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Kyoto, Japan is a city rich in culture and history. From the stunning temples and shrines that dot the landscape to the vibrant markets filled with delicious food, Kyoto offers something for everyone.
But if you only have three days in Kyoto, how do you make sure to get the most out of your trip?
This ultimate Kyoto 3-day itinerary will show you exactly how to make the most of your time in this beautiful Japanese city.
With carefully planned activities that cover everything from ancient temples and traditional Japanese cuisine to shopping at bustling night markets and taking part in cultural rituals, you’ll be able to experience all of what this fascinating city has to offer!
How to get to Kyoto
Kyoto itself doesn’t have an airport so your best option is to either fly to Osaka or Tokyo.
If you are coming from Europe, Australia or the US, it’s very likely to be easier to get to one of Tokyo’s airports and take the train from there.
Click here to see the best fares to Tokyo.
From Tokyo Station, you can take a bullet train (Shinkansen) to Kyoto Station. It takes about two and a half hours and costs around ¥14,000 ($125 USD). If you have a JR Pass, it will be included.
READ MORE: Is the JR Pass worth it? Our Japan Rail Pass Review and tips to use it
Where to stay in Kyoto for 3 days
Kyoto is a city of many districts and different areas, so it’s important to choose the right place for you.
It’s a much bigger city than you might expect and transportation will take up a lot of your day.
As a general thing, there are 3 areas that are particularly convenient to stay in Kyoto:
- Central Kyoto. Perfect for this itinerary as it’s close to Nijo Castle and at an equal distance from all the other sights.
- Gion. The famous geisha district and the perfect place to stay if you want to be close to Kyoto’s culture.
- Kyoto Station Area. Perfect for those who arrive by Shinkansen from Tokyo or Osaka and want a convenient place to stay with good connections to all parts of town.
In terms of hotels, here are my recommendations:
- Luxury: Rinn Gion Shirakawa is ideally located in the middle of Gion and is one of the most sumptuous hotels in the city
- Mid-range: Nagi Kyoto Shijo is very well located and offers amazing rooms. The value for money is excellent. Agora Kyoto Shijo is also great value for money and is near Nijo Castle.
- Budget: Ryokan Hostel Gion is perfect for people who are looking for cheap (yet well-located) accommodation in Kyoto and want to try a traditional type of Japanese inn.
The Ultimate 3-day Kyoto Itinerary
Now that we talked about the logistics, it’s time to get to the nitty gritty and discover exactly what to do in Kyoto in 3 days.
Kyoto Itinerary Day 1: Walking tour, Tea Ceremony and exploring Gion
The best way to start your 3 days in Kyoto is by discovering the city’s most famous neighbourhood, Gion.
Known as the Geisha district, Gion is home to some of Kyoto’s most iconic sights and the perfect place to see old Japanese architecture.
Stop 1: Walking tour of Kyoto
Start your day with the free walking tour of Kyoto.
No matter where you travel in the world, joining a walking tour is an excellent way to make the best of your time as well as learn plenty about the local culture.
It starts at 10:30 AM from Sanjo Station. You will meet your local guide there and start exploring the eastern part of Kyoto.
First, you will walk along the banks of the Kamogawa River before arriving in the beautiful neighbourhood of Gion where you can see some rare examples of traditional wooden houses.
You will then head to Chion-in Temple, Hisashi-Yama and finish at the beautiful Kiyomizu-Dera Temple.
The guides are very knowledgeable and they will tell you plenty of stories about the history of Kyoto, where the name comes from, what it was like when it was the capital of Japan but also about the people and what they are like.
It’s very interesting and is a great way to start your 3 days in Kyoto.
Please note that this free walking tour is actually tip-based. It’s a great option for people on a budget but it’s true that the group can be a bit big. If you want something more private and customised, you should consider booking this private tour of Kyoto.
Stop 2: Kiyomizu-Dera Temple
You will finish the walking tour in front of the entrance of Kiyomizu-Dera Temple which is very practical.
You can walk up the steps and enjoy the views from the top for free but will have to buy a ticket at the ticket office to walk into the actual temple and gardens.
Kiyomizu-Dera is one of the most popular temples in Kyoto. Built in 780, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers beautiful views of the city from its elevated position.
