The Perfect 3 Day Kyoto Itinerary: Ultimate Guide for Best Time in Japan

Kyoto is one of my favorite places to visit in Japan. It feels timeless, filled with centuries old temples, peaceful gardens, lantern lit alleyways, and traditional wooden houses that make it so different from the buzzing modern Tokyo. 

As the former imperial capital for more than a thousand years, Kyoto is home to an incredible number of historic sites. In fact, there are over 1,600 temples and 400 shrines scattered throughout the city. With so many places to visit, planning a trip can quickly start to feel overwhelming, especially if it is your first time.

One of the most common mistakes travelers make in Kyoto is trying to visit too many places in a short amount of time. Because many of the city’s most famous sights are spread across different districts, poor planning can easily lead to long travel times and a lot of unnecessary zigzagging across the city. 

With only a few days in Kyoto, having a well organized plan that groups nearby attractions makes all the difference.

This 3 day Kyoto itinerary is designed to help you experience the city’s most beautiful temples, historic streets, and scenic neighborhoods in a logical way by grouping attractions that are close to each other. It’s a balanced itinerary that allows you to see Kyoto’s highlights while still leaving room to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere that makes the city so special.

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Things to Know Before Going to Kyoto

Kyoto is not as large as Tokyo, but it doesn’t make it a small city by any means. Just like Tokyo, public transportation is easy to use and the city is well connected.  

The best way to see Kyoto, is by geographical regions. This 3 day itinerary for Kyoto will be based on grouping closer attractions together, to maximize efficiency and to conserve energy. 

Before you head to Kyoto, you’ll want to read my Kyoto Travel Guide. This has a list of best things to do in the city, and best places to stay at. 

Some things to prepare yourself with prior to the trip are:

• Google Maps – the app works really well in Japan, with accurate train and bus schedules and directions. 
• Kyoto City Subway and Bus 1 Day Ticket – read my guide here for general tips on traveling Japan by train first to familiarize yourself with the general transportation system. Public transportation in Kyoto is easy and convenient. This Kyoto unlimited bus and subway pass costs $7.75 a day. One way bus tickets are about $1.45 USD, and I don’t think this pass saves you that much money but for days that involve more movement throughout the city, consider getting it. 
• Kansai Pass – this is a regional rail pass that includes nearby places like Osaka, Kobe and Nara. If you plan on visiting these cities, I would recommend this rail pass. 
• e-sim – you’ll need to stay connected with data in Japan. Trust me, you’ll need it for finding directions and searching things all the time. I recommend this one. 
• Cash – Japan is becoming more and more credit card friendly, but some places (for example some street food vendors and restaurants) still only accept cash. Make sure to exchange some currency. If you are in Japan, use the ATMs at 7-11 as they have the best rates.
• IC Card – these are rechargeable transportation cards that you can use to pay for subways, buses, and even at convenience stores. iPhone users can simply download it on their Wallet app and reload with a credit card on file, and tap your phone to pay. Suica, Icoca and Pasmo are 3 different types, but they all basically have the same function. 
• Klook – I love using Klook for my hotels, transportation and activities in Japan. You can use my code MINYWANDER for 10% off your total (10% for new customers and 3% for returning – I recommend maximizing your first purchase for the biggest discount!)

HOW TO GET AROUND IN KYOTO:

Public transportation is efficient and easy in Japan. Use Google Maps to figure out what mode of transportation options there are, and then use an IC card (Suica, Pasmo or Icoca) on your phone (if you have an iPhone you can add to your wallet) or the physical card to pay for trains, subways, buses or taxis. Read my article on Japan’s Transportation Guide for an in-depth understanding of how the transportation system in Japan works.

📍 Map

Find the itinerary on a Google Map here: It’s organized by day. Enjoy your Kyoto trip!