travel blog to kyoto

The PERFECT 3 Days in Kyoto Itinerary (2024 Update)

• Last Updated: January 26, 2024

Everything you need to know to plan your perfect 3 days in Kyoto itinerary!

Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is home to a seemingly unlimited number of things to do .

From strolling quiet bonsai filled gardens to temple-hopping an unforgettable gold and silver pavilions.

This Kyoto 3 day itinerary will guide you through what you cannot miss out on in such a short window.

You’ll get some stunning views overlooking parts of Kyoto and walks through thousands of torii gates. Visit temples and shrines and stroll through a bamboo forest.

Also, plan on having some interesting cuisine of Kyoto – including fire ramen.

Yes, a bowl of ramen that is literally lit on fire just before serving!

With all these memorable sights and attractions, 3 days in Kyoto might not sound like enough – as there will always be more to see in a city with a vast history and a unique, and often quirky Japanese culture.

Before we dive right into this 3 day Kyoto itinerary, here is a short history lesson for one of Japan’s best places to visit .

Table of Contents

History of Kyoto

8:45am – nijo castle, 11 am – menbakaichida fire ramen – lunch, 1 pm – kyoto imperial palace, 4 pm – nishiki market, 8 am – kiyomizu dera temple, 10 am – fushimi inari shrine, 12 pm – lunch, 1 pm – toji temple, 3 pm – ginkaku ji temple – silver pavilion, early – head to arashiyama, 8 am – togetsukyō bridge, 9 am – arashiyama bamboo grove, 11 am – tenryu ji temple, 12 pm – ryoanji temple and lunch, 3pm  – kinkaku ji temple, summarizing your 3 day kyoto itinerary.

As mentioned above, Kyoto was once the capital city of Japan, from when it was founded in 794 to 1868.

However, Kyoto, which translates into “capital city,” has not always had the same name.

In 794, the city was founded as Heian.

Kyoto lost its capital city status when Japan handed control over from the leader of the samurai, the Shogun, back to the Emperor.

In 1868, the capital of Japan became Tokyo , where it has stayed ever since.

Today, Kyoto is Japan’s third-largest city (behind Osaka and Tokyo) and has plenty of ways to learn about the history of Kyoto.

There is plenty more on offer than just unforgettable temples.

Your Perfect 3 Days in Kyoto Itinerary

Without further ado, let me tell you what to do in Kyoto in 3 days!

First things first you need to find an awesome place to stay. We recommend staying in the Gion neighbourhood, so you’re central to everything there. You can find great accommodation here on Agoda .

Don’t forget to use our exclusive coupon code AGODANMD10 to get 10% off your booking.

READ MORE: Don’t miss our complete Travel to Japan guide !

Day 1 in Kyoto

We’re going to start off our Kyoto itinerary by tackling some of the best attractions in the city. Don’t forget to start your day early!

First up on this 3-day Kyoto itinerary is Nijo Castle .

One of 17 UNESCO Historic Monuments of Kyoto , Nijo Castle has several beautiful gardens and historical information within its giant fortified walls.

Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, ordered all current feudal lords of Japan to contribute to the building of Nijo Castle.

Construction began in 1601 and completed in 1626.

Nijo Castle and the surrounding complex has been damaged by fire multiple times during the 1700s.

A lightning strike and a fire that ravaged much of Kyoto were to blame for the destruction.

Nijo Castle opens at 8:45 am.

It is a common theme to beat the crowds by arriving early, that’s why you should aim to be here by opening if you intend to have the castle grounds to yourself for a while.

Some of the main points of interest inside Nijo Castle include the Ninomaru Palace – consisting of five separate but joining buildings.

Intricate carvings from wood sand golden leaf decorations are present to this day.

They had the intention of portraying a powerful and wealthy.

One thing to look out for is the intentional “squeaky floors” to warn residents of ninja attacks as you can’t walk on the floor silently!

Nijo Castle is a great example of Japan’s final samurai period and a perfect way to start your 3 days in Kyoto.

Expect to spend 1-2 hours here, depending on how much you want to explore Nijo Castle and its grounds.

If you’re visiting Kyoto in spring, you can admire all the cherry blossoms that bloom on the grounds around the castle.

Kyoto is home to quite a unique style of ramen. In fact, the “fire ramen” is the only one in the world.

Plus, it’s a very short walk from Nijo Castle grounds.

This unforgettable bowl of ramen is in a tiny restaurant, so waiting times for your flaming bowl might take a few minutes to get seated.

That’s why I suggest getting here for a bit of an early lunch. It’s also delicious ramen as well!

Menbakaichida restaurant opens at 11 am, so if you can be within the first 5 or 6 guests, you shorten your waiting time until lunch to zero!

Now, when I say fire ramen, I mean they ignite your dish in a giant fireball in front of you, just before they serve it to you.

To make it safe, you’re given a paper apron for the oil splashes and specific instructions to lean backward on the bar stool.

Although it doesn’t feel it, the fireball is pretty cool.

It’s not just for a show, the flames help bring out the flavour in the green onions.

After a fiery lunch, it’s time to head to Kyoto’s Imperial Palace.

Today, you can visit the palace that served as the residence of the Imperial Family until Japan’s capital moved to Tokyo in 1869.

As is common with large wooden buildings, a fire destroyed the Imperial Palace a total of 8 times.

The version you see today was completed in 1855.

No reservation is currently required, and the opening hours are from 9 am to 5 pm.

Kyoto Imperial Palace is a short 5 minutes drive or 25-minute walk from Nijo Castle. You can combine your visit to the two attractions on a tour with a local guide !

Nicknames by locals as Kyoto’s Pantry, Nishiki Market is seen as the best traditional food market in the entire city.

Somehow, over 130 stalls of foods and goods line the narrow 5 block street in downtown Kyoto.

While this causes limited personal space, the atmosphere from the vendors and customers and all the tasty options to eat make Nishiki Market well worth the visit.

Nishiki Market is around 10 minutes by car or roughly 20 minutes on foot.

There is no entrance fee to enter this congested shopping street in downtown Kyoto.

It’s a perfect place to try some local Kyoto dishes and have a memorable dinner all at once.

If you love food, make sure you check out this foodie walking tour of Kyoto during the daytime!

Check out our Japan Vlog on exploring the Higashiyama and Downtown Districts in Kyoto in Japan .

Welcome to day two of your 3-day Kyoto itinerary! Get up nice and early, as it’s going to be a jam-packed day in central Kyoto.

Start your day with a visit to the Kiyomizu Dera Temple, perched on the scenic hills of eastern Kyoto, Japan.

Originally established in 778, the present structure dates back to 1633 and is an architectural marvel, characterized by its wooden terrace jutting out over the hillside, offering a stunning vista of cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn.

The temple complex is dedicated to the Buddhist deity Kannon and houses a sacred waterfall, Otowa-no-taki, where visitors partake in a ritual of drinking water believed to confer health, longevity, and success.

Kiyomizu Dera Temple stands as a testament to Japan’s religious heritage and architectural prowess. From here it’s just a 12-minute drive or bus ride to your next stop.

Fushimi Inari Shrine is usually the number one attraction – in all of Japan!

This popularity means that it is busy, very busy!

Dedicated to the Shinto God of Rice, Inari, thousands of bright torii gates lead visitors from the main shrine up Mt Inari.

This trail winds up the sacred Inari Mountain and eventually gives off some beautiful views of Kyoto and surrounding areas.

Even if you’re here as early as possible, you won’t be able to escape the crowds by the time you descend Inari Mountain.

But that early morning walk through one of Japan’s most important shrines is amazing.

At the entrance to the shrine complex stands the Romon Gate that was donated in 1589.

Another popular spot for a photo OP is where the torrid gates and pathway splits into a ‘Y’ shape.

Depending on your speed, the full hike to the summit of Mount Inari takes from 2-3 hours, so bring plenty of water and snacks along with you.

There are plenty of options for great restaurants for lunch around Fushimi Inari Shrine.

If you’re in the mood for sushi, Kyoto Train Station, has a great sushi train option, Ashami .

Whatever you’re looking for, from egg rolls and inari pockets to octopus and even horse meat (providing the translation is legitimate).

It’s a pretty cheap option for lunch with 3 or 4 plates costing around USD$6, depending on what plates you choose.

Toji Temple , or East Temple, was built at the start of the Heian Period in the late 700’s.

This 5 story pagoda is made from wood and is another famous UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto.

Other notable buildings in the complex include Kondo Hall .

Reconstructed in the early Edo Period after a fire in 1486 destroyed the original.

It is considered one of the Toji Temple Complex’s original buildings.

Destroyed in the same fire is Kodo Hall, which sits next door. Kodo Hall served as the lecture hall in the Toji Temple area.

The wooden Toji Tower itself stands 57 meters tall, the tallest in all Japan.

You can get to Toji Temple via the Kintetsu Kyoto Line and is a 5-minute walk from Toji Station.

During cherry blossom season, the grounds around the temple are overflowing with the beautiful flowers as well!

After Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa’s death in 1490, Ginkaku ji Temple, or the Silver Pavilion, was reformatted from retirement house to Zen Temple.

While Ginkaku ji Temple is well worth a visit in itself, as are the other buildings in the complex, it is the beautiful moss-covered gardens that steal the show.

Walking a small loop through lush greeny and trickling rivers, it’s hard to find a place equal to the tranquillity of the Ginkaku ji Temple Complex.

Ginkaku ji Temple can be accessed from Kyoto Station by bus #5, 17 or 100.

Opening hours are from 8:30 am to 5 pm.

Expect to spend about an hour here, unless you walk the short trail very slowly taking in the sights.

Check out our Japan Vlog on exploring the Gion District in Kyoto, Japan .

We’re almost at the end of your itinerary for Kyoto in 3 days. Don’t think you’ve done everything just yet though, we still have a few more amazing Kyoto activities for you.

On the western edge of downtown Kyoto is the district of Arashiyama .

This whole area is not only a Historic Site of Kyoto, but it’s also a Site of Scenic Beauty, as classified by the Japanese Government.

There are several things to do in the area of Arashiyama, and most are easy walking distance from each other.

As with most popular sites around Kyoto, Arashiyama is popular, and that brings crowds.

Arashiyama is easily accessed from Kyoto Station. Jump on the JR Sagano Line and head to Saga-Arashiyama Station.

From here, the center of Arashiyama is a 10-minute walk.

Check out our Japan Vlog on exploring Kyoto’s most famous attraction in Japan .

If you catch the train to Arashiyama JR Station, you will be close to Arashiyama’s well known Togetsukyō Bridge .

So it makes sense to visit here first.

In fact, the easiest way to get to the next stop, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest , you’ll cross the bridge anyway.

Togetsukyō Bridge spans 155 meters across the Katsura River.

The original bridge was constructed a little upstream in 1606.

Walking the length of this bridge gives beautiful views of the river below and the surrounding mountains.

You might even get lucky enough to see local fishermen casting in along the banks.

One of the areas most visited sites of Arashiyama is the Bamboo Grove.

This is a natural bamboo forest, with paved trails weaving through the tall shoots of the sturdy, yet flexible plant.

Since 2015, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove has opened free of charge to visitors.

This makes the attraction near Kyoto even more appealing.

If you’re wanting to visit the Bamboo Grove without hordes of visitors and hand-cart taxis, I suggest starting your day here.

For an even better experience, you can book yourself a great guided tour of the bamboo forests .

Or do something real different and try a rickshaw tour here.

Built in 1339 by the Shogun Ashikaga Takauji, in dedication to Emperor Go-Daigo who passed away as means to ease the spirits of the late ruler.

Much of the temple grounds, including most of the building, have been destroyed multiple times throughout history and now date back to the Meiji Period (1868 – 1912).

The gardens of the Tenryu ji Temple survive in their original state to this day and provide a lovely stroll around the small pond.

Opening hours for Tenryu ji Temple are 8:30 am to 5 pm, and you should expect to spend around an hour here.

Ryoanji Temple was converted into a Zen Temple in 1450.

It’s also the site of possibly Japan’s most renowned rock garden.

Pretty much everything about this rock garden is uncertain, its date of construction and the meaning behind it.

The story I heard most is that these 15, expertly placed stones, resemble a tiger carrying a cub.

One of the most interesting facts, is that in this square enclosure of pebbles, no matter where you stand, you can only ever see 14 stones.

Personally, it’s the surrounding scenery that makes Ryoanji Temple a must-visit with 3 days in Kyoto.

There are plenty of quiet trails and immaculately kept ponds to soak in the reflection of the still surface.

For lunch, there’s no need to leave the temple grounds.

There is a small restaurant that offers a Kyoto specialty, Yodafu .

Boiled tofu in a tasty broth is a lot more filling than you would expect.

This, along with Japanese Tea and a beautiful view overlooking the lush green surroundings is a perfect spot for lunch.

A 3 day Kyoto itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Kinkaku ji Temple, or the Gold Pavilion.

One of Kyoto’s famed 17 Historic Monuments, the Golden Pavilion Buddhist Temple is one of Japan’s most visited buildings.

This Zen Temple was originally completed in 1397 and reconstructed in 1955 after being burnt to the ground by a novice monk who then tried to commit suicide behind the temple.

The glimmering gold surface has a symbolic meaning and thought to cleanse negative thoughts concerned with death.

As it is so popular, getting a picture or a view without another person in the shot is almost impossible.

By standing next to the edge of the lake, looking out over the glass-like surface and the reflecting golden iconic symbol of Kyoto, it’s hard not to fall in love with Kinkaku ji Temple.

As with all destinations with the vast history and culture of Kyoto, there will always be more to see.

In fact, 3 days in Kyoto is just the beginning of this incredibly beautiful, historic city. There are so many more temples and shrines and hidden gems to check out.

But by following this Kyoto 3 day itinerary, you’ll be treated to a range of cultural, historical and scenic sights that this busy city has to offer.

And by the end of your trip here, you’ll have a small but memorable insight into one of Japan’s ancient capital cities.

Ben McLaughlan

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Love this itinerary! Can’t wait to visit Kyoto in 2024. Your detailed breakdown of the best temples, shrines, and other attractions is incredibly helpful. Definitely bookmarking this for my own trip planning.

Next June we will travel to Kyoto. we are 3 adults, what is the cost of a 3 day package?

Hi Aracelly, That is exciting you are going to Kyoto. Sorry we can not help you. We are not a travel agent. We are a website that gives out travel information. All the best.

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Home » Asia » Japan » Kyoto

KYOTO Itinerary • MUST READ! (2024)

Kyoto, an exquisite ancient city that reigned as Japan’s capital for over a millennium, unfolds its mesmerizing tale. Renowned for its myriad of splendid Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, traditional wooden pagodas, and Imperial Palaces, Kyoto paints a canvas of timeless beauty.

This historic cityscape, adorned with blooming cherry and maple trees, holds an iconic charm, with some of its structures echoing through millennia. Beyond its architectural splendors, Kyoto’s culinary delights resonate across Japan.

A harmonious blend of ancient allure and modern infrastructure awaits visitors in Kyoto. Whether one’s interests lie in history, culture, art, or nature, the city offers an abundance of treasures. Immerse yourself in the very essence of Kyoto with my carefully crafted 3-day itinerary, and for those fortunate enough to extend their stay beyond a weekend, discover the finest day trips in the surrounding area.

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A Little Bit About This 3 Day Kyoto Itinerary

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Kyoto is the ancient capital of Japan, which means it’s full of history, traditional architecture, an incredible foodie scene, and an abundance of awe-inspiring zen temples! It has something for every traveler, from manicured Japanese gardens to relaxing bamboo forests, to incredible museums and foodie tours, you’ll never run out of things to do in Kyoto.

Whether you’re spending one day in Kyoto or a week, planning an unforgettable Kyoto itinerary is no easy task. There are some phenomenal options jostling for a spot on your list! 

I’d personally suggest taking at least two or three full days to explore the city. If you want to see all of the important landmarks you might be able to fit everything into 24 hours, but with over 2,000 temples in Kyoto alone (and most of them are gorgeous) that’ll guarantee a lot of stress. So do yourself a favor and set more time aside.

This itinerary has been designed for travellers with 2 or 3 days in Kyoto. For the first 2 days in Kyoto, I offer a step-by-step Kyoto itinerary and have carefully timed attractions to ensure you can fit them all in. I have also included spots for eating as we all know exploring is hungry work!

Day 3 is a bit more free and easy. I have provided a bunch of cool ideas for you to choose from, plus some free attractions for any backpackers in Japan looking to save some pennies.

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Kyoto Itinerary Overview

• Day 1 in Kyoto: Kinkakuji Temple , Nijo Castle , Camellia FLOWER , Nishiki Market ,   Geisha dance in Gion
• Day 2 in Kyoto: Yasaka Pagoda , Kiyomizudera Temple , Kyoto International Manga Museum , Kyoto Station Building , Maruyama Park , Ginkakuji Temple
• Day 3 in Kyoto: Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine , Japanese Cooking Class , Monkey Park , Mt Kurama

So where is the best place to stay in Kyoto ?  If you’re interested in temple-hopping – one of the best activities in Kyoto – try to find a place in the Higashiyama district ! Famous for its many beautiful and historic temples, some of the best Kyoto attractions are located within easy walking distance. If you’re only spending a weekend in Kyoto this is ideal, as you won’t have to spend much time on transportation!

One of the coolest neighbourhoods for your first time in Kyoto is Gion . However, it’s unlikely you’ll actually find a place to stay here. It’s so popular, and most of its streets are dedicated primarily to its famous tea houses and merchant homes. Still, if you have the money to spend, give it a go! It’s not every day that you get to stay in a neighbourhood that is an iconic and integral part of a community’s culture! There are also some great Kyoto Ryokans in this area.

Another great neighbourhood you can stay in is Downtown Kyoto’s Kawaramachi . It’s central and modern, but really close to the oldest parts of Kyoto. A vacation in Kyoto is always really well spent here.

The best hostels in Kyoto are spread over the city. I have selected a few options below to get you started.

Best Hostel in Kyoto – Len Kyoto

Centrally located and just a 1-minute walk from the Kamo River, Len Kyoto is a great hostel in Kyoto to choose! It has a café and bar lounge where you can grab a coffee and breakfast in the morning, and drinks at night. Rooms are spacious and clean, and the beds are comfortable.

Best Kyoto Airbnb – House in Kyoto with Area for Family Group

Close to Kyoto Train Station, this Kyoto Airbnb traditional home can sleep up to ten people, perfect for large families and friends travelling together. The sleeping arrangements are Japanese style, in that most people sleep in the same room on tatami mats on the ground.

The main sleeping room doubles as the living room, with a TV, table, and sofas as well. There’s another room that can be used for sleeping and/or eating, and you’ll find comfy floor seats in this room too.

There’s a separate toilet and bathroom and a well-equipped kitchen with a small breakfast bar. Lovely Japanese features can be found throughout the home.

Best Budget Hotel in Kyoto – Sunput Nanajo Mibu

This hotel is luxury on a budget! Each room has air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchenette, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Located in the heart of Kyoto, it has everything you could want! The staff is friendly and helpful, and you can even rent bicycles.

The first day of my 2 days in Kyoto Itinerary includes some of the most beautiful places in the country! Today, you’ll be touring ancient temples and markets, among other things. If you’re only visiting Kyoto for the first time, this is also the best way to do it!

The first day will largely stay in downtown Kyoto, with one or two attractions a little further out. You’ll want to wear comfy shoes today as there is a lot of walking.

9.00 AM – Kinkaku ji Temple

This serene, gold-colored temple is an iconic UNESCO world heritage site. Perched on the water, with its leafy, mountainous backdrop, is a perfect example of Japanese architecture. Each level represents a different architectural style from the extravagant Kitayama culture. It looks like a painting from every angle!

Also known as the Golden Temple, or Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku ji is definitely one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in the world.

The golden pavilion’s top two floors are covered in gold-leaf, making for a very impressive sight.

The building has been burnt down numerous times throughout its history – while the original was built in the 14th century, the most recent structure was rebuilt in 1995. But rest assured, it looks just the same!

There are also some truly lovely Zen gardens around the temple, which you should not miss. The effect, as a whole, is breathtaking.

I’ve made this my first stop because it can get very crowded! So, start your day early and try to beat the rush.

• Cost –  $4
• How Long Should I Stay Here?  30 mins
• Getting There –  Public transport runs here or you can use Uber

10.00 AM – Nijo Castle & The Kyoto Imperial Palace

The Nijo castle very different from any that you’ll find in Europe!

The gorgeous embellishments are made from wood and gold leaf. Marvel at the craftsmanship, and imagine the secrets and battles held in these walls. Its palace buildings are one of the best surviving examples of its architectural style from Japan’s feudal era.

You cannot take photos inside, but bring the camera anyway! Its’ exterior is very impressive, with a moat, extensive grounds and a canvas print of Paul Ross hung on the walls. There’s a main and second circle of defence – the Ninomaru Palace is in the second. The floors squeak when stepped upon as a security measure! Talk about cool ninja palace…

There’s also a traditional manicured Japanese landscape garden. This is a great place to stroll or sit and relax before moving on to the next stop, and certainly one of the most beautiful places in my Kyoto Itinerary!

Go for the audio guide! The history of the castle is so interesting, it definitely adds to the experience.

Across the road from the Nijo castle is the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The palace is the former ruling place of the Emperor of Japan. Emporers have resided here since the Meiji Restoration in 1869, but now they live at the Tokyo Imperial Palace to maintain the preservation of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. This ornately decorated palace is a pure wonder to behold, and one of the most historic places to visit in Kyoto.

• Cost –  $6 for the Nijo Castle, with an extra $4 for entrance to Ninomaru Palace. Free for the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
• How Long Should I Stay Here?  60 mins at each place
• Getting There –  Take the bus from Kinkakujimichi to Horikawa Marutamachi. Walk to Nijo Castle and the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

11.00 AM – Tea Ceremony at Camellia FLOWER

A tea ceremony is the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha; powdered green tea. A great cultural experience, this is a must! You’ll learn more about Japanese history and tradition, and come away with a greater appreciation of the ancient civilization.

Japanese Buddhism, or Zen Buddhism as it’s sometimes called, was a primary influence on the tradition, and it is still considered an art.

Serene and calming, the tradition dates all the way back to the 9th century! It was practiced by Emperors and Japanese nobles. The fact that as a tourist, you can participate in this ceremony, is amazing. Be respectful and appreciative of your guide – this is an honour.

There are many places in Kyoto where you can participate in a tea ceremony. I suggest Camellia FLOWER because the staff are friendly and helpful, and speak fluent English. They are considered one of the best.

But when you get to Kyoto, have a look around your neighborhood. You’re sure to find one nestled somewhere!

• Cost –  $27 – yes this is one expensive cup of tea!
• How Long Should I Stay Here?  60 mins
• Getting There  – Walk from Horikawa Marutamachi and then take the bus to Higashiyama Yasui

12:30 PM – Nishiki Market

Next up is a lunchtime visit to the Nishiki Market. A narrow, five-block long shopping street, this lively market is known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”.

It specializes in all things street food-related, including fresh and cooked seafood, produce, Japanese sweets, and cookware. It’s the perfect great place to find seasonal Japanese foods and incredible Kyoto specialties. Almost everything sold here is locally produced!

The market is very busy but pleasant, and the crowd is more locals than tourists. There’s no better way to explore the many culinary delights of Kyoto. You can sample many different street foods, and buy small portions for a budget lunch. Spend a few hours strolling through the street. There is so much to take in in this vibrant space. It’s definitely one of the coolest things to do in Kyoto.

The market started centuries ago, as a fish wholesale district in the early 14th century. Many stores have been run by the same families for generations! Today the charming Nishiki Market remains an important space for locals and tourists alike. You won’t find fresher food than this!

• How Long Should I Stay Here?  1 or 2 hours mins
• Getting There –  Walk here. It’s 25 minutes, but far less complicated than changing busses.

3.30 PM – Gion District

Gion is Kyoto’s geisha district. It has held this title for centuries, and you’ll find a lot of traditional Japanese style architecture and history here. You’ll also spot beautiful hostesses in colorful kimonos walking down the wooden Tatsumi Bridge and on the streets.

Admire the upscale restaurants and boutiques of the special district. Watch one of the traditional Kyomai dances hosted at Gion Corner.

There’s lots of unique things to do in Kyoto ‘s Geisha district. so be sure to set out a few hours for it. Geisha’s are ubiquitous across Japan.

Geisha, or Geiko (Kyoto’s dialect, meaning ‘arts child’), entertain in traditional Japanese style tea houses. There are also wooden machiya merchant houses lining the street, close together but stretching far back.

The entertainment district is at its most atmospheric in the early evening when lanterns are lit and the sun slowly sets. We are a bit early for this but you can hang around and wait. This is one of the best  things to do in Kyoto .

• Cost –  Free
• Getting There –  Walk here in 15 minutes. Aim for Gion Tatsumi Bridge

5.00 PM – Geisha dance in Gion

Stopped in tradition and culture, these dances are an art form long recognized in Japan! Once you’ve enjoyed the general delights of the district, enter a tea house if you can (many only cater to locals).

If you’re lucky, you will be able to observe a small performance in one of these teahouses. If you’re very lucky, or a good planner, you’ll be able to see a large performance, put on for the general community!

The five geisha districts of Kyoto put on annual performances for the public, and tourists are permitted to join the crowd. Here geiko and maiko (apprentices) perform with dance and music.

The dances are highly stylized and tightly choreographed. Every move is perfect, their slow and graceful forms hinting at the intensely hard work that goes into them. These dances are considered a great honor to perform in – and are certainly an honor to witness.

Each performance depicts some aspect of Japanese life and the changing of seasons. They are exquisitely beautiful, and certainly an experience you will never forget – a must see in Kyoto.

• Cost –  $18 – $40
• Getting There –  It’s in the Gion district

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Explore nature, modern Japanese architecture and art, and of course more temples on day 2 of my Kyoto Itinerary! It’s going to be an incredible day.

9:00 AM – Yasaka Pagoda

Also known as Hakanji Temple or Yasaka-no-Tou, this pagoda is perfect. With an iconic design and great location, it feels like you’re in an old Japanese movie as you look at it.

Yasaka Pagoda, the last remnant of Hokanji Temple, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the district. Occasionally the interior is open to visitors, which is a rare opportunity.

Almost all pagoda can only ever be viewed from the outside. However, you’ll be hard-pressed to find out when public viewings are available unless you go and ask in person.

Still, it’s worth the visit just to see the outside! A 46-meter tall pagoda with graceful, sloping roofs on every tier, it lies in the middle of an old Kyoto neighborhood in Higashiyama which is wonderful to walk through. Admire the scene, old ladies sitting and gossiping together, light wooden buildings and cherry trees.

If you do get to see the interior, you’ll have the opportunity to Visitors are allowed inside to marvel at the tower’s architecture, statues and fading paintings. Originally built by the Imperial Prince Shotoku in 589, the pagoda is said to have been inspired by a dream.

• Cost –  $4
• Getting There –  You can reach the Pogoda by bus

10:00 AM – Kiyomizu Dera Temple

Kiyomizu Sera, or the ‘Pure Water Temple’, is one of the most beautiful and celebrated temples of Japan. Founded in 780 AD on the site of the Otowa Waterfall, it derives its name from that waterfall’s waters.

The temple is nestled in the wooded hills east of Kyoto, but you will be able to catch a bus to the area and stroll along a path through the forest to get there. It’s a great opportunity to leave the city for a few hours and admire the surrounding area.

Kiyomizu Dera Temple has a wooden stage that extends from its main hall, 13 meters above the hillside below. Here visitors have a fantastic view over the cherry and maple trees surrounding the temple. These are a sea of color in Spring! You’ll also see Kyoto in the distance.