It’s a Buddhist temple that is particularly famous for the wooden stage in front of the main pavilion.
PRO TIP: You will need to take your shoes off to enter the pavilions so make sure to wear shoes that are easy to remove, without laces if possible.
The temple complex consists of numerous halls and pavilions connected by walkways, as well as several pagodas, trees (beautiful in spring and autumn) and other structures.
You can walk all the way around the temple and back down the path to the main entrance and Gion.
Stop 3: Tea Ceremony
After exploring Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, you can head to a tea house to experience the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
The tea ceremony is an important part of Japanese culture and it’s one of those activities that truly immerses you in the local way of life.
You will learn about the history and origins of tea ceremonies, how to prepare and serve matcha tea as well as learn a few words in Japanese.
The tea ceremony usually takes place in an old traditional house.
I particularly recommend booking your tea ceremony at Camellia Tea Ceremony. They are very well-located and provide a truly amazing experience.
You can easily book your tea ceremony experience here. The rooms can fit up to 8 people but if you’d rather have a private experience with a garden, you can also book this service.
When you get there, the host will greet you and ask you to remove your shoes to go up into the tea room.
Once there, everyone will sit on the floor and she will start explaining how the experience will be and give you some interesting facts about the tea ceremony.
She will then do a demonstration. This is the most relaxing part of the experience. Though I can’t quite explain why, there is something particularly soothing and relaxing about watching her doing this detailed and precise, also choreographed, process.
She will then serve a matcha tea to the guest of honour (I won’t tell you how this person is chosen so I don’t ruin the element of surprise but it will be one of the people in the room).
After that, you will all get to prepare your own matcha and drink it.
It’s a wonderful experience that I highly recommend to anyone who wants to get a deep understanding of Japanese culture.
I also suggest booking your tea ceremony in advance as it can be quite difficult to find one if you wait until the last minute, especially if you are travelling during the cherry blossom season.
PRO TIP: If you want to take beautiful photos during your tea ceremony and would like to wear a kimono, you have two options.
The first one is to hire it from Camellia Tea Ceremony or from one of the shops in Gion. It costs around £20 to do so for the day.
The other option, much cheaper, is to buy a second-hand kimono from the shop Vintage Kimono AN Gion.
It’s only a 5-minute walk from Camellia and you will find a very wide range of kimonos to buy from Â¥500! Not only is much cheaper but you also get to take it home as a souvenir!
Stop 4: Walking around Gion
Gion, the most famous Geisha district in Japan and also one of the oldest. It’s an area full of small streets and alleys filled with traditional restaurants, craft stores and tea houses.
You can easily spend a few hours strolling around these streets admiring old wooden buildings, beautiful gardens, bridges and the river that runs through the district.
It’s also a great opportunity to take some amazing pictures of old Japan! Make sure to have your camera with you.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot a Geisha walking by (they usually go out in the late afternoon).
With the walking tour and the tea ceremony, you already discovered most of the famous landmarks in this area so you can finally take time to go shopping and discover some of the local delicacies.
There are a lot of shops selling matcha specialities including ice cream and sweets. Give it a go!
PRO TIP: Matcha flavour is always a bit of a hit or miss so I’d recommend taking another flavour like vanilla or sesame with your ice cream in case you don’t like the matcha flavour.
You will also find a lot of souvenir shops as well as a big studio ghibli store.
UNIQUE SPOT TO DISCOVER: If you want to discover something a bit different, head to the Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya Starbucks.
I know it sounds weird to say to go to a Starbucks in Japan but this is actually a very unique thing since it’s located in a traditional Japanese-style house and features tables with tatamis.
It’s the first and only of the kind so if you want to check it out, it’s quite cool!
Stop 5: Sunset at Yasaka Pagoda
If you want to get great pictures for sunset, head back to the Yasaka Pagoda.
This 5-story tall pagoda is one of the main landmarks in Gion and it’s beautiful to admire at any time of the day but it gets particularly pretty at sunset time.
Check on google at what time the sun sets (since it varies a lot depending on the season) and head to Higashiyama Ward (the street that goes up from the pagoda to the temple) about 15 minutes before.
This spot is particularly beautiful at sunset when the orange light reflects on the structure of the pagoda creating an incredible atmosphere.
It’s also the best place to capture the pagoda on your camera.
