Kyoto itinerary sense check – mid-November 2025

Hi everyone! I’m heading to Tokyo for the second and third weeks of November 2025, spending 4 days in total. I love walking, exploring, and packing a lot into my days, but I want to make sure my itinerary is realistic and not overly ambitious. Photography is also my greatest passion. I’d also love to hear if I’m missing any must-see spots or if there’s anything I should tweak. Here’s my draft plan:

Day 1

  • Arrival from Tokyo in the morning
  • Nijo Castle
  • Kyoto Imperial Palace
  • Kawaramachi (shopping street)
  • Pontocho alley

Day 2

  • Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple
  • Sannen-zaka (views of Yasaka Pagoda) and Ninenzaka streets
  • Philopsophers’ Path from Nanzen-ji temple to Ginkaku-ji temple (Eikan-do temple in the middle)
  • Gion District/Hanamikoji Street

Day 3

  • Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
  • Ryoan-ji Temple’s Zen Garden
  • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
  • Okochi Sanso Villa
  • Togetsukyo Bridge
  • Tenryu-ji Temple + Sogenchi Garden

Day 4

  • Kodai-ji Temple
  • Ysaka Shrine
  • Kenninji Temple
  • Nishiki Market
  • Tofuku-ji temple

Thank you very much in advance!

by Adagio987

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