Kyoto Five-Day Itinerary
Five days in Kyoto is the perfect amount of time to spend in Kyoto. This itinerary allows you to get the best out of five full days in the city
Kyoto Five-Day Itinerary
Five days in Kyoto is the perfect amount of time to spend in Kyoto. You can explore the main sightseeing districts and take a daytrip to Nara. This itinerary allows you to get the best out of five full days in the city.
Shoe Etiquette in Japan
When, where and how do you take off your shoes in Japan? The basic shoe etiquette in Japan is simple and common sense, but you’d be surprised how many foreign tourists get it wrong. We give the lowdown.
Hotel Rings Kyoto
We love this small and stylish hotel that’s located steps from Nishiki Market in the heart of downtown Kyoto. With warm personal service and excellent style, Hotel Rings Kyoto gets it all right.
AEON Mall Kyoto
A short walk from Kyoto Station, AEON Mall is the largest shopping mall in central Kyoto. It houses most of the major Japanese shopping brands and has a great food court and restaurant area.
Kanazawa Sainoniwa Hotel
If you don’t mind staying on the north side of the station, the Sainoniwa is a wonderful upper-mid-range hotel with spacious rooms, great service, a good restaurant and a beautiful onsen-like bathing area (and, of course, all rooms also have en suite bathrooms).
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
For all the essentials, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
For ideas on how to structure your trip, see my list of Kyoto Itineraries
Here’s a comprehensive list of Things To Do In Kyoto for inspiration and to book ahead where necessary
Do you want help planning your Japan trip? My team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
See my one page guide on Where To Stay In Kyoto
You can buy a Japan SIM card or an unlimited data pocket wifi router online before you arrive in Japan for collection on arrival
View my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
See if the Japan Rail Pass can save you money during your trip
Why it's essential to have travel insurance for Japan
Travellers to Japan no longer need to supply proof of Covid vaccination or a negative test. We have all the latest news on visiting Japan
Visiting Tokyo or Osaka too?
Don't forget my companion websites InsideOsaka.com and TrulyTokyo.com for in-depth guides to these fascinating cities.
Happy travels!
Chris Rowthorn