kyoto day trip itinerary

1 Day Kyoto Itinerary, Japan (2024 GUIDE)

This 1 Day Kyoto Itinerary is the perfect guide for first-timers visiting the cultural capital of Japan.

From ancient temples and shrines to shopping streets and nourishing restaurants, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

There are so many things to do in Kyoto that you could quite literally spend weeks exploring this magnificent city.

But don’t worry – if you only have a short time frame to visit, seeing the top Kyoto attractions in one day is totally possible.

In this 1-day itinerary for Kyoto, I have included a complete list of the top places to see as well as some useful information on how to get around, where to stay in Kyoto, and a map of the city.

Table of Contents

1 DAY KYOTO ITINERARY OVERVIEW

To get the most out of your Kyoto 1 Day Itinerary, see below for a list of must-see attractions that I have included in this post:

• Kinkaku-ji Temple
• Ryoan-ji Temple
• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest 
• Fushimi Inari (Tori Gates)
• Maiko Theatre (Geisha Girl Performance)
• Kiyomizu-dera Temple

KINKAKU-JI TEMPLE

For the first stop on your 1 day Kyoto itinerary, I highly suggest paying a visit to Kinkaku-ji Temple in Kyoto’s northwest, where you’ll find the famous Golden Pavilion, located on a small lake in the middle of a serene garden.

The building dates back to 1397, and was once the holiday retreat villa for a prominent Japanese Shogun!

You can expect to spend about an hour exploring the temple and its surrounding gardens.

To reach Kinkaku-ji Temple on your Kyoto day trip itinerary, you can take the Kyoto City Bus 205 from Kyoto Station to Kinkakuji-michi bus stop, or Kyoto City Bus 59 from Sanjo-Keihan to the Kinkakuji-mae stop, or taxi directly to Kinkaku-ji Temple.

→ Click here for the pin location on Google Maps

ENTRANCE FEE & OPENING HOURS:

The entrance fee to visit Kinkakuji Temple is 400¥.

Opening hours are Monday to Sunday from 9 am – 5 pm.

Have you got travel insurance for your trip?!

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Heymondo offers low-cost Travel Insurance to keep you covered on all your adventures.

RYOAN-JI TEMPLE

Ryoan-ji Temple is the site of Japan’s most famous rock garden, attracting hundreds of visitors every day.

Meditating with the view of this immaculately well-kept Cultural World Heritage site is the next best place to visit on your 1 day Kyoto itinerary!

From Kinkaku-ji Temple, it’s a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute bus ride to reach Ryoan-ji Temple.

The entrance fee to enter Ryoanji Temple is 500¥.

Opening hours are Monday to Sunday from 8 am – 5 pm – Plenty of time to visit on a day in Kyoto.

ARASHIYAMA BAMBOO FOREST

Next up on this itinerary is the world-famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. A trip to Kyoto wouldn’t be complete without having visited Arashiyama!

Kyoto’s bamboo forest is one of the most photographed attractions in the city and experiencing it through your own eyes is even better than any picture you would have seen of this place!

There is one main path leading through the Kyoto bamboo grove and when you enter the parallel tunnel of bamboo trees, you’ll feel like you’ve just entered another realm.

You will also notice the temperature drop when you are wandering through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove as the canopy above almost completely cuts out the sun.

The nature that surrounds Arashiyama is absolutely breathtaking and chances are you’ll spot a few monkeys in the area too, so keep your eye peeled.

A personal recommendation – make sure to come just after sunrise as photos will look even more stunning and you’ll avoid the group tours.

Talking about group tours, in case you don’t feel comfortable visiting by yourself, I recommend taking this early bird tour to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove . Many people prepare their 1 day Kyoto itinerary from Osaka only for that!

BEST TOUR IN KYOTO

A must-do when visiting Kyoto is joining a Kyoto Early Bird Tour !

It includes a professional guide, a tour of the Bamboo Forest and other spots, and the Kinkakuji Temple!

The Bamboo Forest in Kyoto is located in Arashiyama, northwest of the city center.

Find your way to Saga Arashiyama Station on the JR Sagano line using the JR Pass and it’s a short 10-minute walk from here.

The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest entrance fee is FREE, which is another great reason to visit on your one day in Kyoto itinerary.

Opening hours are Monday to Sunday from 5:30 am – 11:30 pm, and that is so convenient if you plan a day trip to Kyoto from Osaka.

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FUSHIMI INARI

Continue the adventure on your one day Kyoto itinerary by journeying through the world-famous Tori gates of Fushimi Inari.

This must-see shrine consists of a pathway lined with over 10,000 Tori gates that extends 4km up to the very top of Mount Inari.

It takes around two hours to walk to the very top and back down again, however, you can turn back at any time you want!

Along the pathway, you will also see many stone foxes, symbolizing the messenger of Inari – the god of rice… and business!

The Fushimi Inari Shrine is also known for its beautiful architecture and gardens, making it an ideal spot for photographers looking to capture some amazing shots and it’s a great idea for what to do in Kyoto in 1 day.

Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Railway Station using the JR Pass and ride it two stops to JR Inari Station.

The Fushimi Inari Shrine is FREE to enter and it’s open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

MAIKO THEATER

One of the most exclusive experiences to add to your Kyoto 1 day itinerary is meeting a traditional Geisha performer.

Geisha are highly skilled entertainers who appear at high-end dinners, private parties, and special events to add a special touch to the proceedings, and are rarely seen in public.

Many foreigners tend to run around the red light district areas to try to get a glimpse of a Geisha girl or pay large sums of money to have a private performance.

Luckily, for travelers on a budget, there are some cheap options to get a taste of what a Geisha show is like!

I personally recommend the Maiko Theatre. While training to become Geisha between the ages of 15 and 20, these girls are known as ‘Maiko’, and this theatre gives you the rare opportunity to get to see one of them close up!

Take the bus from Kyoto Station to Kawaramachi Gojo bus stop, then walk for 2 minutes, or 3 minutes walk east from Keihan Shimizu Gojo station (exit 4).

It is relatively inexpensive at 3300¥ for their basic show, including a special dance and Q&A session, and you can take as many photos of (and with) her as you like!

Opening hours are Monday to Sunday from 10 am – 7 pm.

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KIYOMIZU-DERA

Next on this itinerary for Kyoto is a visit to the Kiyomizu-dera (Water) Temple.

The walk leading up to the temple is almost as exciting as the temple visit itself, with a multitude of traditional buildings, shops, and restaurants.

Kiyomizu-dera is built into the side of the mountain, and from the huge verandah, you can see spectacular views of the hillside and the entire city.

Below the Kiyomizu-dera temple, you can find the reason why people make pilgrimages here from around Japan and the world – the Otowa Waterfall, a must-see on a Kyoto 1 day itinerary.

The waters are divided into three streams, and visitors use long poles with cups attached to drink from the streams.

Each stream has a different meaning and benefit – long life and health, success in school/career, and love. However, you can only drink from one… so choose carefully!

Make your way to Kiyomizu-michi street and follow it uphill until you reach the popular Kiyomizu-dera (Water) Temple.

The Kiyomizu-dera Temple entrance fee is 300¥.

This Kyoto tourist spot is open daily from 6 am to 6 pm, and that’s plenty of time to include it with other spots what to see in Kyoto for the day.

Last but not least on this Kyoto day itinerary is Gion, a must-do when taking a Kyoto day trip from Osaka or Tokyo.

From Kiyomizu-dera, you can meander down the iconic Sannen-zaka alleyway, a historical, stone-paved street lined with many traditional Japanese buildings, shops, cafes, and inns.

Sannen-zaka is also surrounded by several famous landmarks such as Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park, Yasaka-no-to Pagoda, and Kodaiji Zen Temple.

Once you reach the bottom of the hill, you’ve basically arrived at Gion, home to various red-light districts where you might be lucky enough to spot a Geisha! My favorite is Hanamikoji Street.

I recommend timing your arrival here for around 5:30 pm, as this is when the Geishas start leaving their homes to go to work (…and avoid the paparazzi of foreigners while doing so!)

Be careful though, you can be fined for taking photos of them, as it is considered highly disrespectful.

Put the cameras down for this one, and enjoy the chance to see one in the moment!

RELATED ARTICLE → 7 DAY JAPAN ITINERARY

WHERE TO STAY IN KYOTO

There are thousands of accommodations to stay on a Kyoto 1 day trip, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to suit the needs of luxury travelers, budget backpackers, and everyone in between.

See the list of accommodations that I personally recommend for your Kyoto 1 day itinerary.

LUXURY: HOTEL GRANVIA KYOTO

MID RANGE: TUNE STAY KYOTO

BUDGET: PIECE HOSTEL SANJO

TRADITIONAL RYOKAN

If you’re looking for an authentic experience to add to your 1 day in Kyoto itinerary, I highly recommend staying at a traditional Ryokan (Japanese-style inn) during your stay.

My personal favorite is Kyoto Ryokan Kinoe which is conveniently located in central Kyoto just 5 minutes walk from Gion.

This cozy Ryokan offers spacious tatami mat rooms, 24-hour baths, and multi-course meals served for breakfast and dinner.

Staying here will make you feel like you’re a traveler back in Edo-era Japan, and it’s a great base for a Kyoto 1 day itinerary!

OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN KYOTO

Didn’t find the perfect accommodation to suit your needs above.

Use the interactive map below to search all the available hotels for your Kyoto day tour itinerary. Simply enter your dates of stay and hit the search button!

MORE THINGS TO DO IN KYOTO

If you have more than one day in Kyoto, be sure to check out my Kyoto travel guide which includes 25 AMAZING things to do in Kyoto!

Read More: Kyoto Travel Guide – 25 AMAZING Things To Do

Best day trips from kyoto.

The best day trips from Kyoto are to Nara and/or Osaka.

Nara was once the ancient capital of Japan and plays home to some of the country’s most important cultural places, including the world’s largest wooden structure.

Some of the best things to see in Nara on a day trip from Kyoto are the famous Todai-ji Temple which houses the world’s largest Daibutsu (bronze Buddha statue) and a visit to the Nara Deer Park where it’s said that when you bow to the deer, they will bow back!

Osaka is the 3rd largest city in Japan and is most popular for its modern architecture, historical castles, buzzing nightlife, and sensory-overload shopping malls.

The top attractions to visit in Osaka on a day trip from Kyoto are the Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi shopping malls, Osaka Castle, Amerika-mura (America Town), and Universal Studios Japan.

Even if you have limited time on your Kyoto one day itinerary, I highly recommend going to Osaka for the day or half day.

Alternatively, you can see the city first and then proceed from Osaka to Kyoto on your Japan holiday.

TRAVEL TIPS FOR KYOTO

For first-timers planning a one day trip to Kyoto, here are some useful travel tips to know before you go.

STAY AROUND CENTRAL KYOTO

While pretty much all areas of Kyoto are good to stay in, Central Kyoto is the most convenient. And since it’s near the main train station, you can even organize a day trip to Kyoto from Tokyo.

This puts you right at the center of all the main attractions in Kyoto, making it easier and less time-consuming to explore around.

From Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Fushimi Inari to Ginkaku-ji and Nijo Castle, most of the major landmarks are located within Central Kyoto, so there’s no need to walk for hours or take a taxi or a bike.

Staying centrally also allows for easy access to popular restaurants, shopping areas, and more, basically providing an optimal base for a few days.

Also, if you plan a Kyoto day trip from Tokyo, you can easily get around town and come back later or the day after to the train station.

VISIT THE KYOTO ATTRACTIONS EARLY

Kyoto receives 87 million tourists per year on average, so visiting the tourist spots in Kyoto early is a great way to avoid crowds and walk around peacefully.

The popular things to do in Kyoto and all the major attractions are packed with tourists, so it’s wise to go early in the morning when the lines are shorter.

Plus, you’ll benefit from cooler temperatures, which is a plus in the summertime.

COME IN APRIL FOR CHERRY BLOSSOM

To see the cherry blossoms in Kyoto, consider coming in early April when you can really experience the city in full bloom.

The cherry blossom starts in late March but the peak comes in April, and this is precisely where you can see the city as beautiful as ever.

DON’T TIP

When it comes to Japan, one thing to keep in mind is that tipping is seen as rude and, therefore, it’s better not to tip. In fact, it could even be seen as an insult by the locals.

Instead of tipping, show a sign of appreciation either verbally or with a bow to express gratitude for the service provided. This applies to restaurants and ryokans too.

GET TRAVEL INSURANCE

Getting travel insurance should be an essential consideration when traveling in Japan. Unfortunately, accidents can happen, and it’s always best to be prepared for the worst.

Additionally, make sure you commit only to reputable companies and read the fine print carefully!

I personally use Heymondo and am very happy with their policy, coverage, and customer service. Check them out here below when planning a day trip in Kyoto.

MOBILE DATA:

When you arrive in Kyoto Japan, you’re going to want to get online, and purchasing a sim card is very simple. You can do this at the airport on arrival at one of the retail stores.

Alternatively, I recommend purchasing an eSIM in advance with pre-loaded mobile data so you can get online as soon as you land and stay connected on your trip.

Forget plastic SIM Cards… Get an eSIM!

Say hello to eSIM – a virtual SIM card pre-loaded with mobile data so you can get online and stay connected around the world.

OneSimCard is the best eSIM for travel, with low-cost data packages available in 150+ countries.

Simply buy online, install it on your smartphone, and you’re good to go!

Click here or on the image below for an interactive map of Kyoto.

WHAT TO PACK FOR KYOTO

When planning a one day trip Kyoto, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:

Must-Have Travel Essentials

Hidden money wallet.

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Reusable Water Bottle

The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!

Travel Backpack

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Quick-Dry Travel Towel

The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling!

Portable PowerBank

Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!

GENERAL TIPS FOR JAPAN

Most Japanese people can speak English, so if you are ever lost or need help with something you will be able to converse in English.

Also, all the signs at the airports, train stations, shopping malls, etc. are written in both Japanese and English.

The currency in Japan is Yen (¥) and the exchange rate is approximately $1 USD = 130 ¥.

There are plenty of ATMs in Japan located in the majority of convenience stores, in front of banks, inside hotels, etc. where you can easily withdraw cash to have with you during your trip.

HOW TO GET AROUND JAPAN

The easiest and most convenient way to discover Japan is with a Japan Rail Pass that is valid for use on the vast majority of railways and local buses operated by JR (Japan Rail) throughout the country.

Choose between an Ordinary Pass, or choose the Green Class Pass if you’re looking to travel in more comfort with reclining seats, a footrest, extra leg space, and a travel magazine.

The JR Pass includes the Shinkansen (bullet train), Limited Express, Local Trains, Monorail, JR Buses, and the Miyajima Ferry.

You could even take a Kyoto 1 day itinerary from Osaka if you’re planning to visit both.

The Japan Rail Pass is definitely the best ticket to have when planning your Japan itinerary, and you can then take the Tokyo to Kyoto bullet train!

Travel Japan with the JR Pass!

Get a 7-day, 14-day, or 21-day JR Pass for your trip to Japan and enjoy unlimited travel on trains and buses!

The JR Pass is valid on the Shinkansen (bullet train), Limited Express, Local Trains, Monorail, and JR Buses.

BEST TIME TO VISIT JAPAN

The best time to visit Japan depends on what you plan to do.

I personally prefer the spring and summer months in Japan (April – September) when temperatures are warm and the landscapes are vividly green.

However, visiting Japan in winter (December – March) is absolutely magical because the landscapes are completely covered in glistening white snow.

Visiting Japan in winter also means you have to opportunity to go skiing and snowboarding in Japan’s alpine regions .

VISA FOR JAPAN

Japan is visa-free for travelers from over 65 countries and you can stay in Japan for up to 90 days on a tourist visa. 

Click Here to see the full list of nationalities that are eligible for the free 90-day tourist visa. 

You don’t need to apply online for this as you will be granted a 90-day tourist visa at the airport when you arrive.

More Japan Travel Guides

Click the button below to view all articles related to Japan!

FINAL THOUGHTS – KYOTO ITINERARY

After 7 eventful days exploring Japan, my short one day itinerary Kyoto by far exceeded my expectations!

With many fun activities to do and attractions to see, Kyoto is well worth adding to your Japan Itinerary . I guarantee you won’t regret taking a Kyoto one day trip!

If you have any questions at all about this 1 Day in Kyoto Itinerary , please leave me a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

Search and book accommodation worldwide.

Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.

Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.

Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.

Search all rental cars in your next destination.

Need travel insurance for your next trip?

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.

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A PERFECT Kyoto 1 Day Itinerary: First Timer’s Guide

• by Danika Clark
• January 4, 2024

Where ancient traditions and modern life meet, Kyoto is a bucket-list travel destination. From its enchanting bamboo groves to beautiful temples to modern city life, Kyoto offers travelers the best of both worlds. This Kyoto 1 day itinerary allows you to explore both.

I been lucky enough to visit Kyoto twice and I have truly fallen in love with this cultural capital. I was SO excited to visit here, so I did more than enough research before stepping foot in Kyoto! Not to my surprise, I LOVED Kyoto. It was everything I had ever hoped for in a city!

With only 1 day in Kyoto, I have crafted a whirl-wind itinerary that takes you to ALL the best spots in the city. This Kyoto 1 day itinerary is sure to leave you wanting more from this incredible city!

Table of Contents

The perfect kyoto 1 day itinerary for first timers, early morning: breakfast.

With only a Kyoto 1 day itinerary, aim to have an early breakfast! You’ll want to make the most out of your time in this awesome culture hub of Japan.

Stop by a 7/11 or FamilyMart for breakfast. Unlike in America or Europe where 7/11 is cheap gas station food, here it’s high quality.

7/11 in Japan has a variety of healthy snacks and breakfast options. They will even heat it up for you behind the counter!

So, to maximize your time in the morning, stop at 7/11 for breakfast. Believe it or not, this is a very Japanese thing to do!

Morning: Bamboo Grove and Monkey Park (8:30-10:30)

Your first stop on this Kyoto 1 day itinerary is Bamboo Grove. I recommend arriving by 8:30am at the latest. Kyoto is a very popular tourist destination, and the Bamboo Grove tops most travelers’ lists.

To beat the crowds and get an awesome picture here, you’ll want to arrive as early as possible. Trust me, it’s worth it!

How To Get To The Bamboo Grove from Kyoto

To get to the Bamboo Grove, there are two different trains you can take.

From the Kyoto Station, you can jump on the JR/Sagano/San-in Main Line to the Saga-Arashiyama Station. This journey takes about 15 minutes. Once you arrive at the Saga-Arashiyama Station, it’s a quick 10-minute walk to the bamboo forest.

If you are not staying near Kyoto Station, you can take the local Kyoto Subway. This Kyoto subway easily connects most parts of Kyoto. From your station in Kyoto, purchase a ticket on the Purple Hankya Kyoto Semi Line. You will need to get off at Arashiyama Station. From here, it’s a 10-minute walk to the Bamboo Grove.

This will be your easiest option if you are staying near Gion, Nakishi Market, and other touristy parts of town.

You will see lots of other tourists on the train heading to the same spot as you. So, you can follow the crowds to find the bamboo forest. However, if for some reason there are no crowds, there are signs that will point you in the right direction. 

Bamboo Grove (8:30-9:30 am)

Once you arrive at the Bamboo Grove, you are transported into a world unlike any other. Here, the bamboo trees soar into the sky! It’s incredible.

Use the morning time to take photos. This place gets PACKED. Which is why it’s the first thing on our Kyoto 1 day itinerary!

The Bamboo Grove consists of many paths weaving through the tall trees. It’s best to wear good walking shoes here.

See the Monkeys in the Park (9:30-10:30 am)

A must-do on your Kyoto 1 day itinerary while you are in the area is to see the snow monkeys! These adorable monkeys are located in the Iwatayama Park.

The Iwatayama Park is home to over 120 snow monkeys, also known as the Japanese Macaques. These monkeys are known to be playing in hot baths. They are distinct because of their red faces. They truly are so cute!

To visit the Monkey Park from the Bamboo Grove, it is less than a 20-minute walk. To get there, you will need to walk back through the town towards the Arashiyama Subway Station. Next, cross the Togetsu-Kyo Bridge.

The Togetsku-Kyo Bridge is a beautiful wooden bridge that crosses over the Katsura River.

Once you are over the bridge, make your way to Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama. It’s a bit of a hike, but well worth it!

Grab a Coffee (10:30-11:00 am)

Between the Bamboo Grove and seeing the Monkeys you will pass through the tourist town. Here, you will find lots of shops, delicious restaurants, and cute coffee shops. It’s the perfect break on your Kyoto 1 day itinerary.

You had an early morning, so if you have extra time, grab yourself another coffee and enjoy the atmosphere.

The most famous coffee shop in the area (and with undoubtedly the best views) is % Arabica – Arashiyama . However, this place gets crazy busy, so if you are in a rush it might be best to go somewhere else.

Lunch: Nishiki Market (12:30-2:30 pm)

The next stop on your Kyoto 1 day ininerary is Nishiki Market. From the bamboo grove head to Nishiki Market. Nishiki Market is a large outdoor market with lots of delicious food to choose from. This narrow market is 5 streets long, meaning it has hundreds of restaurants and shops for you to explore.

Nishiki Market is known for its traditional and rich history. This 400 year old market is home to many of the most famous foods in Kyoto too!

How to Get from The Bamboo Grove to Nishiki Market?

To get from the Bamboo Grove to Nishiki Market, you will need to get way on the train.

If you have the JR pass, you can ride the JR train from Saga-Arashiyama Station to Kyoto Station. Then, connect from the Kyoto Station onto the subway Green Karasuma Line. This takes around 45 minutes.

The quickest way is to take the subway from Arashiyama Station to Sai Station. From here, connect to the Hankyu Kyoto Line. Then, get off the train at Omiya Station.

Omiya Station is one street away from the market.

Things To Do At Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market is the best spot in Kyoto for foodies. This market has it all and really is bustling during the lunch rush. You should arrive here around 12:30. This gives you enough time to enjoy a nice sit down meal and then some added time for exploring.

Eat Tako Tamago – A small baby octopus with a quail’s egg in the head. I’m not going to lie, this one is a bit far-fetched for me. But, when in Japan!

Mochi – This rice cake is a delicious sweet treat found all over Japan. Try some mochi in this market! There are many different forms of mochi – you can’t go wrong with any of them.

Shinkyogoku Shopping Street – This famous shopping street is packed with stores. Here you can stock up on anything you need or peruse for some souvenirs. There are more than enough options in this area.

Afternoon: Fushimi Inari Taisha (3:00 – 5:00 pm)

The top thing to do on your Kyoto 1 day itinerary is to visit the Fushimi Inari Taisha. This popular Shinto shrine is famous for its hundreds of orange Torii gates. This path is one of the most photographed spots in all of Japan!

The Fushimi Inari Taisha also gets PACKED! But, with only a Kyoto 1 day itinerary, it’s important to make every second count. So, you’ll have to brave the crowds to visit here.

How to get to Fushimi Inari Taisha

To get to Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, you will need to find your way to the Fushimi-Inari Station. This is located on Kyoto’s subway line that runs through the city.

From Nishiki Market to Fushimi Inari Taisha, it’s a quick 25-minute ride from Gion-Shijo Station to Fushimi-Inari Station along the red Keihan Line.

What To Do at Fushimi Inari Taisha

When you enter the Fushimi Inari Taisha, you are first greeted with gift shops, temples, and other things to see before you find the famous orange Torri gate walkway.

You will find lots of crowds and people in this front second, as well as the beginning of the Torri gate walkway.

However, explore further down the Torri gate walkway to get away from people. This walkway is actually a 2.8-mile loop and is considered moderately challenging. The best part is that the whole hike is FILLED with the beautiful orange Torii gates. You’ll want to bring water for the hike! 

Once you get past the busy crowds at the beginning, later in the hike you will have many opportunities to take photos by yourself with the orange gates.

If you are feeling up for it, you should hike the whole way! At the top, you are greeted with a beautiful view of Kyoto.

You can easily spend an hour or two at this stop on your Kyoto 1 day itinerary.

Usually, I am a bit skeptical of somewhere so famous. I am scared it will be too crowded or not live up to the hype. However, I LOVED the Fushimi Inari Taisha. It was a highlight of my trip.

Give yourself a good two hours here to hike, explore the temple, take photos, and browse the shops.

Evening: Gion District (5:00 – 8:00 pm)

Another iconic stop on your Kyoto 1 day itinerary is the Gion District. The Gion District is the historical and traditional area in Kyoto. This place is picture-perfect. These beautiful streets transport you back to traditional Japanese culture.

Spend your time in Gion shopping and eating. Gion has many famous restaurants in the area that are worth a try. 

One of the most famous shops in Gion is actually is Starbucks! This Starbucks is said to be one of the most beautiful and unique Starbucks in the world. So, to be festival, I recommend just stopping by and having a look.

When visiting Gion on your Kyoto 1 day itinerary, you can’t go wrong just roaming around and discovering new streets. Each turn you take transports you to a new beautiful street with unique shops and restaurants.

The Gion District is built on the side of a hill, so there are many hills and steps in this area. The Gion District leads up the hill, and at the top is home to the Yasaka-jinja Shrine. This is another beautiful shrine that has another fantastic view of Kyoto. It’s free to walk around the grounds, however, you’ll need to pay if you want to go inside.

Night: Take a walk, eat more food, enjoy a tour, or Karaoke!

After a busy day in Kyoto, you will probably be pretty tired by the time the night falls.

But, if you still have energy to add more to your Kyoto 1 day itinerary, you have a couple of options for things to do once the sun goes down.

Shirakawa Canal – This canal is a beautiful canal right in the heart of the city. It has a beautiful walking path that many people utilize during their time in Kyoto.

Pontocho Alley – A famous alley in Kyoto home to many restaurants and bars. If you’re still hungry after the Gion District, you’ll want to go here. It’s a photographer’s dream as well. This beautiful street is stunning at night.

Take a Night Tour – Night tours allow you to see the city in a completely new way. At night, the Japanese lanterns light the streets. This is where the modern and the traditional sides meet. 

Karaoke – When in Japan you MUST Karaoke! Karaoke is the best thing to do at night. Here, you can rent out private rooms and sing your heart out. 

Other Things To Do on your Kyoto 1 Day Itinerary

• Golden Temple place
• Free Walking Tour
• Tokyo Tower
• Tenryu-ji Shrine

Where to Stay in Kyoto

Kyoto 1 day itinerary.

Kyoto is a descent sized town with many options on where to stay. It’s important to be in a good location for your Kyoto 1 day itinerary to help save time. One of the charms about Kyoto is that everything is close together.

The best areas to stay in Kyoto are as close to the Gion District, Nishiki Market, or Kyoto Train Station as possible. However, as long as you are next to a subway line, you will be well connected to the city.

Best Budget Accommodation

• K’s Backpacker Hostel – This hostel is the best in Kyoto! Japan is not known for its social life in hostels. In fact, I found it quite difficult to make friends in Japan. However, once I stayed in this hostel everything changed. This hostel fosters community. There are lots of opportunities to meet fellow travelers. It also has all the amenities you would need – a full-size kitsch, great wifi, laundry, and more.

Hotel Musse Kyoto –  A 4.5 star hotel with great reviews. It’s located just between the Nishiki Market and Gion District. Here you will be in the center of all the action without breaking your budget.

How To Get Around Kyoto:

Kyoto is a very easy city to get around. Kyoto has the JR line, subways, and lots of walking paths. It’s a well-connected city and every tourist hot spot is easily accessible by subway or train.

I found during my trip I walked most places. It’s a very walkable and safe city. A lot of the major tourist attractions are near each other.

However, the Bamboo Grove is a bit farther from the other attractions. To get to the bamboo grove you will have to take a train or the subway.

There are also taxis in Kyoto, however, they are very expensive and I don’t recommend using them.

How To Get To Kyoto

To get to Kyoto you will need to fly, take a train, or travel by bus.

Kyoto does not have an airport. The closest airport to Kyoto is the Osaka International Airport. The airport is about an hour away by bus or train.

Traveling by train in Japan is an epic way to see the country. The Japanese are known for their high-speed and futuristic trains. These trains don’t come cheap, but they are usually the fastest way to get from one city to another in Japan.

Taking a bus in Japan is the slowest and cheapest way to travel to Kyoto. From Tokyo, you can take an overnight bus to Kyoto. This is very cost-effective as you also save on a night’s accommodation!

How Many Days in Kyoto?

It’s best to have 3 days in Kyoto, however a Kyoto 1 day itinerary is entirely possible! 3 days is enough time to see all the main sites, take a tour around the city, and enjoy all the city has to offer. I spent 2 days in Kyoto and really wish I had more time! I LOVED this city. Although it is small, ideally I would have 3 days in Kyoto.

Is a Kyoto 1 Day Itinerary Enough?

Kyoto is a must-see city. Even within a short 24 hours, you are able to see the major tourist attractions, enjoy the food, and get a feel for the city. Although it is a short amount of time, any time is better than no time here!

