When visiting Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan, the contrast from the neon skyscraper cities of Tokyo and Osaka couldn’t be more obvious. Kyoto has retained its old-world charm, teeming with cultural landmarks such as temples, shrines and traditional wooden houses lining the picturesque alleyways and streets.
Travellers are drawn to Kyoto because of this, and it’s only becoming more popular due to many of its famous attractions like the iconic orange gates of Fushimi Inari or the towering Arashiyama bamboo forest adorning the covers of both guidebooks and social media feeds across the globe.
After my first trip to Kyoto in 2013, I understood why it was so popular – it is an amazing city to explore as a tourist in Japan. However, after my most recent visit in the busy cherry blossom season of spring 2023, I understand why Kyoto often makes headlines for issues relating to over-tourism.
In this Kyoto three-day itinerary, I share the best way to avoid the crowds in Kyoto whilst still seeing the main attractions – plus with visits to a few peaceful, lesser-known gems thrown in the mix!
Quick Overview: 3-Day Kyoto Itinerary
Getting around Kyoto on public transport is a little trickier than the efficient maze of subway lines that you’ll find in Osaka or Tokyo. You’ll likely be more reliant on buses as a primary method of transport to reach some of these places on this itinerary, as the train network isn’t as extensive.
Therefore it’s important to plan ahead and visit attractions in similar areas to avoid wasting precious time on travel.
This itinerary is designed so that each day clusters the main attractions in different areas of Kyoto:
- Day 1 – East Kyoto (Higashiyama): Yasaka Pagoda, Kiyomizudera, Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka, Yasaka-jinja Shrine, Kodaiji Temple, Pontocho Alley
- Day 2 – Southern Kyoto & North-East Kyoto: Fushimi Inari, Nishiki Market, Nanzen-ji Temple, Philosopher’s Path
- Day 3 – Western Kyoto & Central Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Iwatayama Monkey Park, Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji
Read below for the details of the day-by-day breakdown.
Why 3 Days? Is 3 Days in Kyoto Enough?
I think three days in Kyoto is the perfect amount of time for first-time visitors to explore the main attractions and visit some lesser-known gems at a reasonable pace. Any less than this, and you will be missing out on some of the major sights and rushing to see it all too, which isn’t ideal!
In my 4 weeks in Japan itinerary, I’ve suggested 5 days. This allows for an extra day of sightseeing in Kyoto to squeeze in a few more temple visits (or follow this 3-day itinerary at a more relaxed pace), plus an additional day for a day trip to somewhere like Uji or Nara.
If you’ve got some spare time, I’ve suggested a few extra fun activities and places to see below to consider adding to your Kyoto itinerary.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
Here are a few quick tips and things to know before your first trip to Kyoto:
- Accommodation: I’ve found the accommodation to be more expensive than in Tokyo or Osaka – the earlier you can book (especially in peak season) the better, as good value accommodation does book up quickly. Check out my recommendations below for where to stay before booking.
As a more traditional city, Kyoto can be a great place to experience a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn) stay – you can browse all ryokan stays in Kyoto here. - Transport: Getting around Kyoto is a bit trickier than Tokyo or Osaka as the train network isn’t as extensive – you’ll be more reliant on catching public buses or using taxis which can add up in price if you’re on a budget. Kyoto is fairly cyclable, and some accommodation properties may offer free or low-cost bicycle rentals.
- Dinner Reservations: If you’ve got your heart set on dining in a particular restaurant, it’s best to make a reservation in advance. Check if they accept online bookings, or ask your hotel to make a reservation for you.
We found dining at night in Kyoto to be a bit trickier without reservations, particularly in busy tourist areas like Pontocho Alley and Gion. A walking food tour like this one is a great way to get some local insider tips on the best places to eat, without having to worry about making reservations in advance.
For more general travel tips in Japan, check out my guide with 15 Things to Know Before Visiting Japan for the First Time
Where to Stay in Kyoto
I recommend staying in downtown Kyoto – preferably in the area north of Kyoto station and south of Kyoto National Garden. This is the best area for walking and dining options at night, and is close to a lot of the attractions on Day 1 and the train line for Day 2.