The Otowa Waterfall, at the base of the main hall, has its waters divided into three separate streams. Visitors drink from them using cups attached to long poles. The waters are said to provide longevity, success, and love. But drinking from all three is considered greedy!

The main hall and stage were built without the use of nails! In the hall, you’ll find a golden statue of the eleven-faced, thousand-armed Kannon. This is a deity of compassion and mercy, and the temple’s primary object of worship.

• Cost –  $6
• Getting There –  It’s a 15 minute walk

11:00 AM – Kyoto International Manga Museum

For something a little different and a little more modern, visit the Manga museum! Just as much a part of many Japanese people’s lives as the temples you’re visiting, Manga is very important in Japanese culture.

Manga are comics or graphic novels rendered in a very specific style, with their roots in Japanese art. Japanese people of all ages read manga! The comics cover every genre, the most popular of which are adventure and erotica.

You’ll enjoy how absolutely different the style is from western comics!

The museum is extensive, its walls lined with shelves of Manga. Most of the works are by Japanese artists, but there are exhibitions of foreign work as well. It also features frequent temporary exhibitions in different themes.

The museum was once a school, and some relics from its very different past are on display! It’s a fun and unusual place to spend an hour or two and one of the best, offbeat things to do in Kyoto.

• Cost –  $7
• How Long Should I Stay Here?  60 mins
• Getting There –  Take the 95 bus from Gojozaka to Karasuma Oike

12.00 PM – Lunch at Shishin Samurai Restaurant 

Feeling hungry? I hope so because my Kyoto itinerary next stop is Shishin Samurai Restaurant.

Housed in a traditional, 100 year old building, the cuisine is traditional “Samurai” food made using award winning Tofu and fresh, organic vegetables.

The grilled omi beef is delicious, the Samurai burger filling and if you want something light and green then check out the Samurai salad.

• Cost –  Budget $20- $30 per person
• Getting There –  You can walk from the Manga museum

1.00 PM – Kyoto Station Building

You would think this is an odd choice, being a train station. But the Kyoto Station Building showcases really impressive modern architecture! It’s also one of the best places to shop in Kyoto.

An ultra-modern structure of glass and steel, the station building houses a brilliant amount of shops, restaurants, and recreational facilities.

If you’re looking for anything specific while you’re in Japan, this is where you’ll find it.

Of course, you can also catch a train! Japanese trains are incredibly fast and efficient. If you’re going to Tokyo or Osaka (or anywhere else in Japan) this is the best way to get around!

The station is enjoyable even just for its dramatic and imposing size. But there are plenty of maps, so don’t worry about getting lost! Whether you want to window-shop, buy something, or bring the kids someplace they recognize better than the temples, this is a great place to visit in Kyoto.

• How Long Should I Stay Here?  30 mins
• Getting There –  Take the Karasuma (Green line) metro to Kyoto station

2.30 PM – Maruyama Park

This public urban park is incredible in Spring! The cherry trees blossoming turn it into an ethereal landscape, and you feel like you’re on another planet. Any other time of the year though, it’s still a great place to visit in Kyoto!

The park’s centerpiece is a famous weeping cherry tree and gets lit up at night.

You’ll be here in the evening, enjoying the park’s beauty in the golden hour! It’s a very popular park, so this is also a great time to go for the reduced crowds.

The park has a lovely duck pond, gurgling streams and plenty of trees. You can even enjoy a drink here, as Japan allows for drinking in public. It’s the perfect place for an evening picnic and some good end-of-day unwinding! Perfect for families and couples.

It’s also a great place to do some local people-watching! Residents of Kyoto love to hang out in the public space, and it can get quite a party vibe as the evening progresses.

No matter the season, be sure to bring your camera and take advantage of some great photo opportunities!

• Getting There –  Take the bus from Kyoto Eki mae to Gion

4.00 PM – Ginkakuji Temple

Ginkakuji Temple, or the Temple of the Silver Pavilion , is elegant and lovely. Set at the base of the mountains, its entire temple grounds are gorgeous. A perfect example of curated Japanese landscape architecture.

Walk the trails around the temple grounds, lake, and gardens, and admire the raked sand garden, sit and look up at the blue sky through the trees.

The gardens are a perfect post-lunch relaxing spot!

Modeled on its sister temple, the Golden Pavilion, the zen buddhist temple complex is not quite aptly named. Its walls are wooden brown and were never plated with silver. The Zen temple was once a retirement villa for the grandchild of the Golden Pavilion’s creator – hence its nickname.

Ginkakuji consists of multiple smaller temple buildings, and houses a statue of Kannon! You’ll find the temple beautiful from every angle. It’s also much less crowded than its sister. You can stroll around in relative peace and quiet.

• Cost –  Free
• How Long Should I Stay Here?  3o minutes
• Getting There –  Bus again! From Gion to Ginkakuji mae

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighborhood in Kyoto:

Southern Higashiyama

Southern Higashiyama is home to many of Kyoto’s most famous and popular tourist destinations. If you haven’t been to Southern Higashiyama, you haven’t been to Kyoto!

• Step away from the typical tourist trail and explore lesser-visited temples such as Kodai-ji, Shoren-in, and Entoku-in.
• Try and spot geishas in Hanami-koji.
• Admire Yasaka-no-to Pagoda.
• Watch a spell-binding performance at Minamiza Kabuki Theatre.

There is so much to do in the greater Kyoto prefecture, I hope you’re spending more than 3 days in Kyoto! These are the must-sees that just don’t fit into the busy structure of your first 2 days in Kyoto.

Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine

Only 30-minutes from Kyoto by train, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is an absolute must-see in Japan. With thousands of vermilion Torii gates and some really impressive buildings, it’s one of the most iconic holy places in the world.

The Torii gates symbolically mark the transition from the mundane and earthly to the sacred. That’s quite a transition!

They stretch up past the shrine buildings, lining numerous paths up the mountain. You can walk all the way up the Inari mountain between the gates, finding smaller shrines as you go. The scene from the top is amazing, with Kyoto is the distance amidst the green mountains.

The Shinto god, deity Inari is the god of many things, including rice and business! The shrine is so immense because of the deity’s patronage of business. Each of the torii gates has been donated by a Japanese business or individual. Look on the back of a few of the gates – the donor’s name and date of donation are inscribed on the back of each of them.

You’ll also find stacks of miniature torii at the smaller shrines on the mountains. These are donated by people seeking success without the budget of the larger companies! Bring your camera and some comfortable shoes, and get ready for an amazing Fushimi Inari hike . This stop is definitely one of the top Kyoto attractions and a worthwhile climb!

• Cost –  $3
• How Long Should I Stay Here?  120 minutes
• Getting There –  It’s just outside  JR Inari Station

Japanese Izakaya Cooking Class

Immerse yourself in the famous Kyoto foodie culture and learn how to make home-style Japanese dishes.

An izakaya is an informal Japanese space for casual after-work drinking and tapas. Lasting 3-hours, the course covers a surprising amount of Japanese food. You’ll learn to make 2 or 3 local dishes, chatting and learning from your chef, before eating them together in a fantastic communal experience.

When you’re full and happy you’ll make another 2-3 dishes, allowing the food to settle while you learn. This is the perfect activity for foodies, families, couples, and people interested in learning an element of the local culture.

• Cost –  Varies
• How Long Should I Stay Here?  2 to 3 hours
• Getting There – Take the metro to Funayacho, Shimogyo Ward, and walk to Cooking Sun.

Monkey Park Iwatayama

If you’re feeling a little overloaded from all the temples and shrines, take a little hike up this nearby hill to visit the Monkey Park. With only a $5 USD entrance fee and a very casual setup, it’s a great place to experience something entirely different.

It’s a 30-minute hike and quite steep, so, unfortunately, those with physical limitations may struggle. It’s also not wheelchair friendly.

But you can take it as slow as you need to, and you’re well rewarded at the top!

The snow monkeys, also known as “Japanese macaque” are native to Japan, and really beautiful. It’s refreshing to see them outside of a cage, enjoying life in their natural habitat and relaxing in the sun.

• Cost –  $5
• How Long Should I Stay Here?  2 hours
• Getting There –  A 3-min walk from the  Togetsukyo Bridge

If you have half a day to spare, one of the greatest Kyoto points of interest is in its greater prefecture! Said to be the home the King of the Tengu – legendary creatures in Japanese folk religion – this mountain is mysterious and immense.

On the mountain, you’ll find Kurama, a rural town best known for its hot spring and beautiful Kurama-  temple. The hot spring is one of the most easily accessible from Kyoto!

You can enjoy traditional outdoor and indoor baths at Kurama Onsen, at the upper end of the town.

The train stops just 10-minutes walk from the town. Stroll along the nature trail that follows the river. If you’re so taken with the little town that you want to stay longer, you can! And staying guests can use the baths for free.

If you want to visit the Buddhist temple of Kurama-Dera, you’ll find it located along the steep green mountainside above the town. It takes about 45-minutes to hike up to the temple from the town below. You can also catch a cable car halfway up the mountain, for only ~$2 USD!

The impressive temple’s main buildings stand on a terrace on the mountain slope and overlook the wooded valley. The red postboxes lining the walk, and the buildings’ traditional Japanese architecture with red wooden frames, make for stunning photography and a unique, aesthetic scene. You’ll definitely want to tick this off your itinerary for Kyoto!

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

One of my all time favourite things to do in Kyoto is to walk around the famous bamboo forest, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.

Located at the base of the “Storm Mountains” in north Kyoto, the Arashiyama bamboo forest is a seemingly endless bamboo forest that is perfect for nature lovers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of Kyoto’s busy city center. The sounds of the swaying bamboo grove is eerie and tranquil, and if you really want to enjoy it, you can opt for a traditional rickshaw ride through the groves.

The Arashiyama bamboo grove is an open space, so it’s open 24/7 and is free to enter. However, it is quite far out from other attractions in the city, so that’s why I only recommend going if you have time.

The surrounding Arashiyama district is a well-known fishing village, which involves using trained cormorant birds to dive down and collect the fish – similar to how they fish in the lakes of South China. This is a unique way to catch fish that can only be seen in Japan and China, so it is also well worth adding to your Kyoto itinerary.

The Arashiyama bamboo grove region is also especially beautiful during cherry blossom season, if you’re lucky enough to be in Kyoto at this time.

• Cost: free to enter!
• Getting there: From JR Kyoto station, take the train to Saga-Arashiyama Station. From there, it’s a 15 minute walk to the bamboo groves.
• How long should I spend there? Around 1 hour at the bamboo grove should be enough, another hour at the fishing village.

My itinerary is jam-packed with amazing things to see and some of the best places to visit in Kyoto ! But that doesn’t mean you need to stay in the middle of the city to make the most of it. The transportation in Kyoto is world-class, and you’ll be able to get anywhere in the large city in minutes. So breathe easy, touring Kyoto is a breeze!

The train and subway system is extensive, making it easy to get around the city, and also to reach nearby cities like Osaka and Nara very quickly. Japan is a very small, technologically advanced country, so it’s a great place to travel.

You can also catch the bus to get around the city. They are very reasonably priced and fun! You get on at the back, and depart from the front, paying when you leave. Within the main part of the city, all bus fares are ~$2 USD. You can also walk! But with such efficient, well-priced public transport, and limited time, you may choose not to.

However, my favorite option is cycling! Renting a bicycle for the day is a really great way to explore the city, and you’ll be able to see lots of lovely random things in-between stops. It’s also a common form of transportation in Kyoto, so you won’t be alone!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Kyoto’s climate is temperate humid. This means that winters are mild and summers are hot and rainy. The in-between months are best as they’re usually mild and sunny, and very pleasant. Therefore, depending on when exactly you visit Japan , pack accordingly.

Wondering when to visit Kyoto? Spring is absolutely idyllic when the cherry trees bloom and transform the Japanese landscape with their calm, beautiful pink. This starts in April, and is a great time to do a Kyoto walking tour!

Keep in mind, the cherry trees bloom quickly and only blossom for around 2 weeks, so if you’re planning a Kyoto trip for its best season you’ll want to go in the first two weeks of April. The city is very popular at this time so the crowds will be large. But it’s well worth it!

I visited Kyoto in the summer in June, which was rainy season. It was still beautiful but the rain makes the weather quite cold so it’s a good idea to bring some warm clothes, even in the summer!

The city is also gorgeous in Fall, when all those trees go red and orange. In Fall, the rains have ended but the crowds are reasonably small and everything is a little cheaper than during the springtime rush! It’s one of our favourite September destinations for these reasons.

Japan is a very safe country to visit. While Kyoto is a large city and very busy, it is, in fact, the safest city in Japan . You can walk around downtown Kyoto at night in safety.

You can also use public transport alone. This means Kyoto is a really great city for solo travelers – so often I have to make sure I’m inside or in a group by dark. Here you can keep exploring into the night!

Like in every busy city, the flow of people attracts pickpockets. However, the risk is comparatively low. If you keep your bags closed and close to you, you’ll leave the city with everything you arrived with!

While not a safety measure per-se, there are a few things you should do to avoid being rude in Kyoto and greater Japan. Take off your shoes when you enter a home. Don’t eat or talk on the phone while you walk – Japanese folk find it quite offensive, and you’ll definitely get some funny looks. Don’t touch in public, it makes them uncomfortable.

Also, as with any trip, it’s always wise to be prepared for the unexpected.  So get yourself protected with good travel insurance . You never need it until you don’t have it.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Kyoto

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning their Kyoto itinerary.

How many days do you need in Kyoto?

You’ll need a minimum of 2-3 full days to explore Kyoto. However, with so much to see and do, having more time there is definitely recommended.

What should you include on a 3 day Kyoto itinerary?

Don’t skip these top Kyoto attractions: – Kinkakuji Temple – Nishiki Market – Gion District – Maruyama Park

Where should you stay if you have a full Kyoto itinerary?

The central Higashiyama District is the ideal base for sightseeing. It’s within walking distance of main attractions, so you can spend less time travelling and more time exploring!

When is the best time to visit Kyoto?

Visiting in the Fall is best if you want to avoid tourist crowds and enjoy good weather. If you’re after the cherry blossoms, you’ll need to be there at the beginning of April.

Isn’t it wonderful, what you can see and do on a short Kyoto trip? The ancient city has so much to offer, both in Kyoto’s city center and beyond it. And the locals are welcoming and kind!

Whether you’re coming on a spiritual pilgrimage, a foodie foray, or a historical and cultural adventure, Kyoto is one of the best places in the world to do it! You will never walk away from this city disappointed. Not with this 2 days in Kyoto itinerary! There are just too many incredible experiences to be had.

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Girl Eat World

A girl's adventure in food and travel around the world, kyoto travel guide for first-time visitors: what to see and eat in kyoto.

Recently, I had the opportunity to revisit Kyoto again, for the third time. I visited Kyoto for the first time during Sakura (Spring) season, then again in Momiji (Fall) season, before coming back during the pandemic when there weren’t any international tourists in Japan .

Needless to say, I feel like I’ve seen Kyoto at its best times and I can’t wait to share everything I know about Kyoto with you!

• How to get to Kyoto

How many days should I spend in Kyoto?

When is the best time to visit kyoto.

• Where should I stay in Kyoto?

How can I get around Kyoto?

• Can I store my luggage in Kyoto?
• What are the must-do things in Kyoto?
• What and where to eat in Kyoto

How can I get to Kyoto?

First things first, let’s cover the ways you can get to Kyoto. Kyoto is located in Kansai, south of Honshu, Japan’s main region. It is around 500km south of Tokyo . Here is how you can get to Kyoto:

1. Fly into KIX, then take the Haruka Airport Express

As a foreign visitor, the best and fastest way to get to Kyoto is to fly into Kansai International Airport (KIX) and take the train to Kyoto, going through Osaka. From KIX to Osaka, it only takes about 50 minutes by Haruka airport express train and then another 15 minutes to Kyoto and slightly longer if you take the local train, perhaps 30 minutes.

(In fact, Osaka is a great base for your trip if you’re interested in exploring other things in Kansai aside from Kyoto, as I have outlined here )

You can purchase Haruka airport express train ticket here , or if you already have a JR pass, then you can use your JR pass (assuming you bought Unlimited JR Pass ).

2. Take the Shinkansen, Japan’s ultra-fast bullet train

The price of Unlimited JR Pass has increased by 70% since 1 Oct 2023 . Even though you’ll see many recommendations for buying a JR Pass to save some costs, it could be outdated. Since the price hike, it has become harder to justify the cost of the JR Pass, however regional passes like the JR West Kansai Pass might still be worth it. I am working on updating my blog post to reflect this change.

If you’re thinking of making Kyoto one of your stops on a long trip to Japan, it’s very possible to take Shinkansen. From Tokyo, it will take only 2.5 hours to reach Kyoto by Shinkansen. Just make sure you’ve purchased a JR Pass that covers both areas, in this case, if you’re traveling from Tokyo to Osaka / Kyoto then you’d probably want the Unlimited JR Pass .

The Shinkansen conveniently drops you off at the main Kyoto / Osaka station (depending on where you’ve decided to base yourself – I’ve written about that here ), and from there you’ll be able to take local trains to wherever you need to go.

You should be able to see most things you want to see in Kyoto in 2 days , but it really depends on your travel style. If you wake up early and are okay with going around the entire day til night time, then 2 days is good.

However, if you prefer to take things slow, you could allocate more days. You can see the list of things to do in Kyoto below, where I outline my recommended places to visit and decide for yourself!

Without a doubt, the best time to visit Kyoto (and many other parts of Japan) is during Sakura time or Momiji time . You can click on the links to determine the best times as it varies every year.

Kyoto (and all of Japan) is just insanely beautiful during these two seasons. However, they are also probably the most popular time to visit Kyoto, so expect a lot of crowds.

Avoid golden week which is the first week of May and Obon in middle of August, as these two are big holidays in Japan. You’ll not only have to battle the international tourists that are coming to Japan, but domestic Japanese tourists too!

Where should I stay when visiting Kyoto?

As I said before, I believe that Osaka , not Kyoto, is a better place to base yourself especially if you’re interested in exploring other things in Kansai, as I have outlined in my Kansai itinerary post .

This is my preference for many reasons:

• Accommodations in Osaka are more diverse and affordable. Kyoto on the other hand is seen as a luxury place to stay. You’ll be expected to pay a luxury price too!
• It only takes 15 minutes to Kyoto by Shinkansen (which you’d be using if you have a JR pass) or 30 minutes by local train.
• Kyoto gets pretty quiet (read: dead) by nighttime, whereas Osaka is the second largest city in Japan so you’ll still find plenty to do at night.
• Osaka is a great base if you’re exploring other areas in Kansai , since it’s located right in the middle of everything.

➡️ If you want to know where you can stay in Osaka, click on my Osaka travel guide .

Accommodations in Kyoto

That said, I understand that some people prefer the quaintness and quiet of Kyoto, so here are some good places you can consider. Just be mindful that they would be on the more expensive side!

• Yadoya Manjiro – If you want the true Japanese experience, you’d want to stay in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). Yadoya Manjiro is located a stone-throw away from Kiyomizu-dera, making it extremely convenient to explore the quiet old streets of Kyoto at night, once other tourists have left Kyoto.
• Kyoto Higashiyamaso – Another ryokan in the same area as Yadoya Manjiro. You really can’t beat the location!
• Kyoto River-view House Kyoraku – with rooms starting from US$70 a night, this is probably one of the most affordable options in Kyoto. It is located in the more modern part of Kyoto closer to the main station, but still within walking distance of the old Kyoto part.

Okay, now that we’ve covered the basics. How can we get around Kyoto? There are a few ways:

1. Using local train and bus

As with most cities in Japan, Kyoto’s public transport is top-notch. You can easily use Google Maps to chart out how to get from point A to point B with public transport in Kyoto.

I highly suggest getting a train card (IC card) if you plan to use public transport. It just makes everything so much easier, since you don’t need to buy a ticket for every journey – you just have to tap the card in and out of the station. The local train card is called ICOCA in Kansai, but if you have Suica or Pasmo from Kanto / Tokyo (or IC card from other regions), those should work here too.

Good news for iPhone users – the IC cards have gone virtual and you can use your phone as an IC card! This makes everything even more convenient, as you can refill the balance via your phone without having to go to the station. Note that you  do not need to buy a physical IC card to do this , just start the process straight from your phone!

Virtual IC Card: Read up on how to travel in Japan without a physical IC Card here !

2. Renting a Bicycle

One option many might not know is renting a bike. This is what I did on my first visit to Kyoto and it allowed me to see more of the city. The tourist area in Kyoto is not actually that big, so this is a very feasible option. We biked from Kyoto station to Arashiyama , and it only took about an hour with some detours.

You can rent two types of bikes:

• Regular Bikes at High Class City Bike Rental
• Electric Assist Bike Rental – If you think you’ll need some assistance from the motor so you don’t have to pedal so hard all the time!

On my latest visit, we rented a car as we were traveling with a toddler. But I would say exploring Kyoto by car is not the most ideal, as the streets are quite narrow in the areas that you would want to visit as a tourist.

But the biggest issue is that parking can get really expensive in Japan. We paid 1,000 – 1,500 yen each time we parked our car, which really adds up quickly if you’re visiting multiple places in Kyoto. However, it was certainly the most convenient way when traveling with a toddler.

You can rent a car from near Kyoto station here .

Can I store my luggage at Kyoto station?

Yes!! There are plenty of coin lockers to store your luggage at the train stations in Kyoto, or any other major train stations in Japan. You can choose the size of the lockers, ranging from 300 – 700 yen. Here is a photo of what it might look like:

You can’t really see from the photo above, but the locker is very deep. The 300 yen option is good for backpacks (the kind you take for backpacking trips), while the 700 yen option would fit very large luggage. The 300 yen one looks small but you can definitely fit a 10kg backpack laying flat with plenty more room, so I think bigger backpacks would fit too.

Take note that the locker fee is only good to open the locker once, so if you forget something and need to take your luggage out, you’ll need to pay another set of fees. And don’t forget where your locker is located! You might want to take a photo of it just so you don’t have a hard time locating it later.

Things to do in Kyoto

Now that you know how to travel around Kyoto – you might be wondering “What are the must-do things in Kyoto?”. Well, you’ve come to the right place!

Here are some of the must-do in Kyoto:

1. See Senbon Torii (“thousands of gates”) at Fushimi Inari Taisha

When you think of Kyoto, I’m willing to bet the first thing that comes to mind is the rows upon rows of vermilion-colored torii that are so symbolic of Japan. Well, these rows of torii can be found at Fushimi Inari Taisha !

Enter the temple area and go past the shrine, then continue your hike up and you’ll see the torii soon. The rows of torii actually double up as a 5km trail up to Mount Inari. If that sounds far to you, you don’t actually have to go all the way up, you could just do a little bit of the walk and circle back.

In the three times I’ve been to Kyoto, I’ve never made it up to the top of the mountain due to time constraints, but I’ve been told the further away you go, the lesser the crowd! I would totally do it if I had the time.

The main temple area is also worth a visit. I got this super cute Ema (wooden plaque for prayers) shaped like a torii for 800 yen. You’re supposed to write your wishes on an ema and leave it at the temple, but you could also take it home as a souvenir like I did.

Another thing you might want to do while at the temple (or any other temple in Japan) is purchase an Omamori , a small amulet containing a blessed piece of wood meant to protect you or you can gift it to your loved ones for their protection. They cost about 500-800 yen and there are different types of Omamori for different purposes – for health, giving birth, for students, etc. Most temples in Kyoto will have signs in English explaining what they are!

There is also a great lunch option nearby, at a restaurant called Kanoko . Scroll down for more info and my food recommendations in Kyoto!

2. Visit Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera is undoubtedly one of the most famous temples in Japan. There is a public area which you can explore for free, and then there is a ticketed area which costs 400 yen. I skipped the ticketed area on my first two visits as it was quite crowded and there was a line for entering. But I finally went in on my latest visit, and I can honestly say it is worth it.

Kiyomizu-dera means “Pure water temple”. If you decide to enter the ticketed area, you can see the actual Kiyomizu-dera main hall. Take a moment to marvel at the ancient Japanese architecture, which is built on a cliff and without any nails (common for Japanese temples).

Past the main hall, you’ll be taken on a path to walk around the garden which will be so beautiful, especially during Sakura and Momiji time! There is another smaller temple for safe delivery (a common pattern with many other places in Kyoto, I noticed) where you can see the main hall from afar.

Then, at the base of the temple is Otowa waterfall , where you can take some water for drinking. The water here, as the name Kiyomizu suggests, is considered to have many fortune benefits. Next to it is a small teahouse where you can have snacks and a light lunch.

3. Stroll around Kyoto’s Higashiyama (東山) and Gion district

Kyoto is charming for its quaint old Japan look. Well, the old Japan area is mostly located in the Higashiyama district.

Higashiyama means “eastern mountain” and that’s exactly where the district is located – along the slope of the eastern mountain of Kyoto. Kiyomizu-dera is actually located in Higashiyama district, so you can combine this activity with visiting the temple.

You can expect to see quaint traditional buildings, unique souvenir shops (this is a great place to pick up something to bring back home), small ryokan (Japanese-style inn) and street food vendors. It’s a very nice area to stroll around.

Aside from the obvious Kiyomizu-dera , there are a few places you won’t want to miss in this district:

• Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka (literally translated two year hill and three year hill) – the slopes near Kiyomizu-dera that are symbolic of Kyoto. You can find souvenir shops and street vendors in this area.
• Hidden Starbucks ( map ) – There is a Starbucks at Ninenzaka, but it’s not obvious as it does not have any of the iconic green Starbucks color. The facade of the store has been designed to fit the aesthetic of the rest of the neighborhood. Inside, you’ll find a garden on the first floor and traditional tatami seats (straw mats) on the second floor.
• Studio Ghibli store ( map ) – if you are a fan of Ghibli, and who isn’t, make sure to stop by here for a chance to bring back some souvenirs home. They have all kinds of things – from cups and utensils to stuffed toys and apparels.

Near Higashiyama is Gion – also known as the Geisha district. Gion is not technically part of higashiyama, but it’s very close by. The district is filled with tea houses where a geisha and a maiko might be doing their job as entertainers. There are also some high-end restaurants in this area.

4. Take a walk at the philosopher’s path

Tetsugaku no Michi, aka Philosopher’s path is a beautiful serene path along the canal that takes you from near the old streets of Kyoto to Ginkaku-ji. The path gained its name from Kitaro Nishida, a famous philosopher from Kyoto, who would take this path as a way to meditate. It is lined with beautiful cherry blossom trees, so you definitely want to be here during Sakura season! However, it is also still a good place to visit even if it’s not Sakura season.

You can start the walk from Keiage incline, to Nanzenji, then taking your way up philosopher path before ending up at Ginkaku-ji.

5. See Ginkaku-ji and Kinkaku-ji

Yes, the names are very similar but these are two different temples, located quite a distance apart from each other! Kinkaku-ji is Temple of the Golden Pavilion, while Ginkaku-ji is Temple of the Silver Pavilion.

Kinkaku-ji is a unique-looking temple, with pure gold-leaf coating covering the top two levels the temple. Ginkaku-ji, on the other hand, was meant to be the silver version of Kinkaku-ji as the name might have indicated. However, the temple has remained “unfinished” and to this date no silver foil has been used to coat the exterior of the temple.

6. Visit Arashiyama

Another famous visual from Kyoto is the serene Arashiyama bamboo forest . There are a few entry points to get to the bamboo forest, but I usually start from this point at Google maps , and end at Kameyama Park. The bamboo forest path is not very long (probably will take you 15-30 minutes max to walk) but there are plenty to do and more temples to visit around Arashiyama too!

Once you’re done with the bamboo forest, take some time to explore the area too! Kameyama Park offers a tranquil walk around, and there is a trail that takes you down to Katsura River.

