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.
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By spending 4-5 days in Kyoto, you can uncover the city's hidden treasures and fully immerse yourself in its vibrant culture.
I've visited this intriguing city on several occasions in different seasons, and can confidently say seeing Kyoto in 4 days is the perfect amount of time to visit many attractions in a relaxed, enjoyable way.
$5000 is more than enough for one person for at comfortable two-week trip after an economy airfare from the USA and economy to mid-range hotel reservations are arranged in advance.
Tokyo is about 30% more expensive than Kyoto for travelers. If you prefer big cities, modern technology, nightlife and a huge selection of restaurants, Tokyo is for you. If you're after temples, shrines, garden, geisha and hiking, Kyoto is for you. If you've got 4 or more days in Japan, you should see both.
A crucial question you must ask yourself is how much time to allot to each city. For most people, the ideal breakdown is 2 full days in Tokyo and 4 full days in Kyoto (travel days are not considered full days). If you are more interested in modern Japan, then you could spend 3 days in Tokyo and 3 in Kyoto.
A good breakdown is 2 days in Osaka and 4 in Kyoto. Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the most convenient airport to Osaka and Kyoto. A Japan Rail Pass is not a good idea for this itinerary, but a Kansai Thru Pass may be.
Japan is much cheaper than you think, especially now with a weak yen. And Kyoto is much cheaper than Tokyo. Indeed, Kyoto is one of the cheapest major destinations in the developed world.
Kyoto is more relaxing. Tokyo is about 30% more expensive than Kyoto for travelers. If you prefer big cities, modern technology, nightlife and a huge selection of restaurants, Tokyo is for you. If you're after temples, shrines, garden, geisha and hiking, Kyoto is for you.
Fun things to do in Kyoto extend to its vibrant nightlife. Despite appearances, this ancient city is not only limited to the historical side of things. Visitors who want to enjoy a night out or 2 will find that there are several nightlife districts.
The cities of Tokyo and Kyoto are linked to each other by the JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line. A one-way trip from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station on a Hikari or Kodama train costs 13,080 yen (unreserved seat) or 13,800 yen (reserved seat), but is completely free with a JR Pass.
A Little More RelaxedThe Kansai region as a whole has long been characterised as more friendly and outgoing than Tokyo and this is somewhat true. People in Osaka tend to be a bit more open and generally won't hesitate to speak to you even if you're a foreigner.
Best Times to Visit Japan for Lower PricesDuring the low season, between January and March, you may be able to find deals on airfare and hotel rooms. Prices tend to spike during the holiday season, especially around the New Year, so it's best to avoid the beginning of January if you're trying to save money.
Kyoto to Tokyo travel FAQsTaking the Shinkansen is your best bet. You'll want to leave as soon as the trains start running, though, to give yourself a full day in Tokyo. You could also bookend your day with overnight highway buses to really maximize your time, but you'll be exhausted the next day.
The best area to stay in Kyoto for tourists is Downtown Kawaramachi. Other recommended best places to stay in Kyoto are Gion, Kyoto Station and Central Kyoto. Downtown Kawaramachi offers plenty of shops and restaurants, and is in walking distance to historical Gion, making it the best place to stay in Kyoto.
That's certainly a comfortable budget as long as you aren't expecting to eat many fancy meals or do a lot of drinking or clubbing. You can probably save some money with strategic use of transit passes (see summaries on Japan Guide or elsewhere). You should look into the Grutto Pass.
The cost for one person to visit Japan for a week is 155 000 ¥ – 200 000 ¥ (1200 USD – 1500 USD) (bare in mind that it depends on the person/ offers/ period/ and preferences). Food: On average per day a moderate budget tourist spends about 4,500 ¥ on food.