Full 3-Day Kyoto Itinerary & Journey Information

When you’ve completed your issues to do in Tokyo listing, let me gently nudge you only a couple hours away, as a result of a few of Japan’s most unforgettable experiences are ready in Kyoto. Hop on the bullet practice and in about 2.5 hours, you’ll commerce Tokyo’s neon buzz for a metropolis stuffed with centuries-old temples, peaceable tea homes, and a meals scene that I’m nonetheless dreaming about. 

On this information, I’m sharing precisely how I might plan the proper 3-day itinerary for Kyoto, primarily based alone expertise. You’ll be taught what to see, what to do, and (very importantly) the place to eat.

Itinerary (Good for First Timers)

Kyoto Journey Planning Information

Greatest Time to Go to

The quick reply is that spring and fall are onerous to beat. That stated, Kyoto is a year-round vacation spot, and there’s actually no unhealthy time to go. It simply will depend on whether or not you wish to courageous the climate or the crowds.

The most well-liked months (and the busiest) are March by Could and October by November, when the climate is snug and the surroundings is at its peak. Spring brings these dreamy cherry blossoms (late March to mid-April), whereas fall delivers wealthy autumn colours and that crisp, cozy air. 

Summer season (June by August) is sizzling and humid, however nonetheless doable in the event you take breaks and keep hydrated (and don’t let the wet season scare you—it’s usually not fixed rain). Winter is colder, however a lot quieter, with fewer crowds and higher resort costs.

I’ve truly been to Japan a number of occasions in December, and there have been approach fewer folks. It was a bit chilly, however truthfully not unhealthy in any respect when you bundle up.

How Many Days to Spend in Kyoto

If it’s your first time in Kyoto, give it a minimum of three days. That’s sufficient to make stops on the highlights and with just a little planning, you possibly can even slot in a fast day journey to Nara to see the native deer. However in the event you can stretch it to 5 days, Kyoto begins to really feel totally different. You’re now not shifting from one landmark to the following, you possibly can take the longer route on goal. 

The place to Keep in Kyoto

If it’s your first go to, I often recommend staying someplace central so that you’re near lots of the most important sights, and downtown Kyoto could be the most suitable choice for that. With that stated, Kyoto’s public transportation may be very straightforward to make use of, so you possibly can comfortably discover irrespective of the place you keep.

I stayed at HANARE by Tokyu Keep Kyoto Sanjo ($$) in central Kyoto, and it ended up being such an excellent residence base for exploring town. It was near the subway, but in addition solely a 15 minute stroll to Nishiki Market.

The room was surprisingly spacious for Japan, plus there’s a small kitchenette with a microwave, sink, and fridge, plus a contemporary lavatory with a rain bathe that felt like just a little luxurious on the finish of the day. However what I cherished most? The washer and dryer that made packing a lot simpler (particularly in the event you’re making an attempt to journey lighter). In addition they had a sake joyful hour and free Japanese snacks, which felt like a enjoyable little bonus.

Different Lodge Choices

• Reikaku Yasaka ($$$$): A refined machiya keep in Gion that blends historic allure with trendy luxurious, full with elegant interiors, a non-public backyard, and a primary location close to Yasaka Shrine.
• Sowaka ($$$$): A superbly restored ryokan turned boutique resort providing minimalist design, distinctive service, and a peaceable retreat proper within the coronary heart of Gion.
• Lodge The Celestine Kyoto Gion ($$$): A serene, upscale resort with conventional design touches, a soothing public bathtub, and a quiet location simply steps from Kyoto’s historic streets.
• insomnia KYOTO OIKE ($$): A relaxed and trendy resort that’s welcoming and cozy, making it a straightforward, no-fuss base after lengthy days of exploring Kyoto.
• Nohga Lodge Kiyomizu Kyoto ($$): A design-forward resort mixing modern model with native artwork and craft, plus a rooftop bar and an excellent location close to Kiyomizu-dera and Higashiyama.

Earlier than You Go

Paperwork Wanted

Earlier than you go, fill out your immigration and customs varieties by Go to Japan Internet. You’ll get a QR code that makes arriving in Japan a lot smoother.