Once you’re done exploring, you could walk down the river to a nearby park along Katsura River, called Arashiyama Park . During Sakura time, this park is filled with cherry blossom as well as snacks you can buy. I bought a sakura ice cream here!

Or you can visit some temples in Arashiyama. Tenryu-ji and Seiryo-ji is the big temples nearby. Each visit would set you back 400 yen per person.

7. Take the Sagano Romantic Train (in Arashiyama)

The Sagano romantic train, aka Sagano Torokko scenic railway, starts from near Arashiyama bamboo forest and takes you to JR Kameoka station. It takes 25 minutes to complete this journey, or 50-60 minutes to do a round trip if you are not interested in exploring Kameoka.

To make things simpler, you can pre-book a ticket for Sagano Romantic Train and pick it up at the Kyoto station.

8. Dress up in traditional Japanese clothing

If you want to fully immerse yourself in the Japanese atmosphere, you might want to rent a Kimono (or Yukata if it’s summer) while you’re walking around Kyoto. I saw plenty of tourists who did this and it definitely makes for a good photo. Here is where you can rent a kimono / yukata in Kyoto near Kiyomizu-dera.

Or, if you want to take it a step further, you can take a peek into the life of a maiko and dress up as a maiko (complete with the makeup). It also comes with a photoshoot so you can remember the experience.

And, if you’re wondering if it’s considered offensive to wear Japanese traditional clothing – the short answer is no . Japanese culture does not consider it cultural appropriation when a foreigner wears traditional Japanese clothing, especially when you’re wearing it properly!

9. Iwatama Monkey Park in Arashiyama

Iwatama Monkey Park is an open-air park where you can see and feed Japanese Macaque. The monkeys here are not confined in a cage, because they are wild and are free to come and go as they please. Personally, I have never been because I am scared of wild monkeys, and they could be quite territorial.

10. See Kyoto at night / after dark

Temples and shrines in Kyoto close as early as 5 pm. But if you’re lucky, during certain times of the year, you can come back at night to certain temples to see them illuminated with lanterns and lights. These events are:

• Higashiyama Hanatouro (in March for 10 days)
• Hikari no Kyoto (November)
• Arashihyama Hanatouro (December)

Some events are one-off and don’t repeat every year, so be sure to pay attention to posters when you are visiting during the daytime. They might tell you if anything is on for nighttime.

What and Where to Eat in Kyoto

The name of this dish tells you a lot about the dish itself. “Yu” means hot water, and “Dofu” means… well, tofu. Quite literally, the translation for this dish is boiling tofu. If you don’t like tofu, you probably won’t enjoy it but I am a tofu lover and I thought it was great! Yudofu is usually served as kaiseki, a Japanese multi-course meal, and it does come at a price.

Where you can have Yudofu in Kyoto:

• Shoraian – By Katsura River near Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. It is a little difficult to find and might require a reservation as the place is small. We were turned away when we tried to walk in.
• Yudofu Sagano – We went to Yudofu Sagano near Arashiyama and had a 10-course kaiseki for 4,000 yen. It was an expensive lunch, but worth it because the food was so good and even being in the restaurant itself was really nice experience. They have a zen garden in the middle!
• Okutan – a 350 years old restaurant near Nanzen-ji temple.

2. Uji Matcha

If you enjoy matcha (fine green tea powder), you’ll want to try matcha from Uji, a city in Kyoto. Uji is blessed with soil that is favorable for growing tea leaves. Matcha from Uji is considered one of the best in Japan, as it is rich in taste and very fragrant.

That’s why you’ll see matcha nearly everywhere in Kyoto – in the form of a tea drink, mochi, green tea ice cream topped with matcha powder, or even chasoba , noodles that are green in color from green tea ingredients.

Where you can try Uji Matcha in Kyoto:

To try Uji Matcha without visiting Uji itself, look out for these names while you are in Kyoto:

• Tsujiri – One of the most famous tea houses originated from Uji in Kyoto. They also have a small ice cream shop at Kyoto station, and their green tea soft serve is one of the best I’ve had.
• Itoh-kyuemon – another famous tea house from Uji. They also have a shop close to Kyoto station, selling dessert and their tea leaves.

3. Shojin Ryori

Shojin Ryori is a traditional Buddhist cooking, usually served as a multi-course meal. There is no animal product used, making it suitable for vegans, vegetarians, and those who need a halal option.

Shojin Ryori is made using the five basic concepts: five flavors (sweet, sour, spicy, bitter, and savory) five cooking styles (steamed, boiled, roasted, stewed, and raw), and five colors (white, black, red, green and yellow).

Shojin Ryori does come at a price – and it could be over 10,000 yen per person!

Where you can have Shojin Ryory in Kyoto:

Here are places where you can try Shojin Ryori:

• Shigetsu at Tenryu-ji ( map ) – near Arashiyama Bamboo forest
• Ajiro ( map ) – Michelin-starred vegetarian restaurant
• Hyotei ( map ) – A 400-year-old restaurant that is also a 3-star Michelin, located conveniently near the Higashiyama district

Other notable places to eat in Kyoto

Kinkaku soft ice cream ( map – near Kinkaku-ji) – This place serves gold-leaf softserves. It might be gimmicky, as it is obviously playing on the fact that Kinkaku-ji is covered in gold-leaf coating, but it does look special doesn’t it? Each ice cream will set you back 950 yen.

Nishiki Market ( map ) – Amazing food market that has been around for 400 years. It spans over 400m long and contains 100 stalls. You can find basically every Japanese food here. I’ve had sushi, sakura mochi, ichigo daifuku, just to name a few.

Kichi Kichi Omurice ( map – near Nishiki Market) – Have you seen the viral video of a guy serving the perfect Omurice a few years back? that restaurant is Kichi Kichi, and it is in Kyoto! I would highly recommend making a reservation if you intend to go, as the restaurant does not do walk-ins due to its popularity.

Gion Yata ( map )- Great restaurant for traditional kaiseki (multi-course) meals.

Ogawa Soba ( map – near Kinkaku-ji) – Great soba near Kinkaku-ji. It’s a little out of the way from most other places you’d want to see in Kyoto, but it might be worth it if you’re already in the area for Kinkaku-ji.

Kanoko ( map – near Fushimi Inari Taisha) – A simple restaurant right off the exit of Fushimi Inari Taisha. It looked unassuming from the outside, but they have a zen garden in the restaurant. They serve the usual suspect of Japanese cuisine fare like soba, tempura and set meals. Such a nice atmosphere and great food!

Bread & Espresso & Arashiyama ( map ) – Unique coffee shop near Arashiyama bamboo forest. It’s pretty popular so you might have to wait for a table.

Okay, folks, that’s all I have on Kyoto. If you end up making it to Kyoto, please comment below and let me know how your experiences are. And if my guide has helped you, please let me know too! I love reading and responding to your comments.

Until next time 🥰

Japan is one of my most-written topics in this blog and I go to Japan quite often. If you’re looking for more posts about Japan, please click here !

18 Comments

• February 22, 2024

Hi Melissa,

I will be travelling to Kansai area in March 8-16. 8-10 Mar – staying in Kyoto 10-16 Mar – staying in Osaka, day trip to Kobe & day trip to Nara

Do you think I can just buy the Kansai pass thru and use it from Kansai airport to the rest of the places? What other passes to you recommend.

Thank you for your time!

• February 17, 2024

Thank you for your site. It’s super helpful.

I am wondering what kind of pass I should be getting when in Japan.

We plan to to fly to KIX on March 10

Here is our itinerary March 10 Osaka March 11 leaving Osaka and spent the day in Nara. After visiting Nara, we will be leaving Nara for Kyoto, and stay in Kyoto March 11 to March 14 4 nights in Kyoto March 15 leaving Kyoto, and arriving in Hakone March 15 and March 16 2 nights in Hakone March 17 leaving Hakone and arriving in Fuji 5 lake March 17 and 18 both nights in Fuji 5 lake March 19 leaving Fuji 5 lake and heading to Tokyo March 19 – March 22 – 3 nights in Tokyo

In the Kensai area, should I get JR west Kensai pass, or should I get Kintensu 1 day pass, and purchase Haruka airport express to Osaka separately?

What would you recommend to go from Kyoto to Hakone?

Thank you so much.

• February 20, 2024

Your itinerary used to be covered by the unlimited JR, but since the price increase it is no longer worth it.

For Hakone and Fuji Five Lakes, I recommend looking into the Fuji-Hakone pass. This include the one way back from Fuji five lakes to Shinjuku. However it is only valid for 4 days, so you might want to activate it on your second day in Fuji five lakes.

For the Kyoto to Hakone portion, you’ll have to buy the tickets a la carte.

For Kansai, both of the options you mentioned are good, it just depends on your preference – do you like taking JR trains more or are you ok with the Kintetsu trains?

• January 18, 2024

Melissa, your blog is super helpful with planning of my Japan trip itinerary in late April/early May. I have prepared the draft of the plan as follows – however i stil cannot determine whether i am not spending too much time in Tokio, yet adding Nikko as day trip would mean i would spend most of that day travelling 🙂 Is the below reasonable or should i play with dates?

Date Activity 2024-04-20 arrival at KIX Osaka, checkin in hotel – dinner Dotonbori 2024-04-21 Osaka – day trip to Nara 2024-04-22 Koyasan – arrival ca noon, sighseeing of temples, evening cementary visit. 2024-04-23 Koyasan – early morning sightseeing return to Osaka (Osaka Castle and temples) 2024-04-24 Trip to Hiroshima with stop over in Himeji 2024-04-25 daytrip Mijaima, evening departure to Kyoto 2024-04-26 Kyoto – Fusimi Inaria Taisha, Nishiki market, Gion 2024-04-27 Kyoto – Arashima Bamboo Grove, Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu Dera. Pontocho 2024-04-28 Kyoto – Hokanji Temple, departure to Tokio 2024-04-29 Tokio – Shinjuku, Shibuya (Gotokuji Temple, Meiji Shrine, Park Yoyogi, Harajuku,Roppongi Hills ) 2024-04-30 Tokio – Toyosu Market, Tsukiji Market, Ginza and Tokyo Station, TeamLabs (?), Imperial palace gardens 2024-05-01 Tokio – Asakusa (Imado. Senso-ji Temple, Akihabara, Park Ueno, Akihabara i Ikebukuro, 2024-05-02 Tokio – Hakone day trip 2024-05-03 Tokio – day trip Kamakura – 2024-05-04 Tokio – souvenir shooping,evening Departure from Narita

Hey Krysztof, I think your itinerary looks very reasonable! You can save Nikko for later since you’re already heading to Hakone (the vibe is somewhat similar). I myself didnt go to Nikko until my 3rd visit to Japan. Just be mindful of the first few days of May being Golden Week. It is one of Japan’s largest holiday and there will be more domestic tourism on those days. However tourist attractions should still be open.

• July 5, 2023

Hi Melissa, So basically i can just rent a bicycle and cycle around Kyoto the whole day before i head back to Osaka? Was thinking if i should stay in Kyoto because I plan this way: Day 1-2 : Osaka Day 3 : Kyoto Day 4-6 : Tokyo Day 7-8 : Hakone

Hey Mandy, that sounds good to me! I highly recommend biking around Kyoto if the weather is good. Since you plan to head out to Tokyo, it could be good to stay in Kyoto if you want. I would try to stay near the JR station.

• May 30, 2023

Thanks for such a helpful writeup.

I clicked on the recommended accomodations and it seems like none are taking reservations. Are they perhaps alr closed due to the pandemic? Would you have other recommendations for accom?

Thanks alot! <3

• May 31, 2023

Hey Claire, they are still operational, but popular so they may be sold out on the days you are looking at

• May 8, 2023

I plan to travel to Kyoto Osaka in mid November this year. May I know when you travelled to Kyoto Osaka? I meant in fall foliage or before that? I would like to ask, is it worth to reschedule my plane to late Nov when fall foliage? because i need to pay penalty fee to airlines. Is mid of Nov worth or not? Thanks

Hey Ellen, I can’t say because it’s different every year, but generally for Osaka and Kyoto the peak is at the end of November. You can refer to this map: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2014.html

• May 2, 2023

Thanks for the comprehensive write-up. We are making a trip to Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka (10 days in total….taking it slow as we have some senior citizens with us). Am wondering if I should get the 5 days JR West pass and activate it only when in Kyoto to Hiroshima and return to Osaka, as we plan to stay in Hiroshima for 3 days, or should I get the 7 days pass? And would it be different compared to JR All Pass or should I stick to JR West Pass? Thanks

Hey Dave, by JR West, do you mean the JR Kansai-Hiroshima pass with 5-day validity? As far as I know, the JR West Kansai only has a 1-4 day validity and doesn’t cover Hiroshima. and by JR All do you mean the JR Whole Japan one?

In any case, the bulk of the train price would be the train going from Kyoto to Hiroshima and back to Osaka, like you mentioned so I would make sure to activate the JR validity to cover those days. So for example it sounds like your itinerary might look like this:

Day 1-2: Kyoto Day 3-6: Hiroshima Day 7-10: Osaka

I would then activate the JR Pass on day 3 when traveling to Kyoto-Hiroshima, and make sure it is still valid on Day 7 when traveling to Hiroshima. Given the trains are already 12,000 yen one way without JR Pass, It sounds like the JR Kansai-HIroshima is what you want.

• April 7, 2023

Hi Do I need the Kansai JR pass if I stay in Osaka and travel to Kyoto for 3 days?

• April 10, 2023

If you’re only traveling to Kyoto, I would just take the local train and not buy JR pass. Unless you want to take the shinkansen from Osaka to Kyoto. But the time difference isn’t much (15 mins by shinkansen vs 25-30 mins by local train from Osaka)

• January 2, 2023

Hai Melissa,

Thank you for the travel info provided. It help me a lot on my journey this month. But, may you help me to explain regarding Kansai Area Pass? I still don’t understand the use of trains in Kansai. Do I need to buy a Kansai Area Pass ticket to visit places around Kyoto, Osaka and Nara? and is the Kansai Area Pass a JR pass? and can I use it to take the train from the airport to Kyoto? Sorry for so many questions. I have read a lot of information, but regarding the train I still confuse, either the train is local train or the JR train.

• December 28, 2022

Thanks this was so helpful!!

• December 18, 2022

I really love your sharing on Kansai area. Thanks!

Do you find Osaka and Kyoto is pram accessible? I am bringing my 3 years old kid there.

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Destinations

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Kyoto Starts Here

When I first decided to tackle a round-up of things to do in Kyoto , I felt intimidated. Japan’s ancient capital, after all, is home to literally thousands of years of history, to say nothing its limitless contemporary appeal.

Now, as I take a second (which is to say new-and-improved) stab at a Kyoto itinerary, I’m as attuned to the fine details that make every moment spent here indispensable as I am mindful of how important it is to keep things concise. The goal of your Kyoto trip should be illumination, not domination, regardless of how long you expect to stay here, or how deep you plan to dig.

In line with this, I’ll be expounding upon my thoughts about how many days in Kyoto you should spend after talking you through my favorite Kyoto attractions and activities. No matter when you end up visiting Japan, I hope my Kyoto travel guide inspires you.

Where to Stay in Kyoto

Before I introduce you to things to do in Kyoto in a more thorough way, it’s helpful to discuss where you should set up shop. In general, I am of two minds when it comes to addressing this matter. On one hand, there’s value to staying in the heart of Higashiyama, particularly if it’s your first trip to Kyoto, and especially if you can afford a luxurious ryokan such as Seikoro Ryokan , or even a modest one like Ryokan Uemura .

On the other hand, not all the best ryokans in Kyoto are in Higashiyama, nor are they expensive. Ryokan Kyoraku , which is just 15 minutes by foot from Kyoto Station, perfectly illustrates this. There’s also a case to be made for staying in city hotels along Karasuma-dori, such as Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi or Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo , whether to save money, avoid crowds or simply for the utility of public transportation in that area.

How to Divide Up Your Trip to Kyoto

Get lost in kyoto’s historic center.

Want to see the best temples in Kyoto ? While some lie outside of Higashiyama (namely the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji in Kita ward), the vast majority can be seen by following what I call the “temple trail.” After starting way up north at the Silver Pavilion of Ginkaku-ji , walk down the Philosopher’s Path to Nanzen-ji and Eikando , veering off slightly to visit Hei-an Shrine before continuing past Chion-in and Kodai-ji into Maruyama Park . This will allow you to walk up Ninenzaka slope to reach Kiyomizu-dera for sunset, and back down it to look for Geisha in Gion after nightfall.

Whatever you do, make sure not to skip the west side of the Kamo River , where you’ll find the Shimogyo and Nagakyo wards. These areas are home not only to well-known sites such as Nijo Castle and the Kyoto Imperial Palace, but also Nishiki Market , which is known as the “Kitchen of Kyoto.” Beyond these, plenty of small, historic streets to get lost within, whether you’re on the hunt for forlorn temples or just want to see beautiful examples of iconic Machiya houses.

Explore Arashiyama beyond the bamboo forest

Temples are among my favorite things to do in Kyoto, but they’re not the only game in town. On the other hand, while Sagano Bamboo Grove , Iwatayama Park and the lush banks of the Hozu River make Arashiyama a paradise for nature lovers, there’s plenty of culture here as well. Have a cup of matcha amid the well-manicured private garden of Okochi-sanso Villa , or enter the bamboo forest through Tenryu-ji , another example of a Kyoto temple outside of Higashiyama that it very much worth visiting. Remember the Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion? You can visit on on your way back to Kyoto, by stopping at Emmachi station.

Chase a Fushimi Inari hike with a sake tour

Searching for the famous Kyoto orange gates? You’ll find those at Fushimi Inari Shrine , a short walk from both JR Inari Station and Fushimi-Inari Station of the Keihan Railway . Fushimi is much more than its shrine, however, whether you tour its many picturesque sake breweries, or visit Fushimi Momoyama , and underrated and under-visited castle that is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season. In spite of the ubiquity of the taisha among foreign tourists, in fact, I think you’ll find that most of Fushimi-ku sits well off Kyoto’s beaten path!

See charming cherry blossoms or appreciate autumn colors

Literally all things to do in Kyoto are more beautiful in early April, when the sakura are blooming , and in late November as autumn’s colors reach their most brilliant blaze. In addition to spots I’ve mentioned so far, which are all gorgeous in their own ways at this time of year, I particularly love enjoy hanami on the banks of the Kamo River just west of Higashiyama , and relishing the abundant red maple leaves of temples like Daigo-ji and Tofuku-ji , which is just one stop south of Kyoto Station by train, or a 20-minute walk away if you’re up for it.

TIP: If you can’t come to Kyoto in spring or autumn but still want to enjoy a seasonal spectacular, come in July for the annual Gion Matsuri , one of the great summer festivals of Japan !

Get out of town—if you can pry yourself away

The topic of day trips from Kyoto is at once a popular and controversial one. On one hand, they are as large in number as they are high in quality, whether you traipse amid the tea fields of Uji , or eat world-class wagyu in underrated Kobe , on the “other side” of Osaka, and between Osaka and Himeji Castle . On the other hand, there’s so much to do in Kyoto (especially if it’s your first time), that even reaching relatively close destinations (I’m thinking Hikone Castle on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa , or even Kurama-dera , literally just north of Kyoto’s city limits) can be too much to ask.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Kyoto?

The topic of how many days in Kyoto is one I’ve breached many times, most notably in my popular 2 days in Kyoto post on this very website. However, as is the case for Tokyo , I don’t think the answer to this question is one-size-fits-all. How long you spend in Kyoto depends as much upon what you plan to accomplish in Japan’s former capital (and whether you’ve been here before) as it does how long you expect to spend in the rest of Japan, and in which places.

For example, if you’ve visited before and have knocked off most things to do in Kyoto and only have two weeks in Japan this time, you might just spend a night or two here, particularly if your itinerary includes other historical cities, such as Kanazawa . If, on the other hand, you’re spending a month in Japan (or longer) and it’s your maiden voyage to the country, four or five days in Kyoto (or longer) may very well be in order.

Other FAQ About Planning a Kyoto Itinerary

What should i not miss in kyoto.

When you come to Kyoto, make sure not to miss the diversity of sights and experience. Kyoto is as much about the lush forests of Arashiyama and mysterious shrines (and sake breweries !) of Fushimi as it is about the enchanting temples of Higashiyama. Likewise, if you visit Kyoto when the cherry blossoms or autumn colors are near their peak, you can’t miss hanami or koyo experiences.

Is 4 days in Kyoto enough?

4 days is an excellent amount of time to spend in Kyoto. This will give you a full day each in Higashiyama, Arashiyama and Fushimi, plus the opportunity to take at least one day trip, whether to deer-filled Nara , sacred Mt. Koya or magnificent Himeji Castle in Hyogo prefecture. Alternatively, if you’ve seen Kyoto’s main sights on a previous trip, spending four days here upon your return to Japan will empower you to dig deep.

Where should I stay in Kyoto for the first time?

I personally love staying right in the hear of Higashiyama, although other locations are more logistically advantageous. For example, staying along Karasuma-dori, Kyoto’s main north-south thoroughfare, centrally situates you for sightseeing, particularly if you’re anywhere near the intersections with Gojo, Shijo and Sanjo roads, which connect to Higashiyama and Gion via bus and rail.

The Bottom Line

My Kyoto travel guide is not exhaustive, but it is instructive. Rather than attempting to see “everything” in Kyoto in a single trip, whether it’s your first or 50th, focus instead of optimizing your enjoyment as much as the number of places you visit. Given Kyoto’s long history, the city will likely be with us for at least another few centuries—it’s not going anywhere. Use what you missed during a given trip to Kyoto as inspiration for your next one! Speaking of which, the time is drawing closer when it will be possible to enter Japan again, as the coronavirus pandemic recedes. Hire me to plan your trip to Japan , both in Kyoto (my current home) and elsewhere throughout the country.

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The Ultimate 3-Day KYOTO Itinerary | Japan Travel Guide (2024)

Kyoto is a city full of history, culture, and beauty, making it one of Japan’s most popular destinations. It was once the imperial capital of Japan and is filled with incredible temples, shrines, and gardens designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Kyoto is also home to various traditional Japanese arts such as pottery, woodblock prints, and the iconic kimono. With so much to explore, it can be difficult to know where to begin. To make things easier, we’ve put together a 3-day KYOTO itinerary that will ensure you get the most out of your time in this amazing city!

You’re most likely flying into Tokyo first, so make sure to grab our 10 Best Things to Do in Tokyo guide. Additionally, we have a 4-day Tokyo itinerary with all the top activities that you can’t miss. If your trip coincides with the Cherry Blossom Season , we also have a guide to help you with everything you need to know before you go.

3-Day Kyoto Itinerary

Day 1: exploring the palace grounds & temples in kyoto.

If there is one thing you cannot miss in Kyoto, it’s a day spent exploring the palace grounds and temples. It’s like taking a step back in time. First up on the itinerary for your 3 days in Kyoto?

Kiyomizudera

Not only does this temple offer an incredible view that will leave you in awe, but it’s also one of the most iconic temples in Kyoto. What blew our minds was the fact that it was founded in 780 A.D., making it over 1,200 years old. That’s older than our great, great, great…well, you get the picture.

Once you climb onto the viewing platform, prepare to soak in breathtaking views that will leave you feeling like you’re on top of the world. And after that, go for a stroll around the grounds. As you leave Kiyomizudera, head on over to Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka .

These charming little laneways are dotted with traditional Japanese houses that lead up to the temple. And if you’re anything like us, you’ll be tempted to try all the different sweets and snacks along the way. Oh, and if you happen to come across the cherry blossom soft serve, just know that was our fave!

Tip Get cheap flights with cashback down below for your 3-Day Kyoto Itinerary

Kyoto Tatami Starbucks

The next stop is the Kyoto Tatami Starbucks. It’s like stumbling into a secret hideout. There’s no massive signage or neon lights screaming “Starbucks.” Instead, it blends in so perfectly with the surrounding buildings that you might miss it if you blink.

But trust us, you don’t want to miss this gem. Sitting on tatami mats and sipping on a perfect Starbucks Mango drink, you’ll feel like you’re in an entirely different world. It’s like you stumbled into someone’s house, but that someone happens to have the best coffee around.

Starbucks in Japan is beyond heavenly, and this Edo-style building just elevates the experience to a whole other level. This one’s definitely worth a visit!

Yasaka Shrine

You simply HAVE to check out Yasaka Shrine. I mean, really, put it on your itinerary and thank us later! It’s just a breezy 10-minute walk from Ninanzaka, and it’s also known as Gion Shrine.

Fun Fact: it’s believed to be dated as far back as 656 A.D. (Whaaat?!). But what caught our eye was the design of the stage. Is it a stage or a pagoda? Who knows, but we’re fans.

The layered lanterns give it a unique look that sets it apart from other temples, and those lanterns celebrate local businesses that have donated to Maruyama Park . Speaking of which, don’t forget to check out the park in the back while you’re there! It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll. It’s not just any old park – it’s a beautiful stroll that’ll make you forget you’re even in the middle of a bustling city.

See all Kyoto Stays

3 Days in Kyoto

Explore gion.

Gion – the perfect place to transport yourself back in time to old Kyoto. This entertainment district is brimming with lively eateries and buzzing bars, but it’s also an exclusive spot to spot some real-life geishas – the best time to spot them is between 5-6 pm. Be respectful though and take photos from a distance if possible.

And as if that’s not enough to pique your interest, the stunning traditional buildings that line the streets will make you feel like you’re walking through a historical masterpiece. Walking through Gion, we felt like we were in a different era. So, add Gion to your 3-day Kyoto itinerary and prepare to be transported to a gorgeous, old-world neighborhood.

Best Way to Get Around Kyoto:

Rent a bicycle.

We spent 3 days in Kyoto and let me tell you, the best way to get around this charming city is by renting a bike. And don’t worry, you can rent one in so many places and they even have electric options for us lazy folk.

Riding the bike around Kyoto is a breeze, especially with the many bike-friendly areas and parks. Just whip out your Google Maps or the map provided by the rental company and you’ll be cruising around like a local. Plus, they’re super helpful with showing you where to park your bike for free or at a cost. After a day of walking around temples and shrines, your feet will thank you for choosing to ride a bike.

Day 2: Arashiyama & Sagano Scenic Railway

It’s day two of your 3-day Kyoto itinerary, and let me tell you, you are in for a treat! We’re headed to the Arashiyama bamboo forest, and it’s not just any ordinary forest. It’s a forest that will make you crane your neck and gasp at the sheer majesty of those towering bamboo stalks.

And, let’s be real, your neck might be hurting a little the next day from all the looking up, but it’s worth it! When else do you get to feel like you’re in the middle of a fairy tale forest? So, gear up and get ready for some serious scenic action, because day two is going to be one for the books!

Restaurant Arashiyama

If you’re looking for a restaurant in Kyoto that will make your taste buds dance with joy, then you’ve got to check out Restaurant Arashiyama.

After strolling through the bamboo forest, you’ll work up quite the appetite, and this place will not disappoint. Their shabu-shabu is made up of the freshest, most delicious seasonal ingredients – it’s like a party in your mouth! And if that’s not enough to convince you, they also serve up some seriously yummy Dango (Japanese dumplings made from rice flour mixed with uruchi rice flour and glutinous rice flour).

It’s the perfect addition to round out the meal. Be sure to pencil in a stop at Restaurant Arashiyama, your taste buds will thank you!

Sagano Scenic Railway

And if that’s not enough, jump aboard the Sagano Scenic Railway and enjoy a smooth ride that will take you through the most picturesque valleys you’ve ever seen. I mean, come on, the name alone is reason enough to hop on board.

