Kyoto 3 Day Itinerary

Here is a 3-day itinerary for traveling in Kyoto:

Day 1: Fushimi Inari Shrine and Gion District

Places to Visit:

  • Fushimi Inari Shrine: A famous Shinto shrine famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form a tunnel up the mountain. It’s a must-visit place when traveling in Kyoto.

  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known as one of the most famous landmarks in Japan and offers a great view of the city.

Activities:

  • Hiking at Fushimi Inari Shrine: A hike through the torii gates to the top of Mount Inari for breathtaking views of Kyoto.
  • Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony: Experience traditional Japanese culture by attending a tea ceremony, where you can learn about the history and significance of this ancient practice.

Where to Eat:

  • Gion Takuma: This restaurant serves traditional kaiseki cuisine, which is a multi-course meal that focuses on local and seasonal ingredients.
  • Kikunoi: This three-Michelin-starred restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a focus on fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients.

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Gion Nanba: This hotel is located in the heart of Kyoto’s Gion district and offers traditional Japanese architecture and decor.
  • Kyoto Station Hotel: This hotel is connected to Kyoto Station and offers modern rooms and easy access to public transportation.

Things to Know:

  • Language: While many locals speak English, it’s still a good idea to learn basic Japanese phrases such as “konnichiwa” (hello), “arigatou” (thank you), and “sumimasen” (excuse me).
  • Money: Japan uses the yen as its currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s still a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases.

Transportation:

  • Kyoto Station: This is the main transportation hub in Kyoto and offers access to buses, trains, and subways.
  • Local Bus: A convenient way to get around the city, with many bus routes connecting major attractions.

Tips

  • Respect for Local Customs: Japan has a rich cultural heritage, so it’s essential to be respectful of local customs and traditions. For example, when visiting temples or shrines, it’s customary to remove your shoes before entering.
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Kyoto is a popular tourist destination, especially during peak travel seasons. Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions.

Day 2: Kinkaku-ji Temple and Arashiyama District

Places to Visit:

  • Kinkaku-ji Temple: This famous temple is known as the Golden Pavilion and is a must-visit place when traveling in Kyoto.
  • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: A beautiful and peaceful spot that’s perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Activities:

  • Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple: Explore this stunning temple and learn about its history and significance.
  • Walk Through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Take a peaceful walk through the bamboo grove, which is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.

Where to Eat

  • Ganko Itchuan: This restaurant serves traditional Kyoto cuisine, including dishes such as kaiseki and shojin-ryori.
  • Kyubey Gion: This restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a focus on fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients.

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Gion Nanba: This hotel is located in the heart of Kyoto’s Gion district and offers traditional Japanese architecture and decor.
  • Arashiyama Guest House: This guest house is located near the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and offers a peaceful and relaxing stay.

Things to Know:

  • Language: While many locals speak English, it’s still a good idea to learn basic Japanese phrases such as “konnichiwa” (hello), “arigatou” (thank you), and “sumimasen” (excuse me).
  • Money: Japan uses the yen as its currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s still a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases.

Transportation:

  • Kyoto Station: This is the main transportation hub in Kyoto and offers access to buses, trains, and subways.
  • Local Bus: A convenient way to get around the city, with many bus routes connecting major attractions.

Day 3: Sanjusangendo Temple and Nijo Castle

Places to Visit:

  • Sanjusangendo Temple: This temple is famous for its hundreds of statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy.
  • Nijo Castle: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s known as one of the most beautiful castles in Japan.

Activities:

  • Visit Sanjusangendo Temple: Explore this stunning temple and learn about its history and significance.
  • Walk Through Nijo Castle: Take a peaceful walk through the castle, which is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.

Where to Eat

  • Ganko Itchuan: This restaurant serves traditional Kyoto cuisine, including dishes such as kaiseki and shojin-ryori.
  • Kyubey Gion: This restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a focus on fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients.

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Gion Nanba: This hotel is located in the heart of Kyoto’s Gion district and offers traditional Japanese architecture and decor.
  • Nijo Castle Hotel: This hotel is located near Nijo Castle and offers modern rooms and easy access to public transportation.

Things to Know:

  • Language: While many locals speak English, it’s still a good idea to learn basic Japanese phrases such as “konnichiwa” (hello), “arigatou” (thank you), and “sumimasen” (excuse me).
  • Money: Japan uses the yen as its currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s still a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases.

Transportation:

  • Kyoto Station: This is the main transportation hub in Kyoto and offers access to buses, trains, and subways.
  • Local Bus: A convenient way to get around the city, with many bus routes connecting major attractions.