- Budget – The Pocket Hotel: A great value-for-money budget option offering private, compact, modern rooms with shared bathrooms in a great location
- “Bougee” Budget – Piece Hostel Sanjo: Trendy modern hostel with a rooftop common area in a great spot near Nishiki Market. We stayed in a private room with a bathroom, but there are also dorm rooms and private rooms with shared bathrooms
- Mid-Range – Mitsui Garden Hotel: This sleek and modern hotel is conveniently located near a subway and lots of eateries, with a public onsen bath available for guest use
- Luxury – Kyoto Granbell Hotel: This traditionally designed, modern hotel is located in the Gion district, less than a 10-minute walk from the Yasaka Shrine. Plus, there’s a public onsen overlooking a serene Japanese garden.
How to Get Around Kyoto
In Kyoto, the main forms of transport are the subway or train, public city bus and taxis.
I would recommend getting the subway or train wherever possible, as the bus is generally slower due to traffic. However, as the train network isn’t as extensive, you’ll likely need to get a few buses (or taxis, but that costs a lot more).
Luckily, getting the bus is relatively easy, especially if you’ve got mobile internet (read here for my recommended methods of doing this) as all the schedules and routes are synced in Google Maps. You can also use a Suica or Pasmo card to tap on and tap off the buses easily without the hassle of needing the correct cash fare.
Taxis are plentiful and a convenient method of getting around Kyoto, but the costs will add up very quickly as taxis in Japan aren’t the cheapest. You can use the Uber app in Kyoto, however, it essentially just acts as a dispatch service for normal taxis. However, this can be convenient for foreign tourists, as you can put your destination in for the driver, check prices for trips and pay for your fare all through the app.
Go Taxi is another popular taxi app in Japan.
Kyoto is very walkable, so plan to do a lot of walking – especially on Day 1 of this itinerary when exploring the historic district of Higashiyama on foot.
Kyoto Itinerary 3 Days
Kyoto 3-Day Itinerary Map
Day 1: East Kyoto (Higashiyama)
Put on your walking shoes and get ready for a day exploring the charming historic district of Higashiyama, home to some of the most picturesque areas of Kyoto.
I recommend making an early start on the day, as the narrow streets get very crowded by late morning which can massively detract from the experience. For a more relaxing experience, try to be at Kiyomizu-dera by 8.30 am.
Kiyomizu-Dera Temple
Begin your day of sightseeing by walking along the steep and narrow streets in the Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka areas of the Higashiyama district that lead uphill to the Kiyomizu-dera temple. I recommend taking a route that passes Hokan-ji Temple and the famed Yasaka Pagoda while the streets are quieter to get that iconic photo that has become synonymous with Kyoto.
If you need an early morning caffeine fix, the social media famous Kyoto Starbucks housed in a traditional wooden building with tatami mats opens at 8 am (we walked past later in the day and the lines were insane!).
Kiyomizu-dera sits tall on the edge of the mountainside, with a commanding view of the city. What I find most remarkable about this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is that the large main wooden hall was built without nails!
After purchasing entrance tickets, you’ll proceed to walk through the main hall, with the wooden platform offering an elevated view over the luscious gardens below. You’ll then follow the path to descend to the gardens, where you’ll find the Otowa Waterfall where visitors can drink from the streams for good fortune.
I’ve now visited the temple in both spring and autumn – the colours of the gardens in autumn are incredible, but it’s such a beautiful spot to visit all year round.
Tip: There are special night illumination viewings during cherry blossom season and autumn – check dates on the opening hours link below.
Open: 6 am – 6 pm (closing hours may vary depending on season, check here)
Entrance: ¥500
After exploring the temple and its luscious grounds, most shops will likely be open by now. Spend some time wandering the quaint streets, stopping in at one of the many cafes or tea houses.
We also stopped in at the Ghibli Studios Shop – this is one of the smaller stores, but the shop is decorated with some wonderful decor that makes it worth a stop for Ghibli fans (or to stock up on some cute Japanese souvenirs!)