If you want to discover more about Gion and the Geisha culture, you can also join this Gion night walking tour. Unlike the one from this morning, this one really focuses on the lives of the Geishas and this part of the Japanese culture.
Stop 6: Dinner and drinks in Pontocho
Once you are done with Gion, walk all the way back to the river and cross Shijo Bridge.
Then turn right in the small alleyway (the first one after the bridge).
This area of Kyoto is known as Pontocho. It was named after the park located there and is famous for being home to many bars and restaurants.
There’s a wide selection of restaurants to choose from, ranging from traditional Japanese to Wagyu beef steakhouses and foreign cuisine.
Once you are done eating, walk around the area and stop at one of the many bars for a drink (try their sake!).
The bars and restaurants are all quite small but that’s what makes it particularly interesting.
If you are a foodie and / or particularly enjoy the nightlife, you should consider joining one of the following tours as they will be the perfect way to discover the Pontocho area:
Kyoto Itinerary Day 2: Fushimi Inari, Nishiki Market and Nijo Castle
After a pretty busy first day in the Gion district, it’s time to explore a bit more of Kyoto.
We will start by visiting one of the most iconic and famous Japanese sites: the Fushimi Inari Shrine.
As just mentioned, this is an incredibly famous place in Japan which means that it can get quite busy.
I highly recommend starting your day no later than 8 AM so you can beat the crowd a bit and enjoy the different sights more.
Stop 1: Fushimi Inari Shrine
No matter where you are staying in Kyoto, the Nara Line can bring you very quickly to Inari Station. It’s included in the JR pass which is very convenient.
When you get there, you only need to walk a few meters to be at the entrance. This landmark is free to visit so you can just start walking up the stairs.
Fushimi Inari shrine is dedicated to the god of rice and sake and features thousands of bright orange-red gates (known as torii gates) that form a tunnel-like path around the shrine.
It is located at the top of Mount Inari (hence the name) and is by far one of the best things to do in Kyoto.
You will find the torii gates very quickly and while this is a tempting spot for photos, make sure to walk all the way up. It is a very nice walk that takes around 3 hours to complete (altogether).
The shrine is actually located at the top so if you stop before, you will have seen some of the torii gates but not the shrine and of course not the view.
While it can take a while for some people to walk all the way to the top, it’s important to mention that it’s not a particularly challenging walk either. Just take your time!
Another thing that is very cool about this walk is the fact that it goes through the forest so you will get to experience a variety of landscapes and atmospheres.
PRO TIP: If you want to take the best photos, don’t stop at the first torii gates. Walk for at least 30 minutes, 1 hour if you can, and it will get much quieter. Most people don’t actually walk up to the top so the more you go, the quieter it will get and the best your photos will be.
IS THERE FOOD? You will find a few places selling snacks and hot drinks along the way. Of course, as with anywhere else in Japan, there will be some vending machines as well.
Walking up to the top of mount Inari is something you can easily do by yourself however if you are interested in knowing more about the shrine, you should consider booking a guided tour.
With this one, you will be with a local guide who will tell you loads of stories about Fushimi Inari but will also show you some hidden gems that most tourists don’t get to see like a secret bamboo grove.
Stop 2: Nishiki Market
Once you are done with Fushimi Inari, it’s time to head back and get some food!
Japan is an absolute paradise for foodies. While restaurants are always a good place to eat at, street food should also be your priority as it’s absolutely delicious.
For this reason, I recommend you go to Nishiki Market for lunch.
It is considered one of Kyoto’s best markets and is definitely a must-see if you want to experience some real Japanese culture.
This market has been around for 4 centuries and it’s packed with vendors selling all sorts of things – from fresh seafood to noodles and other local delicacies. You will also find some souvenirs here which can make great gifts for your friends back home.
Nishiki market is located in a narrow passageway that is 400 metres long which means that you will walk quite a bit and it can be pretty busy so be prepared for that.
GOOD TO KNOW: You are not allowed to eat and walk in Japan and this is particularly enforced at Nishiki market so make sure to comply with that.
PRO TIP: A lot of stalls actually have a seating area at the back or upstairs so don’t hesitate to ask them if you want to sit.
