Kyoto, Japan-3-day-itinerary

Day 1:

Morning

9:00 AM - Arrival and Breakfast

  • Arrive at Kyoto Station and take a short taxi ride or walk to your hotel.
  • Start the day with breakfast at Kyoto-style cafe, such as Gion Nanba.

10:00 AM - Temple Hopping

Visit the famous Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

  • Take a taxi or bus #205 from Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji.
  • Buy tickets for the Golden Pavilion online in advance to skip the line.

Stop by Ryoan-ji, the Zen temple famous for its rock garden

  • From Kinkaku-ji, take a short walk to Ryoan-ji (5-minute walk).
  • Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this historic temple.

Lunchtime

Try traditional Kyoto-style kaiseki at Gion Nanba

  • Take a break and enjoy lunch at Gion Nanba, which serves traditional kaiseki cuisine.
  • Be sure to book in advance, as it’s a popular spot.

Afternoon

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

  • From Gion Nanba, take the bus #205 back to Kyoto Station and transfer to bus #43 towards Fushimi Inari.
  • Walk up the famous vermillion torii gates at the Inari Shrine.

Dinner

Enjoy dinner at Kyubey, a local favorite for kaiseki

  • Take a taxi from Fushimi Inari to Kyubey, which is known for its delicious kaiseki cuisine.
  • Be sure to book in advance, as it’s a popular spot.

Evening

Enjoy the Gion District at night

  • Take a stroll through the historic Gion district and enjoy the traditional Japanese architecture.
  • Keep an eye out for geishas and maikos, traditional Japanese dancers.

Day 2:

Morning

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

  • From Kyoto Station, take the JR train to Saga-Arashiyama (20-minute ride).
  • Take a short walk through the beautiful bamboo forest.

Lunchtime

Try yudofu at Yamahoko

  • Enjoy lunch at Yamahoko, which serves traditional Kyoto-style yudofu (boiled tofu).

Afternoon

Visit the famous Kiyomizu-dera temple

  • From Saga-Arashiyama, take a short bus ride to Kiyomizu-dera.
  • Be sure to see the famous wooden stage overlooking the city.

Dinner

Enjoy dinner at Kyoto Kitano Hotel, which has a great restaurant

  • Take a taxi from Kiyomizu-dera to Kyoto Kitano Hotel, which has a great restaurant with traditional Japanese cuisine.
  • Be sure to book in advance, as it’s a popular spot.

Evening

Enjoy the Gion district at night

  • Take a stroll through the historic Gion district and enjoy the traditional Japanese architecture.
  • Keep an eye out for geishas and maikos, traditional Japanese dancers.

Day 3:

Morning

Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine’s inner shrine

  • From Kyoto Station, take the bus #43 towards Fushimi Inari.
  • Explore the inner shrine of the Fushimi Inari Taisha, which is dedicated to the Shinto god of fertility.

Lunchtime

Try traditional Japanese cuisine at Kyoto-style cafe

  • Enjoy lunch at a local Kyoto-style cafe.

Afternoon

Visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace

  • From Fushimi Inari, take a taxi or bus #205 to the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
  • Explore the palace and its beautiful gardens.

Dinner

Try kaiseki cuisine at Gion Nanba

  • Take a taxi from Kyoto Imperial Palace to Gion Nanba, which serves traditional kaiseki cuisine.
  • Be sure to book in advance, as it’s a popular spot.

Evening

Enjoy the Gion district at night

  • Take a stroll through the historic Gion district and enjoy the traditional Japanese architecture.
  • Keep an eye out for geishas and maikos, traditional Japanese dancers.

Accommodation

  • Hotel Gajoen Kyoto: A luxury hotel with beautiful gardens and a great location. Book now
  • Kyoto Kitano Hotel: A charming hotel with a great restaurant and a quiet location. Book now

Transportation

  • JR Train Pass: Buy a JR train pass for unlimited travel on the JR trains in Kyoto.
  • Kyoto City Bus: Use the Kyoto city bus to get around the city.
  • Taxi: Take a taxi when traveling short distances.

Tips and Other Things of Interest

  • Respect local customs: Be respectful of the temples and shrines you visit, especially during festivals and holidays.
  • Try traditional Japanese cuisine: Try kaiseki, yudofu, and other traditional Kyoto-style dishes at local restaurants.
  • Explore the city on foot: Take a stroll through the historic Gion district and enjoy the traditional Japanese architecture.

Things to Know

  • Peak travel season: Avoid traveling during peak seasons (March-May and September-November) for fewer crowds and lower prices.
  • Weather: Pack for hot summers and cool winters in Kyoto.
  • Language: While many locals speak English, it’s still a good idea to learn some basic Japanese phrases.

Budget Breakdown

  • Accommodation: ¥15,000 - ¥30,000 per night (approximately $140-$280 USD)
  • Food: ¥500 - ¥1,000 per meal (approximately $4-$9 USD)
  • Transportation: ¥200 - ¥400 per ride (approximately $2-$4 USD)

Additional Tips

  • Book in advance: Book your accommodations and restaurants in advance to avoid sold-out situations.
  • Download a map app: Download a map app such as Google Maps or Citymapper to navigate the city.
  • Learn some Japanese phrases: Learn basic Japanese phrases to show respect for the local culture.