Kyoto, Japan


Kyoto
京都

Kyoto Travel Guide & Itinerary

Kyoto, an elegant ancient city, is very suitable for traveling all year round, especially the spring cherry blossom and fall colors seasons period. This simple Kyoto travel guide & itinerary for 3 days can be applied throughout the year visiting various attractions to have a pleasant experience. Traveling in Kyoto becomes so easy!

» Start the guide with...Where to StayItinerary

Transportation in Kyoto

Access to Kyoto:

Most of the time, people will go to Kyoto from Osaka or directly from Kansai International Airport.

  • From Osaka, you can take the Shinkansen (bullet train), JR, Keihan Main Line or Hankyu Kyoto Main Line; Shinkansen is the fastest way while JR and Kankyu are the most popular and cost-effective ways. It takes from 15 to 55 mins with different kinds of trains. 
  • From the Kansai International Airport, you can take JR Kansai Airport Express “HARUKA” or limousine bus to Kyoto directly, both take around 80-90 mins.
  • You can also take Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto which takes only 140 mins. Better buying a JR Rail Pass if you take a round trip. »Klook

Traveling in Kyoto:

Few tourist attractions are located close to subway. Instead, Kyoto has a dense bus network with direct bus lines from Kyoto Station and the city center around Shijo-dori and Kawaramachi-dori to most major sights. It is recommended to buy a rechargeable transport card called ICOCA which is accepted on all trains and buses in Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe city.

Alternatively, you can buy a 1 day pass for bus and/or subway if you will go to many places a day. 

Popular travel day passes:

  • Kyoto 1 Day Bus Card: unlimited use of Kyoto City Buses and Kyoto Buses in central Kyoto and Arashiyama
  • Kyoto Subway 1 Day Card: unlimited use of Kyoto’s two subway lines
  • Kyoto Subway+Bus 1 or 2 Day Card: unlimited use of Kyoto’s two subway lines and of Kyoto City Buses and Kyoto Buses in central Kyoto and outskirts, including Arashiyam, Takao and Ohara
  • Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing 1 or 2 Day Pass:  unlimited travel access on the Keihan Line and Otokyoyama Cable Line around the Osaka-Kyoto area »buy the pass

Which travel pass should I buy?

  • Stay only in Kyoto City: Kyoto Subway 1 Day Card
  • Also go to Arashiyama: Kyoto 1 Day Bus Card / Kyoto Subway+Bus 1 or 2 Day Card
  • Depart & return to Osaka / Visit Uji: Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing 1 or 2 Day Pass
Kyoto travel attractions: Kyoto tower
Kyoto Tower (View from Skyway Tunnel of Kyoto Station)
hotels recommendation in HCMC

Top Rated Hotels in Kyoto

Staying around the city center (Shijo Kawaramachi) or Kyoto Station will be a great choices for travelers.

Restaurants and shops are concentrated in Kyoto’s city center which is located around the junction of Shijo-dori (4th Avenue) and Kawaramachi-dori (Kawaramachi Street). Kyoto Station, which is south to the city center, its the giant transport hub incorporated with shopping malls, restaurants and hotels.

Recommended hotels:

City center around Shijo Kawaramachi:

Near Kyoto Station:

» Search more hotels in Kyoto

Kyoto travel ideas: learning about Japanese architecture
Learn more about Japanese architecture while traveling in Kyoto

» Continue the guide with...TransportationWhere to Stay

Detailed Itinerary of Traveling in Kyoto

Below is a Kyoto trip itinerary for 3 days, it will includes visiting popular tourist attractions in Kyoto and a day trip to Arashiyama. It can be a sample itinerary for you to have more travel ideas for your coming trip in Kyoto. If you will visit Osaka, we also have a » 5 days Travel Itinerary of Osaka

Day 1

Arrival – Sanjusangendo – Nishiki Market – Nijo Castle – Kinkakuji – Kyoto Station – Fushimi Inari Shrine

To start your traveling in Kyoto, you can focus on attractions around Kyoto Station and city center.

1. Sanjūsangen-dō

Leave your luggage at the Kyoto hotel and start the trip as soon as possible! The first spot is the national treasure Sanjūsangen-dō . It is a Buddhist Temple which is famous for its 1,001 statues of Kannon( the goddess of compassion in her thousand-armed incarnation) lining up along the entire length of the temple.  The temple hall is Japan’s longest wooden structure.Please be reminded that it is forbidden to take pictures inside. 

2. Nishiki Market

Next, go to Nishiki Market for lunch. This is the freshest place in Kyoto to try sashimi and  traditional snacks. As it is also a local market, you can enjoy the authentic atmosphere here and have a look on the local products like pickled vegetables, dried fish and home-style side dishes. 

