Kyoto is a beautiful city with so much to see and do. Here's an ideal itinerary for 4 days in Kyoto:

Day 1:

• Start your day by visiting the Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of the most iconic landmarks in Kyoto. It's famous for its thousands of torii gates that lead up to the top of Mount Inari.
• After exploring the shrine, head over to the nearby Tofukuji Temple, which is known for its stunning autumn foliage.
• For lunch, try some traditional Japanese cuisine at Gogyo Ramen or Ippudo Ramen.
• Spend the afternoon wandering around the Higashiyama District, which is filled with charming streets, temples, and shops.
• End your day by visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers breathtaking views of the city.

Day 2:

• Start your day early by visiting the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a serene forest of towering bamboo stalks.
• Afterward, visit the nearby Tenryuji Temple, which has a beautiful garden and pond.
• For lunch, try some delicious sushi at Sushi no Musashi or Kaiten-zushi Katsu.
• Spend the afternoon exploring the Nishiki Market, a bustling food market that's been around for centuries.
• End your day by visiting the Gion District, where you can spot geishas walking around and enjoy some traditional tea at a teahouse.

Day 3:

• Start your day by visiting the Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. It's a stunning temple covered in gold leaf.
• Afterward, visit the nearby Ryoanji Temple, which has a famous rock garden.
• For lunch, try some udon noodles at Omen Kyoto or Yamamoto Menzo.
• Spend the afternoon exploring the Philosopher's Path, a scenic walking trail that's especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.
• End your day by visiting the Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns.

Day 4:

• Start your day by visiting the Kyoto Imperial Palace, which was once the residence of the emperor of Japan.
• Afterward, visit the nearby Nishijin Textile Center, where you can learn about traditional Japanese textiles and even try weaving yourself.
• For lunch, try some tempura at Tenyu or Kyo Tofu Fujino.
• Spend the afternoon exploring the Kyoto National Museum, which has a vast collection of Japanese art and artifacts.
• End your day by visiting the Fushimi Sake District, where you can sample some of Kyoto's famous sake and learn about the brewing process.