Useful Apps

Suica:  Obtain Suica app in your cellphone after which add it to your Apple Pockets by the app. You possibly can add it on to your pockets with out downloading the app, however once I tried that, I wasn’t in a position to load cash and stored getting errors. Although, in the event you like, you possibly can strive that first with these pockets directions. 

As soon as it’s arrange, it’s extremely straightforward. You possibly can load cash with Apple Pay and to make use of it you simply faucet your cellphone at subway gates, buses, merchandising machines, and even some outlets. You don’t even must open the app. For detailed directions, see the JR-East web site.

Google Translate: Each time I’m in Japan I rely closely on the Google Translate app. Whereas many individuals converse some English, lots don’t—and menus, indicators, and even issues like your resort thermostat could solely be in Japanese. The digicam characteristic alone is price it!

Go Taxi: GO Taxi is principally Japan’s model of Uber, besides it calls licensed taxis as an alternative of personal vehicles. The most effective half is you possibly can see your fare upfront, which takes away any guesswork. I used it proper after touchdown at Haneda Airport and it was fully stress-free. 

Fast tip: taxi doorways open and shut routinely, so don’t attempt to do it your self. I’ll have made that mistake a few times.

Google Maps: Google Maps will likely be your greatest buddy in Kyoto. I used it in all places, and it by no means failed me. It tells you precisely which practice or bus to take, how lengthy every leg will take, and even how far you’ll be strolling between stations. It takes a lot of the stress out of figuring issues out in a brand new place.

Just a few real-life suggestions that made an enormous distinction for me:

• If in case you have baggage, choose the wheelchair-accessible route choice. It will information you to elevators as an alternative of stairs. In any other case, it’s possible you’ll end up hauling a suitcase up and down extra steps than you’d like.
• Attempt to keep away from rush hour with huge baggage. Trains get very crowded, and area is tight.
• When you’re on board, place your baggage close to the practice doorways the place there’s often a bit extra room.

And if issues don’t go completely, that’s okay. It occurs. For those who get on the improper practice, simply hop off on the subsequent cease and reassess. I can’t inform you what number of occasions I stated to my husband, “I want a minute,” and stepped off to the aspect to regroup.

Attending to Kyoto from Tokyo by Bullet Practice (Shinkansen)

The most well-liked solution to get to Kyoto from Tokyo is on the bullet practice. Why? As a result of, not solely is it a bucket listing expertise, going by an area practice might take as much as 5 occasions as lengthy. The Shinkansen takes you 450km in about 2 hours and quarter-hour. 

I booked all of our bullet practice tickets utilizing the SmartEX app, and I might do it the identical approach once more in a heartbeat. Sure, you possibly can completely purchase tickets on the station, however I’ve discovered through the years that my journey days go a complete lot smoother once I take away as many “determine it out on the fly” moments as potential (particularly once I’m drained, holding a suitcase, and simply wish to get the place I’m going).

Listed below are just a few suggestions I picked up alongside the best way that made the expertise really feel straightforward as an alternative of overwhelming:

• Reserve your seats prematurely. It’s not required, however if you would like management over the place you sit (and belief me, you may), it’s price it.
• For that Mount Fuji second, select seats D or E when touring between Tokyo and Kyoto (both route). On a transparent day, you may get a implausible Mount Fuji view. 
• Baggage is doable, however plan forward. The overhead racks can match a decent-sized suitcase in the event you can carry it. In case your bag is over 160cm, you’ll want to order a seat with baggage area (reserving the final row is good, as a result of it has additional baggage area instantly behind it, however these seats go rapidly).
• Arrive about 20–half-hour early. Stations like Tokyo and Kyoto are splendidly environment friendly…and likewise a little bit of a maze the primary time by.
• Observe the indicators for Shinkansen. On the station, observe indicators for Shinkansen. Your practice ought to have a quantity (and a reputation, like Hikari, Nozomi or Kodama) which you will notice on the indicators within the station and on the platform.
• In your practice’s platform, every automotive quantity will likely be listed at every gate to enter the practice, simply discover your automotive quantity and wait there. 
• Don’t skip the meals halls. Each Tokyo and Kyoto stations have unimaginable choices. So, seize a bento field and snacks earlier than boarding.

Getting Round

Getting round Kyoto might be executed by subway, bus or taxi–we used all three! You should utilize your loaded Suica card for the subway and bus, the taxis might be booked and paid for prematurely with the GoTaxi app. Many elements of town are tremendous walkable too.