I highly recommend an authentic tea ceremony experience if you’re interested in Japanese tea culture – this traditional tea ceremony is held in one of the wooden houses in the Sannenzaka area near Kiyomizu-dera, overlooking a Japanese garden and koi pond.
An unusual shrine worth checking out back near the Yasaka Pagoda is the colourful ball shrine at Yasaka Koshin-do Temple
Open: 9 am – 5 pm
Entrance: Free
Yasaka Shrine & Maruyama Park
Navigate your way to the Yasaka Shrine, another of Kyoto’s famous shrines. It’s around 20 – 30 minutes if walking directly from Kiyomizu-dera.
This shrine also looks incredible when lit up at night, so you could save your visit for later in the day when exploring the Gion district – or visit both times! (It’s free to visit and one of the few shrines open 24 hours).
The Maruyama Park connects to the shrine, and I enjoyed strolling the manicured grounds with its large ponds full of koi (it’s also an excellent spot to see cherry blossoms during the season). There are a few food stalls just near the eastern side of the shrine of the park, which become more lively at night.
Open: 24 hours
Entrance: Free
Kodaiji Temple
If you aren’t too templed out, I really enjoyed our visit to Kodaiji Temple and would highly recommend a visit.
Compared to the busy streets and crowds at Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, this was a tranquil escape that was worth the slightly high ticket price. The gardens here are stunning, scattered with a couple of tea houses that you can visit.
What I really loved about this temple was its small bamboo grove – reminiscent of Arashiyama but without the crowds!
Open: 9 am – 5 pm
Entrance: ¥600
After all that walking, a late lunch break is well overdue. We grabbed a delicious udon noodle lunch at Menkui Kinya near the river, which ended up being one of my favourite casual meals in Kyoto!
Gion District
In the early evening, explore Gion, Kyoto’s famous Geisha district. Make your way across the river to explore Pontocho Alley, one of Kyoto’s most atmospheric dining areas.
You can explore at your own pace, or join a guided nighttime walking tour to learn more about Kyoto’s geisha culture and history of the area. For the ultimate foodie experience, consider this all-inclusive 3-hour food and culture tour in Gion.
Day 2 – Southern Kyoto & North-East Kyoto
Fushimi Inari
Start your second day in Kyoto with a visit to the beautiful Fushimi Inari, home to the thousands of vermillion orange torii gates. Fushimi Inari is one of my favourite places in Kyoto – it is a remarkable sight to pass under the rows of brightly painted gates that continue to the very peak of the mountain.
Understandably so, it gets very busy – hence I recommend visiting first thing in the morning and making an early start as possible. We got there at 7.30 am during our visit in peak season of April 2023.
The first section of Fushimi Inari is where you’ll find the most visitors congregating, which is also where the gates are at their densest (and where the photo below was taken).
However, the trick is, if you keep on walking uphill, you’ll soon find yourself hiking among larger and spaced-out gates, with barely anyone else around as the majority of visitors head back down after the first section. It becomes very serene and peaceful, and the panoramic views across Kyoto from the peak make the steep walk worth it.
On my first visit to Fushimi Inari in 2013, we only made it halfway, so when we returned in 2023 – a decade later! – I was determined to make it to the top. What I didn’t realise until my latest visit is that you can take a return path a different way down the mountain to complete a full loop. At the top, there is a small shop where you can rest and buy a snack before making your way back down.
On the way back, we passed a quiet area home to the Araki Shrine, with hundreds of small fox figurines and some friendly cats. Stop in at a small shop near this shrine, where we purchased some delightful illustrated cat postcards.
The friendly owner explained that the painted cats are her real-life furry companions of hers that are frequently spotted around the shrine. This was a highlight of our visit to Fushimi Inari, and we never would have stumbled upon it unless we did the full loop hike. It was very serene compared to the craziness of hundreds of visitors and big tour groups when we made it back to the entrance.
We’re somewhat fast walkers, and completed the full loop hike in 2 hours with lots of photo stops!
Open: 24 hours
Entrance: Free
Nishiki Market
Catch the train back to downtown Kyoto and head to Nishiki Market for an early lunch.
