5 days in Kyoto: stay in the city or on the northern coast?
Stay in Kyoto for separate Nijo, Arashiyama, Uji and Fushimi Inari days. For a northern night, spend 2 nights in Kyoto, then 1 in southern Monju, followed by 1 in Kyoto. Return on day 4, spend your final Kyoto night and depart tomorrow, without a final-departure connection on northern-return day.
Choose a 5 days / 4 nights itinerary
Nijo Castle, Arashiyama, Uji and Fushimi
Compare this route for red torii walks alongside palaces and gardens. Stay at one Kyoto Station hotel for separate Nijo, Arashiyama and Uji days, then visit Fushimi Inari on day 4. Prepare for departure near Kyoto Station on the final day.
Nijo Castle, Arashiyama, Uji and Fushimi →5 days / 4 nights BReturn to Kyoto after a northern overnight stay
Compare this route for Amanohashidate pine walks and a northern overnight followed by a final Kyoto night. Spend 2 nights near Kyoto Station, then 1 in Monju south of the sandbar, followed by 1 near Kyoto Station. Take your final departure the day after returning from the north.
Return to Kyoto after a northern overnight stay →Nijo Castle, Arashiyama, Uji and Fushimi
Compare this route for red torii walks alongside palaces and gardens. Stay at one Kyoto Station hotel for separate Nijo, Arashiyama and Uji days, then visit Fushimi Inari on day 4. Prepare for departure near Kyoto Station on the final day.
Day 1: Nijo Castle
Keep your Kyoto Station hotel for separate Nijo, Arashiyama, Uji and Fushimi days. Visit Nijo before admission closes on day 1 and prepare for departure near the station on the final day.
- Kyoto Station → Nijojo-mae Station
From Kyoto Station, take Karasuma Line towards Kokusaikaikan to Karasuma Oike. Change to Tozai towards Uzumasa Tenjingawa and get off at Nijojo-mae.
Nijo Castle official access mapKyoto City Transportation Bureau: Nijojo-mae exits and area map
- Nijojo-mae Station → Ticket office beside the east main gate
Use Nijojo-mae exit 1 and walk towards Nijo Castle, to the ticket office beside the east main gate.
Nijo Castle official access mapKyoto City Transportation Bureau: Nijojo-mae exits and area map
- Ticket office beside the east main gate → Ninomaru Palace and gardens
Buy a Ninomaru-inclusive ticket at the east ticket office and see palace/gardens.
- Ninomaru Palace and gardens → Nijojo-mae Station
After viewing, leave through the east main gate you entered and return to Nijojo-mae.
Nijo Castle official access mapKyoto City Transportation Bureau: Nijojo-mae exits and area map
- Nijojo-mae Station → Kyoto Station
From Nijojo-mae, take Tozai to Karasuma Oike. Change to Karasuma towards Kyoto Station and get off there.
Nijo Castle official access mapKyoto City Transportation Bureau: Nijojo-mae exits and area map
Castle admission closes at 16:00 and the castle at 17:00. On Ninomaru closure dates, choose a ticket for the areas open. After a late arrival, move the visit to another day and check that day's operations too.
Day 2: choose your Tenryu-ji viewing areas
- Kyoto Station → JR Saga-Arashiyama Station
Take JR Sagano from Kyoto towards Sonobe on a service stopping at Saga-Arashiyama. Get off at JR Saga-Arashiyama, distinct from Hankyu/Randen Arashiyama stations.
Tenryu-ji accessJR West Sagano/Biwako stopping-pattern map, revised 16 March 2024
- JR Saga-Arashiyama Station → Tenryu-ji admission
Walk about 13 minutes from JR Saga-Arashiyama to Tenryu-ji. Follow on-site signs to your chosen garden, building or Dharma Hall admission. Leave time to reach admission and buy tickets too.
Tenryu-ji Japanese hours and viewing-closure informationTenryu-ji access
- Tenryu-ji admission → Tenryu-ji garden
The basic garden ticket is 500 yen; buildings add 300 yen and Dharma Hall costs 500 yen separately. Check garden operations separately on building-closure dates and buy at your chosen area's admission point.
- Where you finish viewing at Tenryu-ji → JR Saga-Arashiyama Station
After viewing, walk from your exit to JR Saga-Arashiyama. If adding a meal or riverside walk, check the route/walk from your final stop to the JR station before choosing a return train.