But don’t just take my word for it – this is one special sightseeing train that takes you through the mountains and along the Hosugawa River, offering unforgettable views that are particularly breathtaking in the Spring and Autumn. And let’s not forget the classic open carriage – it’s practically designed for epic selfies and #viewsfordays. Trust me, after this scenic train ride, you’ll be talking about it for years to come.

Kinkakuji Temple

Day two is all about a perfect balance of nature and spirituality. After spending the morning gazing at the breathtaking mountains surrounding the city, it’s time to delve into the Kinkakuji temple. This temple is simply amazing and a real highlight of any visit to Kyoto. Seriously, have you seen the pictures? It’s got a shiny gold pavilion, a zen garden, and an unbeatable ambiance.

Take some time to soak up the peaceful atmosphere and wander around the picturesque gardens. But be warned, the stunning views may very well have you teetering on the brink of insanity (in the best possible way). Embrace the serenity and let your soul feel all the good vibes this ancient temple has to offer.

The temple’s main attraction is the two-story pavilion covered in real gold leaves. Yup, you read that right – real, actual gold. I mean, can you even imagine how much that’s worth? It’s not your average temple and is a real crowd-pleaser (Instagrammers, I’m looking at you). Trust me, you won’t regret stopping by Kinkakuji during your time in Kyoto.

Dinner at Okonomiyaki Katsu

Okonomiyaki Katsu is a hidden gem – you’ll feel like a local walking through the tiny alley and up the stairs to this cozy spot. Once you’re there, their specialty – the okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese-style pancake – is a must-try.

But, let me give you a warning, don’t wear your Sunday best. The chef will cook it right in front of you on a hot griddle so prepare for some splatters (think Benihanas in the US but more intimate). Trust us, it’s all part of the experience. So, ditch the fancy clothes and come hungry – Okonomiyaki Katsu is worth the mess.

Japan Travel Guide – Day 3: Iconic Tori Gates and Street Food Immersion

Fushimi inari shrine.

It’s your third day in Kyoto, so make sure to add Fushimi Inari Shrine to your itinerary! The famous vermilion torii gates is an iconic attraction and a bucket list item. With over a thousand gates and counting, this place is huge. We were told it takes about 2 hours to complete the trail all the way up the mountain, but we didn’t quite make it to the top.

Those stairs and gates never seem to end! Luckily, there are plenty of photo ops and resting spots along the way, including some small eateries.

Plus, if you’re in need of good health or extra strength, make sure to rub the oak tree roots that are still alive and kicking. Overall, Fushimi Inari Shrine is a must-see spot in Kyoto, even if you don’t make it to the top of the mountain!

Nishiki Market

Make sure you leave plenty of room in your stomach for the Nishiki Market. This place is an absolute feast for the senses, with aromas so tantalizing you’ll be drooling before you even get there.

From sushi rolls filled with juicy tuna to sweet mochi cakes, there’s something to satisfy every craving. And the best part? You get to eat all of this deliciousness while taking in the vibrant atmosphere of the market. Just be prepared to leave with a seriously full stomach and the desire to come back for more.

Kyoto Station

Alright, we know that the idea of exploring a train station might not sound like your idea of a good time, but trust us on this one. Kyoto Station is a must-see on your 3 days in Kyoto. And if you can swing it, we highly recommend going at night. It’s a vibe!

Seriously, the grandeur and raw design of the place are jaw-dropping. As you make your way up the escalators, take a moment to appreciate the epic set of stairs that light up with imagery and animations. Once you make your way to the top, you have to roam through the amazing glass Skywalk. The view from up there is incredible.

Kyoto is the perfect destination to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, witness breathtaking scenery, and enjoy some of the best food you’ll ever taste – all in just 3 days. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Kyoto!

The ultimate 3 days in Kyoto await! And remember, wherever you go, don’t forget to wander 🙂

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Kyoto Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog For First-Timers

Last updated on May 12th, 2024

Looking for what to do in Kyoto for 1-day, 2-days, or 3-days? This Kyoto travel guide blog will tell you everything you need to know to plan your trip with all the highlights and important sights when visiting this wonderful city. The best way to explore!

Kyoto is an amazing city in Japan. This wonderful city is full of historical charm and Japanese culture. Kyoto has many historical shrines and a natural hidden gem. There are so many things to do and see in Kyoto awaiting you to discover. I have been visiting Kyoto a few times but never felt enough. Kyoto delighted me with its beauty in different seasons.

However, sometimes it might be confusing when planning what to do in Kyoto, especially for first-time visitors. Here’s our Kyoto travel guide on what you can eat and do in Kyoto for 1, 2 to 3 days! You can easily arrange and DIY your version. But bear in mind most of the attractions are not located nearby. So please allocate some traveling time if you are planning to get around. Additionally, Kyoto is full of tourists which might also require more time when visiting.

If you’re visiting Kyoto for the first time , then this comprehensive Kyoto travel guide will tell you all you need to know to plan your trip. This Kyoto travel blog can give you some ideas when planning your Kyoto itinerary. Please feel free to modify and adjust based on your preference. Travel at your comfort level and leisure. Discover the best attractions and fully utilize your trip for 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, or even 1 week in Kyoto.

Table of Contents

Kyoto Pre-Trip Essential

If you’re planning to visit Kyoto, keep in mind that it’s a popular tourist destination and can get quite crowded during peak season. Exploring all the sights in one day might be challenging, as traveling between different attractions can take time.

To make the most of your day in Kyoto, we recommend picking a few of the most stunning and memorable attractions that you’re interested in. Instead of rushing to see everything, it might be better to slow down your pace and spend less than half a day exploring only one spot. This will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the experience and truly appreciate the beauty of each attraction you visit.

How To Get To Kyoto

If you’re traveling to the Kansai region of Japan and your itinerary includes Kyoto, the nearest international airport is Kansai International Airport (KIX). The most popular options for getting to Kyoto or Osaka, which is another common destination in the area, are by train or bus.

From Kansai International Airport to Kyoto :

The easiest and fastest option is taking the Haruka Limited Express from JR West. The Haruka Limited Express will take you directly from Kansai Airport to Kyoto Station. Klook offers discounted Haruka tickets for the Haruka Limited Express, so it’s definitely worth considering.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option and don’t mind a slightly longer travel time, you can take the Kansai Limousine Bus. This is also a great option if you have a lot of luggage, as you can sit back and relax during the journey. ( Check price for Kansai Limousine Bus from Klook )

From Osaka to Kyoto :

If you’re traveling from Osaka to Kyoto, there are up to four different train companies running this popular route. The best option for you will depend on where you’re departing from and where you’re headed next in Kyoto.

• Tokaido Shinkansen: from JR Shin-Osaka to JR Kyoto Station
• JR Rapid Train: from JR Osaka/Shin-Osaka Station.
• Keihan Main Line: from Osaka (Yodoyabashi Station) to Sanjo Station in Central Region.
• Hankyu Main Line: from Osaka (Hankyu Umeda Station) to Kawaramachi Station in Central Region.

From Tokyo to Kyoto :

If you’re planning to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto, the Shinkansen bullet train is the fastest and most convenient way to get there. However, the fare can be quite expensive if you’re traveling one-way. To save on transportation costs for round-trip travelers, consider getting the Japan Rail Pass .

On the other hand, if you’re on a budget, taking a highway bus is a cheaper alternative. Keep in mind that bus fares vary depending on the season, time of day, and comfort level, so be sure to check prices before booking your trip.

Sound confusing? No worry as we have documented how to get to Kyoto from Kansai Airport, Osaka and even Tokyo . All the train routes, duration, and pricing are included in your selection.

Getting Around in Kyoto

Kyoto Station serves as the primary transportation hub connecting Shinkansen, local trains, subway, and buses, making it easy to navigate the city.

While some of the attractions in Kyoto are accessible by train or bus, walking is the best way to explore the city. Although, if you have a packed itinerary, taking the bus or train can save time and energy.

For those traveling with a larger group or elderly companions, taxis are also an option, with reasonable fares available throughout Kyoto.

How Many Days for Kyoto itinerary

If you’re wondering how many days to allocate for your Kyoto itinerary, I would suggest planning for at least 3 days to explore the city’s many top attractions, historical temples, and shrines. However, if you’re limited on time, it’s still possible to see the major sites in just 1 or 2 days. Some travelers even choose to visit Kyoto as a day trip from Osaka.

If you have an extra day to spare, I highly recommend taking a day trip to Nara and Uji – two nearby cities that are home to some of Japan’s most stunning cultural and natural landmarks. And if you’re planning your trip during the cherry blossom or fall foliage season, consider adding an additional day to your itinerary. Trust me, the view of Kyoto during full bloom is simply breathtaking.

Also, don’t forget to include some must-see spots during cherry blossom season, such as the Philosopher’s Path, Nanzenji, and Keage Incline. These attractions offer some of the most picturesque views of the city during this time of year.

Best Hotel to stay in Kyoto

One of the important decisions when planning your Kyoto trip is to decide where to stay in Kyoto. There are many best budget hostels, mid to luxury hotels, or unique Ryokan in Kyoto. Depending on your budget and preference.

Some people choose to stay near the station for easy getting around. The Downtown Kawaramachi and Gion are the best areas to experience the Japanese old town and are nearby to major attractions in Higashiyama District. We have shortlisted a few best hotels in different budget ranges if you are looking for an accommodation guide to stay in Kyoto.

Ultimate Accommodation Guide: Where to Stay in Kyoto

Best hotel near Kyoto station :

• High-Range :  Daiwa Royal Hotel Grande Kyoto is located a 5-minute walk from Kyoto station. It is a 4-star reputation Japanese chain hotel with Japanese standards. Clean with great-sized room for solo, couples, and family. 24-hour service desk and professional staff.
• High Range : Hotel Keihan Kyoto Ekiminami is located right opposite the Kyoto station with a nearby overnight car park at a discount rate. Comfortable room with excellent amenities. A simple good breakfast is included for your stay!
• Budget : Pieces Hostel Kyoto , is one of the best budget stay hotels near Kyoto station. It is conveniently located nearby within walking distance of Kyoto Station. Most importantly, this designer hostel with extremely reasonable price!

Best hotel in Kyoto Downtown Kawaramachi :

• High-Range :  Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo is one of the popular picks in Kyoto. You will fall in love with this cozy hotel once you walk in. The environment is so tranquil with various styled rooms available. Most importantly, this beautiful historic hotel is offering rooms at a reasonable price.
• Mid-Range : Travelodge Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi is another great budget choice to stay in Kyoto. This nearly open hotel is perfectly situated next to the Gion Area. You can walk to many places like Nishiki market, convenience stores, restaurants, and main shopping malls. The nearest subway station is about 8 minutes walk.
• Budget :  Pieces Hostel Sanjo  is your best hostel stay in the Kyoto downtown area. Similar to its sister hostel near Kyoto station, it is a great budget hotel that offers excellent value for your money. Extremely popular. Remember to book early to secure your stay.

3 Days Kyoto Itinerary

For first-timers , we highly recommend exploring the Southern Higashiyama Sightseeing District (Kiyomizudera), seeing the incredible Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, and a relaxing stroll in the Western Kyoto (Arashiyama) area. Most of the places to visit in Kyoto require about half a day. You can allocate the time and freely adjust the Kyoto itinerary based on your interest.

Below Kyoto itinerary below will mainly focus on the must-see attractions in Kyoto. We will start with giving an overview of things to do in Kyoto in each district and then proceed to a deeper explanation of how to plan your Kyoto itinerary for 3 days.

Day 1 Kyoto itinerary (Explore Southern Higashiyama District)

• Morning: Kiyomizudera, Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka Slope, Yasada Pagoda

Lunch at Nishiki Market

• Afternoon: Fushimi Inari Shrine

Day 2 Kyoto Itinerary (Explore Western Kyoto, Arashiyama)

• Morning: Arashiyama, Sagani Scenic Train, Bamboo Forest
• Afternoon: Kinkajuji
• Dinner in Menbakaichidai (Flaming Kyoto Fire Ramen)

Day 3 Kyoto Itinerary

• Day trip to Nara or Uji

Don’t forget to continue to read our Kyoto itinerary planning below which includes what to do and food to eat during the trip.

Kyoto itinerary Bonus Tips : We included the things to do in Kyoto during Cherry Blossom viewing if you are visiting Kyoto in April!

Arrived Kyoto

We arrived in Kyoto and checked in at our hotel near Kyoto station. The Kyoto station is an important transportation hub to visit Kyoto. You can find everything you need such as clothing, food, and household goods. If you have having rush itinerary, we recommend staying nearby Kyoto station to easily get around.

During our recent trip to Kyoto, we had the pleasure of staying at Hotel Keihan Kyoto Ekiminami . The hotel’s location, right opposite the Kyoto station, was incredibly convenient for getting around and exploring all that Kyoto has to offer. However, due to its popularity among travelers, it can be difficult to secure a room. To avoid disappointment, I recommend reserving your room as early as possible, especially if you’re interested in taking advantage of early bird promotions.

Once checked in, we were headed for a bowl of tasty hot ramen at Kyoto Ramen Koji. The Kyoto Ramen Koji is located inside the Kyoto Station building at level 10F. This ramen street are home to eight ramen specialties in Japan which is Sapporo, Fukushima, Tokyo, Toyama, Osaka, Kyoto, Tokushima, and Hakata.

Dinner at Kyoto Ramen Koji

We chose the Masutani ramen which originates from Kyoto. This ramen store was established in 1948 and it is the birthplace of ramen in pork back fat soy sauce! It is famous and known as one of Kyoto’s tastiest traditions of ramen.

To taste the best ramen from Kyoto in Masutani, required some waiting time. There was a line of people waiting for their bowl of ramen. Luckily the queue is more quick and fast and only waits for less than 20 minutes. We choose the char-siu ramen with a slow-boiled egg about ¥1,000. The pork back broth was very flavorful but not heavy. We left with very full and happy tummies. The ramen tasted so much better in Japan.

Kyoto Ramen Koji

• Address : Kyoto, Shimogyo, Karasuma-dori, Shiokoji-Sagaru, Higashi-Shiokojicho 901, Kyoto Station building 10F
• Operating hours : 11:00 to 22:00 (Last order 21:30)

How To Get to Kyoto Ramen Koji: Located right at the Kyoto Station building. Level 10F.

Illuminated Grand Stairway at Kyoto Station

After our fulfilling meal, we continued wandering around the Kyoto station.

Kyoto Station is one of Japan’s largest buildings. It is not only the Kyoto main transportation hub for Shinkansen, trains, subway, and buses. Here you can also find a shopping mall, hotel, movie theater, Isetan department store, and several local government facilities at this building. Sometimes, I also feel it is easy to get lost in this busy building.

However, don’t forget to take a photo at the illuminated Grand staircase at Kyoto Station. There are a total of 15,000 LEDs installed on the staircase at the 171 stair step in Kyoto station. It was beautifully illuminated by different designs that represent the four seasons of Kyoto. A quick stop for a photo.

Kyoto Station Building Grand Stairway

• Operating Hour : From 3:00 to 22:00, may vary depending on the season

Have some Japanese Snack

There are so many Japanese snacks and desserts.

Even though we had a full meal, we still couldn’t resist trying one. The Beard Papa’s cream puff caught our attention. It was located near the JR Shinkansen entrance at Kyoto Station. We brought one cream puff to try on. It was so delicious! Besides, you also can get the famous 555 Horai butaman, a simple Chinese pork bun at Kyoto station. A lot of locals were queuing to buy their pork buns

Day 1: Visit Kyoto Southern Higashiyama District

Assuming you’ve arrived in Kyoto, it is advised to start your Kyoto itinerary in the morning. You’ve had one full day to spend in the city. We’ll suggest seeing some of the most stunning historical attractions in the town. We recommended focusing on the important sights in the Southern Higashiyama district and visiting the world-famous spectacular wooden building Kiyomizudera. One of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

First up, we started in Kyoto with a good breakfast at Hotel Keihan Kyoto Ekiminami . Our stay included breakfast. There are simple Japanese and Western-style breakfasts for you to start your day.

Next, we were heading for the Kiyomizudera, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This popular attraction is always good to visit in the morning to avoid the crowd.

Day 1 Kyoto itinerary in Southern Higashiyama District:  Kiyomizudera | Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka Slope  | Yasada Pagoda | Nishiki Market | Fushimi Inari Shrine .

Kiyomizudera: UNESCO World Heritage Site

Kiyomizudera is a world-famous historical important sight in Southern Higashiyama. It is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. The spectacular wooden building was built with 139 pillars without using one single nail.

From Kyoto station, we took the Kyoto city bus and got off at the Gojozaka stop. A single way of bus ride costs ¥230.

There is a leisurely 15-minute walk from Gojozaka bus station to the temple. The picturesque shopping streets lined along the way up. We decided directly to Kiyomizudera and come back here for a leisure walk.

Remember, the best view of Kiyomizudera is from the viewing platform at Okunoin Hall which is diagonally opposite the main temple. Besides, don’t forget to check out the legendary stone at the Jishu shrine. Just play the mini-game by closing your eyes and walking straight to another stone located on the opposite. Japanese believe that you can find your loved one near future.

How to get to Kiyomizudera : From Kyoto station, take the Kyoto bus (#206) or (#100) and get off at the Gojozaka stop. Bus fare ¥230. For larger groups, you can consider taking a taxi as the fare is about ¥1,500 from Kyoto station.

Wandering At Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka Slope

After the visit to Kiyomizudera, take the exit via the front of the temple and walk down Matsubara-dori Street. Next, we spend our time wandering around the busy shopping street in ninenzaka and sannenzaka slope . The lovely preserved district and iconic street in Kyoto. 

You can easily spend the whole afternoon wandering around. This is where you can find various types of souvenir shops, desserts, cafes, and restaurants around this busy street here. Have your lunch or refreshment here before proceeding to the next stop. Although the whole area is a bustling riot with commerce. But, trust me, you will enjoy this Kyoto’s must-see attractions and experience them.

While it is almost afternoon, the street was full of visitors and much more crowded compared to the morning. Have some refreshments here before heading to our next destination.

Related Kyoto Travel Post :  Kiyomizudera Itinerary Walking Guide

Admire the Yasaka Pagoda

We slowly walked toward Yasaka Pagoda (八坂の塔). This picturesque 5-story Buddhist pagoda temple is one of the recognizable landmarks in the Higashiyama district. The walking journey from ninenzaka and sannenzaka to Yasaka pagoda took about 30 minutes.

We did not take the visit inside the pagoda. Instead, we took some beautiful photos from the outside. A must-see in Kyoto itinerary.

Next, we headed to the  Nishiki market (錦市場) for a quick lunch. The Kyoto Nishiki market is a local market that sells Japanese local products. It is a narrow shopping street with hundreds of shops and restaurants lined along the street. A great place for lunch if you are looking for what to eat in Kyoto.

There were lots of different street foods such as croquettes, wagyu skewers, doughnuts, and more. We enjoyed our sushi lunch at an unknown food staff in the Nishiki market.

READ MORE :  Nishiki Market Travel Guide: What To Eat and Buy

Compared with Kuromon Market in Osaka, Nishiki Market is much smaller but more local. A great stop by to experience the Japanese market and for lunch.

Nishiki Market

• Address : 609, Nishidaimonjicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto.
• Operating Hours : Daily from 9:30 to 18:00

Red Torii Gate at Fushimi Inari Shrine

Our next stop was heading to the Fushimi Inari Shrine (伏見稲荷大社) .

The location is easily accessed by a local JR train from Kyoto station. It is only 2 stops away with 6 minutes train ride. So, for easier transport arrangements, we took the bus back to Kyoto station and then took the JR train to Fushimi Inari.

When in Kyoto, one must visit their world-famous historical shrine. This incredible Shinto shrine is famous for its arcades of vermillion torii gates. The best way to appreciate the beauty of the shrine is by walking up the hill, through the torii gate. Imagine walking under thousands of eye-catching torii with amazing views along the walk.

From the station, follow the navigation, and you can easily walk to the entrance of the Fushimi Taisha shrine with the first torii (gate) welcoming your visit. Passing and walking up through the major street, you’ll shortly get to the main precinct of the shrine.

READ MORE : Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine: A Complete Travel Guide

A visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine can be as short as an hour or as long as half a day. You can stop halfway and return to the base whenever you like. However, try to go as far as possible as there will be less crowded and fewer people. The best way to feel more tranquil is with magnificent red torii gates. We spent around 2 hours at Fushimi Inari Shrine and took a lot of amazing photos here.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

• Address : 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto
• Operating Hours : 24 hours
• Entrance Fee : Free!

From Kyoto station to Fushimi Inari Shrine : By JR Nara line to Inari Station. A 3-minute walk from the station.

If you are not tired, you can plan to have your dinner or spend your night in the downtown Gion district. You may spot the geisha passing by if you are lucky.

Day 2: Western Kyoto, Arashiyama

On the next day of the Kyoto itinerary, heading to Arashiyama in western Kyoto on the second day.

Various transportation is available to get to Arashiyama. The Sagano Scenic Train ride is the best option to mesmerize the natural beauty in Arashiyama. We enjoyed our Sagano scenic ride to enjoy the mountain view of the Japanese village.

Next, we spend our whole morning wandering around in Arashiyama. In the late afternoon, we were headed to Kinkakuji, the golden pavilion. Last but not least, we had an extraordinary dining experience in Menbakaichidai: flaming Kyoto fire ramen.

Day 2 in Kyoto (Western Kyoto, Arashiyama) : Sagano Scenic Train | Arashiyama, Bamboo Forest | Kinkajuji .

Ride on Sagano Scenic Railway

The Sagano Scenic Railway (嵯峨野観光鉄道) is also known as Sagano Romantic Train or Sagano Torokko. This sightseeing train runs between Arashiyama and Kameoka, riding along the Hozugawa River. It is one of the popular activities, especially during cherry blossoms in spring and fall foliage in autumn. 

We bought the Sagano Scenic Railway ticket before we arrived in Kyoto. You opt to choose the upstream direction from Kameoka to Saga Torokko station or the downstream direction from Saga to Kameoka Torokko based on your Kyoto itinerary planning.

The scenery was amazing with a scenic train run along the Hozugawa River. Besides, you may also opt for the Hozugawa River Boat ride  with 1 to 2 hours of scenic boat ride..

Read on for more details on our ride on Sagano Scenic Railway .

• Train Fare : ¥840, 25 minutes
• Operating hour : 9:00 to 16:00 (until 17:00 on busy days)
• Close : every Wednesday except national holidays, spring and summer holidays, and autumn foliage season. Not operate during winter from Dec 30 to the end of Feb
• Official website :  www.sagano-kanto.co.jp/en/

Leisure Walk in Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Once you arrive, there are many things to do in Arashiyama. For example, make your visit to the famous bamboo forest, pray in Nonomiya Shrine, visit Tenryu-ji Temple, and other sightseeing attractions. Enjoy your half-day trip to Arashiyama.

No doubt,  Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of the top sights in Kyoto. It is one of the must-visit when looking for things to do and see in Kyoto. Enjoy the walk with soaring stalks of bamboo aside along the path.

How to get to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest : 5 minutes walk from Arashiyama Torokko station.

Pray at Nonomiya Shrine

Continue wandering around Arashiyama Grove. Following the directions, we walked to Nonomiya Shrine.

The  Nonomiya Shrine (野宮神社) is a small Shinto shrine located in the Arashiyama bamboo grove. Locals and visitors come to pray for their love life. So don’t forget to pray at Nonomiya Shrine if you are visiting Arashiyama.

There are a few other attractions in Arashiyama worth spending some time here. For example, visit the Tenryu-Ji Temple, a leisure walk at the Arashiyama shopping street, and Togetsu-Kyo Bridge. We spend almost half a day in Arashiyama before proceeding to Kinkajuji.

Related Read : Day Trip To Arashiyama Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

The Reflection of Kinkakuji Temple

Next, heading to Kinkakuji, the golden pavilion in the late afternoon. It is a Zen temple covered in gold leaf with golden shiny color. Perfectly situated aside a lovely lake and a Japanese garden. This stunning view makes it one of the top attractions to visit in Kyoto.

From JR Arashiyama station, we took the JR train from Saga-Arashiyama station to Emmachi station. Next, we transferred to a bus ride (#205) to Kinkakuji.

Continue Read On: Our visit to Kinkakuji from Asashiyama .

Kinkakuji or Golden Pavilion is a unique gold shinny color temple. It is perfectly situated aside from a lovely lake and a Japanese garden. The reflection of the temple was so picturesque and stunning.

• Opening Hours : 08:30 – 17:00
• Entrance fee : ¥500
• Official website : https://www.shokoku-ji.jp/kinkakuji/

Try the Kyoto Fire Ramen

Our day ended with the flaming Kyoto fire ramen at Menbakaichidai. Menbaka is a small ramen store that only can fit 12 people. But it is very popular among visitors for an extraordinary culinary experience. The fire ramen burning right in front of you.

For those who love traditional Japanese broth ramen, Menbakaichidai might not be your food choice. However, we love and enjoy the entertaining and unique dining experience of Kyoto fire ramen. Make sure to put this flaming Kyoto ramen into your Kyoto itinerary. One of the must-try when visiting Kyoto.

Continue to read about our dining experience in Menbakaichidai Kyoto fire ramen .

Day 3: Day Trip to Nara / Uji

Lastly, spend day 3 in Kyoto on a day trip to Nara and Uji. It depends on your itinerary. It is doable to spend the whole day visiting both places in one day. However, if you travel in leisure, I would opt for Nara compared with Uji.

Despite the historical visit to Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Grand Shrine, or some other ancient building in Nara. The free-roaming deer is one of the major attractions in Nara. I enjoy my time wandering around in Nara Park with deer encounters. Don’t forget to try the local specialties of Kamameshi when visiting Nara.

While Uji is famous for its traditional green tea and historical shrine. Uji is not renowned for world-famous shrines like Kyoto. Instead, it is a great place to see the rural side of southern Kyoto Prefecture with a locality surrounded. Come try the best matcha green tea at Uji.

Related post for Day 3 in Kyoto:

• Nara Itinerary: Perfect Day Trip From Osaka & Kyoto
• Uji Itinerary: Best Day Trip From Kyoto

More Day Trip from Kyoto

Kyoto is an excellent city to visit and you can easily more than 3 days wandering around the city. But if you are looking for something beyond the city, there are many different places as a half-day excursion or full-day trip can be planned for your trip to Kyoto.

There are many awesome day trips from Kyoto and here are some of them.

Kurama and Kibune

The Kurama (鞍馬) and Kibune (貴船) are two beautiful small villages nestled in the hills north of Kyoto. Hiking through these two villages through the lush forest is one the most popular things to do in Kyoto. The hike offers a perfect opportunity to explore the tranquility of a Japanese village. It takes about two to three hours to complete.

READ MORE : 

• Kurama Hiking itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Things To Do in Kibune itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Amanohashidate

Located in the Northern Kyoto Prefecture, Amanohashidate (天橋立) is a popular visit place to enjoy the scenic view with a laid-back vibe. This place is renowned for its scenery, consisting of nearly 8,000 pine trees covered on a sandbar that spans across Miyazu Bay. The view is breathtaking and unique.

The trip to Amanohashidate from Kyoto is over two hours away and makes for a scenic day trip from Kyoto.

READ MORE : Amanohashidate itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Kyoto Travel Tips : The transportation costs to Amanohashidate are extremely expensive and easily cost you more than ¥5,000 for a round-trip journey. As a smart traveler, it is advised to fully utilize the Japan transport pass to save the transportation fee. The popular JR Kansai Wide Area Pass  is covered for this trip!

Ine Fishing Village

Ine Fishing Village (伊根の舟屋) is a seaside village in the “Kyoto by the Sea” area. This charming village is known for its picturesque Funaya, or boat houses, which have been around since the Edo period. You can couple your visit to historical Ine Funaya when visiting the stunning Amanohashidate.