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Home » Asia » Japan » Kyoto

KYOTO Itinerary • MUST READ! (2024)

Kyoto, an exquisite ancient city that reigned as Japan’s capital for over a millennium, unfolds its mesmerizing tale. Renowned for its myriad of splendid Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, traditional wooden pagodas, and Imperial Palaces, Kyoto paints a canvas of timeless beauty.

This historic cityscape, adorned with blooming cherry and maple trees, holds an iconic charm, with some of its structures echoing through millennia. Beyond its architectural splendors, Kyoto’s culinary delights resonate across Japan.

A harmonious blend of ancient allure and modern infrastructure awaits visitors in Kyoto. Whether one’s interests lie in history, culture, art, or nature, the city offers an abundance of treasures. Immerse yourself in the very essence of Kyoto with my carefully crafted 3-day itinerary, and for those fortunate enough to extend their stay beyond a weekend, discover the finest day trips in the surrounding area.

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A Little Bit About This 3 Day Kyoto Itinerary

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Kyoto is the ancient capital of Japan, which means it’s full of history, traditional architecture, an incredible foodie scene, and an abundance of awe-inspiring zen temples! It has something for every traveler, from manicured Japanese gardens to relaxing bamboo forests, to incredible museums and foodie tours, you’ll never run out of things to do in Kyoto.

Whether you’re spending one day in Kyoto or a week, planning an unforgettable Kyoto itinerary is no easy task. There are some phenomenal options jostling for a spot on your list! 

I’d personally suggest taking at least two or three full days to explore the city. If you want to see all of the important landmarks you might be able to fit everything into 24 hours, but with over 2,000 temples in Kyoto alone (and most of them are gorgeous) that’ll guarantee a lot of stress. So do yourself a favor and set more time aside.

This itinerary has been designed for travellers with 2 or 3 days in Kyoto. For the first 2 days in Kyoto, I offer a step-by-step Kyoto itinerary and have carefully timed attractions to ensure you can fit them all in. I have also included spots for eating as we all know exploring is hungry work!

Day 3 is a bit more free and easy. I have provided a bunch of cool ideas for you to choose from, plus some free attractions for any backpackers in Japan looking to save some pennies.

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Kyoto Itinerary Overview

• Day 1 in Kyoto: Kinkakuji Temple , Nijo Castle , Camellia FLOWER , Nishiki Market ,   Geisha dance in Gion
• Day 2 in Kyoto: Yasaka Pagoda , Kiyomizudera Temple , Kyoto International Manga Museum , Kyoto Station Building , Maruyama Park , Ginkakuji Temple
• Day 3 in Kyoto: Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine , Japanese Cooking Class , Monkey Park , Mt Kurama

So where is the best place to stay in Kyoto ?  If you’re interested in temple-hopping – one of the best activities in Kyoto – try to find a place in the Higashiyama district ! Famous for its many beautiful and historic temples, some of the best Kyoto attractions are located within easy walking distance. If you’re only spending a weekend in Kyoto this is ideal, as you won’t have to spend much time on transportation!

One of the coolest neighbourhoods for your first time in Kyoto is Gion . However, it’s unlikely you’ll actually find a place to stay here. It’s so popular, and most of its streets are dedicated primarily to its famous tea houses and merchant homes. Still, if you have the money to spend, give it a go! It’s not every day that you get to stay in a neighbourhood that is an iconic and integral part of a community’s culture! There are also some great Kyoto Ryokans in this area.

Another great neighbourhood you can stay in is Downtown Kyoto’s Kawaramachi . It’s central and modern, but really close to the oldest parts of Kyoto. A vacation in Kyoto is always really well spent here.

The best hostels in Kyoto are spread over the city. I have selected a few options below to get you started.

Best Hostel in Kyoto – Len Kyoto

Centrally located and just a 1-minute walk from the Kamo River, Len Kyoto is a great hostel in Kyoto to choose! It has a café and bar lounge where you can grab a coffee and breakfast in the morning, and drinks at night. Rooms are spacious and clean, and the beds are comfortable.

Best Kyoto Airbnb – House in Kyoto with Area for Family Group

Close to Kyoto Train Station, this Kyoto Airbnb traditional home can sleep up to ten people, perfect for large families and friends travelling together. The sleeping arrangements are Japanese style, in that most people sleep in the same room on tatami mats on the ground.

The main sleeping room doubles as the living room, with a TV, table, and sofas as well. There’s another room that can be used for sleeping and/or eating, and you’ll find comfy floor seats in this room too.

There’s a separate toilet and bathroom and a well-equipped kitchen with a small breakfast bar. Lovely Japanese features can be found throughout the home.

Best Budget Hotel in Kyoto – Sunput Nanajo Mibu

This hotel is luxury on a budget! Each room has air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchenette, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Located in the heart of Kyoto, it has everything you could want! The staff is friendly and helpful, and you can even rent bicycles.

The first day of my 2 days in Kyoto Itinerary includes some of the most beautiful places in the country! Today, you’ll be touring ancient temples and markets, among other things. If you’re only visiting Kyoto for the first time, this is also the best way to do it!

The first day will largely stay in downtown Kyoto, with one or two attractions a little further out. You’ll want to wear comfy shoes today as there is a lot of walking.

9.00 AM – Kinkaku ji Temple

This serene, gold-colored temple is an iconic UNESCO world heritage site. Perched on the water, with its leafy, mountainous backdrop, is a perfect example of Japanese architecture. Each level represents a different architectural style from the extravagant Kitayama culture. It looks like a painting from every angle!

Also known as the Golden Temple, or Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku ji is definitely one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in the world.

The golden pavilion’s top two floors are covered in gold-leaf, making for a very impressive sight.

The building has been burnt down numerous times throughout its history – while the original was built in the 14th century, the most recent structure was rebuilt in 1995. But rest assured, it looks just the same!

There are also some truly lovely Zen gardens around the temple, which you should not miss. The effect, as a whole, is breathtaking.

I’ve made this my first stop because it can get very crowded! So, start your day early and try to beat the rush.

• Cost –  $4
• How Long Should I Stay Here?  30 mins
• Getting There –  Public transport runs here or you can use Uber

10.00 AM – Nijo Castle & The Kyoto Imperial Palace

The Nijo castle very different from any that you’ll find in Europe!

The gorgeous embellishments are made from wood and gold leaf. Marvel at the craftsmanship, and imagine the secrets and battles held in these walls. Its palace buildings are one of the best surviving examples of its architectural style from Japan’s feudal era.

You cannot take photos inside, but bring the camera anyway! Its’ exterior is very impressive, with a moat, extensive grounds and a canvas print of Paul Ross hung on the walls. There’s a main and second circle of defence – the Ninomaru Palace is in the second. The floors squeak when stepped upon as a security measure! Talk about cool ninja palace…

There’s also a traditional manicured Japanese landscape garden. This is a great place to stroll or sit and relax before moving on to the next stop, and certainly one of the most beautiful places in my Kyoto Itinerary!

Go for the audio guide! The history of the castle is so interesting, it definitely adds to the experience.

Across the road from the Nijo castle is the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The palace is the former ruling place of the Emperor of Japan. Emporers have resided here since the Meiji Restoration in 1869, but now they live at the Tokyo Imperial Palace to maintain the preservation of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. This ornately decorated palace is a pure wonder to behold, and one of the most historic places to visit in Kyoto.

• Cost –  $6 for the Nijo Castle, with an extra $4 for entrance to Ninomaru Palace. Free for the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
• How Long Should I Stay Here?  60 mins at each place
• Getting There –  Take the bus from Kinkakujimichi to Horikawa Marutamachi. Walk to Nijo Castle and the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

11.00 AM – Tea Ceremony at Camellia FLOWER

A tea ceremony is the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha; powdered green tea. A great cultural experience, this is a must! You’ll learn more about Japanese history and tradition, and come away with a greater appreciation of the ancient civilization.

Japanese Buddhism, or Zen Buddhism as it’s sometimes called, was a primary influence on the tradition, and it is still considered an art.

Serene and calming, the tradition dates all the way back to the 9th century! It was practiced by Emperors and Japanese nobles. The fact that as a tourist, you can participate in this ceremony, is amazing. Be respectful and appreciative of your guide – this is an honour.

There are many places in Kyoto where you can participate in a tea ceremony. I suggest Camellia FLOWER because the staff are friendly and helpful, and speak fluent English. They are considered one of the best.

But when you get to Kyoto, have a look around your neighborhood. You’re sure to find one nestled somewhere!

• Cost –  $27 – yes this is one expensive cup of tea!
• How Long Should I Stay Here?  60 mins
• Getting There  – Walk from Horikawa Marutamachi and then take the bus to Higashiyama Yasui

12:30 PM – Nishiki Market

Next up is a lunchtime visit to the Nishiki Market. A narrow, five-block long shopping street, this lively market is known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”.

It specializes in all things street food-related, including fresh and cooked seafood, produce, Japanese sweets, and cookware. It’s the perfect great place to find seasonal Japanese foods and incredible Kyoto specialties. Almost everything sold here is locally produced!

The market is very busy but pleasant, and the crowd is more locals than tourists. There’s no better way to explore the many culinary delights of Kyoto. You can sample many different street foods, and buy small portions for a budget lunch. Spend a few hours strolling through the street. There is so much to take in in this vibrant space. It’s definitely one of the coolest things to do in Kyoto.

The market started centuries ago, as a fish wholesale district in the early 14th century. Many stores have been run by the same families for generations! Today the charming Nishiki Market remains an important space for locals and tourists alike. You won’t find fresher food than this!

• How Long Should I Stay Here?  1 or 2 hours mins
• Getting There –  Walk here. It’s 25 minutes, but far less complicated than changing busses.

3.30 PM – Gion District

Gion is Kyoto’s geisha district. It has held this title for centuries, and you’ll find a lot of traditional Japanese style architecture and history here. You’ll also spot beautiful hostesses in colorful kimonos walking down the wooden Tatsumi Bridge and on the streets.

Admire the upscale restaurants and boutiques of the special district. Watch one of the traditional Kyomai dances hosted at Gion Corner.

There’s lots of unique things to do in Kyoto ‘s Geisha district. so be sure to set out a few hours for it. Geisha’s are ubiquitous across Japan.

Geisha, or Geiko (Kyoto’s dialect, meaning ‘arts child’), entertain in traditional Japanese style tea houses. There are also wooden machiya merchant houses lining the street, close together but stretching far back.

The entertainment district is at its most atmospheric in the early evening when lanterns are lit and the sun slowly sets. We are a bit early for this but you can hang around and wait. This is one of the best  things to do in Kyoto .

• Cost –  Free
• Getting There –  Walk here in 15 minutes. Aim for Gion Tatsumi Bridge

5.00 PM – Geisha dance in Gion

Stopped in tradition and culture, these dances are an art form long recognized in Japan! Once you’ve enjoyed the general delights of the district, enter a tea house if you can (many only cater to locals).

If you’re lucky, you will be able to observe a small performance in one of these teahouses. If you’re very lucky, or a good planner, you’ll be able to see a large performance, put on for the general community!

The five geisha districts of Kyoto put on annual performances for the public, and tourists are permitted to join the crowd. Here geiko and maiko (apprentices) perform with dance and music.

The dances are highly stylized and tightly choreographed. Every move is perfect, their slow and graceful forms hinting at the intensely hard work that goes into them. These dances are considered a great honor to perform in – and are certainly an honor to witness.

Each performance depicts some aspect of Japanese life and the changing of seasons. They are exquisitely beautiful, and certainly an experience you will never forget – a must see in Kyoto.

• Cost –  $18 – $40
• Getting There –  It’s in the Gion district

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Explore nature, modern Japanese architecture and art, and of course more temples on day 2 of my Kyoto Itinerary! It’s going to be an incredible day.

9:00 AM – Yasaka Pagoda

Also known as Hakanji Temple or Yasaka-no-Tou, this pagoda is perfect. With an iconic design and great location, it feels like you’re in an old Japanese movie as you look at it.

Yasaka Pagoda, the last remnant of Hokanji Temple, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the district. Occasionally the interior is open to visitors, which is a rare opportunity.

Almost all pagoda can only ever be viewed from the outside. However, you’ll be hard-pressed to find out when public viewings are available unless you go and ask in person.

Still, it’s worth the visit just to see the outside! A 46-meter tall pagoda with graceful, sloping roofs on every tier, it lies in the middle of an old Kyoto neighborhood in Higashiyama which is wonderful to walk through. Admire the scene, old ladies sitting and gossiping together, light wooden buildings and cherry trees.

If you do get to see the interior, you’ll have the opportunity to Visitors are allowed inside to marvel at the tower’s architecture, statues and fading paintings. Originally built by the Imperial Prince Shotoku in 589, the pagoda is said to have been inspired by a dream.

• Cost –  $4
• Getting There –  You can reach the Pogoda by bus

10:00 AM – Kiyomizu Dera Temple

Kiyomizu Sera, or the ‘Pure Water Temple’, is one of the most beautiful and celebrated temples of Japan. Founded in 780 AD on the site of the Otowa Waterfall, it derives its name from that waterfall’s waters.

The temple is nestled in the wooded hills east of Kyoto, but you will be able to catch a bus to the area and stroll along a path through the forest to get there. It’s a great opportunity to leave the city for a few hours and admire the surrounding area.

Kiyomizu Dera Temple has a wooden stage that extends from its main hall, 13 meters above the hillside below. Here visitors have a fantastic view over the cherry and maple trees surrounding the temple. These are a sea of color in Spring! You’ll also see Kyoto in the distance.

The Otowa Waterfall, at the base of the main hall, has its waters divided into three separate streams. Visitors drink from them using cups attached to long poles. The waters are said to provide longevity, success, and love. But drinking from all three is considered greedy!

The main hall and stage were built without the use of nails! In the hall, you’ll find a golden statue of the eleven-faced, thousand-armed Kannon. This is a deity of compassion and mercy, and the temple’s primary object of worship.

• Cost –  $6
• Getting There –  It’s a 15 minute walk

11:00 AM – Kyoto International Manga Museum

For something a little different and a little more modern, visit the Manga museum! Just as much a part of many Japanese people’s lives as the temples you’re visiting, Manga is very important in Japanese culture.

Manga are comics or graphic novels rendered in a very specific style, with their roots in Japanese art. Japanese people of all ages read manga! The comics cover every genre, the most popular of which are adventure and erotica.

You’ll enjoy how absolutely different the style is from western comics!

The museum is extensive, its walls lined with shelves of Manga. Most of the works are by Japanese artists, but there are exhibitions of foreign work as well. It also features frequent temporary exhibitions in different themes.

The museum was once a school, and some relics from its very different past are on display! It’s a fun and unusual place to spend an hour or two and one of the best, offbeat things to do in Kyoto.

• Cost –  $7
• How Long Should I Stay Here?  60 mins
• Getting There –  Take the 95 bus from Gojozaka to Karasuma Oike

12.00 PM – Lunch at Shishin Samurai Restaurant 

Feeling hungry? I hope so because my Kyoto itinerary next stop is Shishin Samurai Restaurant.

Housed in a traditional, 100 year old building, the cuisine is traditional “Samurai” food made using award winning Tofu and fresh, organic vegetables.

The grilled omi beef is delicious, the Samurai burger filling and if you want something light and green then check out the Samurai salad.

• Cost –  Budget $20- $30 per person
• Getting There –  You can walk from the Manga museum

1.00 PM – Kyoto Station Building

You would think this is an odd choice, being a train station. But the Kyoto Station Building showcases really impressive modern architecture! It’s also one of the best places to shop in Kyoto.

An ultra-modern structure of glass and steel, the station building houses a brilliant amount of shops, restaurants, and recreational facilities.

If you’re looking for anything specific while you’re in Japan, this is where you’ll find it.

Of course, you can also catch a train! Japanese trains are incredibly fast and efficient. If you’re going to Tokyo or Osaka (or anywhere else in Japan) this is the best way to get around!

The station is enjoyable even just for its dramatic and imposing size. But there are plenty of maps, so don’t worry about getting lost! Whether you want to window-shop, buy something, or bring the kids someplace they recognize better than the temples, this is a great place to visit in Kyoto.

• How Long Should I Stay Here?  30 mins
• Getting There –  Take the Karasuma (Green line) metro to Kyoto station

2.30 PM – Maruyama Park

This public urban park is incredible in Spring! The cherry trees blossoming turn it into an ethereal landscape, and you feel like you’re on another planet. Any other time of the year though, it’s still a great place to visit in Kyoto!

The park’s centerpiece is a famous weeping cherry tree and gets lit up at night.

You’ll be here in the evening, enjoying the park’s beauty in the golden hour! It’s a very popular park, so this is also a great time to go for the reduced crowds.

The park has a lovely duck pond, gurgling streams and plenty of trees. You can even enjoy a drink here, as Japan allows for drinking in public. It’s the perfect place for an evening picnic and some good end-of-day unwinding! Perfect for families and couples.

It’s also a great place to do some local people-watching! Residents of Kyoto love to hang out in the public space, and it can get quite a party vibe as the evening progresses.

No matter the season, be sure to bring your camera and take advantage of some great photo opportunities!

• Getting There –  Take the bus from Kyoto Eki mae to Gion

4.00 PM – Ginkakuji Temple

Ginkakuji Temple, or the Temple of the Silver Pavilion , is elegant and lovely. Set at the base of the mountains, its entire temple grounds are gorgeous. A perfect example of curated Japanese landscape architecture.

Walk the trails around the temple grounds, lake, and gardens, and admire the raked sand garden, sit and look up at the blue sky through the trees.

The gardens are a perfect post-lunch relaxing spot!

Modeled on its sister temple, the Golden Pavilion, the zen buddhist temple complex is not quite aptly named. Its walls are wooden brown and were never plated with silver. The Zen temple was once a retirement villa for the grandchild of the Golden Pavilion’s creator – hence its nickname.

Ginkakuji consists of multiple smaller temple buildings, and houses a statue of Kannon! You’ll find the temple beautiful from every angle. It’s also much less crowded than its sister. You can stroll around in relative peace and quiet.

• Cost –  Free
• How Long Should I Stay Here?  3o minutes
• Getting There –  Bus again! From Gion to Ginkakuji mae

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighborhood in Kyoto:

Southern Higashiyama

Southern Higashiyama is home to many of Kyoto’s most famous and popular tourist destinations. If you haven’t been to Southern Higashiyama, you haven’t been to Kyoto!

• Step away from the typical tourist trail and explore lesser-visited temples such as Kodai-ji, Shoren-in, and Entoku-in.
• Try and spot geishas in Hanami-koji.
• Admire Yasaka-no-to Pagoda.
• Watch a spell-binding performance at Minamiza Kabuki Theatre.

There is so much to do in the greater Kyoto prefecture, I hope you’re spending more than 3 days in Kyoto! These are the must-sees that just don’t fit into the busy structure of your first 2 days in Kyoto.

Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine

Only 30-minutes from Kyoto by train, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is an absolute must-see in Japan. With thousands of vermilion Torii gates and some really impressive buildings, it’s one of the most iconic holy places in the world.

The Torii gates symbolically mark the transition from the mundane and earthly to the sacred. That’s quite a transition!

They stretch up past the shrine buildings, lining numerous paths up the mountain. You can walk all the way up the Inari mountain between the gates, finding smaller shrines as you go. The scene from the top is amazing, with Kyoto is the distance amidst the green mountains.

The Shinto god, deity Inari is the god of many things, including rice and business! The shrine is so immense because of the deity’s patronage of business. Each of the torii gates has been donated by a Japanese business or individual. Look on the back of a few of the gates – the donor’s name and date of donation are inscribed on the back of each of them.

You’ll also find stacks of miniature torii at the smaller shrines on the mountains. These are donated by people seeking success without the budget of the larger companies! Bring your camera and some comfortable shoes, and get ready for an amazing Fushimi Inari hike . This stop is definitely one of the top Kyoto attractions and a worthwhile climb!

• Cost –  $3
• How Long Should I Stay Here?  120 minutes
• Getting There –  It’s just outside  JR Inari Station

Japanese Izakaya Cooking Class

Immerse yourself in the famous Kyoto foodie culture and learn how to make home-style Japanese dishes.

An izakaya is an informal Japanese space for casual after-work drinking and tapas. Lasting 3-hours, the course covers a surprising amount of Japanese food. You’ll learn to make 2 or 3 local dishes, chatting and learning from your chef, before eating them together in a fantastic communal experience.

When you’re full and happy you’ll make another 2-3 dishes, allowing the food to settle while you learn. This is the perfect activity for foodies, families, couples, and people interested in learning an element of the local culture.

• Cost –  Varies
• How Long Should I Stay Here?  2 to 3 hours
• Getting There – Take the metro to Funayacho, Shimogyo Ward, and walk to Cooking Sun.

Monkey Park Iwatayama

If you’re feeling a little overloaded from all the temples and shrines, take a little hike up this nearby hill to visit the Monkey Park. With only a $5 USD entrance fee and a very casual setup, it’s a great place to experience something entirely different.

It’s a 30-minute hike and quite steep, so, unfortunately, those with physical limitations may struggle. It’s also not wheelchair friendly.

But you can take it as slow as you need to, and you’re well rewarded at the top!

The snow monkeys, also known as “Japanese macaque” are native to Japan, and really beautiful. It’s refreshing to see them outside of a cage, enjoying life in their natural habitat and relaxing in the sun.

• Cost –  $5
• How Long Should I Stay Here?  2 hours
• Getting There –  A 3-min walk from the  Togetsukyo Bridge

If you have half a day to spare, one of the greatest Kyoto points of interest is in its greater prefecture! Said to be the home the King of the Tengu – legendary creatures in Japanese folk religion – this mountain is mysterious and immense.

On the mountain, you’ll find Kurama, a rural town best known for its hot spring and beautiful Kurama-  temple. The hot spring is one of the most easily accessible from Kyoto!

You can enjoy traditional outdoor and indoor baths at Kurama Onsen, at the upper end of the town.

The train stops just 10-minutes walk from the town. Stroll along the nature trail that follows the river. If you’re so taken with the little town that you want to stay longer, you can! And staying guests can use the baths for free.

If you want to visit the Buddhist temple of Kurama-Dera, you’ll find it located along the steep green mountainside above the town. It takes about 45-minutes to hike up to the temple from the town below. You can also catch a cable car halfway up the mountain, for only ~$2 USD!

The impressive temple’s main buildings stand on a terrace on the mountain slope and overlook the wooded valley. The red postboxes lining the walk, and the buildings’ traditional Japanese architecture with red wooden frames, make for stunning photography and a unique, aesthetic scene. You’ll definitely want to tick this off your itinerary for Kyoto!

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

One of my all time favourite things to do in Kyoto is to walk around the famous bamboo forest, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.

Located at the base of the “Storm Mountains” in north Kyoto, the Arashiyama bamboo forest is a seemingly endless bamboo forest that is perfect for nature lovers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of Kyoto’s busy city center. The sounds of the swaying bamboo grove is eerie and tranquil, and if you really want to enjoy it, you can opt for a traditional rickshaw ride through the groves.

The Arashiyama bamboo grove is an open space, so it’s open 24/7 and is free to enter. However, it is quite far out from other attractions in the city, so that’s why I only recommend going if you have time.

The surrounding Arashiyama district is a well-known fishing village, which involves using trained cormorant birds to dive down and collect the fish – similar to how they fish in the lakes of South China. This is a unique way to catch fish that can only be seen in Japan and China, so it is also well worth adding to your Kyoto itinerary.

The Arashiyama bamboo grove region is also especially beautiful during cherry blossom season, if you’re lucky enough to be in Kyoto at this time.

• Cost: free to enter!
• Getting there: From JR Kyoto station, take the train to Saga-Arashiyama Station. From there, it’s a 15 minute walk to the bamboo groves.
• How long should I spend there? Around 1 hour at the bamboo grove should be enough, another hour at the fishing village.

My itinerary is jam-packed with amazing things to see and some of the best places to visit in Kyoto ! But that doesn’t mean you need to stay in the middle of the city to make the most of it. The transportation in Kyoto is world-class, and you’ll be able to get anywhere in the large city in minutes. So breathe easy, touring Kyoto is a breeze!

The train and subway system is extensive, making it easy to get around the city, and also to reach nearby cities like Osaka and Nara very quickly. Japan is a very small, technologically advanced country, so it’s a great place to travel.

You can also catch the bus to get around the city. They are very reasonably priced and fun! You get on at the back, and depart from the front, paying when you leave. Within the main part of the city, all bus fares are ~$2 USD. You can also walk! But with such efficient, well-priced public transport, and limited time, you may choose not to.

However, my favorite option is cycling! Renting a bicycle for the day is a really great way to explore the city, and you’ll be able to see lots of lovely random things in-between stops. It’s also a common form of transportation in Kyoto, so you won’t be alone!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Kyoto’s climate is temperate humid. This means that winters are mild and summers are hot and rainy. The in-between months are best as they’re usually mild and sunny, and very pleasant. Therefore, depending on when exactly you visit Japan , pack accordingly.

Wondering when to visit Kyoto? Spring is absolutely idyllic when the cherry trees bloom and transform the Japanese landscape with their calm, beautiful pink. This starts in April, and is a great time to do a Kyoto walking tour!

Keep in mind, the cherry trees bloom quickly and only blossom for around 2 weeks, so if you’re planning a Kyoto trip for its best season you’ll want to go in the first two weeks of April. The city is very popular at this time so the crowds will be large. But it’s well worth it!

I visited Kyoto in the summer in June, which was rainy season. It was still beautiful but the rain makes the weather quite cold so it’s a good idea to bring some warm clothes, even in the summer!

The city is also gorgeous in Fall, when all those trees go red and orange. In Fall, the rains have ended but the crowds are reasonably small and everything is a little cheaper than during the springtime rush! It’s one of our favourite September destinations for these reasons.

Japan is a very safe country to visit. While Kyoto is a large city and very busy, it is, in fact, the safest city in Japan . You can walk around downtown Kyoto at night in safety.

You can also use public transport alone. This means Kyoto is a really great city for solo travelers – so often I have to make sure I’m inside or in a group by dark. Here you can keep exploring into the night!

Like in every busy city, the flow of people attracts pickpockets. However, the risk is comparatively low. If you keep your bags closed and close to you, you’ll leave the city with everything you arrived with!

While not a safety measure per-se, there are a few things you should do to avoid being rude in Kyoto and greater Japan. Take off your shoes when you enter a home. Don’t eat or talk on the phone while you walk – Japanese folk find it quite offensive, and you’ll definitely get some funny looks. Don’t touch in public, it makes them uncomfortable.

Also, as with any trip, it’s always wise to be prepared for the unexpected.  So get yourself protected with good travel insurance . You never need it until you don’t have it.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Kyoto

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning their Kyoto itinerary.

How many days do you need in Kyoto?

You’ll need a minimum of 2-3 full days to explore Kyoto. However, with so much to see and do, having more time there is definitely recommended.

What should you include on a 3 day Kyoto itinerary?

Don’t skip these top Kyoto attractions: – Kinkakuji Temple – Nishiki Market – Gion District – Maruyama Park

Where should you stay if you have a full Kyoto itinerary?

The central Higashiyama District is the ideal base for sightseeing. It’s within walking distance of main attractions, so you can spend less time travelling and more time exploring!

When is the best time to visit Kyoto?

Visiting in the Fall is best if you want to avoid tourist crowds and enjoy good weather. If you’re after the cherry blossoms, you’ll need to be there at the beginning of April.

Isn’t it wonderful, what you can see and do on a short Kyoto trip? The ancient city has so much to offer, both in Kyoto’s city center and beyond it. And the locals are welcoming and kind!

Whether you’re coming on a spiritual pilgrimage, a foodie foray, or a historical and cultural adventure, Kyoto is one of the best places in the world to do it! You will never walk away from this city disappointed. Not with this 2 days in Kyoto itinerary! There are just too many incredible experiences to be had.

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Kyoto 1 Day Itinerary For Things to See in Kyoto in One Day!

Categories Asia , Itinerary , Japan

Kyoto is one of the prettiest and most iconic cities to visit in Japan and it must be on your Japan itinerary ! There are lots of things to do in Kyoto and places to visit in Kyoto but if you only have one day in Kyoto , that’s ok, you can see many of these on a Kyoto 1 day itinerary.

There are many reasons you may spend just 1 day in Kyoto , for me, it was because I was in Japan in Cherry Blossom season so accommodation in Kyoto was really expensive. Therefore I decided to base myself in Osaka and do an Osaka to Kyoto day trip to ensure I could still see the temples and Kyoto attractions I desperately wanted to see!

How To Do An Osaka to Kyoto Day Trip & Use Your JR Pass!(opens in a new tab)

In this Kyoto one day itinerary I am going to tell you how to visit the most iconic places to visit in Kyoto like the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Gion District, Kyoto Palace, Kyoto Park in the perfect Kyoto itinerary!