Different Important Suggestions

Language: Though you’ll discover that many individuals converse English, there are nonetheless loads of moments, particularly off the overwhelmed path, the place you may run right into a little bit of a language hole. So, I all the time suggest having Google Translate useful in your cellphone.

Forex: The native foreign money is the Japanese yen, and U.S. {dollars} aren’t usually accepted, so it’s price planning forward. I often change a bit of cash earlier than leaving or withdraw money on the airport once I land, simply to make these first few hours really feel straightforward and stress-free. Money is usually used at smaller eating places, markets, and native outlets. In any other case bank cards are extensively accepted. 

Tipping: In Japan, tipping isn’t a factor, so don’t fear about leaving additional at eating places, taxis, or lodges. 

Security: Kyoto is taken into account a really secure metropolis in Japan, with low crime charges. After all, it’s all the time good to remain conscious of your environment and take regular precautions, however you possibly can really feel snug exploring by yourself.

For up-to-date journey advisories and security suggestions, you possibly can verify the U.S. Division of State web site right here: journey.state.gov. 

Greatest Issues to do in Kyoto

Stroll Thinker’s Stroll (Tetsugaku no Michi)

This ended up being a type of unexpectedly significant moments for me. The Thinker’s Stroll is a straightforward two kilometer stroll alongside a canal that follows a route as soon as utilized by physicist and thinker Nishida Kitaro. After we went, locals stopped alongside the trail to wish with us, and one type artisan handed us tiny leaf boats to throw within the water for luck.

Go to Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Ginkaku-ji was based in 1482 by Ashikaga Yoshimasa as his retirement villa and have become a Zen temple after his demise. Regardless of the nickname Silver Pavilion, it’s not silver however a restrained wood construction with plaster ending that displays wabi-sabi aesthetics. The actual draw is the mossy gardens and the karesansui, a raked sand backyard that channels Zen calm.

Tenjuan (Nanzen-ji advanced)

Tenjuan is a subtemple contained in the bigger Nanzen-ji advanced, with origins tied to the 14th century and later reconstructions within the early 1600s. The beautiful website is greatest recognized for 2 contrasting gardens: an austere dry backyard close to the principle corridor and a water backyard that depends on seasonal streams and ponds. There’s additionally veranda seats which might be nice for simply taking all of it in, particularly in autumn when maple leaves flame crimson.

Nijo Fortress

Nijo Fortress served because the shogun’s Kyoto residence and is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. The advanced consists of huge moats, outer partitions, and the Ninomaru Palace, famed for its nightingale flooring that chirp when walked upon and sliding doorways painted by Kano college artists. The layered gardens mix strolling paths with rigorously positioned pines and ponds.

Ensure you purchase the ticket that features the inside, as a result of that’s the place you’ll see the painted sliding doorways and get the total expertise.

Hanamikoji Road

Hanamikoji-dori threads by Gion, Kyoto’s historic leisure district the place wood buildings and smooth crimson lantern lights combine with the quiet buzz of eating places opening for the night time. As soon as residence to teahouses the place geisha carried out, you may see a geisha immediately, however don’t go chasing that second, respect the environment first and any encounters second.

Shirakawa Canal

The Shirakawa Canal runs alongside the sting of Gion and dates again centuries, initially used to move items by the district. Right this moment, it’s one of many prettiest and most peaceable corners of Kyoto. Stone paths line the water, willow timber dip into the canal, and conventional teahouses sit simply behind them. For those who can, come within the early night when the lanterns begin to glow.

Pontocho Alley

Pontocho Alley runs parallel to the Kamo River and is full of slender, conventional buildings that now home every part from tiny yakitori spots to multi-course kaiseki eating places. Reservations for in style spots are smart, however dipping right into a small izakaya is usually the most suitable choice. Right here’s a pair to strive:

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a bit of quick walkways stuffed with towering bamboo stalks that grew to become well-known on social media, which signifies that it’s full of vacationers. An early arrival is essential if you would like images with out crowds; we arrived at 8:00 and there have been solely a handful of individuals. A go to is completely paired with the close by Tenryu-ji Temple.

