is easy to feel overwhelmed and disoriented. So when you visit for the first time a great place to find your inner peace is strolling between the tall bamboo stalks at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Beauty is the signature of Kyoto and bamboo is the symbol of strength, this little grove combines both. The gentle breeze, dappled sunlight and lush, luminous bamboo is a mesmerising place to stretch your legs and take a hike. Forest bathing in the verdant bamboo grove early in the day is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle and experience the magic of Kyoto’s bamboo haven.

Immerse yourself in the gently swaying, living tunnel that is green all year. This is one of the most photographed and sights and will leave a lasting impression. Walking along the peaceful path with the light dappling between the towering canopy of bamboo is almost magical. Arrive as the sun rises before the hustle to experience the real charm and discover ornate temples and shrines hidden in the lush bamboo forest.

Having arrived early we are completely alone. It is so peaceful to stop, stand still and listen to the wind rustling the bamboo. The trunks creak as they sway and clunk as they gently bump against each other. The sun barely manages to get through the lush green growth soaring high above our heads. This is truly a place to stop and enjoy nature.

Along the paths between the bamboo grove and the temples we crossed a railway track and came to a lovely man selling pictures. He took time to have a lovely conversation and enquired where we were from. When we mentioned Perth, he immediately got an old atlas from his box and marked Perth with a big dot. He explained he likes to record the places where all the people he meets originates from. Further along we met a man who makes little dragon flies from bamboo. These simple little figures balance on their nose and make a cute souvenir.

Nonomiya Shrine

Nonomiya Shrine is a tiny shrine surrounded by the lush bamboo grove, where daughters from the Imperial family used purify themselves.They later became shrine maidens at Ise Jingu, the most important shrine in Japan. Young women come to Nonomiya to pray for a love match.

This shrine, surrounded by lush bamboo forest is entered through a black torii gate and has Kame no Ishi, a wishing stone, a lovely little carpet of moss.

Mikami Jinja

This is likely to be the smallest shrine you will visit and the most unusual we came across in 4 days in Kyoto. Tucked away just near Torokko-Arasiyama station is the only hair temple in Japan. There is a pond nearby giving a feeling of peace and tranquillity.

The shrine commemorates Fujiwara Unemenosuke Masayuki, the father of hairdressing. As this is a shrine for hair, famous wig companies and hair studios donate money to the shrine and as the little red fence going up the hill to the side of the shrine has writing on it, I would suggest this was the names of the donators, like at Fushimi Inari.

Togetsukyo Bridge

Highlights in this area are seeing the traditional rickshaws being used in the scenic district, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era. Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama’s well known, central landmark, offers incredible views and draws large crowds. The 155 metre wooden bridge, which translates to Moon Crossing Bridge, spans the Oi River.

Kimono Forest

For centuries silk weaving has been one of Kyoto’s major industries and fine textiles, delicate fabrics and embroidery are used to make exquisite kimono for the Geiko. Kyoto’s role as the centre of Japanese culture blends well with their kimono and textile production. The gorgeous fabrics used by the artisan to make an obi, kimono sash can take between two weeks and one month complete. High quality kimono made from textiles with outstanding workmanship can take much, much longer for an artisan to produce.

Paying homage to the textiles trade is the Kimono Forest in Arashiyama, an installation 600 poles. The 2 metre high poles feature textiles dyed in the traditional Kyo-yuzen style.  The display is at the Arashiyama Randen tram station and mimics the nearby bamboo forest.

Where to stay in Kyoto

We booked our stay for 4 days in Kyoto at Kyoto Century Hotel as it was a convenient location for sightseeing. The location is fantastic, especially for a first time stay in Kyoto. The rooms are big, modern and comfortable. The service is great and the staff were amazing. But the best part of this hotel is the location. Century Hotel is conveniently located just steps away from the amazing Kyoto Station so it was less than a 2 minute walk to both train and bus.

Every time we went sightseeing we just exited the train station and turned right and we were home. With the proximity of all the underground food options at the station, we did not include breakfast in our booking. We found the wifi fast and we loved this hotel. One quirky feature we loved was as you arrive via the escalators and make your way past through the lobby to the lifts you are met by this huge lamp. Similar to desk lamp, it was massive and reminded me of Alice in Wonderland with the out of proportion size of the lamp giving a real eclectic vibe.

Kyoto Train Station

Train stations are normally not a place you spend any time in, except to arrive and head out of, especially when travelling with a JR Pass. But Kyoto train station is a destination in itself. This futuristic station is not only a hive of activity for arrival by Shinkansen and local trains. It’s modern, it’s massive and it’s an amazing piece of architecture. Opened in 1997, it took almost four years to complete. A competition was held to decide the design and the grand plan of glass and steel that we see today was awarded the winner. In such a traditional city like Kyoto, its futuristic, science fiction style pushed boundaries and created in a very one sided opinion amongst the locals.

The main hall, called the Matrix, has exposed steel beams paying homage to the grid like layout of Kyoto’s network. The station has 5 plazas, 4 passages and walkways, and includes hotels, specialty stores, restaurants and a theatre. The central concourse is a glass covered atrium which reflects the sky, creating a magnificent interior space.

There is a grand staircase that takes you up to the 11^th floor and a Grand Staircase that has 171 LED lit stairs which is very entertaining to watch at night. The roof of the 15 storey station is a green space created to improve the landscape and assist with building temperatures.

Below the station in the basement is Porta Dining which offers a range of Soba, Ramen, Udon and Japanese sweet bakery goods as well as Asian and Western cuisine to try during your 4 days in Kyoto.

Kyoto Tower

Kyoto’s tallest building stands 131 metres tall and is across the road from the Kyoto train station. Built in 1964 the tower offers 360 degree views of the city.

Higashi-Hongan-ji Temple

A five minute walk from Kyoto Station is Higashi-Hongan-ji Temple, one of the largest wooden structures in the world. The Founder’s gate is one of the three largest in Kyoto. The Founder’s Hall has 927 tatami mats. Amida Hall is where Amida Buddha is enshrined and the hair ropes used in the construction were donated by parishioners from all over the country.

We found a lovely spot to have lunch right near the temple. There we enjoyed a variety of dishes and a draft beer.

Tanuki

Nearby we spotted a shop selling the Tanuki, cheerful, lovable figurines seen frequently during our 4 days in Kyoto. These full bellied, well-endowed racoon dogs, according to folklore, have powers to deceive people and have a love of pranks. These ceramic statues are found outside bars, restaurants and residential gardens are extremely popular icon bringing generosity, cheer and prosperity.

Conclusion

Our long awaited 4 days in Kyoto was everything and more that we hoped it would be. To say we enjoyed it would be a complete understatement and we definitely plan to revisit again soon.

Kyoto has a unique peaceful atmosphere and is so beautiful, no pictures can do it justice. So don’t rush it all in a day or two, take at least 4 days in Kyoto and allow yourself to absorb yourself in the history, traditions and culture. After all, there is a lot of walking to do and you don’t want to rush it all. Take your time and uncover the wonders of this beautiful, unique city.

Are you planning on a visit to Kyoto? Which of the places listed above is the one you want to visit the most? Tell us why?

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The authors travelled courtesy of Jetstar Australia

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