Kyoto 1 Day Itinerary

Things To Do in Kyoto in One Day

The two main, popular and iconic places to visit in Kyoto , in my opinion, are the Fushimi Inari Shrine and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove . They have been made even more famous thanks to Instagram and Instagram often shows you photos with no one else in them making you think that you will see this too.

Well, if you want to see that you need to get to them early !

Of course, I could only visit one of the two sites early  because I was on a one day trip to Kyoto!

After looking on a map I realised that Fushimi Inari Shrine and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove are opposite ends of Kyoto to each other and that  Fushimi Inari Shrine is much closer to Kyoto Station , so I decided to go there first and on your 1 day Kyoto itinerary , I recommend you do too whether you are staying overnight in Kyoto or not.

• More of my Must Read Japan Posts:
• How to do a Day Trip to Kyoto from Osaka!
• Free Things To Do in Japan’s Most Popular Cities To Visit!
• Visiting Himeji Castle on a Day Trip or via Hiroshima.
• My Guide to Kobe City & Why You Should Visit !
• Things To Do In Takayama & Why You Should Visit!

Fushimi Inari Shrine

If you are taking a day trip to Kyoto from Osaka like myself or perhaps from Kobe , to get to Fushimi Inari Shrine from Kyoto Station when you get off the train head to the ‘JR Nara Line D’ Train on platforms 8-10 . Check the train before you get on as you need to get the local train , not the rapid train as the rapid train does not stop at Inari.

The train from Kyoto Station to Inari Station takes 5 or so minutes and the station exit is across the road from the Temple Entrance so by 9:00 am, I was there!

Kyoto Travel Tip – If you want to see those iconic and very impressive Torii Gates with minimal people on your Kyoto 1 day itinerary, when you arrive do not spend time seeing the Temples at the bottom, head straight up the hill to the Torii Gates and follow them up for as long as you can!

I was really surprised by how long the Torii Gates go on for, they keep going and going! I turned around after about 30 minutes of walking but I could have gone much further. I didn’t expect the pathway to be such an incline either but it is although luckily there are quite a few stopping points on the way.

Kyoto Travel Tip – If you want to get a photo in the Torii Gates of the Inari Shrine with no people in it you need to keep walking, the further you get, the fewer people there are, however, this also depends on the time of day.

Alternatively to get a photo at the Inari Torii Gates with no one else in it, just take a selfie and block other people with your head as I have! 

One Day Trip Kyoto

If you would prefer to see Kyoto with a guide or combine your trip with a tour of Kyoto , these Kyoto tours all have good reviews and are reasonable in price. Kyoto holds so much history that a day out with a guide would be a good idea and going on the Kyoto hop on, hop off bus will make seeing Kyoto in one day much easier too:

By 10:00 am I was back down at the base by the Temples and the day tour groups of Kyoto were arriving which made it so much busier and I was so glad I got there at 9:00 am.

The Fushimi Inari Shrine does not shut so technically you can get there as early as you like and I recommend getting there as early as possible on your 1 day Kyoto itinerary/

Kyoto Street Food

Outside the Temple are Street food vendors selling lots of different foods. In fact, there’s lots of street food in Kyoto outside the tourist spots which is actually really nice and a great way to eat on the go and eat some fairly cheap eats too. I got an Okonomi Yaki which was really good for 500Yen which I don’t think is too bad for a popular Kyoto tourist site.

If you would prefer to sit down and get breakfast or brunch, or even just a coffee after that walk, a nice looking cafe close to Inari Shrine is Vermillion .

JAPAN SIM CARD

Stay connected in Japan by ordering a sim card in advance and picking it up at the airport you land in. There a huge range of sim card options in Japan which you can see and buy here !

If you prefer eSIM’s these days, here’s a great option for an eSIM Mobile Data Plan in Japan so you’re connected as soon as you land without the hassle of swapping sims and waiting for connection.

JAPAN RAIL PASS

I’m sure you know, or have heard, that the Japan Rail Pass is the best value for getting around Japan!

There are many providers for the JR Pass but this is the official provider and the one I used.

You need to get your JR Pass ordered BEFORE your trip and sent to your home address, so look into buying one here !

Not sure how the JR Pass works and wondering if it will save you money?

Read my JR Pass guide here!

I then headed to Fushimi Inari Station Railway which is across the across and different to the station I got off at and headed a few stops on the metro North to Gion Shijo . To use the metro/subway in Kyoto you can either by individual tickets or use a top-up Icoca Card.

Gion District

The Gion District is Kyoto’s famous Geisha District and an old area of Kyoto so it a must-see in Kyoto in one day. For me, this is what I imaged not only Kyoto to be like but Japan too. Especially after reading the book Memoirs of a Geisha which I read a few years ago and really recommend to you if you haven’t read it.

There’s a river running through the Gion area of Kyoto with small traditional wooden merchant houses lining the streets. Because I was there at the start of April the Cherry Blossoms were also out in full bloom and it was extremely picturesque and a must-visit place in Kyoto!

It’s said that you are very lucky in Japan if you see a real Geisha, especially here in Kyoto, however, what you will most definitely see a lot of is tourists who have either hired Kimono’s which you can do here to save looking around many different shops or have had a full Geisha Makeover in Gion which you can book here , taking photos in the old backstreets of the area. Dressing up as a Geisha is possible with 1 day in Kyoto!

From Gion, I walked along the Shirakawa River in a loop until it reaches the main Kamo River  detouring via Okazaki Park and the Temple next to it and I really enjoyed this walk as it took me through a mix of buildings and the river kept changing shape and looks at every turn, so I would recommend you follow the same walkthrough Gion, Kyoto on your kyoto 1 day itinerary as there are all things to see in Kyoto in one day.

Walking alongside the wide Kamo River was absolutely stunning, I did not realise this side of Kyoto existed. In both directions of the running river ahead of me I could see the Mountains and I knew that the City of Kyoto was spread out between them.

Kamo River was a lovely place to walk in Kyoto and it took me to  Kyoto Park which is a huge rectangular Park in the Centre of Kyoto occupying a lot of space and is a nice place to walk around or enjoy a picnic in.

Kyoto Castle and Palace

Next up is another popular place to visit in Kyoto and that is Kyoto Castle and Palace aka Nijo Castle and Ninomaru Palace.

Unfortunately, this is not one of the free things to do in Kyoto and a ticket is needed to get into the Castle and Palace gates. The cost of entry to Kyoto Castle is 600Yen and 1000Yen for the Castle and Palace combined ticket.

I decided not to pay to enter as it was extremely busy and I was tight on time with only 1 day in Kyoto but the Castle was a good walking point to head to and I enjoyed walking the smaller streets that led me from Kyoto Park to Kyoto Castle.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

To end your day in Kyoto, lastly head to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove which is the  Kyoto Bamboo Forest. The reason I say to end here is because it is quite far out of the Centre of Kyoto.

To get to the Kyoto Bamboo Grove by public transport, at Kyoto Castle I got on the subway at Nijojo Mae Station  and carried on to the end of the line to Uzumasa-Tenjingawa Station and then got on another subway line to Arashiyama Station.

When getting the train to the Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, if you are getting a JR Line Train, be sure not to get on a rapid train as it doesn’t stop at Saga Arashiyama so make sure you check you’re getting a local train!

Kyoto Travel Tip – If you have a JR Pass , wherever possible always look for a JR line instead of a subway so you get the journey included in your pass and do not need to pay extra.

I knew the Bamboo Forest in Kyoto would be busy any other time than first thing in the morning and it was indeed a total tidal wave of people from the station all the way into the actual forest.

The Bamboo Forest in Kyoto for me had been really hyped up, especially on Instagram and I’ll say that I was a little disappointed in the fact that the actual line of Bamboo Trees that you see so many photos of really is not that long, looking up is of course very impressive and the Bamboo Tree’s are very unique but if it hadn’t been made famous online I don’t think it would be a great place to visit in Kyoto, and if you’re reading this and have no idea about this forest, I would go as far as saying if you only have one day in Kyoto you don’t need to push yourself to visit here.

Aside from the line of Bamboo Tree’s though there are lots of temples and there are more green spaces to wander and relax in, it was just way to busy for me in Cherry Blossom season to really enjoy it like this.

I did, however, enjoy the street food stalls that are located out by the road before the forest entry!

After visiting here I headed back to Saga Arashiyama on the JR line to Kyoto Station and then jumped on another JR train back to Osaka Station at about 16:00 meaning I had a nice day trip to Kyoto and definitely got some serious steps in as well as seeing this beautiful City.

JAPAN ON A BUDGET

Japan isn’t the cheapest country to travel but you can save money in Japan, here are my budget tips for Japan:

How to Save Money in Japan!

Free Things To Do in Japan!

Save Money with the JR Pass!

JAPAN ITINERARY

Here’s my 2 week Japan itinerary for first time visitors which will help you plan yours and you can adapt it whether you’re in Japan or longer or less time.

Accommodation in Kyoto

If you are able to stay in Kyoto for 1 or 2 nights, this is a great idea as it will mean you will have more time to explore in the morning and evening rather than taking the train back to Osaka.

Nice Hostels and Hotels I walked past and can see online have good reviews are:

The Limelight Kyoto

Bird Hostel

Ryokan Gion Hostel

For more accommodation in Kyoto, have a look at Booking.com here .

To SEE my day trip to Kyoto, watch my Youtube video here:

• For more of my Japan posts see:
• Visiting Himeji Castle on a Day Trip or as a Stop on the Train!
• My Complete Guide to Kobe & Why You Should Visit!
• Tokyo 2 Day Itinerary to See Best Places in Tokyo – DETAILED Guide

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Kyoto in 1 Day: The Perfect Itinerary for Time-Pressed Travellers

BY Pelago by Singapore Airlines

19 JAN 24 . 4 MIN READ . GUIDES

Kyoto's 1-Day Itinerary

Kyoto, with its rich history, stunning temples, and vibrant culture, offers a plethora of experiences to enjoy within a single day. If you’re travelling on a tight budget, square away a day in this beautiful city with daytime explorations and night food tours galore to help you make the most of your 24 hours!

Here’s our recommended Kyoto 1-day itinerary:

• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple
• Nishiki Market
• Kyoto Tower
• Fushimi Inari Taisha
• Higashiyama District
• Kiyomizu-dera Temple
• Gion District
• Pontocho Alley

Morning: Exploring Historic Temples and Traditional Culture

1. 8:30am: arashiyama bamboo grove and tenryu-ji temple, arashiyama rickshaw tour + sagano bamboo forest.

Begin your day in Kyoto on a positive note by heading to the Tenryu-ji Temple. This quiet Buddhist temple lets you immerse yourself in its beautiful pond garden and iconic views of Arashiyama. After your walk, head to one of Kyoto’s most famous spots: Sagano Bamboo Grove. Listen to the rustling bamboo leaves as sunlight filters through the dense forest – you’ll feel as if you are on another planet altogether.

Want a glimpse of landmarks where cars and buses can’t go? Take a rickshaw tour through Arashiyama ! It’s a perfect start to your Kyoto 1-day itinerary.

2. 10am: Kinkakujii (Golden Pavilion)

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by 臨済宗相国寺派 北山 鹿苑寺(金閣寺) (@rokuonji_kinkakuji.official)

After a refreshing walk at Arashiyama, head to the famous Kinkakuji, a zen Buddhist temple. The top two floors are covered in gold leaf and you can marvel at the shimmering light that reflects on the peaceful pond near the structure. You’ll find it hard to believe the temple was burned down a few times. It gets crowded during the day, so it is best explored in the morning.

3. 11am: Nishiki Market

Kyoto nishiki market food tour.

Early morning excursions are tiring, and we’re sure you need refuelling by this hour. If you’re wondering what to visit in Kyoto regarding food, there is no better answer than Nishiki Market . This small market has hundreds of stalls that let you sample Japanese street food like yuba (tofu skin), tsukemono (pickled vegetables), and matcha-flavoured snacks.  If you’re heading to Kyoto in the winter, delight your taste buds and learn about the city’s culinary heritage through a guided market tour .

Afternoon: Cultural Immersion 

4. 1pm: kyoto tower, kyoto tower admission tickets.

Night view of Kyoto Tower

A short distance from Nishiki Market is the Kyoto Tower , the city’s tallest structure. With an observation deck that sits 100 metres above the ground, this tower lets you take in panoramic views of well-known locations, including the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Toji Temple, and Chion-in Temple, and even Osaka on a clear day.

5. 2pm: Fushimi Inari Taisha

After catching stunning city views, spend some time in peace at Fushimi Inari, one of the most important Shinto shrines in southern Kyoto. Famous for its vermilion torii gates that form a tunnel-like path, a short hike will also take you to Mount Inari, from where you can catch panoramic views of Kyoto city below. But since we have one day, you can stop at the Yotsu-Tsuji intersection for a quick picture break instead of completing the 2-hour hike to the top.

6. 4:30pm: Higashiyama District

Kimono rental shiki sakura in kyoto.

Renowned for its preserved historic streets, traditional wooden machiya houses, and picturesque temples, Higashiyama gives you a glimpse of the yesteryears of Japan. Spend your early evening wandering through the cobblestone paths of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, lined with quaint shops, teahouses, and local artisans, offering an authentic immersion into Kyoto’s past. It is from here that you can catch a glimpse of Yasaka Pagoda. You can also rent a kimono here for beautiful pictures. 

7. 5:30pm: Kiyomizu-dera Temple

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by miicco7a (@miicco7a)

Kiyomizu-dera or the ‘Pure Water Temple,’ is one of the biggest highlights of any Kyoto trip. And it is the most beautiful when it’s illuminated at night. This revered UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its iconic wooden veranda. Don’t miss the Otowa Waterfall, where you can partake in a centuries-old tradition of drinking pure water from three streams, each believed to bestow a unique blessing – longevity, success in studies, or a fortunate love life. But beware, none of your wishes will be granted if you drink from all three. So don’t be greedy!

Evening: Culinary Delights

8. 7pm: gion district.

We’ve saved the best for last. All this walking will make you tired and hungry once more. This brings us to the best part of Kyoto’s nightlife: the Gion District. While you can see wooden houses in many places in Kyoto, this is the best. Gion is also synonymous with Japan’s age-old Geisha culture.

Geisha, often referred to as ‘geiko’ in Kyoto dialect, are highly trained professional entertainers. They are typically women who have undergone years of training to master various traditional arts, such as dance, music and singing. Maiko are apprentice geishas in the early stages of their training. While few geishas or maiko are in Kyoto, your best chance of seeing one is at Hanamikoji Street. If you have an open budget, you can eat at a traditional restaurant where a geisha works.

If you have more time and are wondering what to do when in Gion, spend some time discovering traditional tea houses and artisan shops. If you arrive early, participate in the team ceremony at En, a serene teahouse.

9. 9pm: Pontocho Alley

Nestled on the banks of the Kamogawa River, Pontocho Alley is a charming, narrow pedestrian lane that comes alive in the evening, with restaurants on both sides. Here, you can wrap up your day with many dining options.

In your one-day Kyoto itinerary, add a Kaiseki dinner at a local restaurant here. Kaiseki is a culinary tradition with a multi-course meal that showcases the Japanese’s seasonal ingredients and meticulous preparation. Or, if you’re more into sake, head to a contemporary izakaya (Japanese pub) in this part of town for a nightcap before you call it a day.

There's More to Kyoto… 

There are many places that didn’t make the cut in our list for a 1-day itinerary to Kyoto but are equally worth going to if you have more time on hand, such as the unique Kyoto Railway Museum and Kyoto Imperial Palace. Besides, you can always tweak your itinerary to replace any destination in this suggested itinerary. Here are a few other ideas to make the most of your Kyoto day out:

10. Rent a Kimono 

Kyoto kimono/yukata experience | yumeyakata gojyo kimono....

A fun thing to do as a traveller when out in Kyoto is to rent a kimono , and dress the part. Transform into how locals lived in the past and capture stunning photos in traditional attire. You can rent one at Yumekan, where there are hundreds of options to choose from, in addition to over 200 different belts, so you can create your whole look.

11. Watch Japanese period dramas

Toei kyoto studio park entrance tickets.

Toei Kyoto Studio Park is the only theme park in Japan where you can catch the making of period dramas, also called jidaigeki films. Enjoy captivating performances, gain insights into the samurai and ninja culture, and even dress up as one! If you’re travelling with kids, this is a great place to go.

12. Kyoto City Tour

Nijo castle and kyoto heritage tour from kyoto.

Don’t want the hassle of chalking out an itinerary? You can book a Kyoto City Tour, which covers all prominent shrines and districts to make the best of your day. Another option lets you explore the city’s famous castles, temples, and shrines. Start your day at Nijo Castle, before heading to Kinkaku-ji Temple, followed by seeing the Emperor’s residence, Kyoto Imperial Palace.

Bonus: Travelling Essentials for a Memorable Trip

13. hankyu tourist pass , hankyu tourist pass (1 - 2 day).

If you’re on a budget trip, this is a must-have. Seamlessly explore Kyoto’s attractions, shopping districts and cultural sites with unlimited train rides with a tourist pass for Hankyu Railway lines. You can also head to Osaka and Kobe with this pass if you’d like to explore more of Japan after your Kyoto 1-day itinerary.

14. Kintetsu Rail Pass

Kintetsu rail pass 1, 2, 5 day plus.

Done with your one-day Kyoto tour? The Kintetsu Rail Pass is your key to effortless exploration beyond the city’s boundaries, bringing Osaka and Nara into your itinerary. You can take advantage of unlimited travel around Kansai for five days, uncovering this region’s beautiful sites.

15. Kyoto Skybus Hop-On Hop-Off Pass

In a different country, trains can be a hassle and leave you wondering what to do at a station in Kyoto. So hop on a bus instead. Skybus HO-HO pass lets you go on a sightseeing adventure with a flexible bus pass, offering a comprehensive city tour with the freedom to explore major sites.

Kyoto Express

With this comprehensive Kyoto 1-day itinerary, you’ll capture the essence of this gorgeous in just 24-hours, immersing yourself in its history, culture, and beauty.

Of course, if you have more time, we’d highly recommend spending more than one day here (like in this 3-day Kyoto itinerary , for example).

But if one day is all you have, then this itinerary will have you sorted.

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One Day in Kyoto Itinerary – Top Things to Do in Kyoto, Japan

Famous for its ancient temples, serene gardens, gorgeous ponds, and cherry trees in full bloom, Kyoto, located on the island of Honshu, was once the capital of imperial Japan. Even today, the city is recognized as the cultural heart of Japan, since a great number of the country’s unique traditions originated within its walls. Approach the city with a healthy dose of reverence and an open mind and experience true Japan in a big city with a subdued, small-town feel.

kyoto in a day

1. What’s the best time to visit Kyoto? 2. Kyoto festivals 3. A few facts about Kyoto 4. Kyoto temples 5. One Day in Kyoto Itinerary 5.1. Start Your Day Early and Visit the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine 5.2. Explore the Kiyomizu-dera Temple 5.3. Go for a Walk Along Philosopher’s Path 5.4. Grab a Bite to Eat 5.5. Take the Bus/Taxi to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) 5.6. Take a Taxi to Arashiyama District 5.7. Explore the Arashiyama District 5.8. Pick One of the Museums in the Nakagyō Ward 5.9. Check Out the RAN Theatre 6.0. Consider Your Options for a Night on the Town 7. Where to stay in Kyoto? 8. Kyoto Day Trips 9. Extra tips for visiting Kyoto

What’s the best time to visit Kyoto?

The weather in Kyoto is predominately temperate , which means that you can visit the city at any time of year . The rainy season lasts for close to a month and a half, from mid-June to late July. However, since it does not rain every day, even this period doesn’t prevent you from travelling. In general, the best time to visit Kyoto is in spring or fall , i.e. either in March/April/May or in October/November. In spring, you can enjoy the sight of cherry blossoms bringing the city to life, while in fall, you can see the gardens surrounding the Kyoto temples explode in a golden rhapsody of colors.

Kyoto festivals

If you have a choice, you may want to plan your visit around one of the numerous festivals in the city, to make your one day in Kyoto truly memorable. During the first three days of January, every Kyoto shrine, with Yasaka-jinja Shrine, Fushimi-Inari-taisha Shrine, and Heian-jingu Shrine being the most popular ones, receives its first shrine visit of the New Year . This is called Hatsumode. Soon after, on January 15 , Kyoto temple Sanjusangen-do hosts Toshiya, a famous archery contest . During the first week of May, the majority of Japanese workers are on holiday, called the Golden Week holiday .

You may want to avoid visiting Kyoto during this time since all the Kyoto attractions are extremely crowded and the hotels are significantly more expensive than usual. The biggest festival of the year is Gion Matsuri , on July 17, with a huge procession with festival floats marching through the streets of downtown Kyoto. Shogatsu (New Year’s) is also a pretty big deal in Kyoto and a good time to visit.

A few facts about Kyoto

The modern city of Kyoto is the capital of Kyoto Prefecture in Japan’s Kansai Region. For more than a thousand years, Kyoto was the Imperial capital of Japan. Originally, the city was named Heiankyo, meaning “ Capital of Peace ”, but it was later renamed to Kyoto, meaning simply “the Capital”. Today, Kyoto is the sixth largest city in Japan , even though it was one of the most populous cities in the world for many centuries, reaching half a million people by the 16 th century. In addition to three palaces and a castle, the city of Kyoto is home to more than 30 universities and colleges, and endless beautiful parks, gardens, and museums. Kyoto is also famous for the 1997 Kyoto Protocol on climate change. In an unrelated fact, the headquarters of video gaming giant Nintendo is located in the city, and its first game was launched here as well. You simply cannot visit Kyoto without hearing about kaiseki cuisine , the Japanese “haute cuisine”. The highest, most refined version of this exceptional facet of Japanese gastronomy is called shojin ryori .

Kyoto temples

Book a tour: Looking for some of the best reviewed tours while exploring the city? Be sure to check here and make your trip even better.

If you are not sure what to do in Kyoto, visiting some of the city’s numerous temples might be a good start. A word of warning, though: with more than 1600 temples in the city, choosing which temples to visit on your one day in Kyoto will not be an easy task. This Kyoto itinerary covers all of the most recognizable ones, as well as the shrines you simply must see in Kyoto.

One Day in Kyoto Itinerary

Follow this guide and make the best of your trip even if you’re short on time. These are the top sights and things to do on your one day in Kyoto.

Start Your Day Early and Visit the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

When it comes to Kyoto shrines, you absolutely have to see the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine on your one day in Kyoto. The main shrine of Inari, the Shinto god of rice, this shrine is located at the base of a mountain and famously has as many as 32,000 sub-shrines (bunsha (分社) all over the country. Visiting the shrine early in the morning is recommended , since it will give you a chance to avoid some of the crowds that are common later in the day, and you may even get a nice clean picture of the shrine’s traditional gates it’s famous for.

The rows of these gates, known as Senbon torii , are the real highlight of the shrine, with more than 10,000 of them along the main path. The torrii were all donated by Japanese businesses starting with the Edo period (1603 – 1868), since Inari was also traditionally worshipped by manufacturers and merchants as the patron of business.

Explore the Kiyomizu-dera Temple

The Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of the most visited temples in Kyoto, with an unparalleled hillside location that offers breathtaking views of Kyoto and the surrounding valley. The Kiyomizu-dera Temple was built as a place of worship for Kannon, the goddess of mercy. From the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, you can hop aboard the Keihan Main Line (railway) northbound from the Fushimi-Inari Station across the bridge west of the shrine.

Exit the train at the Tofukuji Station (2 nd stop) and then take a short 3-minute walk east until you reach the bus stop across the street from the Red Cross Hospital. Board bus 202 and ride for 6 stations until you reach the Kiyomizu-michi bus stop. From there, it will take you about 10 minutes to get to the temple. You will pass a number of charming shops along the way with assorted sweets, food, and souvenirs.

Go for a Walk Along Philosopher’s Path

After the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, go back to the Kiyomizu-michi bus stop and take the bus number 206. Ride the bus north for 6 stations, until you reach the Higashiyama Nijo Okazaki Koen Guchi Bus Stop. Then switch to bus 32 and ride it for 8 stops. Exit at the Honeninmachi Bus Stop. The nearby Philosopher’s Path is a pleasant stone path that follows a small stream with a number of interesting stops.

On a sunny day, it is the perfect place for a walk, with beautiful cherry trees and old houses on the side. It is one of the best places to visit in Kyoto in April  when the trees explode with color. All in all, the Philosopher’s Path is very mellow and, surprisingly, not overrun by tourists. The Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion) is a quaint little site with amazing views and gardens near the northern end of the path. It is worth a short visit if you happen to be nearby.

Grab a Bite to Eat

To save on time, you should take a short lunch break in one of the restaurants on the Philosopher’s Path. The Omen Ginkaku-ji Head Shop and Juugo stand out as two of the best options. The Omen Ginkaku-ji Head Shop serves some amazing Udon noodles, and the place itself feels very authentic, welcoming, and relaxing. However, if you to go for Soba noodles (and know the difference!), then check out Juugo for the finest fresh Soba made to order. Minimalist, yet friendly and in a nice location, the whole restaurant is run by just one man (seating for 8).

Take the Bus/Taxi to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

After lunch, take a short 5-minute walk west of the Philosopher’s Path until you reach the Shirakawa Dori (street). Take bus 204 from the Jodoji Bus Stop to the Kinkakujimichi Bus Stop (23 stops). From there, it’s only a short walk to the Kinkaku-ji Temple, one of the city’s most famous attractions.

The structure, built in 1397, is also known as Golden Pavilion , since it was once completely covered in gold leaf . Kinkaku-ji served as the retirement villa of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, a 15 th century shogun. The Silver Pavilion near the Philosopher’s Path was built by his grandson decades later and is modelled after Kinkaku-ji.

Take a Taxi to Arashiyama District

Although perhaps you wouldn’t have guessed as much, there are other places to visit in Kyoto apart from the numerous temples and shrines. Among them is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – one of the top sights in Kyoto. The best way to get there is by taxi . A taxi ride from Kinkaku-ji to Arashiyama shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes. At the price of approx. 1900 JPY or close to 17 USD, it is absolutely worth it, since it will save you from spending an hour or more riding the city’s buses and trains. As a side note, most travelers prefer taking the taxi – and you should too, especially if you’re struggling to make sense of the city’s public transport system.

Explore the Arashiyama District

The Arashiyama District is located on the western outskirts of Kyoto, named after the Arashiyama Mountain (meaning Storm Mountain ) across the Ōi River. The district is definitely one of the most interesting places to see in Kyoto, with the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove being its star attraction. A tranquil scenic spot, the grove is, in essence, a narrow pedestrian walkway bordered by tall bamboo plants. Only 10 minutes away, you will come across the Tenryuji Temple and the gorgeous Sogenchi Garden surrounding a quaint little pond.

Pick One of the Museums in the Nakagyō Ward

After the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, take a taxi to downtown Kyoto, more precisely, to Nakagyō-ku, one of the city’s eleven wards. Its name means “ central capital ward “, and the businesses there mostly revolve around shopping, tourism, and entertainment . Among the numerous museums and galleries in the city center, three stand out in particular: the Samurai & Ninja Interactive Museum and Show, The Museum of Kyoto, and the Kyoto International Manga Museum. All of them close relatively late. The Manga Museum is open until 6 PM, the Kyoto Museum until 7:30 PM, and the Samurai/Ninja Museum until 8 PM. The Kyoto International Manga Museum is a great place for a brief visit if you appreciate the art. Even if you don’t speak Japanese, you can still admire the comic books.

The Museum of Kyoto is mostly focused on the city’s history, art, and crafts. Our top recommendation, the Samurai & Ninja Interactive Museum and Show , features a fun and informative tour that will help you learn about the ancient arts of the Ninjas and the Samurai, and they’ll even let you try to throw stars and use blow darts. It is a great place to see if you are visiting Kyoto with kids, but adults will love it just as much.

Instead of visiting museums,  you can go for a  Japanese Tea Ceremony Experience Kyoto , a cultural experience where you can learn everything about the Japanese tea ritual while wearing traditional kimono robes.

Check Out the RAN Theatre

The RAN Theatre Kyoto , very close to the Samurai & Ninja Interactive Museum and Show, is certainly one of the top Kyoto attractions. With a great selection of drinks and some quality local food , you can watch five really talented performers play authentic Japanese music with a modern twist . The place is rarely crowded, so it feels almost like a private show, and they will frequently ask the audience to participate.