When you undoubtedly ought to make a cease right here, I truly most well-liked the bamboo path at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple. It’s quieter, much less crowded, and simply as fairly.

Tenryu-ji 

Tenryu-ji dates again to 1339 and is considered one of Kyoto’s most vital Zen temples, however what stood out to me wasn’t the buildings, it was the backyard. It’s designed round a central pond, and the encompassing mountains are deliberately a part of the view, which implies it modifications with each season.

​Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple 

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple has roots going again over a thousand years, however what you see immediately feels surprisingly playful. Throughout a restoration within the Nineteen Eighties, over a thousand stone statues have been carved by totally different folks, not grasp artists, simply on a regular basis people. And you’ll inform, as a result of each is just a little bit totally different.

Some are smiling, some look just a little mischievous, and some genuinely made me snigger out loud. It’s additionally a lot quieter than most locations in Kyoto, which makes it really feel extra private. It’s a bit outdoors the principle space, so take a taxi (or bus) and provides your self time to wander.

Kinkaku-ji (Water Temple)

Kinkaku-ji is a type of locations you’ve in all probability seen 100 occasions in images, however photos can’t do it justice. Initially constructed within the 14th century because the retirement villa of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, what you see immediately is a reconstruction after previous fires, however it stays true to that basic Muromachi model. The highest two flooring are lined in gold leaf, and when the sunshine hits excellent, you’ll see it shimmering within the reflection of the Kyoko-chi pond.

Stroll Saga Toriimoto Road 

Saga-Toriimoto road preserves a slice of Meiji-era Kyoto with rows of machiya, slender lanes, and understated storefronts that offer you a glimpse into town’s service provider previous. This stretch close to Arashiyama is much less crowded than central sights and the type of place the place you wander with no plan. Perhaps you pop right into a small pottery store, peek inside a tiny tea home, or choose up an area candy simply because it appears to be like good (which I totally help).

Tip: It’s not a far stroll from Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple.

Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple

Adashino Nenbutsu-ji dates again to the Heian interval and was initially a website for funeral rites. It’s primarily recognized for 1000’s of small stone memorials that honor unknown souls. After which there’s the bamboo path. It’s not as well-known as the principle grove, however I truly preferred it extra. It’s smaller, a lot much less crowded, and simply as lovely, possibly much more as a result of you possibly can truly take it in with out the noise and crowds.

Gio-ji (Tiny Moss Temple)

Gio-ji Temple is tiny, quiet, and extremely straightforward to overlook, which is precisely what makes it really feel so particular. The whole backyard is roofed on this smooth, lush carpet of moss that wraps across the stone paths and timber, creating what seems like just a little inexperienced sanctuary tucked away from every part else.

Fushimi Inari-Taisha

Fushimi Inari Taisha is a type of locations you’ve undoubtedly seen on Instagram, proper up there with the bamboo grove, and it’s simply as hanging in particular person. Based within the eighth century and devoted to Inari, the kami of rice and prosperity, it’s well-known for its 1000’s of vibrant vermilion torii gates that kind these winding tunnels up Mount Inari. As you stroll, you’ll cross smaller shrines, fox statues (they’re thought-about messengers), and occasional lookout factors with views over town.

You possibly can hike all the path, which takes about two to a few hours, however most individuals (myself included) go partway up, get these iconic views, and switch again.

➞ For those who can, go early within the morning when there will likely be much less crowds skinny out, and undoubtedly stroll previous the primary set of gates (that’s the place plenty of the vacationers hang around). 

Eat Your Method By Nishki Market

Nishiki Market has been round because the early 1600s, beginning as a wholesale fish market earlier than rising into what locals now name “Kyoto’s Kitchen.” It stretches for about 5 blocks and is full of small, family-run stalls alongside newer meals distributors serving every part from grilled skewers to tempura crab legs.

You possibly can even choose up just a few edible souvenirs or one thing enjoyable on your kitchen (I introduced residence a set of the cutest ceramic chopstick holders formed like origami cranes).

The place to Eat in Kyoto

The Kyoto meals scene is spectacular, so it’s a place the place you’re going to wish to take pleasure in by making an attempt out plenty of totally different locations. These are my suggestions. 