There are many things you can eat at Nishiki Market and with so much choice it will be for sure, hard to choose but here are some recommendations:
- Tako Tamago. This octopus stuffed with a quail egg is a local delicacy that should be at the top of your list. That having been said, it’s very popular and only a couple of stalls sell them so it’s not unusual for them to be sold out even before noon.
- Seafood. There are a lot of seafood skewers that are absolutely delicious. You can also get a scallop cooked in its shell with soy sauce and butter (so good!)
- Matcha sweets. You will find a couple of places specialising in matcha products. If you love matcha, that will be perfect for you.
- Soy milk doughnuts. Served with a chocolate sauce (or other sauce), this little deliciousness is the perfect way to end your meal. Alternatively, you can also get some strawberry mochis. Both are great options!
WANT TO MAKE THE BEST OF YOUR TIME? Join the Nishiki Market food tour!
This place is an absolute paradise for foodies but with so many options, sometimes it can be easy to spend hours there without ending up choosing anything.
If you want to experience the best food and learn about the local culture, you should join the Nishiki Market food tour.
Here you will be with a local guide who will show you all the best stalls, tell you stories about Kyoto, help you get a better understanding of Japanese culture and get you the very best food from the best stalls!
Click here to see prices for the Nishiki Market food tour.
READ MORE: 11+ Best Food Tours in Kyoto to go on in 2023
Stop 4: Nijo Castle
Now that you have had a good lunch, it’s time to continue exploring Kyoto. Nijo Castle is the ideal place for this!
It was built in 1603 and is known for its exquisite architecture and beautiful gardens. It’s also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site so if that wasn’t enough of a reason to visit it, we don’t know what is.
This castle has a lot of history and is one of the best places to truly understand how powerful the shogun was compared to the Emperor back in the Edo Period.
It was purposely built to overlook the Imperial Palace (which is located nearby and a nice place to visit as well).
WHAT IS A SHOGUN? The Shoguns were military rulers in Japan. Although they never were emperors, at the time, they were actually more powerful than the emperor himself.
You can easily get to the castle on foot and buy your entrance ticket there. There are two options, one with the castle and the grounds and another one, more expensive, that also includes the Ninomaru-goten Palace.
If you are exploring on your own, it will take you between 1 and 2 hours to go around the grounds.
The best way to experience this castle is by joining a guided tour led by a knowledgeable local guide who can tell you all sorts of stories about this impressive place.
This is a place of very high historical significance so having a guide with you will be very helpful.
Unfortunately, there are barely any signs explaining what things were.
Click here to see the prices.
Bonus stop: Imperial Palace
If you started early and finished your lunch before 1 PM, you could actually visit both Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace.
Since Kyoto’s imperial palace closes at 3:20 PM, I’d recommend heading there before Nijo Castle but it’s entirely up to you.
The Kyoto Imperial Palace is a must-see for all history buffs.
Located in Kyoto Imperial Park, it is only a 10-minute walk away from the imposing Nijo Castle which means you can visit both if you time it right.
It served as the residence of the Imperial Family until 1868 when it was decided that the capital should be moved to Tokyo.
A visit to Kyoto Imperial Park will reveal loads of historical and cultural artefacts, including the Sento Palace as well as a piece of Miyajima’s famous shrine.
WANT TO LEARN MORE? You can opt for a guided tour of both the Imperial palace and Nijo Castle. Prices here.
Kyoto Itinerary Day 3: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Sagano Romantic Train and Golden Temple
For day 3 of this Kyoto itinerary, we are going to explore some more nature corners of Kyoto, starting by the Arashiyama area.
Like Fushimi Inari Shrine, this is one of the top attractions in Kyoto so if you can get up early and start between 7 AM and 8 AM that will be ideal.
Check Google Maps and make your way to Arashiyama station (it might be by train or by bus). That’s where we will start the day.
Stop 1: Tenryū-ji Temple
Tenryū-ji Temple is one of the most important in the Arashiyama district and a UNESCO World Heritage site!
Built in 1339 by order of the shogun, this grand and beautiful temple offers visitors an awe-inspiring look at the culture and history of Japan.
In autumn, it is particularly stunning due to its bright red maple leaves, giving any day at the temple an extra special feel. It’s also incredibly pretty during the cherry blossom season.