Consider Your Options for a Night on the Town

If you feel like you have enough energy for partying after the RAN Theatre, here are a couple of suggestions to give you a taste of Kyoto’s nightlife. SURFDISCO , only 4 minutes from the RAN Theatre towards the Kamo River, is a trendy place with a great selection of cocktails. Its big draw is the fact its open until 5 AM. To the north, Bar Cordon Noir is the place to go if you want to sample fine (and expensive) Japanese whiskey, with a selection that’s out of this world and friendly, knowledgeable staff. To the south, L’EscaMoteur Bar , while small, is a world-class bar that serves amazing drinks, similar to classical western cocktails, but always with a peculiar Japanese twist.

Where to stay in Kyoto?

Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier

604-8001 Kyoto, Kyoto, Nakagyo-ku Kamiosaka-cho 509

A completely new property, Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier opened in 2017. It is located along the Kamo river, in the immediate vicinity of the Sanjo Station on the Keihan Line. The comfortable rooms are air-conditioned and come with a flat-screen TV, sofa, deposit box, electric kettle, and bottled water. Several of the hotel’s rooms have unrestricted views of the Kamo River. There is a public bath on site, as well as an excellent restaurant, with additional dining options and charming cafés nearby.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Hotel Kanra Kyoto

Shimogyo-ku Rokujo-sagaru Karasuma-dori Kitamachi 190

Located near the Kyoto Station, this nonsmoking hotel is distinguished by its particular blend of modern, Western, and traditional Japanese décor . All of the guest rooms in Hotel Kanra Kyoto come with Japanese tatami flooring, traditional Kiyomizu-yaki ceramics , and a typical Japanese seating area. The private bathroom is a particular highlight with its wooden bathtub and quality complimentary toiletries. In addition to Teppanyaki cuisine , guests can opt for Italian food, with both Japanese-style and Western menus available for breakfast. If you are primarily interested in Kyoto temples and other historic places to visit in Kyoto, then Hotel Kanra Kyoto is the right choice for you.

R Star Hostel Kyoto

Chimogyo-ku Motoryogaecho 256-2

Another property that opened in 2017, R Star Hostel Kyoto is located in the Shimogyo Ward district in central Kyoto. In addition to comfy air-conditioned rooms, guests are free to use the hostel’s shared kitchen area and laundromat. A number of popular restaurants and convenience stores are within easy reach, while both the Heian Shrine and the Tofuku-ji Temple are less than two miles away. It takes only 15 minutes to reach the Kyoto market (Nishiki Markets Kyoto) on foot.

WeBase Kyoto

Shimogyo-ku Iwatoyamacho 436-1

WeBase Kyoto is an affordable, modern hostel located in the Shimogyo Ward district, only 1.4 km from the Kyoto International Manga Museum . Other Kyoto attractions, such as the Nijo Castle and the Samurai Kembu Kyoto are also relatively close. The hostel’s facilities are modern and clean, with comfortable beds and a designated seating area in each room . As an extra perk, WeBase Kyoto has a lounge stacked with interesting reads and several informative guides to Kyoto.

Kyoto Day Trips

Northern kyoto prefecture: amanohashidate, ine & miyama from kyoto.

One of the more picturesque and colorful tours in Japan, this fun day trip to Amanohashidate, Ine and Miyama from Kyoto is all about sightseeing some of the best preserved cultural and architectural artifacts in Japan. While Amanohashidate and Miyazu Bay boast unparalleled natural beauty , Ine no Funaya is quaint little coastal town famous worldwide for its traditional wooden boathouses. Another area, Miyama, charms visitors with its thatched roof farmhouses strewn all over the mountainous terrain, showing a completely different side of Japan. Definitely one of the best day trips from Kyoto.

Nara Afternoon Tour of Todaiji Temple, Deer Park and Kasuga Shrine from Kyoto

Although Kyoto was the capital of Japan for centuries, it wasn’t the only one during the country’s long and rich history. Nara , first established in the 8 th century, is another ancient capital of Japan and, very much like Kyoto, it is also filled with gorgeous temples and shrines, including the Todaji Temple, listed among the oldest temples in the country , and the Kasuga Shrine, with more than 3,000 bronze and stone lanterns. This day trip from Kyoto also includes a stop at Nara Park, a massive reserve with more than 1,000 deer roaming freely in an area covering 1,250 acres.

Day Trip by Bus to Kyoto, Nara and Kobe from Osaka

If you don’t have the time to spend on exploring Kyoto or if you find the idea of navigating the city’s streets on your own too daunting, the best way to experience all of the key places to visit in Kyoto is to embark on a Kyoto day trip from another city. If you are in Osaka , then this is the trip for you, since it covers not only Kyoto , but also Nara , the Tenryuji Temple and the Todaiji Temple (both UNESCO World Heritage Sites), and the Kobe MOSAIC, a modern shopping mall with a number of entertainment and dining options in the city’s port.

Extra tips for visiting Kyoto

In case you are coming to Kyoto from abroad, you will first land at the Kansai International Airport, 100 km away. The best way to get from Tokyo to Kyoto is by bullet train , which takes a bit more than 2 hours.

If you want to make it easier to get around Kyoto, you can purchase the Kyoto Sightseeing Card for 1200 yen (adult price). The card guarantees unlimited rides on the city’s subway and the buses.

If you don’t have a place to stay in Kyoto, for example, if you are just passing through and don’t want to drag all of your luggage with you while sightseeing, you can use the lockers at the Kyoto train station or the ones at Porta to keep your luggage safe.

Japan is known worldwide as a very safe country.

If you need to call emergency services in Japan, here are the numbers: 110 for the police and 119 for an ambulance , with support in multiple languages.

Cell phones with foreign numbers usually do not work in Japan.

Smoking in public in non-designated areas is a serious offense , and it could cost you a hefty fine.

In case you decide to eat in a restaurant with traditional Japanese low tables and cushions on a tatami floor, remember that you have to remove your shoes or slippers before you step on the tatami .

In Japan, tattoos are still kind of taboo and frowned upon.

Avoid behaviors such as pointing at things/people with your finger, raising your voice in public, taking pictures of other people without their permission, drinking or eating in public, etc., since those behaviors are seen as impolite or worse.

The majority of the country still relies on cash as a preferred method of payment. In general, you may be surprised by some “low-tech” aspects of Japanese culture that seem almost out of place.

PIN FOR LATER!

If you have any other propositions for this One Day in Kyoto Itinerary, feel free to share them in the comments below!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

Related posts:

Anca is a travel writer and the founder of One Day Itinerary - the biggest collection of travel itineraries for those who are time-limited or just want to maximize their time while traveling. Although she easily becomes homesick for Croatia, she thinks travel is essential to her happiness. She has traveled to more countries than she is years old and doesn’t plan on changing that fact. In her travel guides she aims to inspire people to travel whenever they have a spare day (or two).

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Home » Travel » Destinations » Kyoto 2 Day Itinerary: A Super Efficient Guide

Kyoto 2 Day Itinerary: A Super Efficient Guide

Writing this Kyoto 2 day itinerary was an interesting challenge. Trying to condense my favorite city into 48 hours of sightseeing was no simple feat! But if you can only afford to spend two days in Kyoto, this itinerary will guide you through the ancient city’s highlights as efficiently as possible.

From 794 to 1868, Kyoto was Japan’s capital city and the home of the Imperial family. While Kyoto saw its fair share of war and destruction, it flourished during the 260-year Tokugawa shogunate period and remained relatively unscathed during World War II.

Thankfully, Kyoto’s gorgeous wooden houses and temples have endured alongside the city’s modernization. It’s a place where 1,000-year-old shrines and 7-Elevens co-exist on the same street, and narrow lantern-lit alleys zig zag behind concrete apartment complexes. Few cities in Japan can compete with Kyoto’s elegant blend of natural, traditional, and urban settings.

Kyoto is also home to many of Japan’s most famous places , including 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, a bamboo forest, and the endless torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine. While I couldn’t fit all of them into a 2 day Kyoto itinerary, I’ve squeezed in as many as possible.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, click here .

Planning a longer trip to Japan? Check out these itineraries for 6 days in Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara and 10 days in Japan !

How to Spend 2 Days in Kyoto

Know Before You Go: Kyoto Travel Tips – Is 2 days in Kyoto enough? – The best time to do this Kyoto 2 day itinerary – Where to stay in Kyoto – Getting around Kyoto – Etiquette Kyoto 2 Day Itinerary – Day 1: Kyoto’s Famous Shrines and Temples – Day 2: Bamboo, Castles, and Geisha – Other Places to Visit Near Kyoto

Know Before You Go: Kyoto Travel Tips

Is 2 days in kyoto enough.

Thanks to the city’s sightseeing bus loop, 2 days in Kyoto is just enough time to catch the major highlights. You won’t have much time for relaxing or aimless wandering, but you’ll check off many popular attractions from the typical Kyoto bucket list. If you can spare an extra day or two, I highly recommend it!

The best time to do this Kyoto 2 day itinerary

Ah, the eternal question! Choosing the best time to visit Kyoto comes down to three things: budget, scenery, and crowd tolerance.

For this particular Kyoto 2 day itinerary, I strongly suggest either mid-October or late February-early March .

Traveling Japan in October means fewer tourists, cooler weather, cheaper prices, and gorgeous autumn leaves decorating the mountains, shrines, and temples.

Late February kicks off plum blossom season, the oft-forgotten precursor to spring cherry blossoms. Prices will generally be even cheaper than October, and you’ll enjoy plenty of pretty flowers without the cost and crowds of sakura season.

However, the current Emperor’s birthday falls on February 23rd, so there will be a busy public holiday weekend during this time.

I recently re-visited Kyoto in early March as part of a 3 week trip to Japan, and it was the perfect combination of reasonable crowds and pleasant weather. The plum blossoms were at their peak, which made places like Kiyomizudera and Gion even more spectacular.

If your travel plans don’t line up with these times, don’t worry! There’s not a “bad” time to visit Kyoto in terms of weather or attraction closures. However, the crowded spring and summer seasons will make it harder (and more expensive) to move around the city, so it might not be possible to actually do everything outlined in this Kyoto itinerary.

Where to Stay in Kyoto

I’ve visited Kyoto several times and can personally recommend two great places to stay.

If you’re after the classic, old-world Kyoto experience, book at Yuzuya Ryokan .

The inn’s name comes from the yuzu citrus trees that grow in the inner garden. They’re conveniently located next door to Yasaka Shrine in Gion and offer everything from kaiseki dinner to in-room massages. I loved coming back after a long day of exploring to rest in the traditional tatami room and soak in the wooden tub.

For a less pricey option, check out Kyoto Traveler’s Inn . It’s conveniently located across from a sightseeing loop bus stop and the giant torii gate (so you’ll never get lost!). Gion and Pontocho are a short walk away. Plus, they offer a mix of Western and Japanese-style rooms depending on your preference.

Getting Around Kyoto

Unlike other Japanese cities, the easiest way to travel between sightseeing spots is by bus. Although there are metro and train lines connecting key sites, it’s often faster to use the local and sightseeing buses to get around (in addition to walking).

The Raku sightseeing buses (#100, 101, and 102) travel clockwise and counterclockwise, stopping at all the major tourist spots. It’s a flat rate fare (230 yen in 2020) no matter where you get on or off, and they accept change and IC cards.

There’s also a JR bus route that stops at a few sites like Nijo Castle and Kinkakuji. JR pass holders can ride for free.

While you can technically save a few bucks on this itinerary by purchasing a Kyoto 2-day subway + bus pass, I don’t think it’s worth the hassle. Just purchase an IC card from one of the machines when you arrive in Kyoto. If you already have a contactless card from another city in Japan (ex. SUICA, PASMO, TOICA, etc.), you can use that instead!

Don’t Forget Your Japan Rail Pass!

Buying a Japan Rail Pass will save you a ton of time and money when traveling across Japan.

I’ve purchased a JR pass for two out of three Japan trips, and here’s why:

– Free bullet trains and reservations : Quickly travel all over Japan to maximize vacation time.

– Easy to use: Just show your pass to the gate attendant and walk to your train!

– Affordable day trips: Visit popular places like Osaka, Kanazawa, and more without spending a fortune on tickets.

Order your Japan Rail Pass now for speedy delivery!

I’ve written an entire post on Japan travel etiquette that covers everything from footwear to trash disposal. But there are a few extra things to keep in mind during your Kyoto 2 day itinerary:

• Do not approach geisha and their maiko apprentices or stop them for a photo
• Always wear (or bring along) good socks, as you’ll need to swap shoes for slippers inside shrines, temples, and some restaurants
• Cash is still king in Kyoto, so always keep an eye out for “cash only” signs inside shops and restaurants
• Please respect the “no photography” signs posted throughout the city’s historic neighborhoods (even if others do not)

Check out my comprehensive Japan travel checklist for packing tips and other useful resources!

Kyoto 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: kyoto’s famous shrines and temples, kitano tenmangu shrine.

Built in 947, Kitano Tenmangu’s plum blossoms and golden lanterns have become a symbol of Kyoto.

There are hundreds of Tenmangu shrines in Japan, and they’re all dedicated to Tenjin, the patron deity of academics. During exam season, Japanese students and their parents journey here to pet the cow statue heads and pray for wisdom and high scores.

Kitano Tenmangu has an extraordinary plum blossom garden, with hundreds of trees lining the curved walking paths. From late February to early March, you can pay to stroll around the fairytale gardens and enjoy refreshments at small tables facing the colorful grove.

If you visit the shrine on the 25th of the month, stop by the huge Tenjin Market for some antique shopping and street food. It’s an excellent place to pick up affordable and unique souvenirs like old sake cups and kimonos.

To get to Kitano Tenmangu, take the #203 bus to Kitano Tenmangu Mae stop.

Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji

From Kitano Tenmangu, walk 15 minutes northwest to reach Kinkaku-ji.

Of all the UNESCO sites in Kyoto, it’s hard to beat Kinkaku-ji. Known as the Golden Pavilion, this Zen Buddhist temple was originally constructed in 1397 as a wealthy shogun’s retirement villa. The building you see today is actually a partial reconstruction, but that doesn’t make it any less magical!

Kinkaku-ji is surrounded by a large pond, making for mesmerizing reflections in the water. There’s also a lovely strolling garden and traditional tea house in the complex.

To reach Ginkaku-ji, take either the 102 Raku bus or the 204 local bus from Kinkakuji-michi to Ginkakuji-michi stop.

Near Kyoto’s eastern mountains lies Ginkaku-ji, a.k.a. the Silver Pavilion. Despite its nickname, you won’t find a hint of silver on its facade!

Ginkaku-ji’s official name is Higashiyama Jisho-ji,and it was intended to be a shiny silver version of Kinkaku-ji. Sadly, the project to cover the facade in silver leaf never happened. To this day, the temple remains a humble–albeit pretty–wooden structure.

Fortunately, Ginkaku-ji’s fantastic gardens, including one made of raked sand, work in harmony with the simple exterior. The combination of wood and greenery create a calming, zen-like atmosphere.

Philosopher’s Path

The northern entrance to the Philosopher’s Path is conveniently located a few minutes’ walk from Ginkaku-ji. This scenic footpath gets its name from Nishida Kitaro, the 20th century Japanese philosopher who (allegedly) walked the route for daily meditation.

You’ll find cute cafes, independent shops, and hundreds of cherry blossom trees lining the canal path.

It takes about 20 minutes to walk the entire 2km path. To keep this 2 day Kyoto itinerary on schedule, you can take around 45 minutes to shop, take photos, and stroll. Definitely pop into Suzuki Shofudo , an adorable papercraft shop with a frog mascot.

Once you reach the path’s southern exit, you’ll be just around the corner from one of my favorite temples in Kyoto: Eikan-do Zenrin-ji.

Eikan-do Zenrin-ji

Eikan-do Zenrin-ji is easily one of Kyoto’s most beautiful temples, especially during the autumn season. People travel from all over the world to see the vibrant trees surrounding the vast Hojo Pond and stone bridge. If the line isn’t too long, climb the steps of the pagoda for stellar views of the complex.

From the temple exit, briefly walk south along the road to reach Nanzen-ji.

Nestled along the base of Kyoto’s Higashiyama mountains, Nanzen-ji is one of Japan’s most significant Buddhist temples. Thanks to its elevated location, the towering wooden temple gate offers lovely views, and the sprawling grounds and garden are a peaceful escape from the city.

Founded in the mid-13th century, Nanzen-ji started as a retirement villa for Emperor Kameyama. It was later converted into a Zen temple and expanded. Although the original buildings were destroyed during the 14th-16th century civil wars, the grounds were rebuilt and boast a number 500-year-old structures.

It’s free to explore the main grounds of Nanzen-ji (including the famous gate and brick aqueduct), which is all you’ll have time for during this busy 2 day Kyoto itinerary.

After exiting the temple grounds, walk west up Niomondori to the Okazaki Koen bus stop. From here, catch the 100 Rakuten bus to Kiyomizu-dera.

Kiyomizu-dera

With a multi-story wooden hall and enormous observation deck, it’s no wonder Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto’s top tourist attractions. The vast temple complex of buildings and gardens is set on a hill among a forest of bamboo and trees, which turn brilliant hues of red and gold during autumn.

Kiyomizu-dera is known as the “Pure Water Temple” thanks to the crystal clear Otowa waterfall nearby. Other highlights include the 3-story Koyasu Pagoda and the various smaller halls and shrines whose purposes range from matchmaking to safe travel.

There are multiple ways to reach the next destination, Rengeoin Sanjusangendo, from Kiyomizu-dera. You could walk the entire 25 minute journey, or walk about 12 minutes to Gojozaka bus stop and catch the 100, 202, or 206 bus. The 100 and 206 stop right across the street, while the 202 stops a block away at Higashiyama Nanajo.

Rengeoin Sanjusangendo

If you were hoping to be wowed by Kyoto’s history and culture, look no further than Rengeoin Sanjusangendo.

Founded in 1164, this Buddhist temple’s massive main hall contains a jaw-dropping 1,001 gold statues of the Goddess Kannon arranged in rows. Various displays detail the evolution of Buddhism in Japan, and many Kyoto natives consider this one of the city’s most important cultural sites.

Before you depart, take a few minutes to enjoy the beautiful grounds, which include a small garden and an elegant vermillion and white outer wall.

To reach Fushimi Inari from here, you have two equally fast options. Either walk 8 minutes to Shichijo Station and take the Keihan Main Line to Fushimi Inari Station, or walk 12 minutes to Tofokuji Station and take the Nara local line to Inari Station (free for JR pass holders). Both options will get you there in 20 minutes including walk time.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

There’s a reason I saved Fushimi Inari Taisha for last: it’s one of Kyoto’s most crowded sightseeing spots! Fortunately, arriving in the evening means avoiding most of the tourist groups that clog the path through the seemingly endless 10,000 torii gates.

The vermilion gates line the path up Mount Inari, linking the main Shinto shrine at the base to smaller ones further up the mountain. As you journey up the mountain, you’ll spot plenty of fox statues that represent the god Inari, protector of rice growing.

It takes around three hours to walk all the way to the top and back, and it gets tiring quickly. Luckily, there are multiple landing spots where you can easily turn around and descend back to the train station if you can’t carry on due to fatigue or fading daylight.

Save me for later!

Day 2: Bamboo, Castles, and Geisha

Exploring Arashiyama Like a Local

Kyoto’s Arashiyama district is one of the city’s most unique and mesmerizing destinations. Unfortunately it’s also packed with tourists!

If you want to navigate the area’s bamboo forest, temples, and restaurants like a pro, I highly recommend booking a local guide. This insider’s tour of Arashiyama will take you through the district’s highlights, including a traditional Kyoto-style lunch.

Book your small-group walking tour of Arashiyama here!

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Start your second day in Kyoto bright and early with a stroll through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The 30+ meter stalks gently sway and filter the sunlight as you pass through, making for an other-worldly experience. If you don’t want crushing crowds to kill the mood, try to arrive by 9am.

To get to Arashiyama, you can take the JR San-In line to Saga-Arashiyama Station or the Randen Local line to Arashiyama Station. 

Arashiyama District

There’s more to Arashiyama district than the iconic bamboo grove! Adjacent to the forest lies Tenryuji Temple, a renowned complex of ancient buildings with an elegant Japanese garden. It’s a gorgeous place year-round, but it’s even more impressive when decked out in fall foliage.

If your visit falls on a weekend, you can pay to enter the Hatto hall and see the famous Cloud Dragon painting.

From Tenryuji, head south towards the Katsura River and cross the Togetsu-kyō Bridge . Keep an eye out for the traditional wooden boats that ferry sightseers along the scenic riverbank.

Just a few minutes’ walk from the river, you’ll find  the entrance to Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama. This mountainside area is home to hundreds of Japanese macaques, and the overlook point at the top has incredible panoramic views over Kyoto. You’ll need around 30 minutes to reach the overlook, so plan accordingly.

When you’re ready to leave Arashiyama, walk back to Saga-Arashiyama Station and take the JR San-in Line to Nijo Station.

Nijo Castle

Not to be confused with Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle was the home of the Ieyasu shogunate. The shogunate’s former power and wealth is on full display here, with intricate carvings and colorfully-painted details along the huge wooden gates and buildings.

Inside the walls, you can tour the elegant Ninomaru Palace and grounds and marvel at the traditional Japanese architecture.

Take the Tozai subway line from Nijojo-mae Station to Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station to reach Pontocho.

Pontocho is among my favorite places in the entire world. This long, lantern-filled alley is lined with old-fashioned wooden facades and mysterious entrances to dark narrow corridors. The atmosphere is distinctly Japanese and reminiscent of a Studio Ghibli film.

Pontocho is full of small restaurants ranging from izakaya to sushi shops to okonomiyaki grills. It’s a great place to grab dinner before heading to Gion, where food is a fair bit pricier.

To reach Gion, simply walk across the large bridge near Gion-Shijo Station.

Gion District

By now it should be growing dark, which makes it the ideal time for a stroll through Gion. Known as Kyoto’s geisha district, this area is a maze of traditional shops, historic alleys, and elegant inns and restaurants.

If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a geisha or maiko (apprentice) on their way to an appointment during your Kyoto 2 day itinerary (but please appreciate them from a distance).

Enjoying Gion at Night

Gion holds a ton of secrets and charms, and the best way to discover them (and spot a few geisha along the way!) is on a walking tour with a local.

Book your evening walking tour of Gion here!

Begin by walking up Hanamikoji, Gion’s main street. Each side is lined with hundreds of shops and street food counters operating under the iconic sakura lanterns. The numerous souvenir shops are perfect for picking up traditional wagashi –Japanese sweets–to bring back home ( Kagizen Yoshifusa is my favorite wagashi shop).

At the end of Hanamikoji stands Yasaka Shrine , one of the most culturally significant shrines in Japan. Every July, the Gion Matsuri festival begins here, with an ornate deity float ( mikoshi ) parading through the gate and around the city. They illuminate the shrine’s front gate at night, and it glows beautifully at the heart of Gion.

Meander south towards Kodai-ji Temple , where you can explore the lit up grounds and mini bamboo forest. They also run a three minute light and sound show after dark in the sand garden area.

Right outside of Kodai-ji you’ll find Ishibe-koji alley, one of the prettiest historic streets in Gion. And for more picturesque paths, continue south to reach Ninenzaka and Sanenzaka . These lantern-lit streets offer amazing views of Kiyomizu’s pagoda in the distance.

And that’s a wrap! Hopefully you’ll dream sweet dreams after an action-packed two days in Kyoto.

Map of 2 Day Kyoto Itinerary

Click here to access the full interactive map!

Other Places to Visit Near Kyoto

Have more time in Japan? Here are some additional places to check out before or after this Kyoto two day itinerary:

• Lake Biwa Day Trip: Water, Mountains, and Sacred Sites
• Nara Day Trip Itinerary: Japan’s Sacred Deer City
• 12 Easy Day Trips from Kyoto
• Kanazawa Day Trip: Japan’s Samurai City
• The Best Places to Visit Between Tokyo and Kyoto

My favorite Japan travel books

These books are full of fun and practical information about traveling in Japan (I own all three!):

• Super Cheap Japan: Budget Travel in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima and Surrounding Areas
• Cool Japan Guide: Fun in the Land of Manga, Lucky Cats and Ramen
• Lonely Planet Japan

5 thoughts on “Kyoto 2 Day Itinerary: A Super Efficient Guide”

Thank you for a very clear description of places to visit and the useful hints and tips.

I better starting saving for this trip . ( Lol ).

My husband has work in Tokyo Wednesday through Friday. Then we have all day Saturday and Sunday before we catch an overnight flight to Sydney. I was thinking we should do a day trip from Tokyo to Nikko on Saturday then explore Tokyo together on Sunday. Have you ever visited Nikko? Or do you think it would be better to do this two day trip to Kyoto? There’s just so much to see and do and I’m having a hard time narrowing it down! I would love your thoughts as I don’t have any friends or family who have ever been to Japan so I can’t get their advice…

As much as I love Kyoto, I would have to recommend the day trip to Nikko and exploring Tokyo together given your timeline. Even if you were take the Nozomi shinkansen (the fastest train) from Tokyo to Kyoto, you’d still need over 2 hours of travel time each way, and that would really eat into your sightseeing time. Best to save Kyoto for when you have a full two days (or ideally longer)!

Thanks very much for this information. We had a short trip to Kyoto but followed your itinerary and felt like we saw so much

Thank you so much for this- I managed to tick off everything in 2 days and this itinerary is very practical and well thought of!

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1 Day Kyoto Itinerary: Best Attractions For A Day Trip

Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan , is one of the most visited  tourist destinations in Japan . As its cultural capital, it shouldn’t surprise you that there are many attractions in Kyoto, including 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites , the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Fushimi Inari Taisha, and many more. This 1 day Kyoto itinerary will cover some of the best things to do in Kyoto in 1 day. However, if I must be honest, 24 hours in Kyoto is not sufficient to see all the amazing sights it is known for. It is advised to stay at least 2 days in Kyoto to see all the main attractions. However, we understand that sometimes you are time-restricted and you might just have one day in Kyoto. In our Kyoto itinerary, we will cover the things you must do in Kyoto in one day and how to maximize your time ! We’ll also talk about visiting Kyoto on a day trip, including where to depart from, what to see, and if it is worth doing!

Planning A Trip To Kyoto Last Minute?

Make sure you book your tours, places to stay, and airport transfers ahead of time to ensure availability!

Our recommended airport transfer to Kyoto:

• Private Airport Transfer from Kansai International Airport To City Center

Our recommended tours in Kyoto:

• Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide (Must-have if you want to learn in-depth about Kyoto Culture)
• Tea Ceremony at Jotokuji Temple (Unique part of Japanese culture)
• Guided Night Walk in Gion: Kyoto’s Geisha District

Our recommended places to stay in Kyoto:

• Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo (Has its own natural hot spring!)
• Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi (Great value-for-money)
• Ryokan Hostel Gion (Where we stay every time we’re in Kyoto!)

Guide To 1 Day In Kyoto

Kyoto tourist map: 1 day kyoto itinerary attractions.

This is the personalized Kyoto tourist map you will use to visit all the things you must see in Kyoto in one day.

Clicking on the star next to the name of the map will allow you to save it onto your own personal device, making it much easier when you are looking for each thing to do in Kyoto. Since this 1 day itinerary in Kyoto, you won’t be able to cover all of the attractions in Kyoto.

The red circles on the map are what I consider the best attractions in Kyoto. Under no circumstances should you switch them out unless you have been there before.

The blue stars on the Kyoto attractions map are the alternatives you could use to replace the main attractions. They are also great places to visit in Kyoto if you plan on staying for two days . 

The green question marks are all the “average” attractions in Kyoto. Some of these places are UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Ryoanji temple. They are by no means bad places to see but are not as good as the must-visit attractions.

Kyoto One Day Pass

Many tourists that visit Kyoto in 1 day are tempted to buy the Kyoto one day pass because they think it will save them money.  Let me tell you why that might not be the case. 

There are two types of passes that are worth considering:

• One-day bus and subway pass
• One-day bus pass. 

Costing only 900 yen for 1 day, most travelers are tempted to buy the Kyoto one-day bus + subway pass to save money. It is true that with that pass, you can visit all the attractions in this Kyoto itinerary.

The problem is, it might not be the most convenient or fastest way . The Kyoto one-day pass doesn’t cover all the transportation in Kyoto, such as the JR lines or even the trams. The buses are also infrequent, inconsistent, crowded, and often stuck in traffic. If you only have 24 hours in Kyoto, this is your worst nightmare. 

For those reasons, I recommend you to NOT buy the Kyoto one-day pass. 

Step-By-Step Itinerary of The Best Things To Do In Kyoto In 1 Day

Morning: arashiyama bamboo grove, tenryu-ji, nishiki market.

Welcome to Kyoto and good luck!! You have a long day ahead of you. This 1 day in Kyoto itinerary covers a lot of the things you must see in Kyoto. 

Before you start your first attraction on the Kyoto 1 day itinerary, make sure you have a good breakfast. If your accommodation doesn’t offer breakfast, my favorite place in town for a quick breakfast is either 7-Eleven or Lawson .