3. Nijo Castle

Visit Nijo Castle in the afternoon to admire the architecture. It was the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns (the military government) in Kyoto, who had been ruling Japan for over 260 years from 1603 to 1868, and it remains an eloquent testimony to their power. It is recommended to an English tour once there to appreciate the place. No pictures inside the castle. » buy a discount e-ticket from Klook

4. Kinkakuji & Kyoto Station

After that, take a bus to Kinkakuji to capture the shiny golden temple in the magic hour. Take a bus back to Kyoto Station where you can find the Ramen Street on the 10th floor. You can take the time to view the Kyoto Tower from the Skyway Tunnel or go to the shopping malls in the station.

5. Fushimi Inari Shrine

After dinner, if you are still energetic, take JR / bus to Fushimi Inari Shrine. The shrine is especially quiet and mysterious at night. The Senbon Torii (rows of torii) is a must-go! If you are afraid of the dark, you can go to there during the day as it is also stunning with the sunlight. 

Kyoto travel tips: try the japanese tradictional food in local markets
Food to Try: Pickled Vegetables in Nishiki Market

Day 2

Ginkakuji  Temple – Philosopher’s Path – Nanzenji Temple – Kiyomizu Temple – Kodai  ji Temple – Gion Hanamikoji Road – Shijo Kawaramachi

1. Visiting Temples

To start with, today’s visit begins at the famous Ginkakuji Temple (The Silver Pavilion), where you can relax and savor the beauty of a Japanese garden. Take a slow walk along the Philosopher’s Path to Nanzenji Temple. It’s a good place to admire the autumn maples and spring cherry blossoms.

If you are not that interested in temples, you can try going to a morning bento cooking course learning to make an authentic lunch box in a small group. (book now)

2. Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Go to the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Ladies can rent kimonos at Kiyomizu-dera Temple and worship. It is recommended to make an appointment with your favorite kimono shop to avoid full booking if walk-in. Don’t be shy to wear a kimono, let yourself be a model for a day! » Rent a kimono near Kiyomizu Temple via Klook

There are three origins of the Otowa Falls in the temple representing longevity, academic success, and love success. You can pray by drinking the waterfalls, but you can only choose one origin to drink and can only have one sip, otherwise the wish will not come true. 

3. Kodai-ji Temple

Then stroll until the Kodai-ji Temple. The scenery along the way will make you the camera very busy. On the way in the Gion area, you may encounter a real geisha. 

Finally, return to Kiyomizu-dera Temple on foot or by car to return the kimono. You can buy a tasty Kyoto dessert called Yatsuhashi (八ツ橋) in the souvernir shops. 

3. Shijo Kawaramachi

The last destination of today will be the city centre Shijō Kawaramachi for dinner and shopping!

» Search hotels in Kyoto

Kyoto travel itinerary: golden pavilion
Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)

Day 3

Day Trip to Arashiyama 

Arashiyama – Sagano Romantic Train – Togetsu Bridge – Tenryuji Temple – Kyoto City: Shijo Kawaramachi

Arashiyama is one of the best scenic spots in Kyoto that has been favorite of kings and royal families since the ancient times.

1. Sagano Romantic Train

To avoid crowds, take JR from Kyoto Station to Kameoka Station early in the morning and take the Sagano Scenic Railway (Sagano Romantic Train) to Saga Station. On the train, you can enjoy the natural beauty of Arashiyama in different seasons. If you ride this train during autumn, you will be able to marvel the area blanketed by a colorful foliage.  Tickets can be bought on the spot, or in advance online. »Book a seat for Arashiyama Sagano Train (Klook)

2. Back to Arachiyama

To go back to Arashiyama, you can walk 10 mins to Umahori Station and take JR back to Kameoka Station, then continue the visit in Arashiyama.

Alternatively, you can take a bus or a carriage tour (30 mins) to the pier, and go on a Hozugawa River cruise. The cruise  will go along the Hozugawa River and takes around 2 hrs to arrive at the Togetsu-kyo Bridge.  

3. Togetsu Bridge & Tenryuji Temple

After arriving at Kameoka Station or the Togetsu-kyo Bridge, then go to the impressive Tenryuji Temple where there are attractive Japanese gardens and walking paths. Keep in mind that Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a must-go! It’s one of the top sights in Kyoto. Walking and standing amid these soaring stalks of bamboo is like being in another world. However, it is too crowded in the morning so better go there around the mid-day or afternoon to enjoy the silent and zen atmosphere.

**The transportation is a bit complicated, so some people prefer joining a local tour instead, these may be suitable for you:

4. Kyoto City Center or Kyoto Station

In the evening, go to Shijō Kawaramachi or Kyoto Station for dinner and shopping. Then pack your luggage and prepare for Osaka trip!

**If you are in love with the nature and peace of Arashiyama, think about stay a night there to enjoy the tranquility.

Recommendation of Arashiyama Traditional-style Hot Spring Hotels:

kyoto travel ideas: arashiyama bamboo groove
Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama

Book Your Trip Now:

Booking.com
Klook.com