Yes, Nishiki Market is touristy, but for great reason – it’s a vast undercover food and shopping market with a wide range of stalls and shops serving everything from Wagyu beef skewers, fresh seafood, gyoza, sweet treats, sake and a wide range of souvenirs.
Most stores are open from around 10 am to 5 pm, but some may be closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Tip: It’s considered rude to eat while walking in Japan. Eat any goodies purchased at the stall – some have dedicated standing areas or a few seats for this.
A guide isn’t necessary to visit Nishiki Market, but it can make it a fun group experience and help reduce the overwhelm at the crowded and busy market – this food and culture walking tour has glowing reviews!
Nanzen-ji Temple
On my most recent trip to Kyoto, I visited Nanzen-ji Temple for the first time, and it was surprisingly one of the favourite things we did! I hadn’t seen this temple recommended in any other guides I’d read, but I came across a photo of an interesting-looking aqueduct bridge that’s located on the temple grounds.
You can wander the complex for free, admiring the aqueduct and commanding Nanzenji Sammon Gate.
We opted to pay to enter a couple of temples – the Tenjuan Temple which was very quiet and home to a peaceful and picturesque garden and koi pond, and the Nanzen-ji Temple. Tenjuan Temple was an unexpected highlight! The entire complex is a new favourite, for its less-crowded but still beautiful temples and grounds, and I highly recommend a visit..
Philosopher’s Path
After exploring the complex, we headed north on foot towards the start of the Philosopher’s Path.
After our earlier lunch at Nishiki Market, we passed by a tiny humble-looking mum-and-pop restaurant that beckoned us in for a second light lunch of omurice and ramen. You can find it on Google Maps here.
Around the corner is the starting point for the Philosophers Path, a peaceful path following the river. There are sections that feel like a local neighbourhood, and as you get towards the end closer to Gkinkauji Temple you’ll pass more cafes and smaller temples that you can pop in for a visit.
The path ends at Ginkakuji, the silver temple (which, unlike Kinkakuji golden temple, isn’t lined with silver!). The grounds here are spectacular, and it is much bigger and peaceful than Ginkakuji.
Open: 8.30 am – 5 pm (with reduced hours during winter, check here)
Entrance: ¥500
That wraps up your second day in Kyoto, which is bound to have been a big step day! Go have a well-deserved rest and put your feet up back at your hotel before heading out for dinner (or maybe like us, having a lazy combini dinner from 7/11 after a tiring day!).
Day 3 – Western Kyoto & Central Kyoto
On Day 3, you’ll need to prioritise which attraction you are going to devote your early morning time to visit when it’s quieter: Arashiyama and the bamboo grove, or Kinkaku-ji Golden Temple.
Whichever one you pick, you’ll do the other one in the later afternoon to avoid the midday crowds.
My personal opinion is that the Bamboo Grove is a little overrated, as it really isn’t that big – however the fewer people there are there when you visit, the more likely you’ll enjoy it and be able to appreciate the serene nature of it.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Tenryu-ji Temple
How you get to Arashiyama will depend on where you are staying, but it is usually the quickest to get the JR San-in Line to Saga-Arashiyama station. From here it’s a short walk to the start of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest trail.
Open: 24 hours
Entrance: Free
After wandering the tall forest of swaying bamboo, you can opt to decide if you want to visit the Tenryu-ji temple, located within the forest, famous for its zen gardens and meticulously raked rock garden. Just keep in mind there are a few temple visits in the afternoon, so decide based on your personal preferences whether you’d like to visit this one too.
Open: 8.30 am – 5 pm
Entrance: From ¥500
Iwatayama Monkey Park
From the bamboo forest, make your way across the scenic Togetsukyo Bridge, crossing over the river towards Iwatayama Monkey Park.
Besides being able to observe the free-roaming monkeys, you can go inside the fenced hut and feed the monkeys apple bits. As a bonus, the panoramic view across Arashiyama and Kyoto is pretty spectacular too!
Tip: It’s a steep 20-minute hike to the top of the hill with some uneven sections, so you’ll need to have a reasonable level of fitness and mobility – otherwise, skip this activity.