Unlike the 7-Eleven in the western part of the world, 7-Eleven in Japan offers nutritious and affordable meals. Try some of the onigiris, egg sandwiches, or even pancakes! 

Your first stop will be the  Arashiyama bamboo grove , also called the Arashiyama bamboo forest. One of the best things to do in Kyoto, the Arashiyama bamboo grove gets crowded quite easily. Sprawling with countless number of soaring bamboo trees, it is quite an unworldly feeling when you are alone.

For that reason, you will arrive no later than 8:30 AM . In the early morning, there are fewer people and you can feel the real magic of the Arashiyama bamboo forest. It will also guarantee you will photograph the best picture of the bamboo grove!

Trust me, it is worth the effort! 

The best way to arrive at the Arashiyama bamboo grove is via the JR San-In Line , also known as the JR Sagano Line. Take the JR San-In line to Saga-Arashiyama station and the bamboo forest is a 15-minute walk away. If you have  Japan Rail Pass , all JR lines are free!

After you are done strolling around the Arashiyama bamboo grove, head over to  Tenryu-ji . Within a walking distance from the bamboo forest, it is the best way to hit two birds with one stone.

Not only is Tenryu-ji one of the most famous Zen temples in Kyoto, but it is also one of its proud UNESCO World Heritage Sites . Come stroll around the historic buildings and the tranquil gardens, it has a sense of serenity unlike anywhere else.

Aim to leave Arashiyama no later than 10:30 AM.

The next stop on your 1 day in Kyoto itinerary is  Nishiki Market . There are many options to get there from Arashiyama. My favorite is taking the Randen and switching to the Hankyu-Kyoto Line . The Randen is the last tram line in Kyoto and takes you on a beautiful sightseeing journey.

Once you arrive at Nishiki market, spend some time wandering around. Nishiki market is the biggest food market place in Kyoto, specializing in many of Kyoto’s specialties . Though the Nishiki market only spans 5 blocks , there are over hundreds of stalls, and some have been there for centuries.

One of the best places for Japanese street food , don’t hesitate to try anything that fancies you. My favorite snack was definitely the octopus on the skewer . Though slightly unsettling at first, once you bite into the head, you will be fully intrigued. Trust me!

Don’t walk and eat at the same time! In Japanese culture, it is one of the most disrespectful things you can do!

You are probably tempted to spend your 24 hours in Kyoto here sampling the local seafood, trying the pickled vegetables, shopping for souvenirs, but there are still plenty of amazing things to see. 

Grab your lunch in the surrounding area but remember to leave Nishiki Market no later than 1 PM. What is next on the itinerary? The famous  Fushimi Inari Taisha .

Afternoon: Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu-dera

To get to Fushimi Inari Taisha from Nishiki Market, the quickest one is to take the Keihan Main line at Gion-Shijo station to Fushimi Inari station. The journey is about half an hour.

Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of the most important Shinto shrines located in Kyoto. Famous for the thousands of vibrant orange torii gates that reach the top of the sacred Mount Inari , Fushimi Inari Taisha is as beautiful as it is important.

Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine is the most important shrine dedicated to the Shinto god Inari , the goddess of rice . And I don’t think I need to tell you how important rice is for the Japanese, it is almost in all of their cuisines. The fox statues you will see as you ascend up Mount Inari are the messengers of Inari.

Many travelers already know Fushimi Inari Shrine as one of the top sights in Kyoto, but many do not do that it is actually a hike! The trail to the top of Mount Inari takes about 2 hours one way.

With the frequency of the torii gates decreasing and not much to see at the summit, it is not recommended you hike all the way up.

However, do spend 45 minutes to an hour hiking up to the Yotsu-Tsuji intersection . A great viewpoint with a few houses and shops, it is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenic views of Kyoto. Though there are a lot fewer tourists beyond this point, the torii gates offer no variation.

The Yotsu-Tsuji intersection is the highest point you will hike up to.

When you are ready, head back down. You want to head down at least 2 hours before sunset because the next attraction is the best place in Kyoto to watch the sunset! This depends on the month you are visiting Kyoto, so make sure you check the sunset time beforehand!

The next thing to see on the 1 day Kyoto itinerary is  Kiyomizu-dera , or the “Pure Water Temple”.

To arrive at Kiyomizu-dera from Fushimi Inari Taisha, you will take the Keihan Main line from Fushimi-Inari station to Kiyomizu-Gojo station. Then you will walk for about 20 minutes to arrive at Kiyomizu-dera. It might be tempting to take a bus but the buses are infrequent, unreliable, and often crowded. It is better to walk.

On your way to the temple, you will go through the Higashiyama district . Filled with cool shops and beautiful traditional streets, it might be tempting to stop and look around. We will come back to this place after Kiyomizu-dera, don’t worry!

Kiyomizu-dera is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Japan . Founded in 778, this religious relic is one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto. Featuring many different buildings inside with different significance, it is a great way to learn about traditional Japanese culture. 

Check out the Otowa waterfall and its wish-granting water. The waterfall’s water is divided into three streams and they all have different effects. But drink from all three and you are considered greedy and none of your wishes will be granted.

Afterward, head over to the Jishu Shrine , a shrine dedicated to the god of love . In front of the shrines are 2 stones places 18 meters apart. Anyone that can navigate from one stone to the other with their eyes closed is promised to have everlasting love!

Visitors can also rent a kimono in Kiyomizu-dera if they want! 

Besides being an important historic temple, Kiyomizu-dera is one of the best places in Kyoto to watch the sunset . It is exactly why we saved it for the last thing to do in Kyoto before the night sets in.

Head over to the Butai , or otherwise known as “Kiyomizu’s wooden stage”. This wooden stage is where you will watch the beautiful sunset over the beautiful city of Kyoto. If you are lucky enough to come during autumn or cherry blossom season , the view will even be more spectacular. Either way, you will be stunned by Kyoto’s beauty .

Keep in mind the opening hours of the Kiyomizu-dera temple change with the seasons. It opens at 6 AM daily and can close anytime from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. If there are seasonal illumination events, such as the cherry blossom event, the temple might close as late as 9 PM. 

Night: Yasaka Pagoda, Higashiyama District, Gion, Shirakawa Canal

After visiting Kiyomizu-dera, head back down the same way you came. You will do a little bit of exploring in the  Higashiyama District , one of the most well-preserved traditional districts in Kyoto. Dainty wooden buildings, old narrow roads, the Higashiyama District is a glimpse of the past when Kyoto was the capital of Japan. 

Make sure you stop by  Ninenzaka  and  Yasaka-dori  (No.5 and 6 on the map) on the way. These two spots are some of the greatest places to catch a glimpse of  Yasaka Pagoda , considered one of the most beautiful places at  night in Kyoto ! It is also one of the best places for photography in Kyoto!

The rest of this Kyoto one day itinerary will have you explore the Higashiyama District and Gion District. There are no time restrictions, trains to catch, or closing hours you have to make. Take your time and explore at your pace, going down the narrow alleys and checking out the wooden merchant shops.

Kyoto is known as the cultural capital of Japan and you can really see it in the streets of Higashiyama. After visiting Yasaka-dori, make your way to  Hanamikoji street .

Located in the  Gion  district, Hanamikoji street is one of the oldest streets in Kyoto and the one that you are most likely to see a Geisha or Maiko strolling down the street. Originating from the 18th century, Geishas and Maikos are an important part of traditional Japanese culture. With years of practice in arts, dance, and singing, their main role is solely to entertain the clients in ochayas (traditional tea houses).

The difference between Maikos and Geishas are that Maikos are apprentice Geishas, and you can usually tell the difference in their clothing and accessories. 

There are only a handful of Geishas and Maiko that live in Kyoto, so it is a rare occurrence that you encounter one while walking in the Gion District. However, if you do see one, please don’t intrude on them and disturb their lives. They are usually on their way to work or home, and none of them would appreciate the aggressiveness. 

For more information on Geishas and Maikos culture, check out here .

When you are in Gion district, make sure you stop by  Shirakawa Canal . The tranquility of the water along with the timeless wooden houses along the street creates a unique ambiance, it is almost as if you just stepped into a time machine . 

This is the end of the one day in Kyoto itinerary! At this point you must be tired, go grab some dinner in the area or go to downtown Kyoto. Make sure you try some of the traditional dishes of Japan such as sushi, ramen, takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and more. The  ramen in Kyoto  is some of the best in Japan! 

Alternative Attractions to the 1 Day Kyoto Itinerary

In this section, we will talk about other attractions that we didn’t make the cut in our Kyoto 1 day itinerary.

• Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji)  

One of the most impressive Zen Buddhist Kyoto temples. Its top two floors are completely covered in gold, showing the luxury Kitayama culture during the Yoshimitsu reign.

The 1 day itinerary in Kyoto doesn’t include Kinkakuji simply because it is too far and only accessible with the rather inconvenient buses. Probably the best UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto, you should visit it if you have 2 days in Kyoto. If you must see this on your Kyoto trip, swap it out for one of the other attractions.

• Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion)

Ginkakuji is a Zen Buddhist temple built a few decades after Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion). Unlike the Golden Pavilion that is partially covered with gold, the Silver Pavilion is not covered in silver. However, the Silver Pavilion is not as crowded as the Golden Pavilion and is a perfect place to feel zen and tranquil. 

• Philosopher’s Path

A path right outside of Ginkakuji, you can easily pair this attraction with a visit to Ginkakuji. The Philosopher’s Path is one of the best streets for cherry blossoms in Kyoto but it is rather unimpressive during the other seasons.

However, if you are looking for some peace and quiet, this could be the perfect place for you to see.

• Kyoto FREE Walking Tour

The Kyoto free walking tour runs every day in the morning. The schedule can be found on their website  here . It is a 2.5-hour walking tour and the guide gives you a lot of information about the city of Kyoto and its history.

• Kyoto Tower

The viewing tower of Kyoto Tower is one of the best places for a panoramic view of Kyoto. However, you have already been to places like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kiyomizu-dera. Kyoto Tower will seem repetitive compared to those. 

Where To Stay In Kyoto To Maximize Your 1 Day In Kyoto

Best Hostel in Kyoto –  K’s House Kyoto: Backpackers Hostel

If you are looking for a backpacker’s hostel in Kyoto, then consider K’s House Kyoto: Backpackers Hostel. Hostels in Japan aren’t known to be particularly social but K’s House boasts many common areas for guests to meet and a nice bar to help loosen everyone up!

The facilities, like the rest of Japan, are clean and top-notch. It is also like you are staying in a hotel but for the price of a hostel.

Best Vacation Rental / Airbnb in Kyoto –  Private Kyomachiya with Garden

( Images Courtesy of Vrbo) One of the best ways to experience the culture in Kyoto is by staying at one of the traditional Japanese homes in Kyoto! These are called Machiya , but in Kyoto, they are called Kyomachiya. Luckily, there are plenty of vacation rentals and Airbnbs in Kyoto. This private Kyomachiya is a traditional Japanese wooden house that features a beautiful garden. Guests can also experience what it is like to sleep on a tatami mat! One of the most outstanding features of this vacation rental is the location. Its central location near Gojo subway station means that you can walk to some of the best sights in Kyoto in a short amount of time.

Best Luxury Hotel in Kyoto –  The Share Hotels Rakuro Kyoto

The Share Hotels Rakuro Kyoto is a meticulously clean and modern hotel in Kyoto. It is known to be some clean that you can eat your meal off the floor, not that we would recommend it. The hotel has nice and comfortable decor, creating a feeling of home. Breakfast is included, free coffee throughout the day, a bar on-site, and much more are offered here at The Share Hotels. 

How To Get Around Kyoto?

Luckily for travelers with only 1 day in Kyoto, this ancient capital of Japan is quite easy to get around. The city is well connected by public transportation such as the subways, trains, and city buses. Most of these attractions on our itinerary are no more than a 5 to 10 minute walk from the nearest subway station.

On our itinerary, it is totally feasible to get around with public transportation, especially since Japanese public transport is always on time. However, if you find yourself behind schedule, it might not be a bad idea to take a taxi.

Many of the places to visit in Kyoto are situated in the center, so going on foot is also an option. Just make sure you pack some nice comfortable walking shoes because you’ll be doing lots of walking!

Taking A Day Trip To Kyoto

If you are short on time, you might consider taking a day trip to Kyoto and following our itinerary above, especially if you are staying in Osaka.

From Osaka, it is definitely doable to take a day trip to Kyoto, since it takes less than half an hour to travel between the two cities by train. Even from Nara, another popular destination in the Kansai region, only takes less than an hour to arrive in Kyoto.

With that said, it is totally feasible to turn our itinerary above into a Kyoto day trip itinerary . Please allow extra time for commuting and you should be all set.

However, if you are planning to take a Kyoto day trip from Tokyo, it isn’t really feasible since it takes a minimum of 3 hours to get there, even with the Japanese bullet train.

How To Get To Kyoto?

Getting to Kyoto by air is the simplest way to get to this historical Japanese city. The nearest airport to Kyoto is the Kansai International Airport , which is about 100 km (62 mi) away by car.

The Kansai Airport has both domestic and international connections, so it is very likely you’ll be arriving here if you are taking a flight. From the Kansai Airport, you can take the JR Haruka express passenger train that operates between Kyoto Station to Kansai International Airport.

Alternatively, you can get a private airport transfer or rent a car!

Getting to Kyoto by train is as simple as getting there by air. Kyoto Station is one of the most prominent stops on the Shinkansen lines. This allows travelers to get to Kyoto from almost every destinations in the country in a timely manner.

If you are traveling in Japan by train frequently, we recommend getting the JR Pass. This gives you unlimited selected train rides in Japan for a certain period of time. This includes the Shinkansen, which is very expensive without the JR Pass.

It is also possible to get to Kyoto by bus, but they are not as common as other modes of public transportation. Although they are well connected, and often times slightly more affordable than trains, they are just not as fast as trains.

Buses also depart in only selected places in the city, whereas you can depart from any train station. With that said, it is possible to get from Tokyo, Osaka, Nara, or Kobe to Kyoto with the bus!

Visiting Kyoto FAQs

How many days in kyoto is enough.

Three days in Kyoto is the perfect amount of time to explore all of its attractions leisurely. However, if you are short on time, it is possible to see Kyoto in two days, but it’ll be stressful.

Do You Need A Car For Kyoto?

Just like most of Japan, the public transportation in Kyoto is very reliable and quick, so you won’t need to rent a car. Matter of fact, renting a car in Kyoto is probably going to hinder your sightseeing because you’ll need to find parking.

Is One Day In Kyoto Enough?

24 hours in Kyoto might not seem like a lot of time, but it is just enough to see the main sights of Kyoto. However, you’ll have to wake up really early and spend the entire day sightseeing, which might not be the relaxing vacation you had hoped for.

Like this post? Don’t forget to save it on Pinterest! 🙂

This concludes the 1 day Kyoto itinerary! I hope this guide helped you determine the things to do in Kyoto in one day. Any question? Leave them in the comments!

Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission at  no extra cost to you ! The money will help run this site! Thank you !

World Traveler, Travel Blogger, Photographer

LivingOutLau

Sean is the founder of the travel blog, LivingOutLau. He has been to over 30 countries in over 5 years of travel. Every day, he is traveling and sharing his discoveries of the world through exceptional travel guides on his blog!

4 thoughts on “1 Day Kyoto Itinerary: Best Attractions For A Day Trip”

Thank you for this post about Kyoto. My family and I have been to Kyoto last March 2020, just about before the lockdown for the pandemic started, thus we weren’t able to explore much. We just went to Arashimaya Bamboo Forest, and to the Silver Pavilion. We are coming back this November. We will stay in Osaka, but we want to visit Kyoto just for the day and go back to Osaka after dinner. This time around, we want to see the Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, the Gion District, Higashimaya District. May I ask for your suggestion as how we can make this itinerary work for us? Thank you very much!

Hey Ivy, you can easily go from Osaka to Kyoto via the train. And since you don’t have much you want to see, you’ll have plenty of time to see the sights you want even if you stay in Osaka! I would recommend starting with the Golden Pavilion first, then going to Gion and Higashimaya District, and finally going up to Fushimi Inari Shrine near sunset time!

Great list, thank you! My cousin and I just wrapped up a 24 hour stay and did nearly your entire list of suggestions. We also agree that one day simply isn’t enough!

You could stay for a week and probably not see all of its sights! It’s such an amazing place!

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Suggested walks and itineraries

At least two full days are needed to get a taste of Kyoto ; however, the city is extremely rich in history and culture, and you could easily spend a week exploring Japan's ancient capital and not run out of first-class attractions to visit.

Suggested full-day schedules

Suggested half-day schedules

Suggested side trips

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Hotels around Kyoto

Experiences around Kyoto

The PERFECT 3 Days in Kyoto Itinerary (2024 Update)

• Last Updated: January 26, 2024

Everything you need to know to plan your perfect 3 days in Kyoto itinerary!

Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is home to a seemingly unlimited number of things to do .

From strolling quiet bonsai filled gardens to temple-hopping an unforgettable gold and silver pavilions.

This Kyoto 3 day itinerary will guide you through what you cannot miss out on in such a short window.

You’ll get some stunning views overlooking parts of Kyoto and walks through thousands of torii gates. Visit temples and shrines and stroll through a bamboo forest.

Also, plan on having some interesting cuisine of Kyoto – including fire ramen.

Yes, a bowl of ramen that is literally lit on fire just before serving!

With all these memorable sights and attractions, 3 days in Kyoto might not sound like enough – as there will always be more to see in a city with a vast history and a unique, and often quirky Japanese culture.

Before we dive right into this 3 day Kyoto itinerary, here is a short history lesson for one of Japan’s best places to visit .

Table of Contents

History of Kyoto

8:45am – nijo castle, 11 am – menbakaichida fire ramen – lunch, 1 pm – kyoto imperial palace, 4 pm – nishiki market, 8 am – kiyomizu dera temple, 10 am – fushimi inari shrine, 12 pm – lunch, 1 pm – toji temple, 3 pm – ginkaku ji temple – silver pavilion, early – head to arashiyama, 8 am – togetsukyō bridge, 9 am – arashiyama bamboo grove, 11 am – tenryu ji temple, 12 pm – ryoanji temple and lunch, 3pm  – kinkaku ji temple, summarizing your 3 day kyoto itinerary.

As mentioned above, Kyoto was once the capital city of Japan, from when it was founded in 794 to 1868.

However, Kyoto, which translates into “capital city,” has not always had the same name.

In 794, the city was founded as Heian.

Kyoto lost its capital city status when Japan handed control over from the leader of the samurai, the Shogun, back to the Emperor.

In 1868, the capital of Japan became Tokyo , where it has stayed ever since.

Today, Kyoto is Japan’s third-largest city (behind Osaka and Tokyo) and has plenty of ways to learn about the history of Kyoto.

There is plenty more on offer than just unforgettable temples.

Your Perfect 3 Days in Kyoto Itinerary

Without further ado, let me tell you what to do in Kyoto in 3 days!

First things first you need to find an awesome place to stay. We recommend staying in the Gion neighbourhood, so you’re central to everything there. You can find great accommodation here on Agoda .

Don’t forget to use our exclusive coupon code AGODANMD10 to get 10% off your booking.

READ MORE: Don’t miss our complete Travel to Japan guide !

Day 1 in Kyoto

We’re going to start off our Kyoto itinerary by tackling some of the best attractions in the city. Don’t forget to start your day early!

First up on this 3-day Kyoto itinerary is Nijo Castle .

One of 17 UNESCO Historic Monuments of Kyoto , Nijo Castle has several beautiful gardens and historical information within its giant fortified walls.

Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, ordered all current feudal lords of Japan to contribute to the building of Nijo Castle.

Construction began in 1601 and completed in 1626.

Nijo Castle and the surrounding complex has been damaged by fire multiple times during the 1700s.

A lightning strike and a fire that ravaged much of Kyoto were to blame for the destruction.

Nijo Castle opens at 8:45 am.

It is a common theme to beat the crowds by arriving early, that’s why you should aim to be here by opening if you intend to have the castle grounds to yourself for a while.

Some of the main points of interest inside Nijo Castle include the Ninomaru Palace – consisting of five separate but joining buildings.

Intricate carvings from wood sand golden leaf decorations are present to this day.

They had the intention of portraying a powerful and wealthy.

One thing to look out for is the intentional “squeaky floors” to warn residents of ninja attacks as you can’t walk on the floor silently!

Nijo Castle is a great example of Japan’s final samurai period and a perfect way to start your 3 days in Kyoto.

Expect to spend 1-2 hours here, depending on how much you want to explore Nijo Castle and its grounds.

If you’re visiting Kyoto in spring, you can admire all the cherry blossoms that bloom on the grounds around the castle.

Kyoto is home to quite a unique style of ramen. In fact, the “fire ramen” is the only one in the world.

Plus, it’s a very short walk from Nijo Castle grounds.

This unforgettable bowl of ramen is in a tiny restaurant, so waiting times for your flaming bowl might take a few minutes to get seated.

That’s why I suggest getting here for a bit of an early lunch. It’s also delicious ramen as well!

Menbakaichida restaurant opens at 11 am, so if you can be within the first 5 or 6 guests, you shorten your waiting time until lunch to zero!

Now, when I say fire ramen, I mean they ignite your dish in a giant fireball in front of you, just before they serve it to you.

To make it safe, you’re given a paper apron for the oil splashes and specific instructions to lean backward on the bar stool.

Although it doesn’t feel it, the fireball is pretty cool.

It’s not just for a show, the flames help bring out the flavour in the green onions.

After a fiery lunch, it’s time to head to Kyoto’s Imperial Palace.

Today, you can visit the palace that served as the residence of the Imperial Family until Japan’s capital moved to Tokyo in 1869.

As is common with large wooden buildings, a fire destroyed the Imperial Palace a total of 8 times.

The version you see today was completed in 1855.

No reservation is currently required, and the opening hours are from 9 am to 5 pm.

Kyoto Imperial Palace is a short 5 minutes drive or 25-minute walk from Nijo Castle. You can combine your visit to the two attractions on a tour with a local guide !

Nicknames by locals as Kyoto’s Pantry, Nishiki Market is seen as the best traditional food market in the entire city.

Somehow, over 130 stalls of foods and goods line the narrow 5 block street in downtown Kyoto.

While this causes limited personal space, the atmosphere from the vendors and customers and all the tasty options to eat make Nishiki Market well worth the visit.

Nishiki Market is around 10 minutes by car or roughly 20 minutes on foot.

There is no entrance fee to enter this congested shopping street in downtown Kyoto.

It’s a perfect place to try some local Kyoto dishes and have a memorable dinner all at once.

If you love food, make sure you check out this foodie walking tour of Kyoto during the daytime!

Check out our Japan Vlog on exploring the Higashiyama and Downtown Districts in Kyoto in Japan .

Welcome to day two of your 3-day Kyoto itinerary! Get up nice and early, as it’s going to be a jam-packed day in central Kyoto.

Start your day with a visit to the Kiyomizu Dera Temple, perched on the scenic hills of eastern Kyoto, Japan.

Originally established in 778, the present structure dates back to 1633 and is an architectural marvel, characterized by its wooden terrace jutting out over the hillside, offering a stunning vista of cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn.

The temple complex is dedicated to the Buddhist deity Kannon and houses a sacred waterfall, Otowa-no-taki, where visitors partake in a ritual of drinking water believed to confer health, longevity, and success.

Kiyomizu Dera Temple stands as a testament to Japan’s religious heritage and architectural prowess. From here it’s just a 12-minute drive or bus ride to your next stop.

Fushimi Inari Shrine is usually the number one attraction – in all of Japan!

This popularity means that it is busy, very busy!

Dedicated to the Shinto God of Rice, Inari, thousands of bright torii gates lead visitors from the main shrine up Mt Inari.

This trail winds up the sacred Inari Mountain and eventually gives off some beautiful views of Kyoto and surrounding areas.

Even if you’re here as early as possible, you won’t be able to escape the crowds by the time you descend Inari Mountain.

But that early morning walk through one of Japan’s most important shrines is amazing.

At the entrance to the shrine complex stands the Romon Gate that was donated in 1589.

Another popular spot for a photo OP is where the torrid gates and pathway splits into a ‘Y’ shape.

Depending on your speed, the full hike to the summit of Mount Inari takes from 2-3 hours, so bring plenty of water and snacks along with you.

There are plenty of options for great restaurants for lunch around Fushimi Inari Shrine.

If you’re in the mood for sushi, Kyoto Train Station, has a great sushi train option, Ashami .

Whatever you’re looking for, from egg rolls and inari pockets to octopus and even horse meat (providing the translation is legitimate).

It’s a pretty cheap option for lunch with 3 or 4 plates costing around USD$6, depending on what plates you choose.

Toji Temple , or East Temple, was built at the start of the Heian Period in the late 700’s.

This 5 story pagoda is made from wood and is another famous UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto.

Other notable buildings in the complex include Kondo Hall .

Reconstructed in the early Edo Period after a fire in 1486 destroyed the original.

It is considered one of the Toji Temple Complex’s original buildings.

Destroyed in the same fire is Kodo Hall, which sits next door. Kodo Hall served as the lecture hall in the Toji Temple area.

The wooden Toji Tower itself stands 57 meters tall, the tallest in all Japan.

You can get to Toji Temple via the Kintetsu Kyoto Line and is a 5-minute walk from Toji Station.

During cherry blossom season, the grounds around the temple are overflowing with the beautiful flowers as well!

After Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa’s death in 1490, Ginkaku ji Temple, or the Silver Pavilion, was reformatted from retirement house to Zen Temple.

While Ginkaku ji Temple is well worth a visit in itself, as are the other buildings in the complex, it is the beautiful moss-covered gardens that steal the show.

Walking a small loop through lush greeny and trickling rivers, it’s hard to find a place equal to the tranquillity of the Ginkaku ji Temple Complex.

Ginkaku ji Temple can be accessed from Kyoto Station by bus #5, 17 or 100.

Opening hours are from 8:30 am to 5 pm.

Expect to spend about an hour here, unless you walk the short trail very slowly taking in the sights.

Check out our Japan Vlog on exploring the Gion District in Kyoto, Japan .

We’re almost at the end of your itinerary for Kyoto in 3 days. Don’t think you’ve done everything just yet though, we still have a few more amazing Kyoto activities for you.

On the western edge of downtown Kyoto is the district of Arashiyama .

This whole area is not only a Historic Site of Kyoto, but it’s also a Site of Scenic Beauty, as classified by the Japanese Government.

There are several things to do in the area of Arashiyama, and most are easy walking distance from each other.

As with most popular sites around Kyoto, Arashiyama is popular, and that brings crowds.

Arashiyama is easily accessed from Kyoto Station. Jump on the JR Sagano Line and head to Saga-Arashiyama Station.

From here, the center of Arashiyama is a 10-minute walk.

Check out our Japan Vlog on exploring Kyoto’s most famous attraction in Japan .

If you catch the train to Arashiyama JR Station, you will be close to Arashiyama’s well known Togetsukyō Bridge .

So it makes sense to visit here first.

In fact, the easiest way to get to the next stop, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest , you’ll cross the bridge anyway.

Togetsukyō Bridge spans 155 meters across the Katsura River.

The original bridge was constructed a little upstream in 1606.

Walking the length of this bridge gives beautiful views of the river below and the surrounding mountains.

You might even get lucky enough to see local fishermen casting in along the banks.

One of the areas most visited sites of Arashiyama is the Bamboo Grove.

This is a natural bamboo forest, with paved trails weaving through the tall shoots of the sturdy, yet flexible plant.

Since 2015, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove has opened free of charge to visitors.

This makes the attraction near Kyoto even more appealing.

If you’re wanting to visit the Bamboo Grove without hordes of visitors and hand-cart taxis, I suggest starting your day here.

For an even better experience, you can book yourself a great guided tour of the bamboo forests .

Or do something real different and try a rickshaw tour here.

Built in 1339 by the Shogun Ashikaga Takauji, in dedication to Emperor Go-Daigo who passed away as means to ease the spirits of the late ruler.

Much of the temple grounds, including most of the building, have been destroyed multiple times throughout history and now date back to the Meiji Period (1868 – 1912).

The gardens of the Tenryu ji Temple survive in their original state to this day and provide a lovely stroll around the small pond.

Opening hours for Tenryu ji Temple are 8:30 am to 5 pm, and you should expect to spend around an hour here.

Ryoanji Temple was converted into a Zen Temple in 1450.

It’s also the site of possibly Japan’s most renowned rock garden.

Pretty much everything about this rock garden is uncertain, its date of construction and the meaning behind it.

The story I heard most is that these 15, expertly placed stones, resemble a tiger carrying a cub.

One of the most interesting facts, is that in this square enclosure of pebbles, no matter where you stand, you can only ever see 14 stones.

Personally, it’s the surrounding scenery that makes Ryoanji Temple a must-visit with 3 days in Kyoto.

