10-Day Kyoto Itinerary with $3500 Budget

Budget Overview

Based on a total budget of $3500 USD and May 2025 exchange rate of 1 USD = 145.62 JPY 84, here's the budget breakdown:

• Accommodation (10 nights at ~$79/night): $790 6
• Daily transportation (1100 yen/day): ~$76 43
• Attractions and entrance fees: ~$100
• Food and dining: ~$1000
• Contingency: ~$534

Recommended Accommodation Areas

1. Downtown Kyoto - Best overall location with easy access to restaurants, shops, and subway lines 102
2. Southern Higashiyama - Prime location for sightseeing and experiencing traditional Kyoto 101
3. Gion District - Historic area with excellent metro access 100

Recommended budget accommodations:

• The Millennials Kyoto ($82/night) 7
• Glansit Kyoto 7
• The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Umekoji ($97.12/night) 8

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Central Kyoto Highlights

• Morning: Nijo Castle (1,300 yen) 65
• Afternoon: Nishiki Market for lunch and food exploration 14
• Evening: Dinner at Okonomiyaki Katsu, highly rated affordable restaurant 32

Day 2: Southern Higashiyama

• Morning: Kiyomizu-dera Temple
• Afternoon: Hanami-koji Street walk 18
• Evening: Explore Shirakawa Canal area 18
• Dining: Affordable kaiseki experience at Tagoto in Shijo Kawaramachi 39

Day 3: Northern Kyoto

• Morning: Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion, 500 yen) 51
• Afternoon: Daitoku-ji Temple Complex - hidden gem for Zen culture 25
• Evening: Local dining at Mimikou or Aburasoba Nekomata 33

Day 4: Fushimi Area

• Morning: Fushimi Inari Shrine (free entry) 54
• Afternoon: Lesser-known temples nearby
• Evening: Budget-friendly dinner at Mezopotamia Kebab House 32

Day 5: Arashiyama District

• Morning: Famous Bamboo Grove
• Afternoon: Visit Otagi Nenbutsu-ji (quieter alternative) 27
• Evening: Explore Togetsu-kyo Bridge area 68
• Dining: Traditional Japanese curry (400-600 yen) 37

Day 6: Hidden Kyoto

• Morning: Ohara village exploration 30
• Afternoon: Rakusai Bamboo Park - less crowded alternative 30
• Evening: Local dining at Kyoboshi 33

Day 7: Festival Day

• Morning: Attend Aoi Matsuri Festival (if visiting on May 15) 91
• Afternoon: Explore Kodai-ji temple grounds 21
• Evening: Street food dinner at Nishiki Market

Day 8: Eastern Kyoto

• Morning: Sanjūsangen-dō Temple
• Afternoon: Explore Gion District
• Evening: Budget dinner at Teppanyaki Manryu 32

Day 9: Off-the-Beaten-Path

• Morning: Visit Bamboo Grove in Muko City 28
• Afternoon: Gio-ji Temple 29
• Evening: Dinner at Ao Onigiri 33

Day 10: Final Explorations

• Morning: Kyoto Railway Museum
• Afternoon: Last-minute shopping in Downtown Kyoto
• Evening: Farewell dinner at a local izakaya

Transportation Tips

• Purchase the Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass (1,100 yen) for unlimited daily travel 43
• Consider the KYOTO SIGHTSEEING PASS for additional discounts 49

Weather Considerations

May offers ideal conditions with:

• Average temperatures: 12-24°C (54-75°F) 74
• Generally clear days with beautiful spring blooms 70
• Prepare for possible rain (10-13 rainy days average) 75