Read more to continue our Ine travel journey  –  Ine Funaya Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Where To Eat and Drink in Kyoto

One thing I can guarantee about Kyoto is that you will eat well. Kyoto is renowned for its traditional Japanese cuisine and local specialties, so don’t miss the chance to all the great food. Here are some of the recommended places to eat in Kyoto:

Matsuba Soba – The oldest and most famous restaurant that has been serving some of the city’s best Nishin soba. Nishin Soba is a local herring fish soba noodle dish with flavored soy sauce broth. One of Kyoto’s specialty cuisines.

Yudofu Sagano – famous for tofu kaiseki in Arasihayama. Enjoy the traditional Japanese garden during your yudofu kaiseki meal.

Kyoto Yakiniku (BBQ) from Hiro Shoten –  one of the few best yakiniku barbecue restaurants serving the Wagyu (Japanese beef) BBQ in Kyoto without breaking the bank.

Izuju Sushi – try the authentic Kyoto-style sushi, Oshizushi “pressed sushi”.

Green Tea Desserts from Tsujiri Gion, Yajikita , and many more Green tea shops and stores.

Nishiki Market – the most popular food market in Kyoto. It is a narrow street filled with more than a hundred food stores and restaurants.

If you’re visiting Kyoto and looking for some of the best Kyoto restaurants, check out our Kyoto’s Food guide: What To Eat in Kyoto: Top 8 Must Eat Food Guide .

Bonus Tips: Cherry Blossom Viewing (April)

We’ve visited Kyoto many times in different seasons. The cherry blossom trip is one of the most memorable trips for us. Kyoto is covered in a pinky umbrella and you can even smell the sakura in the air. We were spending more money during our cherry blossom trip in April but with no regret.

Best Place for Kyoto Cherry Blossom Viewing (April):

Philosopher’s Walk

Keage incline.

Kyoto Travel Tips : One of the biggest challenges in visiting Kyoto during the Sakura season is finding the best hotel stay in Kyoto. Many rooms were already booked during January to secure their room in April. My sincere advice is to reserve your rooms as early as possible!

You may also be interested in : Where to stay in Kyoto, Accommodation Guide

During one of our Kyoto trips in April, we took the JR Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto. We arrived in Kyoto in the afternoon and successfully checked into our accommodation near the Kyoto station. Next, we are ready to out for our Kyoto cherry blossom itinerary!

If you are coming to Kyoto during the cherry blossom, don’t forget to visit the Philosopher’s Walk (哲学の道). On a normal day, the Philosopher Walk is only a pedestrian path with cherry trees lined along the canal in Kyoto. But do you know that Philosopher Walk is one of the best spots for hanami viewing during cherry blossom season in Kyoto?

Our Kyoto visit is during early April and it is the best time for cherry blossom. For sure we won’t miss out on this best time to enjoy the amazing stroll along with the sakura canopy. The view was amazingly beautiful with a sakura tree densely lined along the Philosopher’s Path. One of the must-visit in Kyoto during cherry blossom season.

For details on our sakura viewing itinerary in Kyoto Philosopher Walk: Kyoto Cherry Blossom Itinerary

How to get to Philosopher’s Walk : Get off at Ginkakuji or nearby by Kyoto city bus (#5), (#17), (#100) at ¥230 from Kyoto station.

The Keage incline was a defunct railway track near the Keage station. But it is extremely popular among locals and visitors during the Sakura season. Keage Incline is rated as one of the best Sakura viewing spots in Kyoto. So for sure, we won’t miss out on this opportunity during April.

From Philosopher’s Walk, we took a slow walk toward to Keage incline. Together with Nanzenji, the journey from the Philosopher’s Path to Keage incline is one of the best walking itineraries during cherry blossom. It was a pleasant walk of about 30 minutes with Sakura along the journey.

Unfortunately, the rain started during our halfway. So it took us longer than we expected to get there. When we reached the Keage incline, we were so impressed by the amazing view. The view at the Keage incline was stunning even after rain. It was so fantastic with cherry blossom-lined along the way with an unused track in the middle. Thanks to the rain, it was less crowded at Keage incline. So we can enjoy and take the best shot with Sakura. Worth it even though we were getting wet by the rain. A must-visit during cherry blossom season.

How to get to Keage incline : Take the Tozai subway line to Keage station, exit #1. Alternatively, you can choose to combine your walk with Philosopher’s Walk and Nanzenji Temple. Just like what we did!

From Keage incline, we took the subway from Keage station back to Kyoto station.

Final Tips: Planning Kyoto Itinerary

All in all, I have outlined above suggested 3 Days in Kyoto to explore Kyoto at a slower pace. It is impossible to see all the attractions in one day. Bear in mind that traveling time is required from one to another spot. It is always best to put two to three major sightseeing spots per day. Our recommended Kyoto itinerary travel route takes you through Kyoto’s main sightseeing attractions with ease of transport and follows the district allocation.

What is the must-visit attraction in Kyoto for first-time visitors? It depends on your interests. For first-time visitors, we are highly recommended for Arashiyama, the incredible Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, and the Southern Higashiyama Sightseeing District.

What To Do in Kyoto In 1 Day? If you only have one full day in Kyoto and would like to fully utilize your day for the most stunning and memorable spot. We recommended visiting Kiyomizudera Temple, Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine, and Arashiyama for 1-Day in Kyoto.

Is Kyoto worth visiting? Kyoto should definitely be on your list when planning your trip to Japan. It has the most beautiful shrines and temples with cultural sights and attractions. One of the must-visit destinations when exploring the country.

Overview: Kyoto Travel Guide

Overall, this is how we plan and visit for 3-Days in Kyoto . We really enjoyed and had fun during our visit to Kyoto. There are many things to do and see in Kyoto. From the historical shrine, modern architecture, extraordinary food, and traditional Japanese cuisine.

We hope this simple and easy Kyoto itinerary travel blog will help to plan your Kyoto itinerary in 1, 2, or even 3 days. It’s unlikely that everything will appeal to you, especially in different seasons. Just pick your favorites into your itinerary. You’re just about ready for your trip.

If this sounds like you, this may be your perfect Kyoto itinerary. Happy travel to Kyoto!

Continue to Read on Kansai Japan Travel

Overall our detailed Kyoto journey for 3-Days Kyoto itinerary is listed below:

• Day#1 Kyoto Southern Higashiyama District: Kiyomizudera | Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka Slope  | Yasada Pagoda | Nishiki Market | Fushimi Inari Shrine .
• Day#2 Western Kyoto, Arashiyama: Sagano Scenic Train | Arashiyama, Bamboo Forest | Kinkajuji .
• Day#3 Easy Half or 1-Day Trip from Kyoto: Day trip Nara | Day Trip to Uji .

More Kyoto Day Trip Suggestion :

• Amanohashidate itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Ine Funaya Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Lastly, this Kyoto travel guide is part of our Japan Kansai Travel Series, read also our other blog posts on How to Plan Your 7 Days Kansai Japan itinerary .

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KYOTO TRAVEL GUIDE 2023 (Budget + Itinerary)

by thepinay solobackpacker | Jan 3, 2023 | Itinerary , Japan , Kyoto , Travel Guide | 5 comments

As promised, I’ll blog about KYOTO, so here’s my Kyoto Travel Guide based on my recent visit to Kyoto, Japan to help you plan your trip to Kyoto this 2023.

Kyoto is just as I imagined Japan to be – Japanese wearing their traditional kimono, ancient Japanese wooden temples fringed by Zen gardens and rich culinary tradition. After all, this bountiful district was the center of Japan’s culture for over 1,000 years. But after arriving in its bustling city center where towering buildings and complex train system welcomed me,  admittedly, I wanted to find where I can get a glimpse of the “authentic” Japanese culture. But the moment I stepped out of Kyoto city center, I finally saw the reason why I wanted to book a trip here.

I was given the chance to visit Kyoto recently due to a blogger’s trip organized by Cebu Pacific Air.  Japan has long been knocking on my door, the same airline gave me tickets a few years back, but I was not able to claim it. Then, a year after, I got another invite from another airline to visit Japan and blog my travel experience, but I never got to use the ticket because I was scared of applying for a Japan tourist visa. Then Cebu Pacific invited us to visit Nagoya , but I wasn’t available.  So when the opportunity knocked again for the 4 th time, I knew I was destined to visit Japan.  So from the Philippines, we flew to Osaka, Japan   and we did a side trip to Kyoto .  But some of us decided to extend our trip and explore more of Kyoto as well as Nara.

TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS

ABOUT KYOTO, JAPAN

Kyoto, the erstwhile imperial capital of Japan from its foundation until the 19 th century. Most travelers booking a trip to Osaka, include Kyoto on their itinerary and it is easy to understand why.

Kyoto may not be as colossal as other cities in Japan (although historically it was, until it was bested by Tokyo and Osaka), but it is absolutely soaked in history and traditions.  In fact, this traditional Japanese city is peppered with more or less 2,000 sacred temples and shrines including 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

WHERE IS KYOTO?

So where exactly is Kyoto? Kyoto is a city situated in Kyoto Prefecture in Kansai Region on Honshu Island, Japan. Since Kyoto doesn’t have its own airport, the nearest international airport is Kansai International Airport in Osaka, Japan. If you are planning a trip to Kyoto, might as well include Osaka, Nara, Kobe or Himeji in your travel plan.

KYOTO TRAVEL GUIDE 2023

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT KYOTO, JAPAN?

Just like Osaka, Kyoto is also a year round destination, but spring attracts the most tourists because of the cherry blossom season. This period usually starts around mid-March until cherry blossoms reaches its full bloom roughly 2 nd week of April.

But if you are like me who wants to see Kyoto in varied colors, visit around November to December due to the autumn foliage. Not as swamped as spring, but definitely as charming.

If you are living in Southeast Asia and you want to experience snowfall,  Japan is one of the nearest countries to tick that off your bucket-list. Winter in Japan starts in December and ends in February.

Nonetheless, whatever season you plan to see Kyoto, you will not get disappointed, because Kyoto parades its allure all season.

MONEY EXCHANGE IN KYOTO

I exchanged my money near the arrival area of Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka.   Otherwise, you can just withdraw from the ATMs in 7-Eleven around Kyoto city.  Take note that many ATMs in Japan do not accept foreign credit card, debit card or ATMs.  Withdrawal fee is JPY 600 / PHP 300/ USD 6.   Do inform your bank that you will be traveling to Japan just to ensure that you won’t have a problem withdrawing overseas because for security purposes, some banks  block the card whenever they notice suspicious foreign transactions.

INTERNET IN KYOTO

Wi-Fi while traveling around Kyoto is inevitable for me especially when commuting. So when riding buses and trains on my own, I always consult these two :  Google Maps and Hperdia.com . Google Maps is reliable for location tracking and lets me know how far I am  from my destination.  I use Google Maps all the time when riding buses. On the other hand,  Hyperdia.com  tells me which train to ride, where to get off and how much is the fare for the train ride.

Upon arrival at Kansai International Airport in Osaka, there are Wi-Fi router for rent at the arrival section for roughly PHP 397/ JPY 900 / USD 8 per day (they only accept credit cards).  However, because it is usually in-demand, sometimes they are out of stock.  To avoid the hassle of looking for a Wi-Fi router,  I recommend you rent a Wi-Fi router before leaving the Philippines.  You can rent a 4G WiFi pocket handy device with convenient pick up and drop off at all international airports in Japan.  You can enjoy 4G WiFi coverage across Japan on a pay per day rental basis and connect up to 5 devices on the same pocket WiFi router. Per day rate is roughly PHP 224 / JPY 508 / USD 4.51,  by far the cheapest rate I’ve heard.  You can  rent a 4G pocket WiFI here .

JAPAN VISA 

How to get to kyoto, japan from manila.

Like I mentioned above,  the nearest airport to Kyoto is Kansai International Airport , popularly known as KIX, situated in Osaka, Japan. There are several airlines flying to Osaka from the Philippines, but we flew via Cebu Pacific , the largest airline in the Philippines.  They have flights between Manila and Osaka five times weekly, with lowest year-round fares starting from PHP 6,399.   If you plan to visit Tokyo too, you can book your return flight to Tokyo as they also fly from Tokyo (Narita) to Manila and Cebu, Nagoya and Fukuoka to Manila and vice versa.   Book its trademark lowest fares now through  http://bit.ly/CEBOsakaflights   or (+632)7020888, or follow its Facebook or Twitter pages for the latest seat sales.

HOW TO GET TO KYOTO CITY FROM OSAKA AIRPORT 

By haruka train.

If you are just traveling within the Kansai Region in Japan, you can purchase a JR West Kansai Area Railpass here. From Kansai International Airport in Osaka, to get to Kyoto, you can ride a train.

Haruka train departs every 30 minutes, so about 2 trains per hour.  Travel time is about 1 hour and 40 minutes.  Fare is about PHP 847 / JPY 1,880 / USD 35.  Non-reserved seat fee PHP 970 /JPY 1,114 / USD 9.  Reserved seat fee is PHP 761 / JPY 1,690 / USD 15. Green seat is PHP / JPY 2,250 / USD 20.  So total fare is around PHP 1,608 to PHP 1,817/ JPY 3,570 to JPY 3,350/ USD 35 to USD 44.

If you want to save on Haruka train ride, use your JR Railpass , or your ICOCA Card . If you have a JR Railpass , you can ride the Haruka train, a limited express train to Kyoto for free.  Since Haruka train is a limited service, you need a fare ticket (passing the gate) for non-reserved travel and a limited express ticket (Haruka ticket).

In case you don’t have a JR Railpass, you can also use the ICOCA Card , you can purchase the ICOCA Card here  for fare ticket (passing the gate) and just purchase a Haruka ticket from the conductor onboard the train.

ICOCA & HARUKA is a set of cards: ICOCA IC Card pre-charged with JPY 1,500 / PHP 676/ USD 13.47 + a discounted ticket for the Kansai-Airport Express HARUKA.  You can use the ICOCA Card on JR, subway, private railway and bus transportation and even for shopping in the Kansai Area and beyond, meanwhile, the Kansai-Airport Express HARUKA offers direct trip from Kansai-airport Station to Tennoji, Shin-Osaka and Kyoto Stations.  Take note that Haruka doesn’t stop at Osaka Station, only at Shin-Osaka Station.

By JR Railpass Trains

(2 Transfers)

From Kansai International Airport (KIK), to get to Kyoto City, you can also take the JR Airport Rapid Train to Osaka Station.  Then at Osaka Station, take another train at JR Kyoto Line to Kyoto. Travel time is about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

(2 transfers)

From Kansai International Airport (KIX) take the Nankai Ltd. Exp. Rapit 52 to Osaka. Get off at Osaka Station. Travel time is 53 minutes.  Then take the LTD. Exp Thunderbird 29 to Kyoto. Travel time is 27 minutes. Total fare is about PHP 1,351 /JPY 3,000 / USD 27.

From Kansai international Airport, there are limousine buses that can take you directly to Osaka or Kyoto.  You can purchase a bus ticket for the airport transfer to Osaka and Kyoto  here .  

Hiring a car in Kyoto is expensive.  If your wallet is well-endowed and you want stress-free transfer from Kansai International Airport to Kyoto, you can rent a car.

Since Kansai International Airport is really far from Kyoto (about 56 KM or about 1 hour 3 mins drive) taking a cab is really expensive.  Flag down is PHP 301 / JPY 650 / USD 6.

GETTING AROUND KYOTO, JAPAN

What I like about traveling in Kyoto is its efficient transport system.  The trains connect each city or destinations to another.  It might look complex for a first-timer, but if you observe well and use the train often, you’ll get the hang of it.  Same with buses, almost everything in Kyoto is connected by a network of bus routes.

If you have a JR Pass , you can use it in getting to some of Kyoto’s top attractions like Fushimi Inari Station, Tofuku-ji Temple, Uji and Arashiyama from Kyoto Station.  Kyoto’s train system is made up of JR Lines and other private lines like Hankyu Lines.  You can also use your JR Pass to travel to nearby cities like Osaka, Nara and Kobe.  You can purchase a JR West Rail Pass here  if you are only traveling in Kansai Region.  If you are traveling beyond Kansai, for example you are going to Kyoto or Nagoya, I recommend buying a JR Rail Pass.

HANKYU LINES

For unlimited train travel on all Hankyu Lines in Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe, you can purchase a Hankyu 1 Day or 2 day Pass here .    Tickets start at PHP 364 / JPY 808 / USD 7.25

One of my favorite ways  for Kyoto sightseeing is by bus because they have routes that cover the entire city.  Getting around by bus in Japan is not as convenient as by train, but it is enjoyable and information is easy to come by. While most city buses runs from 7:00 AM until 9:00 PM daily, a few start as early as 5:30 AM until 11:00 PM. When the bus and subway systems close for the night, generally around midnight, your only option will be riding a cab. I suggest getting a bus map from the Tourist Information Center so you’ll have an idea about the bus route.

I highly recommend getting on the Raku Buses as they are meant for tourist sight-seeing. If you board the regular city buses, many of them don’t have signs in English, unlike the Raku Bus.

Now you might ask what is a Raku Bus and how do I spot it? Raku Buses are pink-colored loop buses that run through Kyoto’s key tourist destinations. They are easy to spot as they have the following numbers and routes:

Raku Bus 100  leaves regularly from Kyoto Station from 7:40 AM to 05:00 PM with the following route: Kyoto Station National Museum & Sanjusangendo Temple → Kiyomizudera Temple → Gion → Heianjingu Shrine → Ginkakuji Temple

Raku Bus 101   departs regularly from Kyoto Station from 8:00 AM to 04:30 PM with the following route:Kyoto Station → Nijo-jo Castle → Kitano Tenmangu Shrine → Kinkakuji Temple → Daitokuji Temple → Kitaoji Bus Terminal

Raku Bus 102  departs from the Ginkakuji-michi Bus Stop from 8:04 AM to 4:34 PM with the following route: Ginkakuji Temple → Kyoto Imperial Palace → Kitano Tenmangu Shrine → Kinkakuji Temple → Daitokuji Temple → Kitaoji Bus Terminal.

I recommend  buying a Kyoto City Bus Pass or purchase a Kansai Thru Pass here for unlimited rides on subways, railways and buses across Kansai and Osaka Bay Region (Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe) for 2 or 3 days.

You can use your Kyoto City Bus Pass or Kansai Thru Pass on Raku Buses that I discussed above.  .  When you board the Kyoto City Bus Pass or your Kansai Thru Pass with your 1 or 2 day pass for the first time, the first time you get off the bus, you need to enter the card on the card slot and the date will be printed. Then the next time you board the bus, just show the card with the date to the driver.  In case you board the non-flat fare routes bus, you need to enter the card again to the card slot.  You will be billed extra if your stop is outside the short distance (flat fare) route.  Flat rate bus fare is JPY 230 / PHP 102/ USD 2 for adults and JPY 120 / PHP 53.45 / USD 1.07 for kids.

At each bus stop, a guidepost indicates the stop name, the bus route, the bus number and even a timetable for services on weekdays and weekends and public holidays.  Take note that when riding a bus in Kyoto, you have to enter at the rear door and exit at the front door.   There is a paper ticket dispensing machine beside the driver, tell the driver where you are going and drop the exact fare there. If you are riding the Raku Bus, the next stop will be announced in Japanese and sometimes English.

BY ICOCA IC CARD

In Kansai region in Japan, they have the ICOCA Card, a contactless travel card for Kansai trains, buses & shopping. Works like Octopus Card in Hong Kong.  Basically the ICOCA IC Card covers the major cities of the Kansai region including Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe. To use this, just swipe the ICOCA Card and you can seamlessly hop aboard metros, buses, trains or even pay for your shopping. The card is preloaded with JPY 1,500 / PHP 662/ USD 13 credit, plus the JPY 500 / PHP 220/ USD 4.44 so it’s ready to use as soon as you pick it up. Additionally, you can get discounted Haruka rail ticket for the Kansai Airport Express (incl. Tennoji, Shin-Osaka and Kyoto) on presenting your ICOCA card (temporary visitors with foreign passports only). Just pick up the card at Osaka Kansai International Airport Terminal 1: HIS counter (1/F) next to the Northern Exit in the Arrival Hall (Opening hours: 8:30am-10:00pm) or at Osaka City Air Terminal (JR Namba Station), Opening hours: 8:30am-8:30pm.  You can purchase the ICOCA Card here

Taking a taxi in Kyoto is expensive, but if you want a comfortable and stress-free journey to your destination and you don’t mind spending more money, then take a taxi.  Flag down is JPY 650 / PHP 301 / USD 6.   Many taxi drivers in Kyoto are elders, so in a way, you are helping them stay in their job.

Car rental in Kyoto is possible but quite hefty as they charge per hour.

KYOTO  TOURS 2023

KYOTO SIGHTSEEING TOUR

If you are not keen on commuting and doing a DIY tour of Kyoto, you can book a Kyoto Morning Tour here   . The tour includes a visit to  Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kyoto Imperial Palace and Kitano-tenmangu Shrine.   You can also  BOOK A KYOTO AFTERNOON TOUR HERE

KIMONO RENTAL

Many foreign tourists visiting Kyoto like to dress up in Kimono while traveling around famous destinations in Kyoto.  You can  RENT KIMONO HERE  

That’s the cheapest rate I’ve seen.

KYOTO, JAPAN DIY TOUR

TOP ATTRACTIONS IN KYOTO, JAPAN FOR FIRST TIMERS

Kyoto is the cradle of Japanese culture, exploring this charming city is like walking back in time. The city is blissfully dappled with ancient temples and shrines, imperial palace and castles and classical Japanese gardens, all of these vying for your attention. In Kyoto, you’ll still see elderly women sporting their kimonos and geishas and miko still entertaining visitors (at exorbitant prices though). With so much to see and do in Kyoto, you’ll probably be templed out, so plan your itinerary well to balance the visit to shrines, temples and museums and shopping at traditional shops (see my sample Kyoto itinerary and guide below).

Here are some of the top attractions for first-timers in Kyoto. When planning your Kyoto itinerary, it is important to take note that most of Kyotos sights are spread out over the following district.  For a detailed guide on how to get to Kyoto top attractions, read my blog here:  TOP ATTRACTIONS IN KYOTO, JAPAN  and HOW TO GET THERE.

CENTRAL KYOTO

Central Kyoto is the business hub of Kyoto City, this is where most of the hotels are concentrated.  But it is also home to Toji (one of the oldest city temples), the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo-jo Castle, former abode of the Tokugawa shoguns.

Kyoto Station

Kyoto Tower

Nijo-jo Castle

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto Manga Museum

SOUTHERN KYOTO

Southern Kyoto is made up mostly of the Kyoto ancient capital, this is where you head to get to the poular Fushimi Inari Shrine.

Tofukuji Temple

NORTHERN KYOTO

Most of Kyoto’s interesting century-old shrines and temples can be found here including UNESCO World heritage Sites. This is where you’ll find Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Ryoanji temple, Ninnaji Temple and Kamo Shrines, among others.

Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)

Ninnaji Temple

EASTERN KYOTO (Higashiyama)

Care to see geishas and miko that still entertain? Head to Gion District in Eastern Kyoto, but prepare your wallet as prices are ridiculously expensive here. If you cannot afford a tea ceremony with the geishas at one of the traditional tea houses here, you can dine instead at one of the many restaurants sprinkled in Gion.  Interestingly, Gion is an entertainment district by night and a traditional shopping neighborhood by day.

Eastern Kyoto is also dappled with popular temples and shrines such as  Kiyomizu-dera temple, Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) and Philosopher’s Path.

Higayashima District

  Kiyomizudera

Ginkakuji (Silver  Pavilion)

Philosopher’s Path

Western kyoto (arashiyama).

One of my favorite district in Kyoto is Arayashima, I could spend one day exploring this district alone with beautiful Bamboo Forest and temples and shrines hidden in forest-fringed mountains.  Just avoid the holidays and weekends because it can get pretty crowded.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Sagano Railway

ALSO READ: 

Top attractions in kyoto, japan  and how to get there, where to stay in kyoto.

When in Kyoto, I like staying near Kyoto Station because public transport is readily accessible. Here are some of the best hotels and hostels you can find near Kyoto Train Station.

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE

WHERE TO EAT IN KYOTO

Kyoto like Osaka is a foodie haven, boasting more or less 174 Michelin star Restaurant, but your wallet must be well-endowed if you want to try them as the dishes usually start at  PHP 6,306 / JPY 14,000 / USD 126.

Kyoto is well-known for kaiseke (huate cuisine), a traditional multi-course Japanese meal that has been around for over 500 years.  There are a lot of restaurants in Kyoto to try this, some have Michelin star ratings.

Because we didn’t really have much time, we just dined at restaurants near the attractions we are visiting.

If you are on a budget, your best bet is “tachi-kui” (stand-and-eat restaurants) scattered along downtown Kyoto and train stations. My friend  Marky and I tried one near our hostel, but because we were lazy, we opted to sit.  The food is as cheap as those sold at Lawsons or 7 Eleven.

Nishiki Market

If you are craving for ramen like us, rush to the 10 th floor of Kyoto Station where the Kyoto Ramen Street (Kyoto Ramen Koji) is located.  This is where you’ll find cheap eats in Kyoto and restaurants serving ramen.  To order ramen, you need to use the vending machine in front of the café/ resto to pick the ramen that you want.  Don’t worry as there are food pictures and English button.  Then, once you have your ticket, hand it to the restaurant staff.  Honestly though, the ramen that we tried at one of the ramen place here didn’t really work for me.

Eat Paradise at the 11th floor of Kyoto Station has a wide selection of restaurants to choose from, serving moderate to expensive meals.

                                                                        ­­­­

Gion District

If you want to taste traditional Japanese dishes in a traditional setting, head to Gion District. This place is oozing with restaurants serving Japanese dishes.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari Shrine is peppered with food stalls selling different kinds of Japanese street food.

Hatakaku Restaurant

Hatakaku Restaurant invented “botan nabe”(wild boar hot pot stew), a popular dish in the mountainous area of Japan where wild boars are pretty common. To make this dish, wild boar meat is thinly sliced and arranged like a peony flower (botan) on a plate. However, it is only served around November to March during winter season when the wild boar meat is available. Prepare around JPY 10,000 for this dish, so best to tag some friends along so you can share the cost. The restaurant is just north of the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

JIKU KAPPO SARA

We also got to try the famous Omi Beef , one of the best beef in Japan, along with Kobe Beef and Matsusaka Beef, at Yasu-shi in Shiga prefecture, about 30 minutes away from Kyoto.  It’s really a must-try when in Japan!  We dined at a restaurant called  Jiku Kappo Sara where they have a special set of Omi Beef Steak that comes with Omi beef steak, sushi, sashimi, tempura, Omi-rice and miso soup for JPY 4, 600 (PHP 2,143 /USD 44) or  you can order their middle set meals for JPY 3,900 (PH 1,817) without the sushi and sashimi.

KYOTO SAMPLE ITINERARY

This Kyoto travel guide won’t be complete without the sample Kyoto trip itinerary.  Here’s my sample 3 day itinerary for Kyoto, Japan, feel free to make adjustments depending on your travel schedule and budget.  Also, do note that before heading to Kyoto, we already explored Osaka.  If you spend 2-3 days in Kyoto, it will give you time to explore the usual top attractions in Kyoto for first-timers .   After Kyoto, you can also do Nara or Kobe, but we opted to go to Nara after. Will be writing a detailed Nara Travel Guide soon.

KYOTO TRIP BUDGET

To help guide you in planning your trip to Kyoto, here’s a sample breakdown of expenses for a 3 day budget trip in Kyoto, to give you a rough estimate of how much to spend while in Kyoto.  Budget for Kyoto is tricky as it will also depend on how much you spend on food and accommodation. Japan is not as expensive as I thought, as you can see from the expenses breakdown below, it is manageable.