There are plenty of quiet trails and immaculately kept ponds to soak in the reflection of the still surface.

For lunch, there’s no need to leave the temple grounds.

There is a small restaurant that offers a Kyoto specialty, Yodafu .

Boiled tofu in a tasty broth is a lot more filling than you would expect.

This, along with Japanese Tea and a beautiful view overlooking the lush green surroundings is a perfect spot for lunch.

A 3 day Kyoto itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Kinkaku ji Temple, or the Gold Pavilion.

One of Kyoto’s famed 17 Historic Monuments, the Golden Pavilion Buddhist Temple is one of Japan’s most visited buildings.

This Zen Temple was originally completed in 1397 and reconstructed in 1955 after being burnt to the ground by a novice monk who then tried to commit suicide behind the temple.

The glimmering gold surface has a symbolic meaning and thought to cleanse negative thoughts concerned with death.

As it is so popular, getting a picture or a view without another person in the shot is almost impossible.

By standing next to the edge of the lake, looking out over the glass-like surface and the reflecting golden iconic symbol of Kyoto, it’s hard not to fall in love with Kinkaku ji Temple.

As with all destinations with the vast history and culture of Kyoto, there will always be more to see.

In fact, 3 days in Kyoto is just the beginning of this incredibly beautiful, historic city. There are so many more temples and shrines and hidden gems to check out.

But by following this Kyoto 3 day itinerary, you’ll be treated to a range of cultural, historical and scenic sights that this busy city has to offer.

And by the end of your trip here, you’ll have a small but memorable insight into one of Japan’s ancient capital cities.

Ben McLaughlan

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Love this itinerary! Can’t wait to visit Kyoto in 2024. Your detailed breakdown of the best temples, shrines, and other attractions is incredibly helpful. Definitely bookmarking this for my own trip planning.

Next June we will travel to Kyoto. we are 3 adults, what is the cost of a 3 day package?

Hi Aracelly, That is exciting you are going to Kyoto. Sorry we can not help you. We are not a travel agent. We are a website that gives out travel information. All the best.

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3 Days in Kyoto (Itinerary + Must See Temples)

• May 29, 2024

The best itinerary for 3 days in Kyoto (+ a map with all must-see sights, the best temples to visit and my favourite places for soba noodles).

With over 2,000 temples and shrines and a remarkable history stretching back a thousand years, Kyoto is the cultural capital of Japan. The city’s well-preserved architecture, traditional tea houses and geisha districts will take you back to ancient Japan.

The city was founded in 794 AD when Emperor Kanmu relocated the capital to Heian-kyō and renamed it Kyoto. In fact, Kyoto in Japanese means a capital city. For the following 1,000 years, Kyoto served as an imperial capital.

Even during the Edo Period, when political power shifted to Edo (modern-day Tokyo), Kyoto retained its cultural and religious importance. The Tokugawa Shogunate ruled Japan from Edo but maintained a strong presence in Kyoto.

Best 3-day Kyoto Itinerary

Kyoto is home to beautiful temples, serene shrines, imperial palaces and tranquil Zen rock gardens. And let’s not forget the city’s incredible food scene, famous for its sake and tofu! With so many things to see and do, planning a Kyoto itinerary is no easy task. You have to take into account also that attractions are spread out, so travelling between them can be time-consuming.

If you’re visiting the city for the first time, my extensive 3-day Kyoto itinerary will help you plan a perfect trip. It has all the essential information you’ll require, including the best sights to visit, where to stay and my favourite restaurants for sushi and udon. At the end of the blog post, you’ll also find some ideas for day trips from Kyoto (if you have some extra time in the city).

3 Days in Kyoto Itinerary (for first-timers)

• Day 1 – Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka Streets
• Day 2 – Nijō Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace
• Day 3 – Kinkaku-ji Temple, Ryōan-ji Temple, Tea Ceremony at Jōtoku-ji Temple

I’d personally suggest taking at least 3 or 4 full days to explore the city as there are more attractions to visit in comparison with Tokyo. Moreover, the public train transportation system is less extensive than in the capital city. With only two metro lines available, you’ll find yourself relying mainly on buses, which are slower and smaller, often resulting in queues at bus stops.

Furthermore, from Kyoto, you can take a day trip to explore Osaka with its stunning castle, Himeji Castle (one of Japan’s most famous castles), or the picturesque Nara Park, home to freely roaming deer.

Tips on your 3-day Kyoto itinerary

Accommodation – already have a hotel reserved? Then check its location to ensure it has convenient access to most of the attractions you’re planning to visit (find more info in my guide on where to stay in Kyoto first time ).

My favourite place to stay in Kyoto : The Gate Hotel Why : perfect central location with many dining options nearby, spacious rooms What I like : cosy lounge with bonfire and free drinks, great city views

Restaurants – restaurants often specialize in a particular type of food, such as ramen, sushi, tempura, and more. If possible, consider making a reservation since there are often queues (even for lunch).

Map – find here a map of this 3-day itinerary for Kyoto (with all attractions and restaurants’ websites).

Sightseeing – the popular attractions are far from each other, so don’t plan more than 2 or 3 sights per day. Even if you base yourself right in the city centre, you’ll spend a lot of time getting from one attraction to another. That’s why I included some extra time between the attractions in this Kyoto itinerary.

3 Days in Kyoto itinerary – Day 1

Breakfast at the hotel.

I had trouble finding a good bakery, which is open before 8 AM during my trip to Kyoto. That’s why for the first day I’d recommend having breakfast at your hotel, as you should be quite early at Fushimi Inari Shrine (if you want to avoid the crowds).

Fushimi Inari Shrine

08:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha) is not only Kyoto’s most famous attraction but also one of the most important Shinto shrines in the country. Given its huge popularity, there are crowds already even before 9 AM. Therefore, I highly recommend arriving as early as possible to make the most of your visit. I arrived a bit before 8 AM, and there were already people around. By 8:30 AM, it was completely packed.

The shrine is famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates that form a tunnel-like pathway leading up to the sacred Mount Inari. These gates are donated by individuals and businesses and each torii gate bears inscriptions of the donor’s name and the date of their donation.

The path to the top of Mount Inari is about 4km (13,123.4 feet) and usually takes over an hour to complete. However you don’t need to hike all the way to the top, you can turn back any time you want. Still, for some scenic views of the city, be sure to hike up to the Yotsu-Tsuji intersection.

Fushimi Inari Shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Inari is often depicted with foxes, considered messengers of the deity. That’s why you’ll see many fox statues across the shrine grounds, holding a symbolic key to the rice granary.

The Fushimi Inari Shrine is free to visit.

Lunch at Vermillion Cafe

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

For lunch make your way to Vermillion Cafe . Try their famous Vermillion Plate (sausages, bacon, beans, poached eggs on toast and side salad) and the Matcha Ganache (delicious matcha and white chocolate terrine). I particularly enjoyed the Matcha Ganache, it was superb!

Keep in mind, that the cafe is really popular, so expect a wait time of 30 minutes to an hour for a table. You need to write down your name on the waiting list and wait until you’re called.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

01:00 PM – 02:30 PM

Founded in 778 AD during the early Heian period, Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of the city’s oldest temples. The temple complex consists of several buildings, located on the foothills of Mount Otowa.

Kiyomizu-dera means pure water temple in Japanese. The temple is named after the Otowa Waterfall that flows through the temple grounds. The waters of the waterfall flow into three separate streams, from which you can drink. People believe that each stream has different benefits, including longevity, success, and a fortunate love life.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is most famous for its large wooden stage, offering an outstanding panoramic view of Kyoto. The stage, which juts out from the main hall, was built without a single nail. In the main hall, you’ll also see the large statue of the eleven-faced, thousand-armed statue of the goddess of mercy, Kannon.

Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka Streets

02:30 PM – 03:00 PM

From Kiyomizu-dera Temple, make your way to Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka Streets. These two charming historic streets are characterized by well-preserved traditional Japanese houses. Along these streets, you’ll find a variety of souvenir shops, teahouses, and small restaurants serving traditional Kyoto cuisine.

Keep in mind that Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka are extremely popular, so expect large crowds. I arrived shortly after 7:30 AM, and there were already people around.

Dinner at Ukiya

For some excellent soba noodles head to Ukiya . This small cozy restaurant offers a variety of cold and hot soba noodles dishes, served with delicious tempura. I stumbled upon this restaurant by accident, but it turned out to be one of the best I’ve visited in Kyoto.

More ideas for 3 days in Kyoto – Day 1

Take a sake brewery tour.

Take this Insider Sake Brewery Tour to learn about the sake-making process and the history of the famous drink. You’ll visit the largest sake brewery in Fushimi, where you’ll witness the traditional brewing processes passed down through generations. The tour ends with a sake tasting (about 10 flavours of sake) accompanied by otsumami, traditional Japanese snacks.

Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine (Yasaka-jinja), also known as Gion Shrine, is one of Kyoto’s oldest and most revered shrines. Founded in 656 AD, the shrine is devoted to the Shinto god of storm, Susanoo-no-Mikoto, and his consort Inadahime-no-Mikoto. Some of the structures of the shrine complex feature hundreds of lanterns that get lit in the evenings. I highly recommend visiting Yasaka Shrine right before sunset, the atmosphere is magical.

Yasaka Shrine is where the famous Gion Matsuri (Gion Festival) happens. This summer festival, which takes place over the entire month of July, dates back more than 1150 years.

Explore the Geisha District

Right next to Yasaka Shrine, you’ll find the city’s most iconic district, Gion. It is famous for its well-preserved machiya houses (traditional wooden townhouses). Originally Gion was accommodating travelers visiting the nearby shrine before evolving into one of the most famous geisha districts in Japan. Today, you can still spot geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) walking around in their exquisite kimono.

Please be aware that starting April 2024, certain streets in Gion are off-limits to tourists due to incidents of disrespectful behaviour towards maiko and geisha. Make sure to watch out for any physical no-entry signs when you visit.

To learn more about the district’s history and the life of the geisha, join this Night Walk in Gion Tour .

Sanjūsangen-dō Temple

Sanjūsangen-dō Temple, also known as Rengeō-in Temple is a Buddhist temple dating back to 1164. It is most famous for its 1001 human-sized statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. According to the legends, Kannon has eleven heads to see better the human suffering and one thousand arms to save all those in need.

Kōdai-ji Temple

Nene, the widow of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan’s most powerful samurai warlords, founded the Kōdai-ji Temple in 1606. The temple was built in memory of her husband to serve as a place of prayer for his soul.

The main hall and the sanctuary are lavishly decorated with a distinctive lacquer work technique called Kōdai-ji maki-e. This is a famous Japanese lacquer technique where gold and silver powder is sprinkled onto wet lacquer. You’ll also find beautiful Zen gardens, a rock garden and a small bamboo grove.

3 Days in Kyoto itinerary – Day 2

Breakfast at the city bakery.

08:15 AM – 09:00 AM

Begin your second day in Kyoto with breakfast at The City Bakery , located in the heart of the famous Nishiki Market. The bakery offers a wide range of both sweet and savoury pastries and sandwiches. Personally, I loved the Chocolate Babka and the Egg Salad Croissant.

You can also opt for breakfast at Fiveran , which opens at 9 AM. This bakery is closer to Nijō Castle, so you’ll have to walk less to reach the castle.

Nijō Castle

09:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Built in 1603, Nijō Castle served as Kyoto residence for Tokugawa Ieyasu. He was the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, which ruled Japan for over 250 years. In this Japanese feudal system, the military holds the true power instead of the Imperial family. The emperor is a ruler in name only and his role is primarily ceremonial.

The castle consists of two main areas – the Ninomaru Palace and the Honmaru Palace. The Ninomaru Palace was the actual home of the shogun and the place where he held his audiences. The rooms in the palace are connected by corridors with so-called nightingale floors. These floors chirp like birds when walked upon, serving as a security measure against intruders. Be sure not to miss the beautifully decorated ceilings and painted sliding doors, still well-preserved.

The entrance fee is 800 yen and you have to pay an additional 500 yen to visit the Ninomaru Palace (it’s worth it).

Lunch at Honke Owariya

12:00 PM – 01:30 PM

For lunch make your way to Honke Owariya , one of the oldest soba restaurants in Japan. Founded as a confectionery shop in 1465, it began serving soba noodles in the early 18th century, during the Edo Period. Don’t miss their speciality, Hourai Soba. It is a soba set of 8 small toppings: shiitake mushrooms, thin omelette, sesame seeds, shrimp tempura, wasabi, nori, Japanese leeks and daikon.

It’s a very popular restaurant, so expect wait times between 30 minutes and an hour.

Kyoto Imperial Palace

02:00 PM – 03:30 PM

The Kyoto Imperial Palace served as the residence of the Imperial family from the late Heian period (794-1185) until the capital moved to Tokyo in 1869. The palace complex features traditional Japanese architectural styles, characterized by wooden structures with sliding paper doors and beautiful gardens. Today, the Kyoto Imperial Palace is used for enthronement ceremonies.

The vast Kyoto Imperial Park, where you’ll also find the Sento Imperial Palace, surrounds the Imperial Palace. Sento Palace is where the retired emperors spend the remainder of their lives.

Entry ticket : free Best guided tour : there are guided tours in English two times a day (at 10 AM and 2 PM) or you can download this Imperial Palace self-guided tour

Note that none of the Kyoto Imperial Palace buildings is open to visitors, however, you can see them from outside. To visit the beautiful garden of the Sento Imperial Palace, you have to join a guided tour (see how to book the tour here ).

If you have to choose between Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijō Castle, I suggest opting for the latter. In my opinion, Nijō Castle is far more impressive, and you also get the chance to explore its interior buildings.

Dinner at Anzukko

For some delicious gyoza, make your way to Anzukko . Anzukko specialises in tetsunabe gyoza, where the gyoza is prepared and served directly in a cast iron skillet. I recommend getting the sampler set for two people, which gives you a chance to sample everything.

More ideas for 3 days in Kyoto – Day 2

Ginkaku-ji temple.

Ginkaku-ji, also known as the Silver Pavilion is a Zen Buddhist temple from the 15th century. Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the 8th shogun of the Ashikaga shogunate, built the temple to serve as his retirement villa. After his death in 1490, Ginkaku-ji was converted into a Zen temple following his wishes.

Ginkaku-ji is modelled after Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), his grandfather’s retirement villa (more on this on the 3rd day of this Kyoto itinerary). However, in contrast to the Golden Pavilion, Ginkaku-ji was never covered in silver.

Ginkaku-ji is famous for its stunning Japanese gardens, which include a beautiful moss garden and a dry sand garden.

Become a Samurai Warrior

Learn the skills of the samurai by joining this Samurai class . You’ll study the basic techniques of the ancient Japanese warriors, including how to bow, draw a sword and strike with stylized movements.

Nishiki Market

Located in the heart of Kyoto, Nishiki Market is the city’s iconic food market. Its history dates back to the early Edo period (around 1615). Home to more than 100 stalls, the market stretches for approximately five blocks, between Teramachi and Shinmachi streets. Nishiki Market is famous for its food stalls, offering everything from fresh seafood and vegetables to street food and snacks.

Cat Café MoCHA

If you’re a cat lover, you shouldn’t miss out on Cat Café MoCHA! They have two locations, right in the city centre, just a short stroll from each other. The cats are awesome and you can buy them little snacks in order to get their attention.

Every day at 10:30 AM and 7:30 PM, the cats line up neatly for their meals. It’s quite a spectacle! If you prefer a quieter experience, try visiting on a weekday just after the café opens.

3 Days in Kyoto itinerary – Day 3

I suggest having breakfast at your hotel if you want to arrive early at Kinkaku-ji Temple to beat the crowds. And depending on your hotel’s location, it may take you between 40 minutes and 1 hour to reach the temple.

Kinkaku-ji Temple

09:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Kinkaku-ji , also known as the Golden Pavilion, is one of the most iconic Kyoto temples. It was originally built as a retirement villa for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the 14th century. After his death in 1408, the villa was converted into a Zen Buddhist temple, following his wishes.

Kinkaku-ji is a mix of architectural styles. The design of the first floor is in the Shinden style, the second floor is in the Bukke style, and the third floor is influenced by Chinese Zen temple architecture. A shining phoenix sculpture crowns the top floor.

However, Kinkaku-ji’s most striking feature is its appearance. The top two stories of the temple are covered in gold leaf, creating a stunning reflection on the nearby pond.

Kinkaku-ji is one of the most popular attractions in Kyoto, which means there are often crowds. My advice is to visit the temple as early in the morning as possible.

Ryōan-ji Temple

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Ryōan-ji Temple is where you’ll find one of the most famous Zen gardens in Japan. The garden is composed of 15 carefully arranged rocks, white gravel and patches of moss. It is designed to inspire meditation and contemplation. An interesting feature of the garden’s design is that, no matter where you stand, at least one of the rocks is always hidden from you.

Lunch at Kura Sushi – Kinkaku-ji

11:45 AM – 01:15 PM

Kura Sushi is a popular sushi restaurant chain, famous for its conveyor belt sushi. Plates of sushi travel on the conveyor belt, giving you the freedom to choose what you’d like. Plus, you can use a tablet to order freshly made sushi, which arrives at your table via another conveyor belt. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience!

Tea Ceremony

Finish your last day in Kyoto with an authentic experience. Discover the art of tea by taking part in this Tea Ceremony at Jōtoku-ji Temple . You’ll learn about this ancient ritual and its importance in Japanese culture. Also, you’ll get the chance to sample some of the finest matcha tea!

Dinner at Tendon Makino Kyoto Teramachi

For delicious tendon head to Tendon Makino Kyoto Teramachi . Tendon is a mix of tempura (battered and fried items like mushrooms, fish, prawns, and vegetables) served atop a bowl of rice, with a sweet soy sauce drizzle.

There’s always a big queue, so arrive before the opening hours if possible.

More ideas for 3 days in Kyoto – Day 3

Ninna-ji temple.

Ninna-ji Temple dates back to the early Heian Era. In 888 AD the reigning Emperor Uda abdicated the throne and chose to retire as a Buddhist monk. He became the head priest of Ninna-ji Temple, which he had founded. During the following centuries, a member of the Imperial Family traditionally held the position of head priest at the temple.

The Goten, one of the most impressive buildings on the temple’s grounds, served as the head priest’s residence. Built in the style of an imperial palace, the building features elegantly painted sliding doors.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is rated as one of the city’s most popular attractions. It is famous for its towering bamboo stalks that reach heights of up to 9m (30 feet) or more. You can explore the grove by walking along a 400m (1312 feet) long promenade through the tall bamboo trees.

However, in my opinion, if you already have experienced a bamboo forest or can’t arrive early enough to beat the crowds (before 7 AM), I recommend giving it a pass. The place attracts hundreds of tourists and it’s hard to feel the real magic of the forest. Still, if it’s on your list, I suggest getting there no later than 7:30 AM. Start the 3rd day of this Kyoto itinerary with a visit to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and then continue to Kinkaku-ji Temple.

Another alternative is to explore Adashino Nenbutsu Temple instead of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The bamboo forest there is usually less crowded, allowing you to enjoy it in peace.

Iwatayama Monkey Park

Situated on the slopes of Mount Arashiyama, Iwatayama Monkey Park is a wildlife park, where you can observe monkeys in their natural habitat. The park is home to 120 wild snow monkeys, called Japanese Macaque. As you hike up to the park’s main area, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Arashiyama area, including the Hozugawa River and the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge.

1-day Kyoto itinerary

If you have only one day in Kyoto, I’d recommend picking up 2 or 3 attractions that you are interested in. If possible choose attractions close to each other to avoid spending too much time on transportation. In my opinion, the city’s most popular attractions are Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Nijō Castle and Ginkaku-ji Temple.

However, to see the best of Kyoto in just one day, I recommend taking this Perfect Kyoto 1-day Bus Tour . The tour takes you to 7 of the most popular places in Kyoto, including Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Nijō Castle and Ginkaku-ji Temple. It won’t be possible to see all this by yourself, as the attractions are far from each other.

Here is a sample itinerary for 1 day in Kyoto, which covers some of the most popular landmarks.

1 day in Kyoto

• See the thousands of vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine
• Enjoy the city views from Kyoto’s most famous temple, Kiyomizu-dera Temple
• Lunch at Honke Owariya, the oldest soba restaurant in Japan
• Visit the beautiful Ninomaru Palace in Nijō Castle
• Taste the delicious tendon at Tendon Makino Kyoto Teramachi

2-day itinerary for Kyoto

2 days are not enough to cover all the popular attractions, but you can get a taste of the city. However, I strongly recommend adding one more day, so you can enjoy it without feeling rushed.

2 days in Kyoto

• Day 2 – Kinkaku-ji Temple, Ryōan-ji Temple, Nijō Castle

Where to stay in Kyoto

If you’re a first-time visitor to Kyoto, opt for a hotel in a central area, close to a metro station (such as Karasuma or Kawaramachi). Karasuma station provides convenient access to Kyoto Station, Karasuma metro line and Hankyu Line, while Kawaramachi station – to Keihan and Hankyu lines.

The best place to stay for first-timers is Downtown Kyoto, also known as Kawaramachi. It’s a great base for sightseeing, centrally located, just a short walk away from Nijō Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace and the famous Gion district. Furthermore, this location offers convenient reach to Kyoto Station, making it ideal for day trips to Osaka, Nara, and Himeji Castle.

Cross Hotel – Best mid-range

Guest rating: 9.1 | 3,200+ reviews

The Cross Hotel enjoys an excellent central location in Downtown Kyoto, conveniently situated next to two metro stations. Inside, the rooms blend cosy wooden furnishings with traditional Kyoto-style architecture. The hotel’s restaurant, KIHARU Brasserie , features a Western-inspired menu crafted from seasonal local ingredients.

Why book – 5min walk to Sanjo and Kawaramachi stations, great Asian and Western breakfast

Good Nature Hotel – Best luxury

Guest rating: 9.1 | 1,790+ reviews

Featuring Japan’s largest green wall, natural wood flooring and organic cotton towels, Good Nature Hotel offers an unforgettable experience. The hotel boasts a remarkable selection of 10 restaurants, among which stand out Velrosier (a Michelin two-star restaurant), Takayama (a Michelin one-star restaurant), and RAU Patisserie & Chocolate . Additionally, the Good Nature Market offers a selected assortment of natural products and organic foods.

Why book – 2min walk to Kawaramachi station, 2 Michelin-starred restaurants, small organic market on-site

Seikoro Ryokan – Best ryokan

Guest rating: 9.4 | 380+ reviews

Established in 1831, Seikoro Ryokan is a classic Japanese inn with a public onsen and a serene garden. The rooms feature a traditional Japanese design, with tatami flooring, comfortable futons, and private wooden bathtubs.

Why book – 2min walk to Kiyomizu-Gojō Station, delicious Japanese breakfast and kaiseki

Getting around in Kyoto

Kyoto has an extensive bus network, which covers almost all major tourist attractions. While buses can be slower due to traffic, they are a convenient way to reach many sights, especially those not directly accessible by train.

The train network consists of metro (only 2 lines – Karasuma and Tozai Lines) and a few private railways (Hankyu, Keihan and Kintetsu Railways). There are only two JR lines (Sagano Line and Nara Line), so you probably won’t use much your JR Pass here. Find here a map of all train lines in Kyoto.

While you can reach a few attractions easily by train, you may find buses are often your best option. However, keep in mind that usually buses are small and queues can be long, especially at Kyoto train station. Always plan some extra time between attractions, as it often takes longer to get from place to place.

In addition to the standard buses, there are also three Raku sightseeing buses . The Raku buses (lines 100, 101, and 102) stop at popular tourist locations such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkakuji Temple, Ginkakuji Temple, and Nijo Castle.

The easiest way to get around is by buying a rechargeable IC card such as Suica, Pasmo and ICOCA. This is a prepaid contactless card, which is valid for metro, JR lines, buses and even private railways such as Hankyu, Keihan and Kintetsu.

Kyoto has flat-fare routes (within the city – usually the green-coloured buses) and non-flat-fare routes (cream-coloured buses), for which you pay according to the distance. To get on the bus you have to use the rear door and to get off – from the front door. When you ride a bus within the flat fare zone, you have to tap your IC card on a reader only when you get off. When you ride a bus beyond the flat fare zone you have to tap your IC card when you get on and then when you get off. To use the IC card on the metro – just tap it at the station gate when entering and then tap it again when exiting at your destination station.

How to get to Kyoto

If you’re travelling from Tokyo via the Shinkansen (bullet train), you’ll arrive at Kyoto Railway Station. From there you can transfer to either JR or metro line to reach your accommodation. Check timetables and book tickets online for the Shinkansen here .

If you planning to visit multiple cities in Japan, get a JR Pass . The pass gives you unlimited access to all JR trains for 7, 14, or 21 days.

The closest airport is Kansai International Airport (KIX), located near Osaka.

Day trips from Kyoto

Osaka, Japan’s third largest city, is located less than 30min away by train. Osaka is famous for its great nightlife and delicious street food.

The city’s highlight is the Osaka Castle, which has origins dating back to the late 16th century. The castle was initially constructed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a feudal lord and chief Imperial minister. From the top of Osaka Castle, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. Osaka is my favourite castle near Kyoto, so I highly recommend adding it to your Japan itinerary.

For delicious pastries and sandwiches head to Boulangerie Fukushima (my all-time favourite bakery in Osaka).

How to get Osaka

• the fastest way to get to Osaka is by taking the Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Shin-Osaka Station (15min journey) and then the metro to the city centre
• you can also take the JR Kyoto Line from Kyoto Station to Osaka-Umeda Station (30min journey), which is closer to the city centre than Shin-Osaka Station
• or you can take Hankyu-Kyoto Line from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station to Osaka-Umeda Station (45 minutes journey)

Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle is one of the country’s most famous castles. Unlike many other Japanese castles, Himeji has never been destroyed by war, earthquakes, or fires. You can still see the castle exactly the way it was upon its completion in 1609. In fact, it is one of Japan’s twelve original castles.

The origins of Himeji Castle can be traced back to 1333 when a fortification was built on the site. In the late 16th century, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a powerful military leader, commissioned the construction of the current castle. Later, in the early 17th century, Ikeda Terumasa, a feudal lord, expanded the castle to its present state.

Following your visit to the castle, make your way to Smash Cafe for brunch. Try the Smash Breakfast and Chunky Monkey (sweet sandwich with Nutella and banana).

How to get to Himeji Castle Take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Himeji Station (50min journey). From there is about a 15min walk to the castle.

Nara was Japan’s capital from 710 to 794 AD, preceding Kyoto. The city is most famous for its friendly, free-roaming deer population and Nara Park itself is home to over a thousand deer. Deer are sacred in Shinto religion, as they are considered messengers to the gods.

Another must-see is the Tōdai-ji Temple, home to one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha.

How to get to Nara Take the Kintetsu Limited Express from Kyoto Station to Kintetsu-Nara Station (35min journey). Nara Park is a 10min walk from the station, while Tōdai-ji Temple is a 15min walk.

What to see next

If you’re staying in Japan for more than a week, consider a visit to Tokyo, the country’s capital. The journey from Kyoto to Tokyo is less than 2h30min by Shinkansen. For more information take a look at my Tokyo itinerary for first-timers.

Best time to visit Kyoto

The best time to visit Kyoto is during either spring or autumn. Late March to early April is the prime period for cherry blossoms (sakura), while late October to late November offers beautiful fall foliage. Keep in mind that these times are the busiest of the year, so be sure to plan ahead for your trip.

Find more information in my complete Kyoto sakura guide.

For pleasant weather and fewer crowds, consider visiting Kyoto in late April (after the sakura season), May, September, or early October. Avoid the summer months of June, July, and August due to the rainy season, hot, and humid weather, as well as the peak of domestic travel.

Faqs about visiting Kyoto

If you’re visiting Kyoto for the first time, I suggest planning a stay of at least 3-4 days. You’ll need 3 full days to see the most popular attractions, as they are spread out all over the city. Additionally, you may want to add another day or two to visit nearby destinations like Osaka, Nara, and Himeji Castle, which are well worth the trip.

3 days in Kyoto is the perfect amount to experience the city and visit iconic attractions such as Fushimi Inari Shrine and Ginkaku-ji Temple. However, if you’re travelling during the cherry blossom season or fall foliage, consider adding a day or two. This will give you more time to fully experience the beauty of these seasons, plus the crowds are larger, resulting in longer lines.

Tipping is not a common practice in Japan and it can even be inappropriate or rude in some situations.

Yes, you can generally drink tap water in Kyoto. Japan has strict water quality standards and the water is safe and of high quality.

Osaka and Kyoto each offer unique experiences. While Osaka is famous for its vibrant city life, food scene, and modern attractions, Kyoto is rich in culture, history, and traditional beauty. Choose Osaka for entertainment and fun, or opt for Kyoto to immerse yourself in history and culture.

