The Ultimate 3-Day Kyoto Itinerary
Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital city, is one of the most popular places to visit in Japan. There is so much to see and do, from iconic landmarks, serene temples and garden, and its a city offering a perfect blend of ancient cultures and modern activities.
It can get somewhat overwhelming if it’s your first time visiting, so I’ve created this 3-day itinerary that groups activities based on location, to make your trip easy and efficient.
If you want to know what activities are a must in Kyoto, read my Kyoto Travel Guide that includes the best activities you shouldn’t miss.
📍 HOW TO GET TO KYOTO:
✈️ Fly into KIX (Kansai International Airport) and take the Haruka express train, or the airport limousine bus , both direct to Kyoto Station.
🚅 From other major cities in Japan like Tokyo, take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto Station.
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.
Day 1
🍡 Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka
Sloping streets lined with historic Japanese buildings
🏯Kiyomizu-dera
A temple famous for its wooden stage that offers panoramic views of Kyoto
⛩️ Yasaka Shrine
Beautiful shrine with hundreds of lanterns
🍵Hanamikoji Street
Street lined with historic wooden buildings and geisha teahouses
🍃Ginkakujicho
Zen temple with beautiful moss covered gardens
🌸 Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku No Michi)
Pleasant stone path and a canal beautifully lined in cherry blossom trees
🍣 Nishiki Market
Lively marketplace with food and goods
🍶 Pontocho Alley
Atmospheric street packed with restaurants and bars
Day 1 Tips:
Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka Streets, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Shrine, Hanamikoji are all walkable distances.
From Hanamikoji-dori (street), easiest way to get to Ginkakujicho & Philosopher’s Path is a bus. Use Google Maps for the next available bus.
Day 2
Arashiyama
🎋 Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Famous charming bamboo grove
🏯 Tenryuji Temple
Temple with a stunning zen garden
🎋 Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple
A temple with a quieter bamboo grove lined stairway
🗿 Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple
Temple with over 1000 whimsical stone statues
☕️ % ARABICA & Togetsukyo Bridge
Famous Japanese coffee chain – try the Kyoto Latte. You can enjoy views of Togetsukyo Bridge with a cup of coffee.
👘 Kimono Forest
Beautiful pillars with kimono designs at the Arashiyama train station
🚋 Randen Tram
An antique tram that runs in western part of Kyoto
🌟 Kinkakujicho
Temple covered in shiny gold leaf
Day 2 Tips
How to get to Arashiyama from Kyoto:
Trains, buses and Randen trams will get you to Arashiyama Station from anywhere in Kyoto. Use Google Maps to explore your options for that day. You may have to transfer once to get to Arashiyama depending on where you are departing from.
The Randen trams are antique trams that operate in the western part of Kyoto. There are 2 lines – Arashiyama and Kitano lines. Consider getting this pass that includes unlimited subway (OR bus) in Kyoto and unlimited Randen rides for 1 day. It costs less than $5! Take the Randen from Arashiyama to Kinkakuji-cho (you have to transfer once to another Randen line, or a bus as there is no direct route).
Klook.comIn Arashiyama, I also recommend the following activities:
Klook.comDay 3
⛩️ Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Thousands of red torii gates lining a pathway to a shrine. The further you hike up, the less crowded it will get.
🏯 Tofukuji Temple
Another beautiful temple and grounds
🦌 Day trip to Nara
Visit the free roaming deers at Nara Park, and stop by the Todai-ji Temple, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue
Day 3 Tips
To get to Nara, take the train to Kintetsu Nara Station. Make sure to go to this station instead of Nara Station as this station is right by the Nara Park, whereas Nara station is a 20 minute walk away.
If you prefer a guided tour of sites in Nara (especially since doing it as a day trip means limited sightseeing time), check out one of these tours.
Klook.com🇯🇵 If you have time left, spend it in downtown Kyoto – both Daimaru and Takashimaya department stores have impressive food markets in their basement floors. For shopping head to Shijo Street, and take in the beauty of Kamogawa (Kamo River).
📍 Map
Find the itinerary on a Google Map here: It’s organized by day. Enjoy your Kyoto trip!
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