NARA TRAVEL BLOG (Budget + Itinerary)

Osaka travel guide, nagoya travel guide (budget +itinerary),   sapporo travel guide, nagoya itinerary + central japan, tokyo tourist spots, shirakawa-go from kyoto, hakuba ski travel guide, fukuoka travel guide (itinerary + budget), related posts.

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2024 LILIW TOURIST SPOTS + ITINERARY

Hi! I’m travelling to Kyoto soon with my senior citizen parents. I’ve been to Kyoto before and I know there’s a lot of walking involved to get to one place to another. I’m interested in the BUS DAY TOUR. I think this will be the most comfortable for them to go around Kyoto. I tried the link that you mentioned but got directed to a different offering – Hankyu Tourist Pass. Or is it right? I’m a little confused. Hope you can help me with this. Thank you!

Salamat! Ang dami kong nalaman!

Thanks for sharing . I really enjoyed reading you blogs. Hope i can go to Japan too and visits some of their famous landmarks.

Hi Grace, you can do it too! 🙂

What an amazing and a fascinating place to visit. I really didn’t know much about this but after reading this post I will surely visit one day. Thanks for sharing such an amazing post.

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Kyoto (���s, Kyōto) served as Japan's capital and the emperor 's residence from 794 until 1868 . It is one of the country's ten largest cities with 1.5 million inhabitants and a modern face.

Over the centuries, Kyoto was destroyed by many wars and fires, but due to its exceptional historic value, the city was dropped from the list of target cities for the atomic bomb and escaped destruction during World War II . Countless temples , shrines and other historically priceless structures survive in the city today.

Top attractions in Kyoto

Kyoto by interest

Getting there and around

Itinerary ideas.

• Walk the Philosopher's Path
• Beautiful temples and shrines
• Attractive Higashiyama streets

• See the bamboo groves
• Visit the monkey park
• Serene temples and gardens

• Visit beautiful temples
• Explore Higashiyama and Gion

• Visit beautiful temples and shrines

• Explore attractive Arashiyama

• Explore Kyoto's northern side
• Visit Kinkakuji , Ryoanji and Ninnaji temples

Questions? Ask in our forum .

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Kyoto official travel guide, cycle kyoto, hotels around kyoto, kyoto hotel guide.

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Japan's ancient capital home to sacred shrines and Zen gardens

Top attractions in kyoto.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kinkakuji Temple

Yasaka Shrine

Around kyoto.

Along a river in the West of Kyoto lies Arashiyama, a rural suburb of Kyoto. Literally “Storm Mountain”, Arashiyama is actually a tranquil place where you can wind down and relax in a beautiful..

Maizuru is a port city in northern Kyoto along the coast of the Sea of Japan. It can be reached in just 2 hours from the central Kyoto City, where most visitors to Kyoto converge. The city is..

Ine (伊根町) is a town located in Yosa District, in northern Kyoto Prefecture. It is known for its traditional wooden fishing houses, or Funaya, that line Ine Bay. The region is located to t..

About Kyoto

Japan’s capital from AD 794 to 1868, the list of possible tourist destinations in Kyoto Prefecture (京都府, Kyōto -fu) is endless.

You can attempt to visit all of major sites, including but certainly not limited to: Fushimi Inari Shrine and its brilliant vermillion row of torii gates, its many temples (most notably Kiyomizu-dera , Sanjusangen-do , and Kinkaku-ji ), Nijo Castle , and Amanohashidate (one of the Three Views of Japan).

Or you can attempt to “experience” Kyoto and its rich culture: appreciate the traditional architecture and maiko of the Gion district , witness the Gion Festival (held every July), and indulge in the various delicacies Kyoto has to offer, such as Uji matcha green tea, tofu, and various Japanese confectioneries. Kyoto is on the bucket list of many a traveller, and for good reason. 

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Chowing down on gyozas and cheap beer at Chao Chao Gyoza

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Ichiwa is an thousand year old store with longstanding connections with Yasurai Matsuri festival at Imamiya Shrine selling aburi-mochi,..

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Kyoto is famous for a lot of things. But when it comes to food, Issen Yoshoku is one recommended dish that you should not miss.

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The Perfect Osaka and Kyoto Itinerary – Kansai Travel Guide (2024 Update)

December 4, 2023 by Bino 2 Comments

One of Japan’s most iconic touristic regions is Kansai where the cities of Osaka and Kyoto are located. In contrast to other regions such as Tokyo or Central Japan , the Kansai region offers both the ultramodern comforts that Japanese big cities are known for as well as charming old towns dating back from the time of the geishas and samurai warriors. Another good thing is that traveling between Osaka and Kyoto takes less than an hour by train which makes combining these two cities in one trip highly advisable. Whether you love shopping, eating or exploring cultural attractions, check out this itinerary for your trip to Kyoto and Osaka.

Day 1 – From Osaka Castle to Shinsaibashi

osaka castle moat by francisco anzola

Beat the crowds and head to Osaka Castle first thing in the morning. Your closest train station would be Koen on the JR Osaka Loop. Though you can easily find similar buildings in many Japanese cities, the Osaka Castle is still worth a visit and is a popular stop among visitors. It’s especially charming during spring when there are cherry blossoms on the grounds surrounding the castle. For a unique bird’s eye view, you can climb up on one of the higher floors of the Osaka History Museum (admission: 600 yen).

Tip: If you are planning to visit a number of tourist attractions in Osaka, consider purchasing the Osaka Amazing Pass . It gives you access to over 30 places over 2 days including Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory, Osaka Science Museum as well as unlimited subway/bus rides within Osaka.

nakazakicho hipster area – must include in your osaka itinerary

By late morning, the cafes and specialty shops at Nakazakicho will be open. This is Osaka’s version of the hipster district with plenty of quirky items as well as specialty food items on sale. You can go cafe hopping here or just soak in the alternative vibe. The district is accessible from Nakazakicho station or if you’re on the main line, you can walk around 10 to 15 minutes from Umeda station.

cup noodles museum in osaka

Head to the suburb of Ikeda to check out the Cup Noodles Museum (8-25 Masumicho, Ikeda; open 9:30AM to 4:30PM daily). This popular Asian staple is said to originate here in the Kansai Region and the museum is a homage to the humble origins of today’s instant noodles. The museum itself is free but for a nominal fee, you can participate in a DIY cup noodle making session.

stunning curves at namba parks

By the afternoon, you can head back to the city to check out the lively Shinsaibashi and Namba areas. I suggest you start in Namba and keep Shinsaibashi for the evening when it’s especially atmospheric. While at Namba, you should not miss a visit to Namba Parks , a shopping mall with its interesting curved walls and rooftop garden. From here, walk north to America-mura , the center of youth culture in Osaka. You’ll find plenty in the way of big-name youth brands here if shopping is your thing. Head further west and you’ll come across another charming area in Osaka filled with specialty cafes and unique food shops. My to-go cafe here is Granknot (1 Chome 23-4 Kitahorie, Nishi Ward, Osaka; open from 9AM to 6PM Monday to Wednesday and Friday, from 11AM to 6PM Saturday and Sunday) where I had one of the frothiest lattes I’ve ever tasted.

glico man advert

Make your way back to Shinsaibashi in late afternoon to do more shopping. While here, make sure to check out the takoyaki (octopus balls) which Osaka is known for. As night falls, head to Dotonbori for a glimpse of the famous Glico advertisement. It has become something of an icon over the years. It is best viewed from the Ebisu Bridge .

Just a few blocks east of the famous Glico man sign is the relatively unknown Hozenji Yokocho Alley . This is a narrow, pedestrian-only street with an old town feel. Here, you’ll find the quaint Hozenji temple as well as a number of izakayas and bars. 

Check out my Osaka and Kyoto food guide here

Day 2 – traveling from osaka to kyoto.

Unless you plan to go indepth or have an interest in Universal Studios , one day is probably enough for Osaka and your best bet is to catch a train to Kyoto. From Osaka, the cheapest train to Kyoto is one on the Hankyu Kyoto Line. It’s just 43 minutes from Umeda to Kawaramachi (Kyoto’s main street). The fastest method is the shinkansen or bullet train from Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station that takes only 15 minutes. Rides on the bullet train are covered by the JR Pass .

hokanji temple in higashiyama district of kyoto

There are hotels all over Kyoto but for the atmosphere, I recommend staying somewhere in the old town of Gion. I personally stayed at Hotel Celestine Kyoto Gion during my last visit to the city and absolutely enjoyed the zen vibe at a reasonable price. It will be late morning by this time and you may want a caffeine fix. %Arabica is undoubtedly the cafe of choice here. In Kyoto, especially in the old town of Gion, many travelers walk around town wearing rented kimonos while taking selfies. You can rent a kimono there at a reasonable price.

Kyoto has so many temples that it’s futile to try to visit them all. There are a few I would recommend for their varying styles. Since you are already in Gion anyway, check out the Entoku-in (530 Shimokawara-cho, Kodai-ji, Higashiyama-ku; open daily 9AM to 5:30PM), an unassuming temple whose gate you’ll easily miss unless you make a conscious effort to locate it.

tenjuan gardens

Afterwards, make your way up north for the breathtaking Tenjuan Gardens (admission: 400 Yen) located within the Nanzenji complex. The grounds boasts of an impressive rock garden and a larger garden at the back surrounded by a pond. If you visit during November, the garden is illuminated at night to highlight autumn colors. As a final sightseeing stop, check out the less-visited Shisendo Temple . This is another place with a nice zen garden that looks especially scenic when viewed from the terrace.

As night falls, head back to Gion and stroll around Hanamikoji-dori . This is the best place to spot geishas in Kyoto, especially during the weekend. While the geisha culture is mostly lost in most of Japan, here, ladies who work in offices by day fulfill their geisha inclinations by dressing up at night. A nice place to have dinner nearby is the Michelin-starred Uokeya-U (605-0074 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, open daily 11:30AM to 2PM, 5PM to 8PM) which serves unagi rice bowls.

Day 3 – Arashiyama, Kinkakuji, Nishiki Market

arashiyama bamboo forest

Head out early in the morning to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest . This is one of Kyoto’s most instagrammable spots with tall bamboo groves swaying with the wind as you walk past the well-trodden path. Admission’s free and the place is open 24 hours but the place can get really busy by midday. While in Arashiyama, make your way as well to Gio-Ji’s moss-covered grounds. The greenery is a sight to behold and is a tempting place for a short nap (though you can’t actually lie on the grounds). While in Arashiyama, you might also want to go for a cruise down the river to fully appreciate the scenery. Just go towards the direction of the river and you’ll easily find boats for hire. Do check on the length of the boat ride before boarding.

delicious steak at otsuka

For lunch, check out the delicious steaks at Otsuka . (open daily except Thursday 11AM to 2:30PM) I can’t recommend this place enough for its succulent steaks.

From Arashiyama, all it takes is a bus ride (take #11 then change to #59) to the trio of temples – the Kinkakuji, Ryoan-ji and Ninna-ji. By now, temple fatigue would probably set in and if you’re to choose only one, I would suggest you check out the golden Kinkakuji . The place is more a spectacle than anything. Visitors are prohibited from entering the building and there is just a walkway which allows visitors to appreciate it from afar. This is one of Kyoto’s most popular sights and it can get crowded easily. However, since everyone’s restricted to the walkway, it’s very easy to get a decent shot of the Kinkakuji from almost any vantage point.

quick bites at nishiki market

By late afternoon, head back to downtown Kyoto and check out the bustling Nishiki Market . This is one place where you can sample a variety of street food, from delicious mochi to sushi and even grilled seafood. But don’t eat too much. You’ll want to save stomach space for dinner. The small alley of Pontocho to the east (walking distance from Nishiki Market) offers a plethora of dining options. My personal favorite is Iroha which serves excellent sukiyaki.

Day 4 – Fushimi Inari & Kiyomizu Dera

fushimi inari taisha

Head out early in the day for Fushimi Inari-taisha . The shrine is known for for its multitude of torii gates that lead up to the summit – Mt Inari at 233 meters high. There are said to be over 1,000 torii gates in Fushimi Inari and several shrines within the complex. Although it has been a popular shrine to visit among Japanese, it became popular among foreign travelers during the social media age, especially as the rows of torii gates make for good photo taking spots. Because of this, and due to the free admission, the shrine is one of the busiest tourist attractions in Tokyo. If you’d like to come here without the crowds, try to arrive before 8AM or after 8PM (it is open 24 hours). From Kyoto Station, you can take the JR Nara line to Inari Station which is right in front of the shrine. If you have any of the JR passes, you don’t have to pay extra for this train ride.

Allow for about 2 hours (inclusive of photo stops) to complete the loop and make it back down. Just opposite the road leading to the entrance of the shrine, there is a store selling excellent daifuku (glutinous rice ball) stuffed with fresh fruit.

kiyomizudera

Another spot not to be missed – especially if you are in Kyoto during cherry blossom or autumn season – is Kiyomizudera . Perched on the foothills of Mt Otowa, the massive temple is perhaps best surveyed from the viewing deck just next to it. You’ll see a flood of colors – whether it be pink during cherry blossom season or red and yellow during autumn. This makes for a quintessential photo spot in Kyoto. The surrounding gardens are also a joy to walk around in during these periods. 

If you have an extra day to spare, you can also check out Wakayama which is around a 1 hour journey from Osaka / 1 hour 45 minutes journey from Kyoto.

If you have an extra 3 or 4 days to spare, you can go further west to the cities of Himeji, Okayama and up to Hiroshima. Check out this Western Japan itinerary .

Getting From Kansai Airport to Kyoto (& Vice Versa)

If you are heading back to Kansai International Airport after visiting Kyoto, I would suggest purchasing a JR West Kansai Area Pass valid for 1 day rather than buying a one-off train ticket. This will save you 680 Yen on your train ride (780 Yen if you buy the area pass online). You can purchase the area pass online here   for a further 100 Yen discount on top of the 680 Yen savings.

Getting From Kansai Airport to Osaka (& Vice Versa)

If you are heading back to Kansai International Airport from Osaka, hop aboard the Nankai Line Airport Express for a smooth 34-minute journey to the airport from Namba (or vice versa). You can purchase the ticket here .

Where to Stay in Kyoto and Osaka

Osaka: Few other hotels are as convenient as   Hotel Hankyu Respire Osaka which offers direct trains to Kansai Airport or Kyoto. Room prices are also reasonable, rendering it an excellent mid-tier option. You can also check for the most competitive prices for hotels in Osaka through this aggregator here .

hotel celestine gion kyoto

Kyoto: In Kyoto, I stayed at  Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion , a great find in the heart of Kyoto’s tranquil Gion old town. The zen vibe here is more in tune with luxury hotels but the price tag is surprisingly mid-tier. Many of the city’s tourist attractions are a short walk away. Among budget or midrange options, you can check out the relatively new Hotel The M’s Kyoto which is situated within walking distance from Kyoto Station in the city’s commercial district. If you prefer to stay near the shopping area (Kawaramachi), Cross Hotel Kyoto is highly rated for its good-sized rooms and close proximity to bus lines and the main shopping street.

You can also check for hotels in Kyoto through this aggregator here .

Train Passes – Which One to Get?

If you are intending to include Tokyo to your trip to Osaka and Kyoto, it may be worthwhile to get the JR Pass . A one-way trip from Osaka to Tokyo on the shinkansen (bullet train) costs about 14,720 yen or slightly more than half the price of the JR Pass . Assuming you take it round trip and ride local JR trains as well, you’ll end up saving more money with the JR Pass than buying tickets ala carte. You can purchase the JR Pass here .

Alternatively, if you are just staying within the Kansai area (i.e. Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Himeji), you can check out the cheaper JR Kansai Pass which you can use for shinkansen, limited express trains and JR buses. You can get the JR Kansai Pass here .

Other Practicalities

• While in Japan, I typically pre-purchase my prepaid data sim card as it is cheaper compared to buying it on the spot upon arrival. The sim comes with unlimited data and you can purchase here and pick up when you arrive at the airports of Osaka or Tokyo.
• Given how expensive Japan is, I typically purchase travel medical insurance whenever I’m coming here in case I need to see the doctor or miss my flight/s unexpectedly. You can check out SafetyWing which provides travel medical insurance on a subscription basis for as low as US$37/4 weeks of coverage. The good thing about going with them is that one child up to 10 years of age is automatically included with every adult possessing the travel medical insurance policy and you can purchase a plan while you’re already on your trip.
• Osaka and Kyoto are year-round destinations but do note that it can bet unbearably hot in the summer which is from July to September. I’d recommend coming here in May (after the cherry blossom and after the Japanese golden week) or October (before the peak autumn period) during the shoulder season in order to escape peak prices with pretty decent weather.

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Hi, my name is Bino and I started I Wander around 15 years ago with the aim of sharing about some of my personal journeys and experiences, hoping that the information may benefit readers like yourselves. Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. Alternatively, you can also email me at b i n o (at) iwandered.net. You can follow I Wander on Facebook , Telegram , or Instagram . Also, if you liked this article, please feel free to SHARE or RETWEET

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April 11, 2018 at 12:06 am

Lovely post. Thank you for sharing

August 30, 2019 at 6:04 pm

Thanks for sharing, The Cherry Blossom during the spring is amazing. We took spectacular photos and enjoyed a wonderful family trip.

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• Travel Tips + Advices

Kyoto travel tips — 12+ Kyoto insider tips & things to know before going to Kyoto

Kyoto was the capital of Japan back in the day with many historical structures such as the Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist Temple or Nijo Castle. It is one of the major cities in the world and a destination that everyone should visit at least once during their travels. Let’s plan your ideal vacation to Japan’s cultural capital and the second most popular destination in the country after Tokyo. So, what you need to know before going to Kyoto? Let’s check out our compiled list of Kyoto travel tips (Kyoto tips), Kyoto insider tips with 12+ things to know before going to Kyoto as detailed below!

• When is the best time to visit Kyoto? — The best, worst, affordable & best season to visit Kyoto
• JR Rail Pass Guide. All things you need to know, how to buy, how to use along with Japan Rail Pass FAQs
• What to buy in Kyoto? — 31+ must-buy Kyoto souvenirs, gifts & best things to buy in Kyoto
• Where to buy souvenirs in Kyoto? — Top 11+ best places to shop in Kyoto & what to buy in Kyoto
• When is the best time to visit Japan? — The best, worst, cheapest, affordable & best season to travel to Japan

Here are some helpful Kyoto travel tips to help you build your trip to the ancient capital of Kyoto.

Use public transportation and Google Maps (# kyoto travel tips)

Kyoto is a rather small city with an excellent and efficient public transportation system that makes it easy to get around and explore all of its amazing places. The most convenient means to travel around Kyoto is the city bus. Taking the one-day bus ride in Kyoto City, you can get to almost anywhere in the city. It has a reasonable fare, very convenient for getting on and off the bus with a single swipe of the card. You can purchase bus passes at subway station ticket counters, city bus counters, city bus information counters, on the subways, and even on the buses themselves.

Kyoto’s subway system is also great for downtown city travel with more than two dozen train stations, making commuting between districts less time-consuming than taking a bus. However, subway passes are quite expensive compared to bus fares.

Google Maps is a great tool for you to plan your routes and know which bus to take. Carefully plan your itinerary and the places you want to visit before your trip. And then sit back, relax and reap the benefits of this amazing app.

Free things in Kyoto (# kyoto travel tips)

Do you know there are a couple of fun and free things to do in Kyoto City? Not all attractions are free, but the majority of shrines and even some temples and gardens in Kyoto are free of charge for entrance and visit. Some great free places to check out include Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Yasaka Shrine, Heian Jingu Shrine, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Ninna-ji Temple, and Nishiki Market.

Bring some coins in your pocket when going to temples and pagodas

When visiting temples and pagodas, remember to bring those coins that have a hole. Small round coins with a hole in the middle are considered auspicious and said to be the best for bringing good luck to you when praying. The five-yen coin is the best choice to put into the prayer box when praying at a shrine or temple in Japan.

Five yen is called “go-en” in Japanese, which means good luck, so people use it in the hope of bringing good luck to business, love, or relationships. It’s a good idea to take a few coins with you as Kyoto has thousands of shrines, and you’re supposed to visit at least a few of them on your trip.

Get yourself a pair of comfortable shoes to prepare for the hike (# kyoto travel tips)

With all its historic shrines, colorful temples, well-preserved ancient streets, and traditional gardens, Kyoto is a place where you have to walk most of your trip to explore the city. Part of the fun while exploring the attractions is experiencing the walk there. Sometimes you have to walk down small roads, cross pedestrian bridges over canals, and even have to go down small alleys.

And to make your trip even more special, visit the Philosopher’s Path. This historic stone path runs along the banks of a small part of the Lake Biwa Canal, beneath the hills to the east of Kyoto. This pedestrian path is a cherry blossom viewing spot, but it’s a pretty quiet place during all other seasons. As you stroll along this path, there are plenty of restaurants, shops, cafes, and temples to explore.

Learn about Kyoto cuisine (# kyoto insider tips)

Kyoto has been the center of culture for a long time. Kyo-ryori or Kyoto Cuisine is one of the many must-try experiences in Kyoto. Exquisite multi-course meals are served in traditional dining rooms with Tatami mats. Together with the hosts dressed in typical Japanese Kimono costumes, the dining experience creates one of the unforgettable moments when coming to Kyoto.

Head to Minoko Restaurant in the famous Gion District for a wonderful eleven-course Kyo-ryori dinner. Another option is the popular “Kitcho” Restaurant, known as one of the oldest restaurants for Kaiseki cuisine. In Kyoto, there are many places where you can enjoy traditional authentic Japanese food.

You may eat for less than $20 per day with Udon noodles and Okonomiyaki pancakes, or be willing to spend up to $1,000 for a Kaiseki meal. In both cases, you will absolutely enjoy amazing and remarkable meals. This is an opportunity to learn about the core of Japanese food culture, so if you have enough time, give it a try.

Learn about the seasonal weather in Kyoto

The weather in the ancient capital of Kyoto is divided into 4 distinct seasons. Winter from December to February is the coldest time, sometimes dropping to 0°C, hence very few tourists visit here at this time. The weather begins to warm up in spring from March to May. This is also the ideal time to visit Kyoto and see the cherry blossoms. Summer spans from June to August when it rains in Kyoto. Thus, the streets are always wet, and you need to bring with you umbrellas or raincoats. In fall from September to November, the weather becomes milder and warmer.

In particular, the bright yellow autumn colors always make a strong impression on visitors. A lot of people coming here want to walk under the yellow leaf forest, immersed in the enchanting natural scenery. In addition to temples, shrines and palaces, this is a truly recognizable sightseeing spot of the city. The people of Kyoto are known for their appreciation of the passing of the seasons, and everything about the city changes as the seasons go by.

Most notably, the four-season weather in Kyoto is quite unpredictable. It is typically cold in the winter with the possibility of snow, and hot in the summer with the possibility of heavy rain. Therefore, take an umbrella with you when traveling to Kyoto. Whether you use it to cover yourself from the rain or just to protect your skin from the summer sun, you’ll be glad you have a small umbrella by your side when walking around Kyoto.

November and April are the best time to go to Kyoto

Kyoto is a city of beauty all year round. This place is always full of fascination; however, if you are an international tourist, you should come here during the cherry blossom season or snowy days to get the best views.

Most days in April are warm. The beginning of April is also the best time to watch the cherry blossoms bloom, so there will be a lot of visitors coming here, and it will be very busy for sure.

November is toward the end of fall, from now on the temperature will continue to drop, so you may need really thick jackets. This is also the best time to watch autumn leaves. Why don’t we admire the scenery and enjoy a shot of shinshu (a Japanese wine), a type of alcohol always available at all times of the year?

Similar to April, the city welcomes a lot of tourists who travel here for the view of the golden autumn leaves! In terms of scenic beauty and weather, both months are ideal times to visit Kyoto. Unfortunately, for those who prefer tranquility, it is one of the most crowded tourist times of the year to travel.

Kyoto is very crowded (# kyoto insider tips)

In recent years, Kyoto has received record numbers of foreign tourists. The main reason for this is a change in Japan’s visa requirements for nearby Asian countries such as China. Currently, Kyoto is flooded with Chinese tourist groups (along with South Korean, Taiwanese, Thai, and many others).

Western tourists are also arriving in record numbers, attracted by Japan’s landscape, culture and reasonable prices. Cherry blossom season (late March ~ early April) is the most busy time. Golden Week (early May) and leaf season (November) are also very busy, but not overcrowded to travel.

I would recommend visiting popular spots on weekdays, right after opening or just before closing. If you want to avoid big crowds, it’s better for you to know where people are going. Below is a list of some busiest places in Kyoto.

• Kiyomizu-dera Temple
• The streets leading to Kiyomizu-dera Temple (especially Matsubara-dori)
• Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine
• Nishiki Market
• Ginkaku-ji Temple
• Kinkaku-ji Temple
• Ryoan-ji Temple Rock Garden
• Tofuku-ji Temple
• Eikan-do Temple
• Nijo-jo Castle

Plan your budget and spending (# kyoto tips)

The cost of accommodation in Kyoto, for example, a hostel characterized by a bunk bed similar to a bed in a student dormitory will cost you from JPY 2,000 – 4,000 per night for one room. Many hostels are within a ten-minute walk from Kyoto Station, featuring free Wi-Fi, a kitchenette, and some even have a private patio. If you want privacy, reserving a hotel is a better option.

With regular hotel rates at around JPY 8,500 or a little less, you can get a room of free Wi-Fi and all other usual amenities a hotel offers. Use Booking.com because they consistently return the cheapest rates.

For the average cost of food, eating out can cost you a lot of money if you’re not careful. But not all restaurants are expensive and there are many budget-friendly ramen, tempura and sushi restaurants in Kyoto. A curry bowl costs as low as JPY 340 per order. Donburi, a meat and white rice bowl, is around JPY 500-620.

Plus, ramen never costs more than JPY 865. The aren grocery store is as cheap as you’d expect, which costs you around JPY 8,700 for a meal. Most restaurants here charge between JPY 1,240 – 2,480. If you plan on traveling with a tight budget, get your food from convenience stores. Rice balls, ramen, and other prepackaged foods cost only about JPY 200.

In terms of transportation, the easiest way to get around the city is by bus. It starts at 230 JPY for a single trip or 500 JPY for one day. You can take the subway, there are two main trains – Karasuma and Tozai lines – and the fares are from around JPY 210. Kyoto is also a great city to explore by bike, with a full-day bike rental price of around JPY 1,500.

Is Kyoto safe for travelers? (# kyoto tips)

Kyoto is a true ancient city because it has no skyscrapers or modern structures. In return, the ancient capital also preserves many historical and cultural relics both materially and spiritually of the Japanese people.

Kyoto is the embodiment of ancient, legendary Japan with a slow, charismatic, peaceful pace of life. It is estimated that more than half of Japan’s ancient temples, shrines, and mansions gather around Kyoto. Low houses are hidden and intertwined with fruit trees, narrow streets, many bicycles, and few cars. People are liberal and tend to be fond of walking. Japan has a reputation for being a safe place.

Low crime rate. People are honest. And, there is no political turmoil. However, female travelers should pay attention in situations that may be dangerous to themselves (e.g., do not hitchhike alone and do not walk alone at night). One thing all travelers should have when going anywhere, and Kyoto is no exception, is travel insurance. It is very important to protect you from accidents and loss of important items such as passports.

Travel to Kyoto (# kyoto tips)

Not bustling or full of giant skyscrapers like Tokyo, Osaka, or Yokohama, Kyoto exudes the vibe of ancient beauty. The old capital retains many ancient historical relics, ancient pagodas, shrines, and temples, making the scenery here peaceful and intimate. That’s why Kyoto is more and more attractive to international tourists coming to Japan.