Kyoto is approximately a 2.5-hour Shinkansen ride away from Tokyo. While it’s technically possible to visit the city, I do not recommend it. The city’s tourist attractions are far from each other, making it challenging to explore them fully in a single day. If possible, I’d suggest spending 2-3 days in Kyoto.

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Wow, what a wonderful article! Everything you need to know is included. Great job! Kyoto is my bucket list. Thanks!

Thank you, Martin! 🙂

I have visited Kyoto twice and will be there next week. Your comments and suggestions are spot-on. Thank you and happy travels 😎

Thank you for your comment, Charles. And happy travels! 🙂

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The Ultimate 3-Day KYOTO Itinerary | Japan Travel Guide (2024)

Kyoto is a city full of history, culture, and beauty, making it one of Japan’s most popular destinations. It was once the imperial capital of Japan and is filled with incredible temples, shrines, and gardens designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Kyoto is also home to various traditional Japanese arts such as pottery, woodblock prints, and the iconic kimono. With so much to explore, it can be difficult to know where to begin. To make things easier, we’ve put together a 3-day KYOTO itinerary that will ensure you get the most out of your time in this amazing city!

You’re most likely flying into Tokyo first, so make sure to grab our 10 Best Things to Do in Tokyo guide. Additionally, we have a 4-day Tokyo itinerary with all the top activities that you can’t miss. If your trip coincides with the Cherry Blossom Season , we also have a guide to help you with everything you need to know before you go.

3-Day Kyoto Itinerary

Day 1: exploring the palace grounds & temples in kyoto.

If there is one thing you cannot miss in Kyoto, it’s a day spent exploring the palace grounds and temples. It’s like taking a step back in time. First up on the itinerary for your 3 days in Kyoto?

Kiyomizudera

Not only does this temple offer an incredible view that will leave you in awe, but it’s also one of the most iconic temples in Kyoto. What blew our minds was the fact that it was founded in 780 A.D., making it over 1,200 years old. That’s older than our great, great, great…well, you get the picture.

Once you climb onto the viewing platform, prepare to soak in breathtaking views that will leave you feeling like you’re on top of the world. And after that, go for a stroll around the grounds. As you leave Kiyomizudera, head on over to Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka .

These charming little laneways are dotted with traditional Japanese houses that lead up to the temple. And if you’re anything like us, you’ll be tempted to try all the different sweets and snacks along the way. Oh, and if you happen to come across the cherry blossom soft serve, just know that was our fave!

Tip Get cheap flights with cashback down below for your 3-Day Kyoto Itinerary

Kyoto Tatami Starbucks

The next stop is the Kyoto Tatami Starbucks. It’s like stumbling into a secret hideout. There’s no massive signage or neon lights screaming “Starbucks.” Instead, it blends in so perfectly with the surrounding buildings that you might miss it if you blink.

But trust us, you don’t want to miss this gem. Sitting on tatami mats and sipping on a perfect Starbucks Mango drink, you’ll feel like you’re in an entirely different world. It’s like you stumbled into someone’s house, but that someone happens to have the best coffee around.

Starbucks in Japan is beyond heavenly, and this Edo-style building just elevates the experience to a whole other level. This one’s definitely worth a visit!

Yasaka Shrine

You simply HAVE to check out Yasaka Shrine. I mean, really, put it on your itinerary and thank us later! It’s just a breezy 10-minute walk from Ninanzaka, and it’s also known as Gion Shrine.

Fun Fact: it’s believed to be dated as far back as 656 A.D. (Whaaat?!). But what caught our eye was the design of the stage. Is it a stage or a pagoda? Who knows, but we’re fans.

The layered lanterns give it a unique look that sets it apart from other temples, and those lanterns celebrate local businesses that have donated to Maruyama Park . Speaking of which, don’t forget to check out the park in the back while you’re there! It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll. It’s not just any old park – it’s a beautiful stroll that’ll make you forget you’re even in the middle of a bustling city.

See all Kyoto Stays

3 Days in Kyoto

Explore gion.

Gion – the perfect place to transport yourself back in time to old Kyoto. This entertainment district is brimming with lively eateries and buzzing bars, but it’s also an exclusive spot to spot some real-life geishas – the best time to spot them is between 5-6 pm. Be respectful though and take photos from a distance if possible.

And as if that’s not enough to pique your interest, the stunning traditional buildings that line the streets will make you feel like you’re walking through a historical masterpiece. Walking through Gion, we felt like we were in a different era. So, add Gion to your 3-day Kyoto itinerary and prepare to be transported to a gorgeous, old-world neighborhood.

Best Way to Get Around Kyoto:

Rent a bicycle.

We spent 3 days in Kyoto and let me tell you, the best way to get around this charming city is by renting a bike. And don’t worry, you can rent one in so many places and they even have electric options for us lazy folk.

Riding the bike around Kyoto is a breeze, especially with the many bike-friendly areas and parks. Just whip out your Google Maps or the map provided by the rental company and you’ll be cruising around like a local. Plus, they’re super helpful with showing you where to park your bike for free or at a cost. After a day of walking around temples and shrines, your feet will thank you for choosing to ride a bike.

Day 2: Arashiyama & Sagano Scenic Railway

It’s day two of your 3-day Kyoto itinerary, and let me tell you, you are in for a treat! We’re headed to the Arashiyama bamboo forest, and it’s not just any ordinary forest. It’s a forest that will make you crane your neck and gasp at the sheer majesty of those towering bamboo stalks.

And, let’s be real, your neck might be hurting a little the next day from all the looking up, but it’s worth it! When else do you get to feel like you’re in the middle of a fairy tale forest? So, gear up and get ready for some serious scenic action, because day two is going to be one for the books!

Restaurant Arashiyama

If you’re looking for a restaurant in Kyoto that will make your taste buds dance with joy, then you’ve got to check out Restaurant Arashiyama.

After strolling through the bamboo forest, you’ll work up quite the appetite, and this place will not disappoint. Their shabu-shabu is made up of the freshest, most delicious seasonal ingredients – it’s like a party in your mouth! And if that’s not enough to convince you, they also serve up some seriously yummy Dango (Japanese dumplings made from rice flour mixed with uruchi rice flour and glutinous rice flour).

It’s the perfect addition to round out the meal. Be sure to pencil in a stop at Restaurant Arashiyama, your taste buds will thank you!

Sagano Scenic Railway

And if that’s not enough, jump aboard the Sagano Scenic Railway and enjoy a smooth ride that will take you through the most picturesque valleys you’ve ever seen. I mean, come on, the name alone is reason enough to hop on board.

But don’t just take my word for it – this is one special sightseeing train that takes you through the mountains and along the Hosugawa River, offering unforgettable views that are particularly breathtaking in the Spring and Autumn. And let’s not forget the classic open carriage – it’s practically designed for epic selfies and #viewsfordays. Trust me, after this scenic train ride, you’ll be talking about it for years to come.

Kinkakuji Temple

Day two is all about a perfect balance of nature and spirituality. After spending the morning gazing at the breathtaking mountains surrounding the city, it’s time to delve into the Kinkakuji temple. This temple is simply amazing and a real highlight of any visit to Kyoto. Seriously, have you seen the pictures? It’s got a shiny gold pavilion, a zen garden, and an unbeatable ambiance.

Take some time to soak up the peaceful atmosphere and wander around the picturesque gardens. But be warned, the stunning views may very well have you teetering on the brink of insanity (in the best possible way). Embrace the serenity and let your soul feel all the good vibes this ancient temple has to offer.

The temple’s main attraction is the two-story pavilion covered in real gold leaves. Yup, you read that right – real, actual gold. I mean, can you even imagine how much that’s worth? It’s not your average temple and is a real crowd-pleaser (Instagrammers, I’m looking at you). Trust me, you won’t regret stopping by Kinkakuji during your time in Kyoto.

Dinner at Okonomiyaki Katsu

Okonomiyaki Katsu is a hidden gem – you’ll feel like a local walking through the tiny alley and up the stairs to this cozy spot. Once you’re there, their specialty – the okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese-style pancake – is a must-try.

But, let me give you a warning, don’t wear your Sunday best. The chef will cook it right in front of you on a hot griddle so prepare for some splatters (think Benihanas in the US but more intimate). Trust us, it’s all part of the experience. So, ditch the fancy clothes and come hungry – Okonomiyaki Katsu is worth the mess.

Japan Travel Guide – Day 3: Iconic Tori Gates and Street Food Immersion

Fushimi inari shrine.

It’s your third day in Kyoto, so make sure to add Fushimi Inari Shrine to your itinerary! The famous vermilion torii gates is an iconic attraction and a bucket list item. With over a thousand gates and counting, this place is huge. We were told it takes about 2 hours to complete the trail all the way up the mountain, but we didn’t quite make it to the top.

Those stairs and gates never seem to end! Luckily, there are plenty of photo ops and resting spots along the way, including some small eateries.

Plus, if you’re in need of good health or extra strength, make sure to rub the oak tree roots that are still alive and kicking. Overall, Fushimi Inari Shrine is a must-see spot in Kyoto, even if you don’t make it to the top of the mountain!

Nishiki Market

Make sure you leave plenty of room in your stomach for the Nishiki Market. This place is an absolute feast for the senses, with aromas so tantalizing you’ll be drooling before you even get there.

From sushi rolls filled with juicy tuna to sweet mochi cakes, there’s something to satisfy every craving. And the best part? You get to eat all of this deliciousness while taking in the vibrant atmosphere of the market. Just be prepared to leave with a seriously full stomach and the desire to come back for more.

Kyoto Station

Alright, we know that the idea of exploring a train station might not sound like your idea of a good time, but trust us on this one. Kyoto Station is a must-see on your 3 days in Kyoto. And if you can swing it, we highly recommend going at night. It’s a vibe!

Seriously, the grandeur and raw design of the place are jaw-dropping. As you make your way up the escalators, take a moment to appreciate the epic set of stairs that light up with imagery and animations. Once you make your way to the top, you have to roam through the amazing glass Skywalk. The view from up there is incredible.

Kyoto is the perfect destination to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, witness breathtaking scenery, and enjoy some of the best food you’ll ever taste – all in just 3 days. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Kyoto!

The ultimate 3 days in Kyoto await! And remember, wherever you go, don’t forget to wander 🙂

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The Best Guide to Planning a Day Trip to Kyoto from Osaka: best kyoto day itinerary, How, Where to Visit?

Kyoto is known for its wooden architecture, temples, and imperial palaces, and for showcasing the traditional cultures of Japan. If you want to go for a day trip to Kyoto from Osaka as a traveler, you will only get eight hours.

The Day Trip to Kyoto from Osaka need good planning and a well-thought itinerary that showcases the long-standing attractions of Kyoto. Kyoto is also considered the cultural capital of Japan . Attractions of Kyoto include bamboo forests, UNESCO temples, geisha performances, and more.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, it’s important to consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself in case of unexpected events. One option to consider is SafetyWing insurance , which offers comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip interruptions, and more.

WHAT IS COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE?

Ways to Travel for a one-day trip to kyoto from osaka

You can travel to Kyoto from Osaka via the Shinkansen train line which is the fastest way to Shin-Osaka station to Kyoto. The total travel time is around 15 minutes. The JR-pass covers the train route; without that, the ticket costs 1420 yen each. The day trip to Kyoto from Osaka, Kyoto. Apart from the bullet train, you can also choose to ride the Special Rapid train for 560 yen and the travel time will be 30 minutes.

Buses: There are also a few bus services from Kyoto to Osaka. From Osaka to Kyoto there are a lot of bus services available.

Train Routes:

JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line:  Passengers can get up on the JR bullet train from JR Osaka station and JR- Shin-kaiso station. The descending station will be JR Kyoto station. The total traveling time from Kyoto to Osaka by Shinkansen train takes only 15 minutes to cover the distance of 56.4km. 

JR Kyoto Line: The JR Kyoto line’s fastest train is the Special Rapid train, and they take around 25 minutes to 30 minutes to depart from Kyoto.

There are two other train routes you can take which do not come under the JR pass. The two lines are the Hankyu railway and the Keihan mainline.

Hankyu Railway:  For the Hankyu route, get on the train from Hankyu Umeda Station and descend on central Kyoto and the one-way ticket costs 400 yen.

Keihan Main Line: The Keihan Main line runs from Sanjo station to Yodoyabashi station and takes approximately 45 minutes. The one-way trip from Osaka to Kyoto or Kyoto to Osaka costs 410 yen. 

Bus Routes:

Though bus routes are not the fastest way from Osaka to Kyoto, the Osaka to Kyoto Bus Routes with timetables. The price of the bus tickets are around 1000 to 1500 Yen.

Transport Pass in Kyoto

To roam around freely, as a tourist, you can access a one-day subway pass for easy and quicker travel. The Kyoto transport pass lets the users use it for different types of transportation. The Kyoto transport passes like Kansai Miyako card , Traffic Kyoto card is usable for both the subway and buses. 

One day Kyoto itinerary

By 9 AM: Arrive in Arashiyama District by traveling through the JR Sango/Sagano line.

9 AM to 11 AM: Visit the Arashiyama bamboo grove and kinkakuji temple.

Arrive at the Ginkakuji temple by the 204 bus.

Afterward, walk down the path of philosophy to Nanzengi-temple, south of the Ginkaku-ji.

Tour the Nanzenji temple, and next, head to the nearby ancient temples like Shoren-in temple and shion-in temple. 

The next destination on the list is Kiyomizu-Dera temple is about 4.5 km. You can walk the distance or take buses from Nenzangi, Sakyo Ward. If you are on foot, head towards the Maruyama-Koen Park and then towards Nene-no-michi and Ninen-zaka. The walk will take about 25 minutes. Visit the spectacular Kiyomizu-Dera temple which is a part of the UNESCO heritage sites.

After visiting Kiyomizu-dera, the next destination is Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine. You can reach there via the Keihan line. You will find a train on regular intervals from Kiyomizu-gojo station to Fushimi-inari station.

You can use this itinerary, for visiting all the shrines and UNESCO-listed temples in Kyoto. After finishing the tour, you can return by train from Fushimi-Inari station to Sanjo, Sihijo and other major stations.

Places you must Visit During Kyoto Day Trip (Kyoto things to do)

Kyoto tower:.

The Kyoto tower is one of the tallest standing 36 peaks of Higashiyama. From the Kyoto tower, you can see the 36 peaks of Higashiyama from the watchtower. Enjoy the panoramic view from the Kyoto tower as well as enjoy delicious food at the restaurant and night views from the Sandos. 

Opening hours: The business hours for the observation deck are generally 10:30 PM to 21:00 PM. The Kyoto tower restaurants are generally open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. The Kyoto tower sandos are generally open from 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM. 

Toji Temple

The Toji temple is located in Minami-ku ward. The Toji temple is a Shing-on buddhist temple. The temple was built in the Heian period with a long history and was one of the three Buddhist temples allowed at that time.

The Toji temple was located on the side of the capital gates along with Sai-ji. The Toji Temple has a five-storied pagoda, several halls like the Golden Hall, Kanchiin Guest Hall etc. The shrine is enlisted as a UNESCO heritage site. The Toji temple is located quite close to the Kyoto rail station. 

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

The Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine is one of the Shinto shrines located in southern Kyoto. The Fushimi Inari shrine’s unique attraction points are the numerous vermilion Torii gates. The shrine is mainly. The trails lead to the forest of Mount Inari.

The Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is dedicated to the god of rice, and hence, foxes are the bearers of the rice, you will see a lot of fox statues in the shrine. The shrine is more ancient than the Heian era. At the entrance of the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, you will see the Romon gate behind which is the main hall.

At the back of the shrine, there are two parallel Senton Tori gates present. While visiting the temple, visitors are encouraged to make a small offering to the deity. The Mount Inari Forest and the quiet peaceful environment of the Taisha shrine, make the attraction one of the best in Japan.  

Hike Timings for the Shrine: The total hike takes about 2 to 3 hours to and from the summit.

Opening hours of the Shrine:  The shrine is open for the tourists for 24 hours.

Nishi Honganji Temple

The Nishi Honganji temple is the head temple for the subsect Honganji-ha. The temple is located in the Shimogyo ward. The temple was built around in1591 and is a great example of 17th and 18th-century architecture. The temple is huge and its main entrance is to the east of Horikawa dori.

There are three main segments that you must visit while seeing the temple: Karamon, Goeidō, Amidadō. You will see a lot of carvings of old Chinese tales and Chinese dragons. The Karamon gate is one of its kind in architecture and has been announced as one of Japan’s national treasures. 

Opening Hours: The entry to the temple is free and the temple gates remain open between 5:30AM to 5:00PM.

The Kyoto Railway Museum

The Kyoto railway museum showcases the history of modernization with futuristic technologies in Japan’s railway system. The Kyoto Railway Museum was opened in 2016. The Kyoto railway museum was built with the concept of “ discover, touch and experience” through the visualisation of the evolution of the railway in Kyoto city. 

The museum collaborated with academic scholars to create informative and intriguing shows. See the antique rail parts, engineering technologies of Japan and take part in various activities offered by the museum.

Location: Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto

Opening Hours: The museum is open on weekdays from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Kyoto National Museum:

One of the oldest and historic museums of Japan is Kyoto National Museum. The Kyoto National Museum is one of the prominent art museums in Japan. Before you visit the museum, make sure to check if there are any art exhibitions going on. 

While visiting the museum make sure to see the stunning collection. The Kyoto National Museum  organises indoor and outdoor exhibitions throughout the year to showcase historical events and different art styles like Buddhist art, Pre-modern Japanese art and more. 

Location: 527 Chayacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto

Opening Hours: The Museum is open all days of the week from 9:30 in the morning to 5:00 in the afternoon.

Kiyomizu-Dera Temple

The Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple is located in the east side of Kyoto and the temple is also one of the most historic monuments as well as a part of Kyoto’s UNESCO heritage sites. The Kiyomizu dera temple has a 1200-years+ history.

The Misu Shrine is located behind the main hall of Kiyomizu-Dera temple. While visiting the Kiyomizu-Dera temple, also visit the Otowa waterfall nearby. The main structures of Kiyomizu-Dera temple include Okunoin-hal, and Koyasu-pagoda. The temple holds special illuminations during Springtime. 

Location: Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto

Opening Hours: The Kiyomizu-Dera temple is open for visitors every day from 6 AM to 6 PM. During Spring and Summer illumination, the closing time is extended till 9 PM.

Entrance Fee:  To visit the temple premises the entry fee for each adult is 400 yen.

Explore Kyoto with a local guide

Kimono and Yukata Rental at Kimono Miyabi Kyoto

Kyoto Day Tour

Kyoto one day pass

Where & What to Eat During a Kyoto Day Trip?

During the Kyoto Day trip, you cannot miss some of the dishes that represent Kyoto like soba noodles, saba sushi, matcha, and green tea desserts. Kyoto cuisine is mostly based on traditional Japanese ingredients as their Kaiseki dining style is also old and traditional. Here is the ultimate checklist of foods in Kyoto that you must experience.

Kyoto Yudofu: It’s a warm healthy tofu dish served in kombu broth and soy sauce. It is served in many temples and is one of the oldest dishes of Kyoto.

Nishin Soba: Soba Noodles are served with warm herring soup and herring atop. The Nishin Soba noodles.

Nishiki market: Nishiki market is often referred to as Kyoto’s kitchen. Kyoto’s Nishiki market’s seafood, tako-tamago, beef sushi, and matcha sweets are some of the must-try items. Also, you will find, a lot of fresh produces and good-quality cookware in this market.

Otanfuku Cafe: This quaint and aesthetic retro cafe is a place where you can enjoy your evening and take a quick snack break during the tour. Their house blend Kissaten is one of the must-try items.

Matcha Desserts: Kyoto offers great desserts of Matcha including matcha parfaits, matcha mochi, matcha cakes, and more. 

Where to stay in Kyoto

Kyoto has a variety of options for accommodation ranging from traditional Japanese ryokans to modern hotels.

Some popular areas to stay in Kyoto include:

Downtown Kyoto:  This area is well-connected by public transport and offers a range of options from budget to luxury hotels . Being close to the city’s shopping and entertainment areas is a great option.

Gion:  The historic Gion district is known for its traditional architecture, geishas, and tea houses. Staying in this area allows you to experience the traditional side of Kyoto.

Arashiyama:  Located on the outskirts of Kyoto, Arashiyama offers a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. This area is known for its beautiful bamboo forest and scenic views.

Higashiyama:   Higashiyama is located in eastern Kyoto and is known for its narrow streets and traditional buildings. It’s a great area to stay if you want to experience the traditional side of Kyoto.

Kyoto Station Area:  This area is convenient if you are arriving in Kyoto by train as it’s located near the main train station. It offers a range of options from budget to luxury hotels .

Ultimately, the best area to stay in Kyoto depends on your preferences and interests.

Kyoto half day itinerary

If you only have half a day in Kyoto, here is a suggested itinerary:

• Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): This iconic temple is a must-see attraction in Kyoto. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and features a stunning gold-leaf-covered pavilion surrounded by a tranquil garden.
• Nishiki Market: After visiting Kinkaku-ji, head to Nishiki Market to experience the local food scene. This narrow shopping street is lined with vendors selling a variety of Kyoto specialities, such as pickles, tofu, and sweets.
• Gion District: End your half day in Kyoto by exploring the historic Gion District, which is famous for its traditional tea houses, geisha culture, and preserved traditional architecture. You can stroll along the charming streets and alleys of Gion, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) on their way to work.

Note that the above itinerary assumes you have a mode of transportation (e.g., taxi, rental car) to get around quickly. Alternatively, you could opt to use public transportation, such as buses or trains, but this may require more time and planning.

Ways to do a Day trip to Kyoto from Tokyo

Kyoto is a beautiful city with historical landmarks and cultural attractions that make for a perfect day trip from Tokyo. Here are some suggestions on how to plan your day trip to Kyoto from Tokyo:

Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto, which takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. You can purchase your tickets in advance to avoid long lines at the station.

Once you arrive in Kyoto , head to the Kiyomizu-Dera temple, one of Kyoto’s most famous temples. The temple is situated on a hill and provides stunning city views.

From there , you can walk along the Philosopher’s Path, a scenic route that follows a canal lined with cherry blossom trees and historic temples.

Stop for lunch at Nishiki Market , a food lover’s paradise filled with street food and traditional Kyoto dishes.

After lunch , head to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of torii gates that create a stunning tunnel-like effect.

End your day with a visit to the Golden Pavilion, also known as Kinkaku-ji Temple, famous for its golden exterior and beautiful garden.

Finally, return to the train station and take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo.

Remember that there is a lot to see and do in Kyoto, so, if possible, it is recommended to spend more than just a day there to fully experience all the city has to offer.

Kyoto is a city in Japan rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. It is famous for its numerous temples, shrines, gardens, and traditional neighbourhoods. A day trip to Kyoto can be a great way to explore some of its highlights, although there might need to be more to see everything.

It is also important to consider transportation options, as Kyoto can be crowded and navigating public transport might be challenging. Consider purchasing a one-day bus pass or using a taxi service to make the most of your trip.

Overall, a day trip to Kyoto can be an amazing experience, offering a glimpse into Japan’s rich culture and history. Therefore, it is important to plan well, prioritize your itinerary, and enjoy the beauty and serenity of this wonderful city.

One day trip to Kyoto from Osaka FAQs:

Is it better to visit kyoto or osaka.

Kyoto and Osaka have unique charms and attractions, so it ultimately depends on your preferences. Kyoto is known for its traditional temples, shrines, and gardens, while Osaka is known for its modern cityscape, food scene, and nightlife. If you’re interested in history and culture, Kyoto may be the better choice, but Osaka may be the way to go if you’re looking for a more lively and urban experience.

What destinations can you visit on a day trip from Kyoto?

Some popular day-trip destinations from Kyoto include Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Himeji. You can also visit the scenic Arashiyama district, the historic city of Uji, or the picturesque village of Ohara.

Can you do a day trip in Kyoto?

Yes, it is possible to do a day trip in Kyoto and still see some of the city’s highlights. Some recommended activities include visiting the Fushimi Inari Shrine, exploring the historic district of Gion, and taking a stroll through the beautiful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. However, if you have more time, spending at least a few days in Kyoto is recommended to experience all it has to offer fully.

Can you do a day trip to Kyoto from Osaka?

Yes, it is possible to do a day trip to Kyoto from Osaka. The best way to do this is by taking the shinkansen (bullet train) from Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station, which takes about 15-30 minutes, depending on the train.

How long does it take to go from Osaka to Kyoto?

If you take the ShinSaken line from Shin-Osaka station to Kyoto, you will reach within 15 min and on other train routes it will take around 30 to 50 minutes. If you are traveling by bus or taxi, it will take around one and a half hours.

Is 1 day enough for Kyoto?

The heritage city of Kyoto is full of attractions, and you can only visit the main attraction, and if you want to see all the sites, two to three days are required.

The top sixteen destinations of Kyoto are Kurashiki Bikan historical quarter. Nagahama. Himeji. Enryukuji. Hiroshima. Miyajima.

Is Kyoto cheaper than Tokyo?

Kyoto is not cheaper than Tokyo. The daily living cost in Kyoto is $78 and the living cost in Tokyo is $149.

Is Kyoto foreigner friendly?

Kyoto is quite foreigner friendly. You will find a lot of local guides for the Kyoto day trip and you will find a lot of foreigner-friendly places , and eateries and there will be a lot of tourists surrounding you.

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General outline so far is…

Tokyo - 6 nights

Day 0 - Arrive early evening, travel to Hotel in Shinjuku , near Shinjuku Station

Day 1 - Meiji Shrine, Take-Shita Street, Shibuya , Shibuya Sky [definitely Jordan World of Flight ]

Day 2 - TeamLab Borderless, stop by Tokyo Tower , afternoon / evening in Shinjuku [Shinjuku Gyoen, Metropolitan Government building], evening in Shinjuku

Day 3 - Tuesday - DisneySea - we are not huge Disney fans FYI

Day 4 - Asakusa , TeamLab Planets , Ninja Tokyo for dinner

Day 5 - Day trip to Lake Kawaguchi, likely with private driver - will change to Hakkone if weather not good? Or not worth it either if cloudy?

Day 6 - travel to Kyoto mid-morning

I would love to fit in a Sumo experience here (noting dates don’t align to Tournament) but can’t seem to find time. Would really love to do both TeamLab experiences.

Kyoto - 4 nights - all days will be very early starts, rest late afternoon, before evening walk

Day 6 - Arrive after lunch from Tokyo, Nishiki market, walk around Gion in evening, Yasaka Shrine lit up at night

Day 7 - Arashiyama , Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion late afternoon, Pontocho Alley in evening

Day 8 - Kiyomizu-dera, Sannezaka and Ninenzaka Streets, Yasaka Pagoda, Muruyama Park

Day 9 - Fushimi Inari Shrine, Samurai experience at Waraku samurai house, Nido Castle [if time], Fire Ramen

Day 10 - Leave for Hiroshima

Hiroshima - 2 nights

Day 10 - Hiroshima

Day 11 - Miyajima Island

Osaka - 4 nights

Day 12 - Himeji Castle on way home from Hiroshima

Day 13 - Friday - universal studios - will buy Express Passes

Day 14 - Osaka day - still to build out - Dotombori early evening, night.

Day 15 - Nara day trip

Day 16 - round 1 stadium, leave very late tonight - thinking aquarium as this gets good reviews? I’m struggling to find things that appeal in Osaka to fill in our time.

Maybe there is a highly rated sumo experience in Osaka we can do as we have plenty of time here? I haven’t found one…..

I feel I have too much time in Osaka, by one day, but I was trying to do USJ on a weekday (albeit Friday) so if I steal a day off Osaka I will be left doing USJ on a weekend. We will be getting Express Passes so does it matter to keep to a weekday? I’m very glad we can now fit in Nara day trip.

Otherwise we could do 2 nights Hakkone/Fuji…but another check in/move….and likely car hire logistics, but possible this far out with plenty of time to research. I just keep feeling this is a big gap in our planned trip, some downtime from the city. I don’t think I will extend Kyoto as that’s enough temples/shrines for us!

Any ideas? Thanks for all your help so far getting me to this point …including fitting in Nara!

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Inside Kyoto

A Kyoto Travel Guide

Kyoto Two-Day Itinerary

Two days in Kyoto allows you to see a lot, but you still have to work efficiently. This itinerary is the way to make the most of two days in Kyoto.

First: A Few Things to Keep in Mind

This two-day route takes you through Kyoto’s main sightseeing districts: Southern Higashiyama and Arashiyama. This is a good route to do in the off-season (summer or winter). In high-season (spring and fall), it will be too crowded for comfort. If you will be in Kyoto in high-season, or simply like quieter spots, check out our Off the Beaten Track Itineraries . If you’ll be in town during cherry blossom season, check out our Kyoto Cherry Blossom Itinerary .

Hire A Travel Expert To Plan Your Japan Itinerary

Check hotel availability, destination, check-in date, check-out date.