Tenryu-ji Japanese hours and viewing-closure informationTenryu-ji access
- JR Saga-Arashiyama Station → Kyoto Station
Take Sagano towards Kyoto from JR Saga-Arashiyama. Check date-specific destination and departure time before boarding.
JR West Sagano/Biwako stopping-pattern map, revised 16 March 2024
Garden hours are 08:30–17:00, last admission 16:50; buildings open 08:30–16:45, last admission 16:30. Check official notices for date-specific early garden opening and building/Dharma Hall closures. Early opening does not apply to every admission point or building. Check JR return services separately. If areas close, choose garden-only viewing or another date.
Optional: eat lunch in Arashiyama afterwards or walk beside the river if time allows. Check restaurant location, hours and queues, and choose where to turn back on the river walk. Allow the walk from your final stop to JR Saga-Arashiyama. Omit both if weather or your return time prevents them.
Day 3: Uji
- Kyoto Station → JR Uji Station
From Kyoto, take JR Nara towards Uji/Nara on a service stopping at Uji. Get off at JR Uji, distinct from Keihan Uji.
- JR Uji Station → Byodoin
Walk from JR Uji to Byodoin. The facility's official access map gives about 10 minutes on foot.
- Byodoin → Byodoin garden and Hoshokan
For Phoenix Hall interior viewing, check first-come same-day availability and arrange garden/Hoshokan viewing around it. Interior admission adds 300 yen to the basic ticket. If admission has ended, see garden/Hoshokan.
Byodoin official viewing informationSummer operating exceptionsChanges from 16 October
- Where you finish viewing at Byodoin → JR Uji Station
After garden/Hoshokan and any chosen interior viewing, leave and walk to JR Uji. If eating in Uji, return from your restaurant to the JR station. The official approximately 10-minute walk covers station-to-facility access; check restaurant-to-station time separately.
- JR Uji Station → Kyoto Station
Take Nara towards Kyoto from JR Uji. Check date-specific destination and departure time; do not go to Keihan Uji instead.
Byodoin garden opens 08:45–17:30, last admission 17:15; Hoshokan opens 09:00–17:00, last admission 16:45. Phoenix Hall interior admission is first come on the day; check official date-specific session, capacity and suspension notices. Return on a Kyoto-bound train from JR Uji.
Day 4: Fushimi Inari shrine visit
- Kyoto Station → JR Inari Station
Choose a JR Nara train from Kyoto stopping at Inari. Some rapid services pass it, so check stops.
- JR Inari Station → Main sanctuary and torii area
Enter the shrine in front of the station and visit the main sanctuary/torii area. Ordinary visits are free; prayers and shrine items cost separately. Return through the same entrance after these areas. A summit walk needs more time. Avoid photography blocking the path.
Shrine transport informationVisit prices and operationsOn-site rules
- Main sanctuary and torii area → The shrine entrance you used
Visit your chosen area and return through the same entrance. Leave return time rather than pushing on to the summit.
- The shrine entrance you used → JR Inari Station
Return through your entrance to JR Inari directly in front of the shrine. Distinguish it from Keihan Fushimi-inari. After an optional meal outside the grounds, return from the restaurant to JR Inari, checking its route and walking time separately.
- JR Inari Station → Kyoto Station
Take JR Nara towards Kyoto from Inari. Check date-specific destination/departure time and get off at Kyoto.
Check date-specific trains stopping at Inari and return services. This is not a summit hike; choose your walking extent first and return through the same entrance.
Optional: eat outside the grounds afterwards. Inside, avoid eating outside designated areas. Check restaurant location, operations, queues and the walk to JR Inari; omit the meal if it leaves too little time for your return.
Day 5: finish at the station building
- Kyoto Station → Your chosen station-building viewing area
If time allows before departure, visit floor 4 Muromachi-koji Square/Grand Stairway. Add floor 10 Skyway after 10:00 only with enough departure time.
- Where you finish the station-building visit → Your booked Kyoto Station departure
After viewing, go to your booked Kyoto departure's platform. Omit viewing if access time is insufficient.
Your booked departure's platform and access time
Floor 4 Muromachi-koji Square/Grand Stairway open 06:00–23:00; Skyway opens 10:00–22:00. Omit Skyway for an early departure. Visit only these chosen areas before taking your departure service.
