Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Überblick
This relaxed-paced 5-day itinerary uses 2 bases — Kyoto (4 nights), Nara (1 night) — to keep hotel changes low while covering Kyoto, Uji, Nara. Daily spend for mid-range travelers is around ¥20,000 per person including accommodation.
Day-by-day
Arrive in Kyoto
Arrive, pick up an IC card and settle in. Easy first afternoon: Fushimi Inari at dawn, then Higashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera and Gion.
Kyoto: Arashiyama bamboo grove
Arashiyama bamboo grove, Tenryu-ji and Kinkaku-ji
Kyoto: Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market, Nijo Castle and the Philosopher's Path
Day trip: Uji
Day trip from Kyoto: Byodo-in and matcha tasting.
Travel to Nara · depart
Morning transfer to Nara (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Todai-ji Great Buddha, Nara Park deer and Kasuga Taisha. Head to the airport in the afternoon.
Anreise & Nahverkehr
Use an IC card (Suica/ICOCA) for local trains and buses. Point-to-point tickets are usually cheaper than a JR Pass for this route.
Frequently asked questions
Is 5 days enough for Kyoto, Uji, Nara?
Yes — this plan gives Kyoto (4 nights), Nara (1 night), which is enough for the main highlights at a relaxed pace.
How much does this 5-day Japan trip cost?
Roughly ¥100,000 per person for 5 days (≈¥20,000/day) excluding international flights.
Do I need a JR Pass for this itinerary?
Enter your legs in our JR Pass Calculator; single tickets or regional passes are often cheaper.
When is the best time to do this route?
Late March–May and October–November for the best weather.