Day 1: Southern Higashiyama, Downtown and Fushimi-Inari

11:45: Travel to Downtown Kyoto Exit Shoren-in and walk north (downhill) to reach Sanjo-dori Street. Walk a short distance west (left) on Sanjo-dori to reach Higashiyama Station on the Tozai subway line. Take it two stops west and get off at Kyoto Shiyakushomae (downtown).

Noon: Lunch Downtown There’s an almost endless selection of places to eat downtown. For some picks, check out our Downtown Kyoto District page .

1pm: Nishiki Market After eating lunch, make your way to the east end of Nishiki Market (where it joins the Teramachi Shopping Arcade ). It’s usually crowded here, even during the off-season. Hint: If you get tired of the crowds, you can bail by walking one block south and continuing along Shijo-dori Street.

2pm: Daimaru Basement Food Floor After you emerge from the west end of Nishiki, continue straight for a block and you’ll see Daimaru Department Store on your left. Go down the stairs in front of the entrance and enter the food floor. Explore the food floor and be sure to check out the Japanese sweets and tea section.

2:30pm: Take the Keihan Line to Fushimi-Inari Station Exit Daimaru via the main entrance onto Shijo-dori Street. Walk east on Shijo-dori, across the Kamo-gawa River, and walk downstairs into Keihan Gion-Shijo Station. Take the Keihan Line south to Fushimi-Inari Station (all trains EXCEPT the limited express stop at Fushimi-Inari).

3pm: Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine The way is clearly marked from the station. Walk out of the station, take a left and walk up the hill, crossing the JR tracks. After crossing one relatively major street, you will see the first torii (gate) of the shrine. Walk up through this and you’ll shortly get to the main precinct of the shrine. Our Fushimi-Inari Hike gives a detailed route description. We don’t suggest doing the whole route on this day, but going up as far as Shin-ike Pond is a good idea.

Late Afternoon: Return to Hotel for Rest By this point, you’ll definitely be in need of a rest. Take either the Keihan Line or the JR Line back from Fushimi-Inari to central Kyoto, depending upon where in town you are staying.

7pm: Dinner Downtown Downtown Kyoto has the best selection of restaurants in town. For some picks, check out our Downtown Kyoto District page.

After Dinner: Gion Shimbashi After dinner, if you still have energy, a walk through Gion is a great idea. Start from Shijo-Ohashi Bridge (the big bridge on Shijo-dori over the Kamo-gawa River). At the east end of the bridge, cross Kawabata-dori and walk north on the east side of Kawabata for about 100 meters. You will soon see a tree-lined pedestrian lane. This is the end of Shirakawa-dori. Follow it east and you’ll get to the Shimbashi District (also known as Shirakawa), which is the most beautiful street in Kyoto. In busy seasons, it will be crowded with people. After checking it out, make your way through the alleys south to Shijo-dori and walk east to Shijo and cross over into Hanami-koji, another picturesque lane. This is geisha territory, so keep your eyes peeled.

Day 2: Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji and Daitoku-ji

8:30am: Head west to Arashiyama by taxi, train or bus Your choice of transport out to Arashiyama will depend on where you are staying and your willingness to take taxis. See our Arashiyama District page for transport information to Arashiyama (scroll to near the end of the page).

9:00am: Tenryu-ji Temple First, explore the superb Tenryu-ji Temple, being sure to check out both the inside of the main hall and the expansive stroll garden.

10:00am: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Leave Tenryu-ji by the north gate (accessible through the garden), and take a left, which will bring you into the famed Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Take your time savoring the magical atmosphere here, while working slowly uphill.

10:30am: Okochi-Sanso Villa At the top of the hill in the Bamboo Grove, you will see a small hut and a road leading up the hill into the forest. This is the entrance to the superb Okochi-Sanso Villa, the former home of a wealthy Japanese actor. Enter the villa and take your time exploring the garden. Be sure to hold onto the ticket they give you, because it will get you a nice cup of green tea and a sweet after the garden tour.

11:30am: Lunch in Arashiyama Leave Okochi-Sanso Villa and return to central Arashiyama. Eat a simple lunch of noodles or rice in one of the shokudo (noodle and rice restaurants) on the main strip. For some picks, see our Arashiyama District page.

12:30pm: Taxi to Kinkaku-ji Temple There really isn’t a good way by public transport, so from Arashiyama, take a taxi over to Kinkaku-ji Temple, the famed “Golden Pavilion” in Northwest Kyoto. A taxi from Arashiyama to Kinkaku-ji will cost around Y2,000.

1:00pm: Kinkaku-ji Temple Take your time strolling through the grounds of Kinkaku-ji. Yes, it will most likely be crowded at this time, but it almost always is.

2:00pm: Taxi to Daitoku-ji Temple Again, there’s really no good way to go by public transport, so jump in a taxi to Daitoku-ji Temple. It will cost around Y2,000 from Kinkaku-ji. Note that if you’re starting to feel templed out by this point, consider cutting out Daitoku-ji and just head back to downtown Kyoto. Buses run for the Kinkakuji-michi stop to downtown and Kyoto Station.

2:30pm: Daitoku-ji Temple Explore the Zen world of Daitoku-ji Temple. Consider entering one of the subtemples like Koto-in. For full details on Daitoku-ji, see our Exploring Daitoku-ji Temple page.

3:00pm: Karasuma Subway Line to Shijo Station From Daitoku-ji, it’s about a 20-minute walk east on Kitaoji-dori Street to reach Kitaoji Station on the Karasuma subway line. This subway will get you downtown or to Kyoto Station in a few minutes.

Late Afternoon: Rest at your hotel By this point, you’ll certainly be in need of some down time.

6:30pm: Dinner Downtown Downtown Kyoto has the best selection of restaurants in town. For some picks, check out our Downtown Kyoto District page .

8pm: Stroll Downtown After dinner, consider taking an evening stroll along Pontocho Alley or down the lovely stretch of Kiyamachi-dori south of Shijo-dori.

Kyoto Vacation Checklist

• For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
• Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
• You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto , Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
• Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
• See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
• Buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Kansai International Airport (for Osaka and Kyoto) or Tokyo's Narita Airport . Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
• Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
• If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
• A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
• World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world

Kyoto District Map

• Central Kyoto
• Northwest Kyoto
• Northern Higashiyama
• Southern Higashiyama
• Downtown Kyoto
• Kyoto Station Area
• South East Kyoto

Disclosure: InsideKyoto.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and amazon.co.uk. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Essential Japan Itinerary: 10 Days of Family-Friendly Travel (Plus Optional Extension)

P lanning a Japan itinerary for a family is like putting together a giant puzzle: you have to account for transportation schedules, hotel availability, everyone’s interests and the huge variety of opportunities you won’t find anywhere else in the world. It’s a great problem to have!

In this extremely detailed guide, you’ll find out how to make the most of your family trip to Japan with three options for itineraries for Japan with kids that you can use as a launching point based on your needs.

One quick note on how to use this Japan itinerary guide: rather than repeating the same information in each section, in some cases I’ll refer you to previous itineraries that have all of the details. But the beginning of each itinerary has a helpful summary at the beginning that provides an overview of which days you’ll spend in each location, where to stay and what tickets/activities you need to book in advance.

1. Highlights of Japan Itinerary: 10 Days for Family Travelers

2. extended japan itinerary: 2 weeks with kids, 3. slower pace itinerary for japan with kids: 10 days, tips for visiting japan with kids, planning your trip to japan.

There are so many incredible things to do in Japan with kids that your 10 day itinerary will be filled to the brim. Our entire trip was go-go-go , but truthfully we didn’t mind it all because basically everything in Japan is amazing.

Quick overview

Days 1-4: Tokyo

Day 5: Day trip to Hakone

Day 6: Hiroshima

Day 7: miyajima island, day 8: osaka.

Day 9-10: Kyoto

Accommodations

Nights 1-5 in Tokyo:

– Hyatt Regency Tokyo (Shinjuku)

– Mimaru Tokyo Ueno East (Taito)

– Hotel Gajeon (Meguro)

Nights 6-7 on Miyajima Island:

– Miyajima Kinsuikan

Nights 8-10 in Kyoto:

– Mimaru Kyoto Station or Mimaru Kyoto Nishinotoin Takatsuji

– Hyatt Regency Kyoto

– Ace Hotel Kyoto

Activities to book in advance

– Japan Rail Pass

Tokyo subway pass

– Tokyo cooking class

– TeamLabs Tokyo

– Tokyo food tour

– Hakone Free Pass or Hakone/Fuji private tour (my recommendation)

– Miyajima Island tea ceremony and calligraphy class

– Tokyo or Osaka Pokemon Cafe

– Kansai Thru Pass

– Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

– Kyoto tour

Tokyo is a fascinating, exhilarating and sometimes overwhelming melding of old and new. There’s so much to see and do that it can be very challenging to plan. I’ve put together an in-depth Tokyo with kids itinerary for four days that breaks down what to do each day based on geography and transportation so that you maximize your time.

Day 5: Day trip from Tokyo to Hakone

Head toward Mount Fuji on a wonderful day trip from Tokyo to Hakone, 100km southwest of the city. The journey will take 2 hours by public transit but it’s such a different experience than you’ll find anywhere else!

Pro tip : There’s a lot of different transportation involved in this day trip. One alternative I wish we’d considered is this Hakone/Fuji private tour . While it would have been more expensive, we would have made much better use of our time!

To get to Hakone, you’ll either use your JR Pass (if you’re ready to activate it) or the Hakone Free Pass to get to Odawara station and then continue on the local Tozan train line. To maximize your time, be sure to reserve a private room for your family at Hakone Yuryo onsen for 6pm. More details on that later, but we were not able to get an evening reservation and it definitely messed with our schedule!

I recommend that you proceed all the way to Lake Ashi and start your time in Hakone exploring the town area surrounding the port and you can also consider taking the lovely forest walk to the famous torii gate.

A highlight for the whole family is the pirate boat that takes you across the lake. Supposedly you can see Mount Fuji from the boat, though we weren’t able to because it was a little cloudy surrounding the masive mountain. Even so the views are lovely and you’ll go right by the torii gate.

Once you reach the opposite shore, you’ll have the opportunity to take the Hakone Ropeway up the mountainside – and this is where you should get fantastic views of Mount Fuji if you didn’t see it from the lake! Even on a cloudy day, we could tell how absolutely massive it was – and it kept getting larger as we went higher. This is one of the world’s longest ropeways, taking nearly 30 minutes to complete.

The top of the Ropeway is around 1000 meters elevation. To descend on the other side you’ll take the Hakone Tozan Cable Car, which connects to the Hakone Tozan Train – so many different forms of transportation, and thankfully they’re all included with the Hakone Free Pass (even the pirate boat)!

Your next stop is the Hakone Open Air Museum . I’ve heard incredible things about it, and this is probably the best art museum in Japan for kids! There are unique artistic play structures, enormous sculptures and more. Unfortunately last admission is at 4:30 and we weren’t able to make it by then because our reservation at Hakone Yuryo onsen was in the morning and pushed everything back.

The last item on your list of things to do in Hakone on a day trip is pay a visit to Hakone Yuryo onsen . This traditional hot spring inn provides a wonderfully relaxing experience and is a must-do in Japan! While there are public baths available here, you’ll want to reserve a private room since you’re visiting Japan with children. We opted for the Type 3 room, which is very serene and includes everything you’ll need for an amazing visit to an onsen with kids – snacks, towels, robes and plenty of space. The room is yours for two hours, so relax and enjoy to wind down after your busy day trip to Hakone!

If you bring a travel car seat with you, the fastest way to get to Hakone Yuryo is by taxi; otherwise you can take the local bus (just use Google Maps to find your way). For your return to the train station, they offer a shuttle van.

A logistical recommendation: the stretch in Hiroshima Prefecture is brief but transportation-heavy. You’ll potentially take trains, boats, buses and taxis. If possible, I suggest just bringing a few days worth of clothing in backpacks while the rest of your luggage is sent on to meet you in Kyoto. The excellent Yamato Ta-Q-Bin can be arranged by your hotel or nearest 7-11 and it’s pretty amazing. For just $50, our two suitcases and a box with the kids backpacks was waiting in our Kyoto hotel room!

Today is a long day and an emotionally heavy one, but one that’s worth experiencing if your kids are old enough. You’ll hop the earliest train you can manage all the way to Hiroshima, near the southern end of Japan’s main island. Once you arrive at Hiroshima Station, it’s easy to use the sightseeing bus (included in your JR Pass ) to get to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. If you haven’t eaten lunch yet, there are some good options in the Hiroshima Station.

Read more about visiting the A-bomb sites of Hiroshima with kids . There are many factors to weigh as you decide if and how to include Hiroshima in your family’s Japan itinerary.

All in all, we spent just over two hours visiting the Hiroshima Peace Park and Peace Memorial Museum. When you’ve finished there, your next stop is Miyajima Island and there are two ways to get there: the easy way and the cheap/hard way.

We mistakenly did it the cheap/hard way and I do not recommend it. We used the #2 local tram from the Dome station to Miyajimaguchi station (approximately 1 hour) and then took the very pleasant Miyajima ferry. While this option is very inexpensive, I wouldn’t have done it if I realized that the alternative was available and better.

There’s a ferry that picks up near Motoyasubashi Bridge right next to the A-Bomb Dome . It’s the Aqua Net Ferry , and we saw it but weren’t sure if it was legit or not because it didn’t look nearly as polished as every other Japanese transportation option. We were just being silly. While it’s a little pricey at 2200 JPY per adult and 1100 JPY per child, it’ll shave about an hour (and a lot of hassle) off your travels. Just buy a one-way ticket, as on the way back you’ll take the JR Ferry and then connect on a convenient train to Hiroshima Station.

When you arrive on Miyajima, you’ll want to walk to your hotel to drop off your bag and then immediately go get dinner. Everything closes early! Our hotel had to call around to find a place that was open at 7pm, but the ladies at Okonomiyaki Kishibe served up delicious food in as homey a setting as you can imagine.

The next day and a bit will give you an opportunity to step back in time on Miyajima Island, one of several islands in Hiroshima Bay. Even if you’ve never heard of it, you’ve probably seen photos of its famous “floating” torii gate! It’s an icon of Japan. The logistics of incorporating Miyajima into your itinerary can be tricky but there are a few reasons why you should consider it.

While most other places you’ll visit on this Japan itinerary for families are fairly well developed cities, Miyajima Island remains a quiet, rural area full of cultural and natural highlights. The ancient Itsukushima Shrine is still largely preserved today. While nearby Hiroshima was devastated by the A-bomb, Miyajima was spared other than some debris found nearby.

Much of the island’s developed area is accessible on foot, though you can opt for a ropeway (cable car) to reach the beautiful summit of Mt. Misen. Miyajima is a great place to enjoy cherry blossoms in the spring or fiery red maple trees in the fall.

Keep in mind that Miyajima is an island with a population of just 2000 people, and most visitors are day trippers. That means you won’t find a ton of restaurants or stores open once the sun goes down, but you’ll also be able to experience the island’s true magic away from the crowds!

Thanks to its very traditional nature, Miyajima island is a great place to try out staying at a ryokan – a typical Japanese guest house. We had a wonderful stay at Miyajima Kinsuikan , which included a large family room with very comfortable futons set up each night, a yukata for everyone (several kids’ sizes available), unlimited access to the wonderful onsen (geothermal bath) in the basement and a seafood-heavy bento-style breakfast that is typical of the region.

On the last point, I’ll say that the staff tried hard to accommodate our dietary needs but definitely didn’t understand due to the language barrier. I ended up taking the kids to Starbucks (yes, Starbucks!) a block away so that we wouldn’t start our days hungry. If you have dietary restrictions and plan to stay at any ryokan in Japan that offers breakfast, it may be best to tell them what you will eat rather than what you won’t – in retrospect if I had said “only rice, salmon, eggs and vegetables” that probably would have been easier for everyone.

But enough about breakfast… Today’s itinerary will seem jam-packed as you read through it, but it really isn’t. You’ll be able to enjoy much of what the island has to offer and feel relaxed while doing it!

One important tip: if you want to walk under the torii, be sure to check the tide schedule in advance. You may need to shift the order of some things around. When we visited, one of the low tide periods lasted for much of the afternoon with just a few inches of water directly under the torii. Prepare for the ground to be very mucky though!

Spend your morning at this fantastic tea ceremony and calligraphy class . It’s a wonderful opportunity to get a taste of some traditional aspects of Japanese culture. There are three parts to the experience. First, your family will be dressed in fancy kimonos by the team of experienced ladies. They have a huge range of styles and sizes to choose from, and adult women in particular will get to experience alllll the layers.

Once you’re properly dressed, you’ll participate in a tea ceremony with the head of the cultural center. She clearly explains each step and its significance. You’ll also get some unique chocolates along with the matcha!

Finally, your family will learn some basics of Japanese calligraphy and choose a character to write on your own souvenir! Since you’re already fully dressed, you can also step outside to. the zen garden and have the staff take some photos for you. They took photos of us during the activities as well and shared them via AirDrop – they aren’t professional, but it’s nice to have them included at no additional cost. This was one of my favorite activities to do in Japan with kids. The organizer suggests a minimum age of 6 years old, though I think that for most kids it’s better for 8+.

It’s time for lunch, so head back to Miyajima’s main shopping street – just follow the crowds one block in from the coast. There are plenty of inexpensive options to take away from kiosks, and we opted for delicious cups of fried chicken that we enjoyed in a peaceful courtyard. You’ll also find various options for seafood, momiji manjū cakes and more! If your kids haven’t exhausted their souvenir budget yet, there are plenty of opportunities here as well.

Continue on past the commercial part of town to visit Itsukushima Shrine. It’s a beautiful and serene place with more than a thousand years of history. Like most shrines it’s just a few dollars to enter and you can move as quickly or slowly along the one-way path as you’d like. There isn’t much written information provided on-site, but you can read up in advance here for a fuller understanding of the complex and its history.

When you exit the shrine, look for signs for the Miyajima Ropeway. This is the cablecar that will take you to the summit of Mount Misen, which dominates the island’s landscape. It’s a somewhat steep 15 minute walk to the ropeway station at Momijidani, so if anyone in your family has limited mobility consider taking the free shuttle bus from Momijidani Park – more info here .

The ropeway is a fun activity for kids and parents alike! You’ll transfer mid-way to reach the summit, where you’re treated to spectacular views of Hiroshima Bay and its islands. We enjoyed the view from Shishiiwa Observatory but if you want to hike another 20 minutes you’ll arrive at Mount Misen Observatory and enjoy additional views.

You’ll either take the ropeway back down or hike it – the choice is yours, and may depend on how long the line for the ropeway is! We waited for about 30 minutes shortly before the last descent of the day and honestly it might have been faster just to walk down. We stopped at Niwa Cafe for dinner, which was a great choice!

End your evening with a relaxing soak in the onsen at Miyajima Kinsuikan. You’ve earned it after such a busy day!

Since this is a fast-paced 10 day Japan itinerary, you’re just going to pop into Osaka on your way from Miyajima Island to Kyoto. The good news is that the trains are very efficient so you’ll have a big chunk of the day to explore!

You’ll take the ferry back to the mainland and then a train to Hiroshima station. From there it’s easy to pick up a bullet train to Osaka. In total, travel time is around 3.5 hours. Once you’re in Osaka and Kyoto, the  Kansai Thru Pass is very handy as it covers all of the local rail and bus lines that aren’t already included with your Japan Rail pass .

With just a day in Osaka, you won’t be able to do everything unfortunately. One of the best things to do in Osaka with kids is pay a visit to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan . When it opened in 1990 it was the largest aquarium in the world! While it no longer holds that title it’s still a site to behold. There are incredible creatures here including while sharks, and the spiraling design continuously reveals more and more wonders.

If you’re visiting Japan in spring, be sure to check the schedule for the March sumo tournament – typically held during the second and third weeks. You’ll want to buy tickets well in advance, but I highly recommend attending if you can! Sumo is a unique experience and deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. The environment is family-friendly and many visitors bring food from local convenience stores, as concessions are minimal inside the stadium.

Another great option is to reserve a table at the Osaka Pokemon Cafe – check the calendar 31 days in advance. It can be very hard to get a table (we tried!) but thankfully there are other Pokemon things to do in Japan to entertain kids of all ages.

While you’re in Osaka, walk around the famous Dotonbori area to see the lights and spectacle. You can grab dinner nearby if you’re able to find a table without a huge line – there are some amazing options nearby for beef and seafood! If all else fails, check out the standby of CoCo ICHIBANYA for delicious curry.

Wrap up your day by taking the train from Osaka to your Kyoto hotel . It’s only about an hour, though it’s the end of a long and transit-heavy day.

Days 9-10: Kyoto

You’ve reached the final leg of your family Japan itinerary, which is bittersweet. Kyoto is a wonderful place to conclude your trip because it feels so distinctly Japanese (with a thick overlay of tourists, to be completely honest). It’s truly a great city and such a unique place to spend a few days since it retains the traditional architecture and vibe of pre-war Japan.

A quick note on where to stay in Kyoto: there are lots of excellent hotels, and it’s much more compact than Tokyo (for example). But in Kyoto you have two excellent opportunities to stay in a Pokemon themed room at Mimaru Kyoto Station and Mimaru Nishinotoin Takatsuji . We stayed at the latter because it was available, but the entire chain is extremely family-friendly. To say that my kids lost their minds from the surprise when we walked into our room is an understatement. If you can book one of those rooms, it’s 100% worth it.

Kyoto is a beautiful city full of ancient sites blended with modern culture. Follow our 2 day Kyoto with kids itinerary to learn exactly how to make the most of your visit!

If I had my druthers, we would have followed this longer Japan itinerary for 2 weeks of family travel. I’ve offered it here in case you’re lucky enough to visit for longer.

This itinerary covers roughly the same geographic area as the itinerary we did above but allows you to see more. Be sure to read the 10 day itinerary above – I’ll reference that in this expanded itienrary! Pay close attention to the overview, as there are some additional hotel stops and a slightly different transportation strategy.

Day 6-7: Disney

Day 8: Hiroshima

Day 9: miyajima island.

Day 10-12: Osaka*

Day 13-14: Kyoto *

Nights 6-7 near Disneyland:

– Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay

– Hilton Tokyo Bay

Nights 8-9 on Miyajima Island:

Nights 10-11 in Osaka*:

– Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda

– Holiday Inn & Suites Shin Osaka

Nights 12-14 in Kyoto *:

*To decrease hotel moves, you can consider staying in Kyoto the whole time. Kyoto and Osaka are only about an hour apart, but you may wind up making the trip a few times because there are plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Osaka!

– Tokyo subway pass

– Disney Sea and Disneyland

– Universal Studios Japan

Days 1-5: Tokyo & day trip to Hakone

Spend days 1-5 as described above in the 10 day Japan itinerary for families.

Days 6-7: Tokyo Disney

On the morning of Day 6, transfer to a hotel near Tokyo Disney like Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay . While you could stay at a hotel elsewhere in Tokyo, it’s hard to beat the convenience of being right on the monorail! The quieter waterfront location can also be a nice respite after the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

Tokyo Disney includes both Disneyland and DisneySea. Many Disney lovers regard these as some of the best parks in the world, as they’re very efficiently run and include some unique rides you won’t find elsewhere. And the tickets are a fraction of what you’d pay to visit Walt Disney World! Buy your tickets in advance and just flash the QR code to enter.

After you buy your tickets, be sure to download the Tokyo Disney Resort App. That will grant you access to the free Priority Pass system, which allows you to schedule return times for some attractions.

Before you go, read these helpful DisneySea tips and Tokyo Disneyland tips .

Spend day 8 visiting the A-bomb sites of Hiroshima . You’ll be spending this night (and the following) on Miyajima Island at Miyajima Kinsuikan , so if you don’t feel that visiting Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is the right choice for your family you can go directly to the island and spend the afternoon at its excellent aquarium.

Spend day 9 on Miyajima island as described above. You’ll do a tea ceremony and calligraphy class in the morning, visit the Itsukushima Shrine shrine after lunch and then take the ropeway to the top of Mount Misen to enjoy stunning views of Hiroshima Bay.

Days 10-12: Osaka

While we only spent one day in Osaka, I wish we’d had longer to base ourselves there! Not only does the city have some wonderful family-friendly attractions but it also makes a great base for day trips.

On your way back from Hiroshima to Osaka, stop at Himeji Castle for several hours. It’s the most impressive castle in the country and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The original structure was built in 1333 but what you see today dates from the 16th and 17th centuries. For a deeper look, book this excellent private tour of Himeji Castle .

Once you arrive in Osaka itself and settle into your hotel, head out to see the bright lights of Dotonbori and grab dinner. This would also be a great time to visit Pokemon Cafe if you’re able to get a table (reservations open 31 days in advance but there are occasionally walk in tables).

For days 11 and 12 you’ll have some tough choices to make! With young children, make the Aquarium Kaiyukan a priority – it’s really remarkable. If you’re visiting Japan with teens, tweens or older kids then plan to spend a day at Universal Studios Japan – it has favorites like Harry Potter World and Super Nintendo World and is extremely easy to get to if you stay at Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda or nearby.

If you’re visiting Osaka in March, consider spending a few hours at the huge sumo tournament at Edion Arena!

Be sure to stop by A Happy Pancake for breakfast or lunch. They have both sweet and savory options, and their distinctively Japanese pancakes are the thickest and fluffiest you’ve ever seen! The Doyamacho location is the most convenient in Osaka (there are also outposts in Tokyo and Kyoto).

You’ll probably also want to squeeze in a day trip to Nara to see the famous deer of Nara Park. Don’t miss the “big Buddha” and the beautiful Kasuga Taisha Shrine while you’re there, along with cherry blossoms in the spring and bright red foliage in the fall. It’s exactly one hour each way using public transit, so if you feel tight on time you can go for just a half day.k

At the end of day 12, hop on a quick train to Kyoto to settle into your hotel for the last stop on your Japan adventure.

Days 13-14: Kyoto

Spend days 13 and 14 exploring Kyoto as described in our 2 day Kyoto itinerary .

Are you looking for an itinerary that’s a little slower, whether because you’re visiting Japan with toddlers or just prefer not to cram so much in? I’ve got you covered. In this itinerary you’ll only split your time between two bases and you’ll enjoy plenty of activities that are unique to Japan but still extremely little kid friendly!

To really level up this kid-friendly Japan trip, book your flights into Tokyo and out of Kansai International Airport (KIX) south of Osaka. You’ll save travel time and train fare since you really don’t need a Japan Rail pass for this itinerary!

Day 1-5: Tokyo with day trip to DisneySea

Day 6-10: Kyoto with day trips to Nara and Osaka

Nights 6-10 in Kyoto:

– DisneySea

– Nara day tour

Days 1-5: Tokyo with day trip to Disney

Follow our 4 day Tokyo itinerary for families to explore the city’s many facets, but break up your time with a day trip to DisneySea .

Days 6-10: Kyoto + day trips

Follow our 2 day Kyoto itinerary for families . Add in at least one day trip to Osaka to visits sites like Aquarium Kaiyukan and a day trip to Nara to see the famous deer. You might even have time to go to  Universal Studios Japan ! It’s even possible to take a day trip from Kyoto to Hiroshima to pay your respects at the A-bomb sites , and some families may opt to send one parent to do that while the other pursues more kid-friendly options in Kyoto.

I’ve written up many helpful Japan travel tips , but I want to highlight a few here that are specific to visiting with kids.

• Plan well in advance. Many hotel rooms are only rated for two people, so your options for a family will be even more limited if you wait too long.
• Bring a folding car seat with you. While public transportation is excellent in Tokyo and between cities, you may want to take a taxi from the airport with your luggage after a long flight. We also found that Kyoto public transportation wasn’t nearly as robust.
• Let your kids go wild in convenience stores! They’re a great place to grab unique candies, sandwiches for a picnic or even delicious fried chicken.
• Get your kids involved in planning. Check out my son’s favorite things to do in Japan with kids .
• Bring a portable charger (or two) since you’ll be using your phone all day long to take pictures, translate menus and look up directions.

I hope these family-friendly Japan itineraries have give you the confidence to plan your own adventure!

Ready to dive in? Don’t miss these helpful resources for planning your own Japan trip!

• Buy your Japan Rail Pass
• Best Things to do in Japan With Kids: A Kid’s Take
• 9 Tips for Japan Travel You Can’t Afford To Miss
• What to Pack for Japan in Spring (and What to Leave at Home)
• Things to do in Tokyo With Kids: Itinerary for 4 Days of Old and New
• Visiting Kyoto With Kids: 2+ Day Itinerary + Must-Read Travel Tips
• Best Family Hotels in Kyoto
• Awesome Pokémon Things to do in Japan
• Visiting the A-Bomb Sites in Hiroshima with Kids
• 10 Japan Cultural Activities & Attractions For Your Bucket List

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