While four days in Kyoto might be more than you need to encapsulate things (as opposed to the months you could spend in Tokyo), I do think that four days is a good time to be based in Kyoto, with an easy day trip to Osaka on the itinerary, as well as a night or two at a retreat.

No, 4 days in Kyoto is actually considered the ideal duration for a first-time visitor to experience the city's incredible depth without feeling overwhelmed. Kyoto is home to over 1,600 temples, hundreds of shrines, and multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites that are spread across different districts (Eastern, Western, Southern, and Central). A 4-day itinerary allows you to dedicate one full day to Eastern Kyoto (Gion and Kiyomizu-dera), one day to the Western Arashiyama bamboo groves and temples, one day to Fushimi Inari and the Golden Pavilion, and still have a fourth day for a highly recommended day trip to Nara to see the giant Buddha and friendly deer. Because Kyoto’s public transit consists largely of buses that can be slow in traffic, trying to see the city in 2 days often results in "temple burnout" and a rushed experience. With 4 days, you have the flexibility to wake up early for the popular sites and spend your afternoons wandering through the traditional streets of Pontocho or the Nishiki Market at a more relaxed and authentic pace.