Kyoto-2-day-itinerary

Day 1:

Morning

  • 7:00 AM: Start the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at Kiyamachi Street, a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
  • 8:00 AM: Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine to see thousands of vermilion torii gates forming a tunnel up the mountain. (Free admission)
  • 9:30 AM: Take a short bus ride from Fushimi Inari Shrine to Gion District, famous for its geisha culture and traditional Japanese architecture.

Afternoon

  • 12:00 PM: Have lunch at Nishiki Market, a narrow shopping street lined with over 100 food stalls and shops selling fresh seafood, produce, and local specialties.
  • 1:30 PM: Visit the Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), a Zen temple famous for its stunning golden architecture. (500 yen admission fee)
  • 4:00 PM: Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens of the Imperial Palace grounds, which are free to visit.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Gion Nanba, a traditional Japanese restaurant serving high-quality kaiseki cuisine.
  • 9:00 PM: Take a leisurely walk through the tranquil streets of Gion District and enjoy the evening atmosphere.

Where to Stay

Transportation

  • Subway: Use the Kyoto Subway Line to get around the city. The most useful lines for tourists are the Karasuma Line (orange line) and the Tozai Line (blue line).
  • Bus: Take a bus from Kyoto Station or other major terminals to reach popular tourist spots.
  • Taxi: Available throughout the city, but be aware that traffic in Kyoto can be heavy.

Tips

  • Learn basic Japanese phrases like “konnichiwa” (hello), “arigatou” (thank you), and “sumimasen” (excuse me).
  • Try local specialties like kaiseki cuisine and traditional sweets.
  • Respect cultural norms and traditions when visiting temples, shrines, or other sacred sites.

Day 2:

Morning

  • 8:00 AM: Visit Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former residence of the Tokugawa shoguns. (600 yen admission fee)
  • 10:00 AM: Explore the beautiful gardens of the castle grounds.
  • 12:00 PM: Have lunch at Gion Sasaki, a traditional Japanese restaurant serving high-quality kaiseki cuisine.

Afternoon

  • 1:30 PM: Visit the Sanjusangendo Temple, famous for its 1,001 life-sized statues of Kannon.
  • 3:00 PM: Take a stroll through the peaceful streets of Kyoto’s traditional townhouses and shops.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Kyubey Gion, a high-end restaurant serving delicious sushi.
  • 8:00 PM: End the day with a visit to the Gion Corner, where you can watch traditional Japanese performances and try local sweets.

Where to Stay (same as Day 1)

Transportation (same as Day 1)

  • Subway: Use the Kyoto Subway Line to get around the city. The most useful lines for tourists are the Karasuma Line (orange line) and the Tozai Line (blue line).
  • Bus: Take a bus from Kyoto Station or other major terminals to reach popular tourist spots.
  • Taxi: Available throughout the city, but be aware that traffic in Kyoto can be heavy.

Tips (same as Day 1)

  • Learn basic Japanese phrases like “konnichiwa” (hello), “arigatou” (thank you), and “sumimasen” (excuse me).
  • Try local specialties like kaiseki cuisine and traditional sweets.
  • Respect cultural norms and traditions when visiting temples, shrines, or other sacred sites.