If you are interested in discovering more about this area during these seasons, here are two tours you should consider:
- Arashiyama, Tenryuji Temple, Ninnaji Temple Kyoto Cherry Blossom Tour
- Tenryuji Temple and Tofukuji Temple Autumn Maple Leaves Sightseeing Trip in Kyoto
You can explore various halls as well as the gardens around the temple. There are loads of amazing photo spots so don’t forget your camera!
You will also find a few fountains around the property where you can throw a coin to make a wish (this includes a love fountain actually!)
The temple opens at 8:30 AM — just buy your ticket at the entrance and get ready for a truly majestic experience.
Altogether, you will need at least 1 hour to visit the temple but it can be much longer if you take your time or book a tour.
Stop 2: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Once you have visited the temple, it’s time to move on to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. This is one of the most Instagrammed areas in Kyoto and for a good reason!
The forest itself is a sight to behold — filled with tall stalks of bamboo that seem to go on forever, and provide visitors with an almost otherworldly experience.
It takes between 10 and 20 minutes to walk from the temple to the Bamboo grove and it’s better to go early.
You can spend as much or as little time here as you want — taking in the atmosphere, exploring the paths and trying to capture some incredible photos.
The bamboo forest is impressive but it’s important to note that it is also probably smaller than you expected and it can be quite crowded.
For this reason, go as early as possible! You can go straight after the temple (so around 10 AM) in the low season but in the high season, it would be better to go before the temple (therefore before 7:30 AM).
If you want to try something a bit different, you can also book a tour in a Japanese rickshaw here.
Stop 3: Sagano Romantic Train
Once you’re done with the bamboo forest, walk another 20 minutes to Torokko Arashiyama Station. This is one of the stations where you can get the Sagano Romantic Train from.
This old-style train is the perfect way to get around and enjoy all the beauty that Arashiyama has to offer and discover some of the most scenic landscapes in Kyoto.
The journey takes about 20 minutes and takes you all the way to Kameoka station.
The train journey is very good fun because there aren’t any windows so you get to truly enjoy the view.
PRO TIP: If you are taking the train on a rainy day, make sure to wear a rain jacket and maybe a beanie because it can get quite cold.
The views over the river and the mountains are simply gorgeous. You will also get to see a lot of Tanuki statues along the way.
While these statues can appear quite weird to foreigners, they are actually a good luck charm in Japanese culture.
Stop 4: Boat trip back to Arashiyama
There are several ways you can make it back to Kyoto from Kameoka but the absolute best one is definitely to book a Hozugawa River Boat Ride.
This is an hour-and-half-long boat trip that takes you back to Arashiyama — it’s definitely a highlight of the trip!
From Kameoka, you can board the traditional boat and will start your journey back down.
You will be accompanied by professional boatmen who will be doing the navigating.
It’s a very cool thing to do because you get to experience the river that you’ve been looking at from the train just before.
Also, if you are visiting in summer, nothing is more refreshing than being on the water.
That having been said, don’t worry, the tour is available all year round.
Click here to book your boat trip
Stop 5: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Temple)
Once you are back in Arashiyama, you can take a bus or a taxi to Kinkaku-Ji, also known as the Golden temple.
It is an exquisitely beautiful Zen Buddhist structure located in North Kyoto.
Built in 1397 by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the pavilion was originally used as his residency. However, after Ashikaga Yoshimitsu’s death, it was converted into a temple.
This amazing example of Japanese design and architecture draws visitors from near and far to admire its beauty.
Stunningly constructed of gold leaf and nestled in a pond surrounded by wonderful gardens and other structures, this beloved icon is a symbol of Japan and an unforgettable place to visit.
On a nice day, the reflection of the temple can be seen in the pond, it’s absolutely beautiful!
You will love taking photos here!
Conclusion
And that’s a wrap! We hope this 3-day Kyoto itinerary for first-timers will be helpful. It is a great way to explore the city and its many attractions.
From the impressive Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama, to a memorable Sagano Romantic Train ride, Fushimi Inari shrine, Gion and the famous Nishiki Market, you’ll get to see the best of Kyoto!
This is one of Japan’s most iconic cities that will leave you feeling inspired and mesmerized!
With such an array of things to see and do, it’s no wonder why Kyoto is so beloved among tourists from all around the world. Whether you’re looking for culture, nature or adventure – there is something here for everyone!
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