Included: Nijo Castle/Ninomaru 1,300 yen; Tenryu-ji garden 500 yen; Byodoin garden/Hoshokan 700 yen. Ordinary Fushimi Inari visits are free.
Additional costs: JR/subway including Fushimi returns, 4 nights' accommodation, meals, Tenryu-ji buildings/Dharma Hall, Phoenix Hall interior, Honmaru Palace, separate exhibitions, prayers, shrine items and airport/onward travel.
Choosing both Tenryu-ji buildings and Phoenix Hall interior makes facility costs 3,100 yen.
Nijo Castle pricesTenryu-ji Japanese hours and viewing-closure informationByodoin official viewing informationVisit prices and operations
Return to Kyoto after a northern overnight stay
Compare this route for Amanohashidate pine walks and a northern overnight followed by a final Kyoto night. Spend 2 nights near Kyoto Station, then 1 in Monju south of the sandbar, followed by 1 near Kyoto Station. Take your final departure the day after returning from the north.
Day 1: Nijo Castle and Kyoto overnight
After Kyoto City/Uji visits, spend a night on the northern coast and another in Kyoto. Visit Nijo on day 1 and Uji on day 2; start the Amanohashidate overnight and Kyoto return on day 3.
- Kyoto Station → Nijojo-mae Station
From Kyoto Station, take Karasuma towards Kokusaikaikan. Change at Karasuma Oike to Tozai towards Uzumasa Tenjingawa and get off at Nijojo-mae.
Nijo Castle official access mapKyoto City Transportation Bureau: Nijojo-mae exits and area map
- Nijojo-mae Station → Ticket office beside the east main gate
Use Nijojo-mae exit 1 and walk towards Nijo Castle, to the ticket office beside the east main gate.
Nijo Castle official access mapKyoto City Transportation Bureau: Nijojo-mae exits and area map
- Ticket office beside the east main gate → Ninomaru Palace and gardens
Buy a Ninomaru-inclusive ticket beside the east main gate and see palace/gardens.
- Ninomaru Palace and gardens → Return to your arrival station and the same hotel
After eating, return to your Kyoto Station hotel with the same transfer. Swap with day 2's Uji for late arrival or closure.
Nijo Castle official access mapKyoto City Transportation Bureau: Nijojo-mae exits and area mapNijo Castle pricesNijo Castle hours and closures
Castle admission closes at 16:00 and the castle at 17:00. On Ninomaru closure dates, choose a ticket for the areas open. After a late arrival, move the visit to another day and check that day's operations too.
Day 2: Uji return trip
- Kyoto Station → JR Uji Station
From Kyoto Station, take JR Nara Line towards Uji/Nara on a service stopping at Uji. Get off at JR Uji.
- JR Uji Station → Byodoin garden and Hoshokan
Walk about 10 minutes to Byodoin for garden/Hoshokan viewing. Add Phoenix Hall interior for 300 yen if same-day admission remains and you can wait for your chosen session.
Byodoin official access mapByodoin official viewing informationSummer operating exceptions
- Byodoin garden and Hoshokan → Return to your arrival station and the same hotel
Eat in Uji, then take Nara towards Kyoto from JR Uji. Spend a second night at the same hotel.
Byodoin garden opens 08:45–17:30, last admission 17:15; Hoshokan opens 09:00–17:00, last admission 16:45. Phoenix Hall interior admission is first come on the day; check official date-specific session, capacity and suspension notices. Return on a Kyoto-bound train from JR Uji.
Day 3: walks after northern arrival
- Your hotel near Kyoto Station → Amanohashidate Station
Take direct limited express Hashidate from Kyoto to Amanohashidate, without changing at Fukuchiyama. Check date-specific departure/arrival times and prepare full-journey base-fare/limited-express tickets and a reserved seat before boarding.
- Amanohashidate Station and Monju rotating bridge → Southern pine path and return to Monju
If time allows, walk from the station via the Monju/Chion-ji rotating bridge and Daitenkyo to the southern pine path. Walk only the southern section and return over the same bridges to Monju. Crossing to Fuchu or returning by boat is excluded. In strong wind/rain, postpone walks to tomorrow morning or omit them.