Open: 9 am – 4 pm
Entrance: ¥600
After you’ve finished wandering the streets around Arashiyama and soaking up the sights, it’s time to continue your adventures for the day.
Note: It’s slightly more efficient when getting public transport to head straight to Kinkakuji next – however as one of Kyoto’s most popular attractions, it gets VERY busy. I would try to visit later in the day as I’ve suggested in this itinerary, but of course, it’s up to you depending on your preferences.
Nijo Castle
If you’re interested in delving further into the feudal history of Kyoto, I’d recommend a visit to Nijo Castle in the centre of Kyoto.
This UNESCO World Heritage site, located in the heart of Kyoto, is renowned for its impressive architecture, beautiful gardens, and historical significance. As you explore the castle, you’ll walk through the stunning Ninomaru Palace, famous for its exquisite wall paintings and “nightingale floors” that chirp underfoot to guard against intruders. Outside, the meticulously landscaped gardens come complete with tranquil ponds and carefully arranged rocks and plants.
Tip: It’s worth noting that photos are not allowed within the palace interiors.
Open: 9 am – 4 pm – check here for scheduled closures (we visited on a Tuesday in December and it was closed!)
Entrance: From ¥800
Kinkaku-ji Temple
To finish your day of sightseeing, catch the bus (~25 minutes) or grab a taxi (~15 minutes) to Kinkaku-ji, the famed golden temple.
It’s one of the harder-to-reach temples, and you can’t see the gold leaf temple up close or go inside. However it’s still one of the most unique and striking temples in Japan – I still think it’s worth visiting, especially if it’s your first time in Kyoto.
Open: 9 am – 5 pm
Entrance: ¥500
After a BIG day of exploring, have a quiet evening enjoying dinner close to your hotel, or revisit Pontocho Alley or any other spots you didn’t make it to for the last night of your 3 day itinerary in Kyoto.
Other Fun Things to Do in Kyoto
The above itinerary is pretty jam-packed, but if you’re looking for more things to do here are a few ideas:
- Learn to make ramen at this lively cooking class, where you’ll even make your own noodles!
- Visit the lesser-known Fushimi sake area of Kyoto. We did a self-guided tour of the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, but this highly-rated Insider Sake Brewery Tour offers an informative guided tour with sake and food pairings
- Rent a kimono in Gion and wander the charming streets while getting some unforgettable photo memories!
- Take a day trip to Uji (famous for its matcha green tea) or Nara (home to the friendly deer)
Final Thoughts – Kyoto in 3 days
That wraps up this ultimate guide to what to see in Kyoto in 3 days.
Kyoto is an amazing city to explore in Japan, with many unforgettable attractions and activities that are bound to be the highlight of your time in Japan. However, as a very popular and busy tourist destination, it’s important to optimise and plan your itinerary ahead of time.
By following my 3-day itinerary, you’ll not only maximise those quieter mornings and beat the crowds at the famous attractions, but also visit some underrated and lesser-known gems that aren’t on the typical tourist trail.
Make sure to check out my other Japan travel guides to help you make the most of your time in Japan, and feel free to leave any questions in the comments below!
Japan Itineraries:
- A Fun 7 Day Tokyo Itinerary: Complete 1 Week in Tokyo Guide
- An Exciting 4 Days in Osaka Itinerary for First-Timers
- Exploring Fuji Five Lakes: 3 Days in Kawaguchiko Guide
- Takayama Itinerary: 2 Days Discovering Traditional Japan
- A Perfect 4 Weeks in Japan Itinerary: Ultimate Travel Guide
Japan Travel Planning, Tips & Tricks:
- How to Plan a Trip to Japan: Ultimate Japan Travel Guide
- Is Japan Expensive? My EXACT Japan Trip Cost Breakdown Revealed
- 30 Unmissable Experiences for Your Japan Bucket List
- 15 Things to Know Before Visiting Japan for the First Time
- Cool Stuff to Buy in Japan: 20 Souvenirs Actually Worth Buying
Other Japan Travel Guides:
- How to Easily Visit the Chureito Pagoda from Tokyo
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