• Ashioto: This rapidly grew to become my favourite dinner spot in Kyoto. It’s a comfy izakaya the place small plates are full of taste and creativity. We ordered six dishes, and whereas every part was unimaginable, the Tuna Cutlet with chive soy sauce stole the present. 
• Noodle store Rennosuke: A hidden ramen spot close to Kinkaku-ji is a Bib Gourmand Michelin discover. All the pieces was memorable
• Kyoto Tonkatsu Katsuda Shijokarasuma: A tiny katsu restaurant with an enormous repute. The parts preserve coming, every part is completely crispy, and it’s consolation meals at its greatest.
• Dangoro: An off-the-cuff little noodle store close to the bamboo grove, specializing in soba and udon. We had an udon bowl and a soba one for below $15!
• MOTOI Gyoza: Fast, low cost, and scrumptious. I like to recommend the papas gyoza with shrimp and leek or the wagyu gyoza.
• Nakashimaya: A conventional obanzai-style restaurant, serving Kyoto-style residence cooking. Seasonal greens, small plates, and native components make it really feel such as you’re consuming in a Kyoto residence. 
• Rokkaku Ace: A full of life izakaya in Nakagyo-ku. We knew we needed to strive it when the signal stated “totally booked” on our first night time. The grilled shrimp is a should!
• Hikiniku to Come: For meat lovers, that is the spot! It focuses on charcoal-grilled hamburgers devoted to freshly floor meat and freshly cooked rice.
• Monk: Monk is a small, intimate spot specializing in wood-fired pizzas and seasonal dishes, featured on Chef’s Desk, so reservations are a should and onerous to get.

Tea, Espresso & Deal with Locations

• amam dacotan: The bakery is full of irresistible pastries, each candy and savory.
• Asarte Espresso: A tiny espresso store serving wonderful espresso and irresistible pastries. Don’t miss the mandarin orange tart or the Yuzu and Earl Gray croissant.
• Fiveran: a pastry store the place you load up your little basket with recent baked croissants and goodies. 
• Le Labo Cafe: Hidden behind Le Labo Perfumery, you’ll discover this tiny café has a candy little backyard. 
• nota Dorayaki & Black Tea: Attempt the matcha dorayaki that are the fluffiest pancakes. 
• Rokujuan: I couldn’t resist getting the hanawarabi  (viral flower jelly). The flavour was simply okay, however the expertise is a ten/10. 
• Stardust: A comfortable spot for vegan meals and uncooked sweets, providing treats like uncooked cashew muffins, vegan custard tarts, carrot cake, scones, and creamy panna cotta.

Excursions to Take

For those who don’t wish to navigate town by yourself, or have an additional day or two there are lots of nice excursions you possibly can take (Viator has a number of the greatest ones!). Listed below are just a few I like to recommend:

Good Kyoto 1-Day Bus Tour: That is the one I’d inform you to e-book if you wish to see rather a lot with out overthinking a single element. You’ll go to Kyoto’s largest highlights like Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari, all in someday, with out determining transportation. It’s a full day, sure, however every part is organized for you. Simply present up, sit again, and take it in.

World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Genuine Matcha Expertise: If the concept of navigating a number of cities in someday stresses you out, this tour removes all of that. You’ll go to Nara to see the well-known bowing deer and the Nice Buddha, then head to Uji for a correct matcha expertise. It’s a very nice mixture of tradition, historical past, and one thing hands-on, which makes the entire day really feel extra memorable.

Gion Hidden Gems & Geisha Tradition Tour: Gion is gorgeous by itself, however I’ll be trustworthy, there’s rather a lot you’ll stroll proper previous with out realizing it. This tour fills in these gaps. You’ll find out about geisha tradition, wander the quieter streets, and listen to the tales behind what you’re seeing. For those who like understanding a spot, not simply it, this one is price it.

Nishiki Market Brunch Strolling Tour: For those who’re just a little hesitant about what to eat or the place to begin, that is such a straightforward approach in. You’ll strive quite a lot of native meals with somebody guiding you thru it, which takes the stress off ordering one thing unfamiliar.

Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya: For an immersive cultural expertise, the Kimono Tea Ceremony enables you to step into a standard kimono earlier than collaborating in a guided matcha ceremony. You’ll be taught the customs, etiquette, and historical past behind this centuries-old ritual whereas making ready and having fun with matcha in a relaxed, intentional setting.

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