There are many famous tourist attractions in Kyoto. Moreover, it’s not easy for those who are first-time travelers to a foreign country, so you need to get some advice and guidance on how to travel to the most beautiful places in Kyoto. For instance, you can find helpful info on the nearest roads, convenient public transport and travel expenses. If you travel to Kyoto on an international flight, you will arrive in Kyoto at Kansai International Airport. It is one of the most important Japanese airports in Osaka, about 100 km from the city.

If you fly to Tokyo, you can take the high-speed train or shinkansen that can take you to Kyoto in about 2 hours and 20 minutes. Most visitors heading to Kyoto take the JR train thanks to its accessible and economic options. You can also refer to the Japanese Travel Experience by JR Pass to make travel simpler and more convenient.

Gion Festival

Gion Festival is Kyoto’s largest festival that takes place throughout July next to the Yasaka Temple. Despite being named after the district of Gion, the main events take place on the opposite bank of the Kamo River. There are two main parades called Yamaboko Junko, which take place on the 17th and 24th. On the nights before the parade (yoiyama), the downtown area of Kyoto would be reserved for pedestrians. The streets are busy with food stalls, drinks, and festive games.

On July 17 and 24, the parade processions (Hoko and Yama) occur between 9:00 to 11:30. Together, many groups of people would hold heavy parades with sharp carvings along with beautiful carpets from Nishijin. Yama parades weighing up to 1,600 kg and Hoko parades weighing up to 12,000 kg start from Shijo-Karasuma or Karasuma-Oike. If you attend the festival, make sure you wear yukata!

Kyoto is a city of traditional wooden houses, Buddhist temples, gardens, Shinto shrines, and official traditions such as kaiseki cuisine and geisha. This is home to the world-famous Inari-taisha Fushimi shrine.

We hope our list of things to know before traveling to Kyoto will help you prepare for your trip to Kyoto, making it more interesting and remarkable. By sharing our full and detailed Kyoto travel experience, we wish you a happy and meaningful trip.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Kyoto you can refer to

• Private Kansai International Airport Transfers (KIX) for Kyoto
• Limousine Bus Transfers between Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka or Kyoto
• Shared Night Bus Transfers from Kyoto to Tokyo
• Private Kansai Airport (KIX) Transfers to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Uji, Kobe, or Arima
• Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass (1 Day/2 Days, Kyoto Pick Up)
• Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass 1 Day/2 Days (Pick up at Osaka)
• Randen + Subway 1 Day Pass
• Kyoto Temples & Shrines Day Tour from Osaka: Fushimi Inari-taisha, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera & More
• Kyoto Perfect Day Tour from Osaka or Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari-taisha, Arashiyama & More
• Kyoto and Nara Day Tour from Osaka/Kyoto
• Kyoto Afternoon Tour from Osaka
• Hankyu Tourist Pass
• Sagano Romantic Train One-Way Ticket (Saga or Kameoka Departure)
• Kimono Rental and Photoshoot in Kyoto by Ouka Kimono
• Kyoto Sagano Romantic Train Day Tour
• Kyoto Temples & Shrines Day Tour from Kyoto: Fushimi Inari-taisha, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera & More
• Amanohashidate & Miyama One Day Tour from Osaka/Kyoto
• JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass
• Kimono Rental in Kyoto Kiyomizu Temple
• One Day Kimono Rental
• Kyoto Temples & Shrines Day Tour from Osaka
• Kimono and Yukata Rental at Kimono Miyabi Kyoto
• 4G Prepaid Sim Card (JP Airports Pick Up) for Japan
• 4G WiFi (Japan Pick Up) for Japan
• JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)

Are you finding more top things to do in Kyoto: Tours, activities, attractions and other things?  Let’s check it out at here . And read more:  Kyoto blog (Kyoto travel blog) — The fullest Kyoto travel guide blog for a budget trip to Kyoto, Japan for the first-timers.  And  Kyoto 3 day itinerary — How to visit Kyoto in 3 days & what to do in Kyoto in 3 days perfectly?

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Japan Travel Guide

Last Updated: June 3, 2024

It was a lifelong dream to visit and, when I finally did, it lived up to all my expectations. Since that first visit, I’ve been there over five times. Japan is a country that blows everyone away. From the food to the people to the architecture and everything in between, I’ve never met someone who didn’t go to Japan and fall in love with it.

A lot of people delay visiting Japan because they think it’s super expensive. And, while some aspects of traveling there are expensive, there are plenty of ways to make it affordable. I was actually shocked how easy it was to see Japan on a budget .

This Japan travel guide can help you plan an affordable trip so you can see more, eat more, and spend less.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budgets
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Japan

Click here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in japan.

1. Explore Tokyo

Tokyo is one of the best cities in the world. Here you will find shrines, palaces, temples, hip clubs, fancy cocktail bars, weird fashion, and, of course, incredible people. Tokyo is a fast-paced, futuristic city. Be sure to also hit some of the quirky-themed cafés, wander the Harajuku district, walk across the iconic Shibuya crossing, and admire the Imperial Palace. Visit my detailed guide for more information .

2. Wander Kyoto

Boasting beautiful temples and Japanese gardens, Kyoto is one of the most popular destinations in Japan. This place definitely lives up to the hype because it retains much of the traditional lifestyle and is a good juxtaposition to fast-paced and high-tech Tokyo. See as many temples as possible , wander the enchanting bamboo forest of Arashiyama, (just get there early to beat the crowds), and do some hiking here. It’s a city not to be missed.

3. See Hiroshima

In 1945, the first atomic bomb to be used in combat was detonated in Hiroshima . Around 80,000 people were killed instantly and tens of thousands more died afterward due to radiation exposure. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome), which was the only building left standing after the bomb was dropped on August 6, and learn about one of the most controversial events in human history. I found the museum’s photos and artifacts sobering and eye-opening, and yet a must-see if you want to understand modern Japan. You can also take a cycling tour around the city to learn more about the bombing and its aftermath.

4. Climb Mount Fuji

This 3,776-meter (12,389-foot) mountain is located near Tokyo. As Japan’s tallest mountain, it is often covered by fog and clouds during the day, so ascents tend to happen early in the morning or overnight. In fact, some 400,000 people take part during the short climbing season that is only from early July to mid-September. If you’re visiting outside of the climbing season or just don’t want to hike the mountain, there are many tour providers that offer day trips from Tokyo from around 12,000 JPY.

5. Visit Sapporo

The gateway to Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, this city is famous for its surrounding mountains, thermal baths, ski resorts, and lengthy beer brewing history. Hosting the 1972 Olympic Winter Games put the city on the international map, and it remains hugely popular for its cold-weather sports. It’s also home to the hugely popular Sapporo Snow Festival, where you can see world-class ice and snow sculptures each February (over two million people attend!). Although Sapporo is very much a ski haven, I also loved going in Spring because of the lush greenery and in particular, the thousands of Japanese cherry blossoms in Moerenuma Park. Don’t miss the Beer Museum and be sure to take the train to the coastal town of Otaru for uni (which is harvested there).

Other Things to See and Do in Japan

1. visit the tsukiji and toyosu fish markets.

Tokyo’s fish markets start bright and early at 4am. Here you can see the frenzied buying and selling of the world’s largest tuna market. Tsukiji was the original market but, as of 2018, the inner fish market moved to Toyosu and is now known as the Toyosu Fish Market. However, the outer market (where you can find food and shops) is still at Tsukiji. You can take a guided tour to learn about its history, how it works, and even learn how to roll sushi in a workshop at the end. Shops start opening around 6am so it’s a perfect place to go when you have jetlag.

2. Spend a day in Kyoto’s Gion District

Otherwise known as the Geisha District, this neighborhood is filled with fascinating historic architecture and is a good area for window shopping. Geishas (traditional professional entertainers) have worked here for centuries, and if you’re lucky, you may be able to spot one going to or from a social engagement at one of the establishments. (Just note that photographs are forbidden on the narrow alleys to prevent harassment of the geishas.) You can also take a nighttime walking tour .

3. Explore Nara

Located just one hour from Kyoto , Nara is famous for its 1,300 “wild” deer that freely roam Nara Park. The Japanese consider deer to be messengers of the gods, so they are free to roam the city (their horns are cut short, so they can’t hurt people). There are vendors selling crackers all around the park, so you can feed them by hand. While here, be sure to take in the world’s largest wooden building, Todai-ji, which dates to the eighth century and was reconstructed in the 1700s. Most travelers visit Nara as a day trip from Kyoto, but I suggest staying at least a night to really see everything.

4. See Osaka

Osaka is the third-largest city in Japan and its financial heart. It’s also a big foodie hub. Mouthwatering sushi and sashimi, Kobe beef, Japanese barbecue, and flavorful ramen can all be found here in abundance. There are also popular specialties like okonomiyaki (a savory pancake with egg and vegetables) and kushikatsu (skewered kebabs). You can take a food tour for around 12,000 JPY or just wander and eat.

Beyond the food, don’t miss Osaka Castle. While it’s not the original (this version dates to 1931), it’s nevertheless an impressive sight. It’s home to a small but insightful museum and an observation deck that offers some picturesque city views.

5. Relax in Ueno Park

Established in 1873, Tokyo’s Ueno Park is a great place to spend the day. It’s the perfect spot to see the cherry blossom trees (April is the best time of year if you hope to catch them in full bloom). Year round, you will find events on the weekend, people hanging out here on a beautiful day, and plenty of museums to visit. The park is home to the Tokyo National Museum, a couple art museums, and a zoo. You can also take a three-hour architecture tour around the park .

6. Admire the Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace is home to the emperor of Japan (whose lineage stretches back over a thousand years). It was built on the site of the former Edo Castle, which was originally constructed in the 15th century. Though you can’t go inside the palace itself, the surrounding grounds and park are beautiful, and you can watch the changing of the guard. You can visit select parts of the grounds on a 75-minute guided tour at 10am and 1:30pm Tuesday-Saturday. The Imperial East Gardens are free and open daily except Mondays, Fridays, and holidays. There’s also a lot of free walking tours that take you around and give you a history of the palace.

7. Visit Miyajima Island

Miyajima is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about an hour outside of Hiroshima, known as “Shrine Island” because of its temple and iconic floating torii gate. Itsukushima Shrine, the main one here, dates back to the 12th century. There’s also a five-story pagoda that dates back to the 15th century, and the tranquil Momijidani Park, one of the most beautiful maple valleys in the country. And, like Nara, there are plenty of deer here too. A trip to the island can easily be made into a full day if you hit the walking trails nearby. And be sure to hike up Mount Misen — it’s a great workout, and the views are stunning! There is also a cable car to the peak you can take for 2,000 JPY round-trip.

8. Tour Bitchu Matsuyama Castle

At 430 meters (14,100 feet), not only is this Japan’s highest castle but it’s also its only remaining original one (most were destroyed in fires or during World War II). The castle was originally built on a nearby mountain in 1240 by Akiba Shigenobu. In 1929, restoration work began, and it is now a popular tourist site. Admission is 500 JPY for just the castle or 1,000 JPY for the castle, temple, and nearby samurai houses. If you’d like to patronize the Takahashi Folk Museum and Yamada Hokoku Museum, the entire combined ticket costs 1,500 JPY.

9. Go on the temple pilgrimage

The 88 Temple Pilgrimage (also known as “Shikoku Henro”) is an ancient route that circles the island of Shikoku, one of Japan’s four main islands. Under consideration for UNESCO status, the route stretches 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) and can take between 30 and 60 days. Pilgrims typically wear special white robes and carry a walking stick so they stand out (locals take pride in helping and welcoming pilgrims so standing out is a good thing). It’s one of the only circular pilgrimages in the world, with roots dating back over a thousand years. Between 150,000 and 200,000 people do the hike each year. In addition to the 88 official temples, there are also 20 additional sites you can visit as well. Most pilgrims hike between March-May or October-November since the summer is too warm. If mobility is an issue, you can also explore the route via car or bus, which takes around 10 days.

10. Explore Nikko

Located two hours north of Tokyo in the mountains, Nikko has welcomed worshippers of both Buddhist and Shinto traditions for centuries, so there are many temples and shrines in the woods to visit. Nikko is also the home of the imperial summer palace (the only imperial residence opened as a museum) and the resting spot of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of Tokugawa Shogunate (1603–1868). You’ll also find lots of waterfalls in the area and a beautiful lake to go boating on. The trails at nearby Nikko National Park offer excellent hiking. Don’t miss Nikko Toshogu, Kegon Falls, Ryuzu Falls, Shinkyo Bridge, Lake Ch?zenji, Kanmangafuchi Abyss, and the Imperial Palace! Only a few hours from Tokyo, Nikko is a really nice destination for two or three nights.

11. Stay in a ryokan

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese bed-and-breakfast, usually found in the more scenic regions. They date back over 1,200 years and are known for their traditional tatami floors, communal baths, sliding doors, and cozy interiors. Ryokan s make for an intimate and unique Japanese experience, featuring included meals and traditional Japanese robes (called yukata ). Beds are traditional futons, and there is usually a common area where you can make tea and chat with the owner.

12. Soak in an onsen

Natural hot springs are widespread throughout the country, and can be found both indoors and outdoors. They are a great way to “soak in” some traditional Japanese culture. Each has a different mineral composition. Expect to pay around 1,000 JPY for a budget bathhouse. (Just note that many do not allow people with tattoos or require tattoos to be covered. They are also separated by gender.) Hakone is the most popular onsen destination as it’s just 90 minutes away from Tokyo and is nestled into the mountains. Other popular choices include Beppu, Yufuincho, Noboribetsu, and Ibusuki.

13. Explore Daisetsuzan National Park

If you make it all the way up to Hokkaido (the northern prefecture of Japan and second-largest island), be sure to spend some time exploring Daisetsuzan (“Great Snowy Mountains”) National Park. Located around two hours from Sapporo, the park offers numerous trails, and some of the most rugged and beautiful landscapes in the country. It’s also one of the last remaining places in Japan to see brown bears. The most popular hike here is Mount Asahidake, a challenging volcano that takes 3-4 hours. The park is a far cry from the tourist trail and usually just sees Japanese visitors, so you’ll get to enjoy a spot locals favor.

14. Relax in Okinawa

If you need a break from the fast pace of Japan, hop on down to Okinawa Prefecture, considered “the Hawaii of Japan.” Life proceeds at a much slower pace here, and the climate is subtropical. Even Naha, the biggest city in the region, is laid-back. Okinawa is famous for its diving opportunities as well as World War II sites and memorials. From Okinawa Honto (the main island), you can hop to other smaller islands by ferry, including some that are very remote and rarely see visitors (such as Iriomote or Kume). Camping, whale watching, and hitting the beach are some of the most popular activities here.

15. Admire Kanazawa

Located on the west coast, Kanazawa is known for its incredibly well-preserved Edo-era (1603–1868) districts (the final period of traditional Japan). Home to under 500,000 people, the city is called “Little Kyoto” — but without the oppressive crowds. I think this is a really nice, off-the-beaten-path destination. Make sure to see Tsuzumi-mon Gate, admire Kanazawa Castle, and explore the geisha districts and samurai district (Nagamachi), where numerous preserved houses remain. Head to the Omicho Fish Market for fresh fish and seafood (there are dozens and dozens of stalls here). And if you want to learn more about Buddhism, visit the DT Suzuki Museum (Suzuki was a Zen Buddhist academic and philosopher who helped introduce Zen Buddhism to the West).

16. Hike in the national parks

Japan may be a small country but it’s preserved a lot of its natural landscapes. There are 34 national parks, each offering respite from the hectic and dense cities that Japan is known for. Nikko (mentioned above) is best for seeing fall colors; Daisetsuzan (also mentioned above) has lots of remote onsen and challenging trails; Keramashoto, located in Okinawa, has some of the best islands and beaches, as well as over 250 types of coral; and Yoshino-Kumano is famous for its cherry blossoms. There are a lot of parks to choose from! Try to see at least one!

17. Visit Takashima

Home to just 50,000 people, Takashima is just a short drive from Kyoto on the coast of Lake Biwa (the largest freshwater lake in Japan). The city boasts castle ruins, plenty of old shrines and Buddha statues, and a picturesque floating torii gate (similar to the one in Miyajima) at the Shirahige Shrine. There’s also a four-kilometer (2.5-mile) walking route lined with cherry trees. Moreover, this town is famous for its Hida beef, which I think is the best beef in all of Japan. For a fun day trip, head to Chikubushima, a small island on Lake Biwa where you can visit centuries-old temples as you hike around the island.

  For information on specific cities in Japan, check out these city guides:

• Hiroshima Travel Guide
• Kyoto Travel Guide
• Tokyo Travel Guide

Japan Travel Costs

Accommodation – Expect to spend 2,500-4,500 JPY per night for a dorm room in a hostel (prices are on the higher end in larger cities like Tokyo or popular tourist destinations like Kyoto). Free Wi-Fi, private lockers, and self-catering facilities are standard in most hostels. But it’s uncommon for them to provide breakfast here. For a private room with a twin or double bed, expect to pay 6,500-15,000 JPY per night. Prices are generally the same year-round.

Capsule hotels cost 3,000-5,500 JPY for a tiny coffin-like pod that’s essentially just a bed, often with a small TV, light, and outlet to charge your devices. There are shared bathrooms and sometimes a small common room as well. It’s not fancy, but it’s a unique (and very Japanese) experience.

For (non-capsule) budget hotels, expect to spend 6,000-10,000 JPY per night for a double room. For Western hotel chains, expect to spend around 20,000 JPY or more per night. Note: For accommodation in Tokyo, add 50% to all these prices.

Airbnb is heavily regulated in Japan and, as such, there aren’t too many options. What rooms are listed are mostly hotels and guesthouses. Private homes/apartments usually start around 15,000-20,000 JPY per night, while private rooms (i.e., hotel rooms) run 8,000-10,000 JPY per night and up.

If you are looking for a more unique experience, consider staying at a ryokan , a traditional Japanese bed-and-breakfast. While they are more expensive than a standard hotel, it’s a unique and memorable experience, as you’ll get to sleep on traditional futons and tatami mats.

Food – Japanese cuisine is world-renowned and has even earned a spot on UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage List. While each region has its own specialties, rice, noodles, seafood, and seasonal produce all feature heavily no matter where you are. Plus, there’s izakaya (small plates), yakitori (grilled food), curry bowls, BBQ, and so much more. One of the best things about visiting Japan is the food.

Food in Japan is relatively inexpensive so long as it’s not imported (fresh fruit will blow your budget!). The most common cheap eats are using curry, donburi (bowls of meat and rice), or ramen. Curry and donburi bowls cost 500-700 JPY while ramen or soba noodles are usually around 1,200 JPY. Okonomiyaki (a Japanese pancake with noodles or rice) is between 1,000 and 1,300 Yen.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) is around 800 JPY for a set menu. You can also find plenty of cheap meals and prepackaged items at 7-Eleven (locals actually get a ton of food here as it’s delicious and quick). Noodles, rice balls, tofu, and prepackaged sushi are all available for only 250-500 JPY per item. (Trust me, it’s good!)

Most sit-down restaurant meals are going to cost you 2,000-3,000 JPY. Sushi conveyor belt restaurants (which are super fun) will run you 125-600 JPY per piece. Quicker lunch spots are going to be around 1,500 Yen.

Fine dining is a tradition rooted in Japanese culture, and kaiseki ryori is a style of high-end, multi-course Japanese dining that originated in Kyoto. It costs about 8,000-10,000 JPY for a set menu of seven courses, covering everything from chicken to Wagyu steak to sushi.

High-end omakase sushi restaurants (where dishes are selected by the chef) will set you back at least 10,000 JPY, though more likely closer to 20,000 JPY. (In Tokyo, the best ones are 30,000 JPY.)

Domestic beer is around 450-550 JPY, and sake is about 800-900 JPY per glass. A cocktail will set you back about 1,200 JPY, though at the famous cocktail bars in Tokyo, expect to pay closer to 1,600 Yen per drink. A latte or cappuccino is 500-600 JPY, and a bottle of water is 100-130 JPY. Soda is around 200 Yen.

Expect prices to be higher in the bigger cities and cheaper in the countryside.

Buying groceries costs around 5,000-6,000 JPY per week for basic staples like rice, vegetables, and fish. However, given the availability of such cheap food, it’s doubtful you’ll go grocery shopping to prepare your own meals.

Backpacking Japan Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Japan and are staying in a hostel dorm room, buying a rail pass, eating relatively inexpensive local food like ramen or donburi with the occasional nice meal, visiting a few attractions, and doing a couple of days tours, you could spend between 14,000-15,500 JPY per day. You wouldn’t live large or be able to eat any high-end meals or drink a lot but it’s a totally doable backpacker budget. If you want to fit in more food or drinks, you could take the bus instead of the train depending on how much time you have in the country.

On a more midrange budget of 26,000 JPY per day, you can stay in nicer accommodations like a hotel, eat out more liberally, indulge in more drinks, visit more attractions, and, overall, just have some more breathing room in your travels! At this range, you won’t want for anything when it comes to activities or local cuisine.

On an upscale budget of 78,000 JPY per day or more, you can stay in traditional Japanese accommodations or two-star hotels, eat at nicer restaurants each day, splurge on some meals, enjoy drinks as often as you want, take tours, and, overall, just afford whatever you want!

Japan Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

I think Japan’s reputation as an expensive country is overstated. Outside of accommodation and transportation, it’s actually really affordable. Is it super cheap? No. Is it super expensive? Not at all. There are plenty of ways to lower your costs and all non-imported food is really inexpensive. Here are some ways to save money when you visit:

• Visit the free attractions – With its countless museums, galleries, shrines, temples, historic neighborhoods, and parks, Japan is filled with opportunities to immerse yourself in its culture without spending a Yen. Moreover, many of the nation’s parks and gardens are also free. Start with them and you’ll fill your days on the cheap!
• Get a JR Pass – The bullet trains in Japan are ridiculously expensive, with one-way fares costing hundreds of dollars. If you plan to do a lot of traveling around the country, get the JR Pass , which allows you unlimited train travel and can save you a ton of money. It comes in 7-, 14-, and 21-day options. (Keep it mind it can only be purchased outside of Japan, so be sure to plan ahead.)
• Take the bus – Buses are a far more economical option than the trains. They cost a fraction of the price. For example, the unlimited Japan Rail Pass costs 29,650 JPY for seven consecutive days of travel, but this is far more expensive than using the bus. But buses take a lot longer. For example, the two-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo to Osaka becomes a 10-hour bus ride. Bottom line: if you have the time, take the bus.
• Shop at the 100-yen stores – There are many 100-yen shops around the country. They all sell meal sets, groceries, water bottles, toiletries, and household items. Store names vary by region, so ask your hotel or hostel reception where the nearest “Hyaku En” store is located.
• Eat at 7-Eleven – 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and other convenience stores have a lot of pre-made meals that make for a cheap lunch or snack. The food is actually really good and you’ll always see locals dipping in and getting a quick lunch or snack here. Don’t be afraid to at them.
• Cook your own food – Many hostels have kitchens where you can cook your own meals. Combining this with shopping at the 100-yen stores will drastically cut your food costs.
• Eat curry, ramen, and donburi – These dishes are the best option for eating cheap, filling meals. These cost from 400 – 1200 Yen (ramen is 1200). Shops specializing in these dishes are all over the country so you can easily find them. They are on every corner and the cheapest way to eat on a budget.
• Stay with a local – Using hospitality sites like Couchsurfing allows you to stay with residents, so you not only get a free place to stay but you get to interact with someone who can share their insider tips.
• Buy food before grocery stores close – After 8pm, many supermarkets discount their fresh food, as they have to get rid of it by law. You can save up to 50% on almost all ready-made meals. It’s a great cheap dinner.
• Hitchhike – Japan is one of the world’s safest countries, and many locals are curious enough to pick up foreign visitors. Hitchhiking isn’t really practiced by Japanese, so you will stand out as a tourist, which will increase your chances of finding a ride.

Where to Stay in Japan

There’s a lot of affordable accommodation in Japan, especially if you avoid Western style hotels and chains. To help you save money on accommodation, here’s my list of the best hostels and budget hotels in Japan:

• Hostel Chapter Two Tokyo (Tokyo)
• Hotel Century Southern Tower (Tokyo)
• Backpacker Hostel K’s House Kyoto (Kyoto)
• Gojo Guest House (Kyoto)
• The Pax Hostel Records (Osaka)
• Roku Hostel Hiroshima (Hiroshima)
• Guesthouse Akicafe Inn (Hiroshima)
• WeBase HAKATA Hostel (Fukuoka)

How to Get Around Japan

Public transportation – Metro or bus tickets cost 150–300 JPY for a single journey. (The price varies by distance and may often be higher.) Fares are usually around 220 JPY to travel across Tokyo but less for shorter distances. In most major cities, you can buy a day pass, which gives you unlimited travel for 24 hours for around 800-1,100 JPY.

Train – Train travel is the quickest way to get around Japan. The bullet train is awesome, comfortable, and super-fast — but it’s not cheap. Individual tickets can cost hundreds of dollars. In order to reduce your train costs, get a Japan Rail Pass , which is indispensable for travel here.

Even if you just get the seven-day pass, it’s the same price as a round-trip train ticket from Osaka to Tokyo. Moreover, the JR trains also serve urban areas and so can be used within cities. I used my pass to get around Kyoto and Tokyo instead of buying metro tickets.

So, even if you aren’t going to do much traveling around Japan, buying a pass is better than buying individual tickets. While the high price of the pass can cause sticker shock, the alternative is worse.

Additionally, be sure to download the Navitime app . It has offline maps, train and public transit routes, and info on train stations. It’s a lifesaver when trying to figure out how to get around the country.

Bus – Buses are a less expensive alternative to the bullet train system in Japan, but they take more time. For example, the two-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo to Osaka becomes a ten-hour bus ride. The price for that seat is 4,500-8,000 JPY, but at some point, you need to think about how much your time is worth.

There are also bus passes that offer unlimited travel and begin at 10,200 JPY for three nonconsecutive days of travel. You can use these two websites to book your bus journeys:

• Willer Express
• Japan Bus Lines

If you have more time than money, take the bus. Otherwise, I’d say splurge and take the train, because they really are much faster and much, much more comfortable.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Flying – Generally, flight prices are on par with bullet train tickets. ANA, one of the country’s two main carriers, offers special last-minute fares via a hidden page on its website , usually for around 14,000 JPY for a seat. It’s only available to foreigners and can sometimes be cheaper than the flights you find on booking platforms, especially for longer routes around the country.

Flights from Tokyo to Okinawa are around 23,000 JPY (round-trip) while those from Tokyo to Sapporo are around 16,000 JPY (round-trip).

Car rental – With efficient public transportation and nationwide bullet trains, renting a car here really isn’t necessary. However, if you do need one, multi-day rentals start at 6,000 JPY per day. Just remember that people drive on the left here! For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Japan

Temperature and weather vary drastically across Japan, meaning it’s always a good time to visit some part of the country. While most of Japan does have four seasons (including snowy, freezing winters in the north), Okinawa and the islands in the south are warm year-round. It gets cold in Tokyo, but it generally doesn’t snow.

Expect warm, humid weather from June through August, with temperatures hovering around 32°C (89°F). Japan also gets a lot of rain, mostly in the summer months, from mid-June to mid-July. It gets a little drier in August, before the precipitation picks up again in September. Typhoon season occurs from May to October. Japan is well-equipped to handle all types of typhoons, but be sure to purchase travel insurance in advance !

Overall, there’s no real bad time to visit. Winter is awesome for skiers or snowboarders, spring is famous for its cherry blossoms, summer is full of festivals, and fall has brilliant autumn colors and nice temperatures. I personally prefer spring and fall, as the summer heat and humidity is pretty oppressive.

