Kyoto on a Budget: 4 Days of Adventure

Discover Japan's ancient capital without breaking the bank in Kyoto.

21 June 2023

A trip to Kyoto, Japan on a limited budget can be an enjoyable experience. With a little planning, you can explore many of the city's famous temples, shrines, and gardens without breaking the bank. To save money, consider using public transportation, staying in budget accommodations, and enjoying affordable street food.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Get Lost in Kyoto

Check into the Centurion Cabin & Spa Kyoto, a cozy capsule hotel for budget travelers.
Explore the backstreets of Gion, with its traditional machiya houses and geisha teahouses.
Visit the Yasaka Shrine, a famous Shinto shrine with a lively atmosphere.
Get lost in the narrow alleys of Pontocho, lined with charming restaurants and izakayas.
End the day with a stroll along the Kamogawa river, where locals gather for picnics and drinks.

Day 2

Temples and Gardens

Start the day with a visit to the Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto's most famous temples.
Walk through the picturesque streets of Higashiyama and enjoy the traditional architecture.
Visit the Kodai-ji Temple, known for its stunning bamboo garden and traditional tea ceremony.
Take a break at the Nanzen-ji Temple, and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Zen garden.
End the day at the Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its thousands of torii gates and stunning views of Kyoto.

Day 3

Arashiyama and Beyond

Head to Arashiyama, a charming neighborhood known for its bamboo groves and scenic views.
Visit the famous Tenryu-ji Temple, with its beautiful garden and panoramic views of Kyoto.
Take a stroll through the bamboo groves, and listen to the calming rustle of the bamboo leaves.
Explore the charming streets of Sagano, and visit the Gio-ji Temple, with its moss garden and tranquil atmosphere.
End the day with a relaxing soak at the Funaoka Onsen, a popular hot spring with locals.

Day 4

Foodie Adventure

Start the day at Nishiki Market, and try some of Kyoto's famous street food, such as mochi, sushi, and wagashi.
Visit the Gion Tsujiri tea shop, and enjoy a matcha parfait or matcha latte.
Head to the Pontocho alley, and try some of the local delicacies, such as yakitori, tofu, and kaiseki.
Visit the Nishijin Textile Center, and learn about Kyoto's traditional kimono weaving.
End the day at the Kyoto Beer Lab, and sample some of the local craft beer.

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Kyoto by plane is to fly into Kansai International Airport, which is located approximately 100 kilometers from Kyoto. From there, you can take the JR Haruka Express train, which takes approximately 75 minutes and goes directly to Kyoto Station.

Car

If you are driving to Kyoto, the best option is to take the Meishin Expressway, which connects Osaka and Nagoya. The journey takes approximately 1 hour from Osaka and 2 hours from Nagoya.

Train

If you are already in Japan, the best way to get to Kyoto by train is to take the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo Station or Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes from Tokyo and 15 minutes from Shin-Osaka.

Boat

Although there is no direct boat to Kyoto, you can take a ferry from Osaka to the nearby town of Miyazu and then take a train or bus to Kyoto. Alternatively, you can take a cruise ship to Kobe or Osaka and then take a train or bus to Kyoto.