Rotating bridge informationTourism association walking map, page 2
All Hashidate seats are reserved. Check return services in the operator's standard timetable and date-specific search, then reserve before boarding. Walks below cover Monju's southern section; accommodation in Fuchu across the sandbar needs different local access.
Day 4: return to Kyoto and your final hotel
- Your Monju hotel → Amanohashidate Station
You can take a short morning southern pine walk and return to Monju the same way. After lunch, go to Amanohashidate Station. Omit walks for poor weather or insufficient boarding time.
- Amanohashidate Station → Kyoto Station
Take your reserved Hashidate from Amanohashidate to Kyoto. Check return departure/arrival in the date-specific timetable. Spend your last night in Kyoto and depart tomorrow.
Return from Amanohashidate to Kyoto on your reserved Hashidate. Use the afternoon for meals/rest in Kyoto; do not add Arashiyama. Final departure is tomorrow.
Day 5: depart from Kyoto Station
- Your hotel near Kyoto Station → Your chosen building passage
Visit the station building's floor 4 plaza/Grand Stairway. Add Skyway after 10:00 only if departure leaves enough time.
- Your chosen building passage → Your departure from Kyoto Station
After viewing, go to your booked Kyoto departure's gates/platform.
Floor 4 Muromachi-koji Square/Grand Stairway open 06:00–23:00; Skyway opens 10:00–22:00. Omit Skyway for an early departure. Visit only these chosen areas before taking your departure service.
Included: Nijo Castle/Ninomaru 1,300 yen; Byodoin garden/Hoshokan 700 yen. Amanohashidate sandbar walks are free.
Additional costs: All rail/subway including Hashidate returns, 3 Kyoto nights/1 Monju night and meals, Phoenix Hall interior 300 yen, Honmaru Palace, separate exhibitions, boats, decks and final-day airport/onward travel.
Phoenix Hall interior makes facility costs 2,300 yen. Northern rail is separate. JR's October 2026 table gives adult ordinary-car reserved-seat regular-season fares of 2,320 yen base fare plus 2,680 yen limited-express fare: 5,000 yen one way or 10,000 yen return if both days are regular-season dates. This includes the Tango section. Check date-specific return trains, seats and fares.
Nijo Castle pricesByodoin official viewing informationAmanohashidate accessJR October 2026 fare table, page 15
Frequently asked questions
Must I leave Kyoto immediately after returning from Amanohashidate?
You can spend a final Kyoto night and leave tomorrow. This northern route returns by Hashidate on day 4, stays overnight and departs on day 5. Same-day international departure needs train-return, airport-travel and flight-procedure checks together. A Kyoto night is not essential if actual train/flight times leave enough time. Check final-hotel-to-Kyoto-Station access too.
Is a pass cheaper for Hashidate returns alone?
JR's October 2026 regular-season ordinary-car reserved-seat fares are 5,000 yen one way or 10,000 return when both dates are regular-season days. Adult Kansai Wide costs 12,000 yen for 5 days, so this return alone does not make it cheaper. Compare other eligible journeys within 5 days and actual seasonal fares. Subway, facility admission, accommodation and meals are separate.
JR October 2026 fare table, page 15JR Kansai Wide Japanese conditions
Official sources and check dates
- Tenryu-ji access ·
- Amanohashidate access ·
- Nijo Castle official access map ·
- Nijo Castle prices ·
- Nijo Castle hours and closures ·
- Byodoin official access map ·
- Byodoin official viewing information ·
- Summer operating exceptions ·
- Changes from 16 October ·
- Visit prices and operations ·
- Shrine transport information ·
- On-site rules ·
- Southbound PDF ·
- Northbound PDF ·
- JR Hashidate information ·
- JR October 2026 fare table, page 15 ·
- Rotating bridge information ·
- Tourism association walking map, page 2 ·
- Plaza and passage operations ·
- Rooftop closure notice ·
- Kyoto City Transportation Bureau: Nijojo-mae exits and area map ·
- JR West Sagano/Biwako stopping-pattern map, revised 16 March 2024 ·
- Tenryu-ji Japanese hours and viewing-closure information ·
- JR Kansai Wide Japanese conditions ·
- JR Kyoto Line stopping-pattern map, revised 14 March 2026 ·
- JR Kansai Wide coverage, eligibility and validity ·