How to Stay Safe in Japan

Japan is a very safe country. There’s virtually zero chance you’re going to get robbed, scammed, or hurt here. Your biggest issues will most likely come from other foreigners who get drunk and are causing trouble.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, but the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Japan does have a problem with groping, especially on packed trains. Most train companies now have “women-only” cars during rush hour (you’ll see pink signs indicating where women should board).

Scams in Japan are nonexistent. No one is going to rip you off. The listed price is the listed price and the same for everyone. There are no tourist prices here.

Your main risk here is from Mother Nature. Earthquakes and typhoons aren’t uncommon, so make note of exits when you arrive at your accommodation. Download offline maps to your phone, as well, in the event you may need to navigate the city during an emergency.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 110 or call the nonemergency Japan Helpline at 0570-000-911.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancelations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Japan Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Japan Rail Pass – This is a flexible transportation pass used for navigating Japan. Similar to the Eurail pass in Europe, it turns expensive bullet trains into budget-friendly modes of transportation. You honestly can’t visit Japan without one.

Japan Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips? Here are all the articles I’ve written on Japan travel to continue planning your visit:

How to Spend Your Time in Tokyo: A Suggested Itinerary

The Perfect 7-Day Japan Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

How to Travel Japan with a Baby

Where to Stay in Tokyo: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The Ultimate Japan Itinerary for First-Timers: From 1 to 3 Weeks

A Complete Guide to the Japan Rail Pass

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15 Underrated Places to Travel This Summer, From Kosovo to Quebec

By Jamie Spain

Planning the perfect summer trip can take weeks of research, preparation, and organization to ensure it goes off without a hitch. But before you get to the planning and booking phase, you'll need to decide where to go. There's a seemingly endless amount of great options out there, and while there's nothing wrong with heading to the same familiar spot over and over again, sometimes you want to get a little off the beaten path and go somewhere you haven't been before. Whether you're in the mood for a nature escape with jaw-dropping vistas, hiking paths, and secluded lodges, or are looking for a big city excursion surrounded by trendy restaurants, unique neighborhoods, and great shopping, we've got ideas for you.

From islands to national parks , here are 15 underrated summer travel ideas, perfect for avoiding the crowds while you explore someplace new.

Domestic destinations:

Finger Lakes, New York | Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota | Isle Royale National Park, Michigan | Catalina Island, California | San Juan Islands, Washington | Crystal River, Florida

International destinations:

Kosovo | Budapest, Hungary | Copenhagen, Denmark | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Sardinia, Italy | Mauritius | Kyoto, Japan | Bora Bora | Quebec, Canada

Domestic destinations

Finger Lakes, New York

A fan-favorite of New York City residents, the New York Finger Lakes are unquestionably idyllic. The perfect destination for a summer weekend , or a weeklong trip with the family, this region is home to some of the most beautiful waterfronts. Dotted with adorable small towns , the 11 long, slender lakes that make up this area are exactly what East Coast summer dreams are made of. Spend your trip navigating nearby state parks; hiking, biking, and exploring; and enjoying everything that lake life has to offer, from jet-skiing to swimming.

Where to stay: Check out the Gould Hotel , a modern boutique property in Seneca Falls; book a night at The Lake House on Canandaigua for an airy, design-forward stay; or head east to the Inns of Aurora .

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Completely immerse yourself in nature at Minnesota's Voyageurs National Park. This gorgeous destination is ideal for getting in some of the best stargazing you could ever imagine. Just like dozens of other national parks , this one has an International Dark Sky Park certificate, designating it as a location that is particularly good for viewing the night sky and stars. Unlike the others, however, Voyageurs is one of the least-visited national parks in the country, meaning you'll be able to truly connect with nature and enjoy seclusion. It's ideal for boat rides and swimming, as it's primarily made up of waterfronts and islands—almost 40 percent of the park is water.

Where to stay: Nearby Cantilever Hotel is great for those interested in exploring the park, but not wanting to stay too far away from civilization. Those who are a little more daring will enjoy the Kettle Falls Hotel , a property that is only accessible by boat or seaplane. If you're really looking to be one with nature, you can rent a canoe and camp at a tent site.

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

If you're looking for a summer vacation where you can explore an area relatively untouched by civilization, look no further than Isle Royale National Park . A favorite of my family, this park is uniquely difficult to get to (the main island is best reached by ferry), so the only other travelers you'll find here are extreme adventurers and in-the-know locals. It's best to visit during the summer months since Lake Superior is quite cold and foggy throughout the rest of the year. My family heads to this park in the summer months in hopes of spending a few days backpacking , canoeing, and hiking through the near-untouched environment—admiring the nature and wildlife along the way.

By Sarah James

By Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

By Jessica Puckett

By Todd Plummer

Where to stay: While the actual park is best experienced through camping, those who aren't interested in totally roughing it can stay at the Rock Harbor Lodge , centrally located on the main island. Or, book this nearby rustic Airbnb cabin with panoramic views of Lake Superior for the days leading up to your national park visit.

Catalina Island, California

Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Los Angeles , Santa Catalina Island is quite literally heaven on Earth. Hopeful travelers can either take the one-hour Catalina Express ferry over to the island (it departs daily from San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point) or charter a private yacht to get them there in style. Whether you're looking to hike the Trans Catalina Trail or simply indulge in some tasty seafood while wandering through the quaint town of Avalon, Catalina Island is a great break from the hustle and bustle of LA. Head a bit farther inland to explore El Rancho Escondido , the acclaimed Arabian horse ranch that's also home to Rusack Vineyards.

Where to stay: For day-trippers or those who plan to extend their vacation to include a stay in Los Angeles, there are a variety of hotels and Airbnbs to choose from, including The Beverly Hills Hotel, Dorchester Collection , The Malibu Beach Inn , and the luxe Chateau Marmont Estate on Airbnb. If you're hoping to stay on-island, the plush Bellanca Hotel is the way to go.

San Juan Islands, Washington

A 2019 Readers' Choice Award winner, named one of the best islands for beautiful scenery, this collection of more than 400 islands off the coast of Washington is ideal for a Pacific Northwest weekend getaway. The three most popular (and largest) islands to explore are Orcas , San Juan, and Lopez—all easily accessible by ferry. Travelers can enjoy a laidback vacation with comfortable temperatures and a relaxed atmosphere: hop on a bike and explore the area; spend time sailing, hiking, and fishing; or take a walk to admire all of the islands' natural beauty, from the mountains to the lakes.

Where to stay: Glampers, campers, and regular hotel-goers will all adore the Lakedale which has accommodations for every type of traveler.

Crystal River, Florida

Home to one of the best beaches in Florida , Crystal River is unlike most other cities you'll find in the Sunshine State for one major reason: It's one of the only places in the world where people can swim alongside manatees . If you've ever wanted to truly get up close to these gentle giants, this is the city to visit. Head to the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge to see your fill of the endangered animal, and spend some time taking in the natural beauty of the nearby springs and parks.

Where to stay: The Plantation Resort on Crystal River is home to a variety of different activities including a 27-hole championship golf course and a family-friendly resort with 196 accommodations.

International destinations

There's a reason Kosovo is on our list of the Best Places to Go in 2024, and it has everything to do with the jaw-dropping scenery that can be found in every corner of this country. Outdoorsy folks who want to spend their time hiking and biking through untainted valleys, mountains, and countryside will appreciate the chance to explore the newest European country. Travelers who who are looking for a taste of the young nation's history can head to the national museum; afterward, explore the streets of Prizren taking in the architecture as well as the historic mosques and churches.

Where to stay: Book a night at the Hotel Gracanica in the quiet suburb of Prishtina, or pamper yourself at the luxe Ujevara e Drinit Resort near Peja. For something a little more traditional, enjoy tasty Kosovo dishes as well as classic comforts at the rural Ariu Guesthouse . (Check out our guide on where to eat, play, and stay in Kosovo for even more recommendations.)

Budapest, Hungary

Skip Western Europe and instead head to the beautiful capital of Hungary . Luxuriate in the mineral-rich thermal baths you'll find around the city , or spend your days exploring the historic Castle District, walking along the Danube, and meandering through the city streets. You can even take a faux hot air balloon trip to enjoy the best view in the city. If you plan your trip for August, it may coincide with the Sziget Festival , one of the largest music and cultural festivals in all of Europe.

Where to stay: Book a night at 2024 Gold List winner, The Four Seasons Gresham Palace Budapest , or spend a few nights at the adults-only Hotel Clark Budapest . (Check out our guide on where to eat, play, and stay in Budapest for more recommendations.)

Copenhagen, Denmark

There's no better time to visit Copenhagen than during the summer months when the weather is warm, the days are exceptionally long, and the waterfront views are breathtaking. Aside from being ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world , sustainably-minded travelers will appreciate how eco-focused the place is, and enjoy a trip to CopenHill, the multi-use waste-to-energy plant with a ski slope, climbing wall, and cafe. It's also worth checking out the Tivoli Gardens, Rosenborg Castle, and the picturesque Nyhavn harbor .

Where to stay: Check out our favorite hotels in Copenhagen , including the grand and historic Hotel d'Angleterre , the Nimb Hotel which was originally built as a castle in 1909, and the modern Villa Copenhagen .

Buenos Aires, Argentina

From awe-inspiring museums to culture-packed tours to dance halls perfect for learning to tango , there's no shortage of amazing things to do and see in Buenos Aires . Whether you're spending the day simply walking the streets and taking in the sights; exploring the colorful La Boca; watching a soccer match; learning to tango; or going to the Colón Theatre to see the opera, this will be a trip to remember.

Where to stay: Some of our favorite hotels in Buenos Aires include the luxe Palacio Duhau ; the Jardín Escondido , once home to Francis Ford Coppola; and the Faena Hotel Buenos Aires located right by the water in Puerto Madero.

Sardinia, Italy

There's so much more to Sardinia than just a beautiful coastline and wonderful beaches. While the long, warm days are perfect to spend by the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, travelers who want a little more substance to their vacation can head inland to experience the island's charming towns, rustic cuisine, and ancient ruins.

Where to stay: Rest your head at the Cascioni Eco Retreat , set on a 90-acre nature reserve with gorgeous views of the surrounding land. The colorful Su Gologone Experience Hotel is another great option, as is the luxurious, high-end Hotel Cali de Volpe .

Another location on our list of the Best Places to Go in 2024, Mauritius is about 1,200 miles east of Madagascar . From its gorgeous coastlines with pristine beaches to the luxury accommodations and unparalleled nature, this island destination is nothing short of paradise. Head here during the Northern Hemisphere's summer months to avoid wet season. Your main activities on Mauritius will be water-based, from diving and snorkeling to sitting on the beach and admiring the coastline. If you need a break from relaxing, take a trip to the Bel Ombre Nature Reserve, the Botanic Gardens, or the capital city of Port Louis.

Where to stay: Check out our favorite hotels in Mauritius , including the four-time Readers' Choice Award winner and two-time Gold List winner, One&Only Le Saint Géran . You can also book a stay at the legendary resort, Lux Belle Mare , or the kite-surfers' paradise of Riu Palace Mauritius .

Kyoto, Japan

Instead of heading to the mega-popular Tokyo or the bright and lively Osaka, consider touching down in Kyoto , one of the best cities to experience traditional Japanese culture. Spend the day exploring the temples and shrines that are dotted throughout the city; take a walk through Gion, the “Geisha District;” or while away a few hours in the Kyoto National Museum. The best times to visit Japan are at the very end or beginning of summer when the season overlaps with spring and fall, and while it'll certainly be a bit warmer during the peaks of summer, it's no less beautiful.

Where to stay: From the Ace Hotel to the Shinmonzen , there is no shortage of great hotels in Central Kyoto. If you're interested in something a little different, tour guide Sara Aiko from Traveler 's Ask a Local series recommends taking a trip to Moksa , a gorgeous property in the north of Kyoto surrounded by temples and nature.

Nothing says romance like staying in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora. The winter in French Polynesia corresponds with the summer in the Northern Hemisphere, meaning June, July, and August experience less humid and more comfortable temperatures. This time period also falls during Tahiti 's dry season, so you don't have to worry about being rained out. You could easily spend your days simply lounging in your bungalow and slipping into the crystal waters whenever you feel, but Bora Bora is also ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and taking a boat or a 4x4 island tour.

Where to stay: Bora Bora is particularly known for its luxury overwater bungalows. Conrad Bora Bora Nui is a more private option with exceptional snorkeling and coral, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is perfect for honeymooners and families alike, and the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is home to over 100 bungalows, fine dining, and an exceptional spa.

Quebec, Canada

When you think of summer travel, your first thought is probably an island getaway or a far-flung destination that you've only read about in books. But, don't overlook all of the beauty that our northern neighbor has to offer. Quebec City is home to all the same type of charm you'll find in Europe but without the exceptionally long flight to get there. Spend some time in Old Quebec City —home to some of the oldest streets in North America—taking in the history and culture that make this city worthy of its title as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Or, head to Montreal , where you can enjoy a variety of museums, the open-air market, and great culinary options. Don't forget to explore the nature and French architecture found in the greater province.

Where to stay: For a wonderful stay in Quebec City, Hotel 71 is a six-time Readers' Choice Award winner while Auberge Saint Antoine Quebec City and Le Germain Hotel Quebec are both five-time winners. For a wellness-focused retreat , head to Monastère des Augustines . In Montreal , check out the Auberge du Vieux-Port on the St. Lawrence River, or Hotel William Gray in Old Montreal.

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Kyoto Wants You Back, but It Has Some Polite Suggestions

The city, one of Japan’s most-visited before the pandemic, desperately needs tourism’s money, but it would like to avoid the excesses of Instagram-driven itineraries.

Before the pandemic, Kyoto’s Kiyomizu Temple was as famous for its congestion as for its sublime architecture and spectacular view of the city below. Credit... Andrew Faulk for The New York Times

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By Ben Dooley and Hisako Ueno

• Published Sept. 25, 2022 Updated Sept. 28, 2022

In the months before March 2020, the food sellers in Kyoto’s Nishiki market often wished for an end to the seemingly endless stream of photo-hungry visitors from abroad who always seemed to be underfoot.

“We weren’t used to foreign tourists,” said Nobuyuki Hatsuda, who leads a business alliance promoting the shopping street in the city center, where vendors sell a dizzying array of traditional Japanese foods, carefully displayed and attractively packaged.

Nishiki has long been a working market, and the parade of visitors — rifling through the meticulously arranged merchandise, haggling with frazzled shopkeepers and blocking storefronts with their luggage — interfered with the flow of daily business, driving away locals who had long done their shopping on the street.

But then the pandemic hit. The tourists — along with their money — evaporated, and sellers had a change of heart, said Mr. Hatsuda, who sells kamaboko, a fish cake often formed into delicate pink and white loaves.

“We realized that we can’t choose our customers,” he said.

Other than China, Japan had maintained the strictest border controls of any major economy. Since the start of 2021, fewer than 800,000 foreign visitors have set foot in the country. As other countries began welcoming tourists back in numbers close to their prepandemic highs, Japan let only a trickle of travelers in. The country eased restrictions on trips for business and study in the spring, but as of September, it was still limiting tourism to travelers on package tours who were willing to negotiate a labyrinth of red tape.

That will soon change, however. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said last week that the country would further ease border controls in October, eliminating a cap on daily entries and allowing tourists to travel independently. (Even after normal travel resumes, however, Chinese visitors, who accounted for more than 30 percent of inbound traffic in 2019, are unlikely to return in large numbers until Beijing relaxes its strict Covid Zero policy.)

As tourism slowly returns, Kyoto, like other famous tourist destinations worldwide, is grappling with how to accommodate the crowds without sacrificing quality of life for those who call the ancient capital home.

In the absence of a clear solution, Kyoto’s government is betting on a change of perspective: After years of promoting “omotenashi” — a Japanese word for meticulous hospitality — it’s trying to take more time for self-care.

“Kyoto isn’t a tourist city, it’s a city that values tourism,” Daisaku Kadokawa, the city’s mayor, said during a recent interview at its city hall, where he wore the formal kimono that has become a trademark during his almost 15 years in office.

Growing popularity

Kyoto is home to several globally known companies, like Nintendo and Kyocera, and has produced more Nobel Prize winners in the sciences than any other city in Japan. But in the years leading up to the pandemic, it had become dependent on the flood of tourists that bumped, clattered and pushed through its streets.

Kyoto had always been a popular destination for domestic travelers. Before Japan opened to the world in 1851, pilgrims trekked from around the country to visit its more than 2,000 temples and shrines. Spared from the ravages of World War II, it later became something close to a living museum, a popular destination for school trips and people hoping for a glimpse of the country’s history and tradition.

No one comes to Kyoto looking for a party. Visitors are seeking a particular vision of Japan, one that is found in the koi ponds of meticulously kept temple gardens; the smell of roasting brown tea, known as hojicha, that wafts from the door of ancient storefronts; and the clatter of a geisha’s wooden sandals down a cobbled alleyway.

In the years before the 2020 summer Olympics, however, the realities of the modern travel industry had begun to compromise the city’s anachronistic charms. Japan launched an all-out effort to promote inbound tourism, and Kyoto experienced a surge in popularity among foreign visitors.

Starting from a base of around 10 million in 2013, the number of foreign visitors had more than tripled by the pandemic’s start, according to government data . Nearly a third of them traveled to Kyoto, where the tourism industry employed one of every five workers. Taxes from the sector comprised nearly 13 percent of the city’s revenue.

But locals quickly became fed up with what they called “tourism pollution.” Suitcases jammed the aisles of city buses. Eager visitors harassed geisha’s apprentices, maiko, for photographs on their way to work. And lost tourists stumbled into people’s homes while searching for their Airbnb.

Social media, especially, shaped tourism in the city. And not for the better.

Masutami Kawaguchi, who offers private English tours of the city, said that — before the pandemic — his clients’ itineraries were almost entirely determined by Instagram. Tourism became laser-focused on the city’s famously picturesque areas, with people getting off the train at Kyoto Station and then rushing to the two or three best photo spots — the bamboo groves of Arashiyama, the orange gates winding up the mountain behind Fushimi Inari shrine and the golden pavilion at Kinkakuji temple — creating traffic jams and massive crowding in the surrounding areas.

Kyoto’s famously polite residents began to express their displeasure with uncharacteristic bluntness.

In Nishiki, signs popped up among the stalls admonishing tourists not to eat while walking, a pet peeve in Japan. Neighborhood shoppers, tired of the crowding and commotion, began going to supermarkets, and some long-established sellers closed.

Even Buddhist monks lost their cool.

In autumn and spring, when the streets became clogged with tourists gawping at pyrotechnic bursts of maple leaves and cherry blossoms, “people couldn’t even leave their houses. The city was barely livable,” said Kojo Nagasawa, the secretary general of the Kyoto Buddhist Federation, which includes three of the city’s most famous temples.

The group has long called for moderation in Kyoto’s economic development. In 1991, it took out a full-page ad in The Times opposing the construction of new, high-rise hotels, which it said would destroy the city’s unique character.

“Before we knew it, the economy was nothing but tourism,” Mr. Nagasawa said. “The city didn’t know when enough was enough.”

Looking to curb some of the worst problems, in 2018 the city cracked down on investors who were snatching up traditional houses in residential neighborhoods and converting them into Airbnb rentals.

The pandemic’s damage

In the spring of 2020, Japan slammed its borders shut. The fire hose of foreign money turned off, and Kyoto, which had long struggled with financial problems, found itself on the verge of bankruptcy.

The city got a taste of life without tourists, and the combination of the coronavirus and red ink was “a double punch,” Mr. Kadokawa, the mayor, said.

At the beginning of the pandemic, “people in the city were saying, ‘We’ve returned to the old Kyoto, isn’t that great?’” said Toshinori Tsuchihashi, the director of the city’s tourism department.

But, as the economic damage mounted, residents “have come to recognize tourism’s importance.”

Many businesses have yet to recover. Before the pandemic, it was nearly impossible to get a reservation at one of the many restaurants lining Pontocho, an atmospheric alleyway running parallel to the Kamo River in Kyoto’s city center. But on a recent weekend night, “for lease” signs hung in darkened shop windows, and many of the terraces looking out on the water sat unused.

Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto , a luxury Western-style hotel, opened in late 2020 and has operated well below capacity for most of the pandemic, according to Manabu Kusui, the general manager.

As tourists begin returning to Kyoto, the hotel hopes to differentiate itself by providing guests with exclusive experiences it has negotiated with some of Kyoto’s beautiful but less trafficked destinations. One of the first is a private tour of Nijo Castle, the residence of Japan’s first shogun of the Edo period, Tokugawa Ieyasu, conveniently located next to the hotel.

It’s a style of tourism the city is trying to promote as part of its new strategic plan to address prepandemic crowding.

But Mr. Kusui knows that people come to Kyoto with a certain itinerary in mind, and “we can’t tell them not to go to some place like Kiyomizu Temple,” he said, referring to the famous Buddhist temple perched on a mountain face on Kyoto’s east side.

Some polite suggestions

With no legal options for instituting hard limits on visitors, the government hopes to dilute traffic so it is less concentrated in the same times and places. Planners are also discussing how to fix problems, like crowded city buses, that aggravate residents. So far, however, the initiatives mostly consist of soft measures like trying to educate visitors in Kyoto’s traditional “morals” and hoping for the best.

In that spirit, Nishiki market has decided it will try to encourage tourists instead of admonishing them, exchanging its list of “don’ts” for a list of “pleases.” Visitors who scan a large QR code at the entrance are presented with a list of suggestions for enjoying the market and rewarded with free Wi-Fi for reading it.

At the same time, many in the city are trying to improve the experience for tourists and residents alike by reimagining Kyoto’s overall approach to the industry.

Kiyomizu Temple is among the institutions that have taken up the gauntlet, trying to promote a new kind of tourism that encourages tourists to think of the city as a place to live, not a theme park.

Before the pandemic, the temple was as famous for its congestion as for its sublime architecture and its spectacular view of the city below. In high season, pushing through the crowds clogging the temple’s graceful walkways had become an enervating and dispiriting ordeal that few locals would willingly undergo.

When Covid hit, the temple's abbot, Seigen Mori, was already experimenting with ways to allow visitors to experience it as it was intended — as a tranquil place of worship — but with limited success.

The last two and a half years, however, have given him an opportunity to “press reset,” he said, and explore different ways of interacting with visitors. In recent months he has begun opening the temple at night to small groups, taking the time to personally lead them in prayer and conversation.

Seeing the temple at night fundamentally transforms visitors’ relationship with the space, he believes, as the disorienting press of the usual crowds is replaced with the chirr of cicadas, the rich aroma of incense and the soft flicker of shadows on ancient statuary.

Mr. Mori is eager to welcome guests from abroad, he said, as long as they understand that the experience is focused on contemplation.

Kyoto is anticipating the inevitable return of those guests with a mix of longing and apprehension, said Takeshi Otsuki, a general manager at Japanese travel giant JTB.

“We’re hoping the number of visitors increases gradually, and we have a soft landing,” Mr. Otsuki said.

Some in the city are eager to greet the new tourists.

Fuminari Shinbo is part of a group of retirees who began training ahead of the Tokyo Olympics to give English tours to visitors coming to Kyoto, devoting hours to memorizing English dialogues they never had the chance to use.

In late August, about 20 of the volunteers eagerly gathered in front of Fushimi Inari, a shrine that has become Kyoto’s most popular tourist destination, for a dry run.

Clothed in bright blue bibs with white lettering advertising free help for English-speaking tourists, they introduced the shrine’s most famous feature, a corridor of nearly a thousand bright orange gates that have provided a vibrant punch of color to countless vacation photos.

When the tour was over, Mr. Shinbo said he was excited that he would finally be able to put his hard work to good use.

So far, he said, “I’ve only been able to practice on my grandson.”

52 Places for a Changed World

The 2022 list highlights places around the globe where travelers can be part of the solution.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places for a Changed World for 2022.

An earlier version of this article misidentified Tokugawa Ieyasu. He was the first shogun of the Edo period. He was not the first shogun of Japan. The error was repeated in a photo caption.

An earlier version of this article spelled the name of a tourist site popular on Instagram incorrectly. It is the golden pavilion at Kinkakuji temple, not at Kinkauji temple.

How we handle corrections

Ben Dooley reports on Japan’s business and economy, with a special interest in social issues and the intersections between business and politics. More about Ben Dooley

Hisako Ueno has been reporting on Japanese politics, business, gender, labor and culture for The Times since 2012. She previously worked for the Tokyo bureau of The Los Angeles Times from 1999 to 2009. More about Hisako Ueno

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Inside Kyoto

A Kyoto Travel Guide

Can I Travel To Japan Now? June 2024

Japan is finally open! Travelers from most countries can now enter Japan without applying for a visa in advance. Best of all, there are NO Covid protocols to enter Japan: You do NOT need proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter Japan.

Situation Summary

Last Update: December 4, 2023 (this page will be updated as needed)

• Japan is open! Visa-free, independent travel is now possible for most nationalities.
• There are NO Covid protocols for Japan. You do NOT need to be vaccinated against Covid to enter Japan. You do NOT need a negative Covid test to enter Japan.
• You can use the Visit Japan Web app to upload your immigration and customs details in advance. See our Guide to the Visit Japan Web app and Japan Entry Procedures for all the details. Note that the app is strongly recommended but not mandatory for entry to Japan. In fact, it’s probably quicker to not use the Visit Japan app on arrival.
• On March 13 2023, the indoor masking recommendation was dropped in Japan. You do not have to wear a mask in stores, restaurants, attractions, and on public transport. Some shops and restaurants may still ask that you mask, however. See our Japan mask page for details.
• Now is the time to start planning a trip to Japan. Contact Chris Rowthorn to start planning .

Commentary by Chris

Visa-free, independent travel restarted on October 11 2023. Citizens of 68 countries now get visa-free travel to Japan. Here’s the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa-free travel list . If you are a citizen of one of those countries, you do not need to apply for a visa in advance; you will be given a 90-day tourist visa upon arrival in Japan (note that there are few exceptions which are listed on the MOFA site).

Given that Japan is now open, it’s time to start planning a trip. If you want help planning a trip to Japan, visit my consulting page to book a Zoom consultation.

What You Need to Do Now

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, there are some things you should do now. There is a lot of pent up demand for travel to Japan, so plane tickets and accommodations should be a priority.

• Buy plane tickets: compare flight prices and times for the best deals.
• Book hotels and ryokans: check Booking.com and Agoda.com .
• View our Packing List for Japan to make sure you don’t forget to bring anything.

Consider Doing

• Book some walking tours .
• Travel insurance: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
• Buy a Japan Rail Pass : Order one here .
• Buy a Icoca card : Get one here .
• Buy a SIM or pocket wifi : Order one here .

Check Hotel Availability

Destination, check-in date, check-out date.

Do You Need to Be Vaccinated to Enter Japan?

You do NOT need to be vaccinated with a Covid vaccine to enter Japan.

Do You Need a Covid Test to Enter Japan?

You do NOT need a negative Covid test to enter Japan.

Flights to Japan Currently Operating

Flights to Japan have mostly returned to pre-pandemic schedules and availability: compare flight prices and times  for the best deals.

More Useful Information

• Best Hotels in Kyoto
• Best Hotels in Tokyo
• Japan Rail Pass Guide

Kyoto Vacation Checklist

• For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
• Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
• You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto , Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
• Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
• See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
• Buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Kansai International Airport (for Osaka and Kyoto) or Tokyo's Narita Airport . Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
• Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
• If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
• A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
• World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world

Kyoto District Map

• Central Kyoto
• Northwest Kyoto
• Northern Higashiyama
• Southern Higashiyama
• Downtown Kyoto
• Kyoto Station Area
• South East Kyoto

Disclosure: InsideKyoto.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and amazon.co.uk. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.