Your Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Kyoto
Wander through the serene streets of Kyoto, Japan's cultural heart, famous for its classical Buddhist temples, serene gardens, and traditional geisha districts.
Kyoto is about two hours from Tokyo by shinkansen; Kansai International Airport also serves the region. Buses and trains cover the city and nearby Arashiyama and Fushimi; consider a one-day bus pass or cycling. Spring and autumn are spectacular but very busy—book accommodation and key temples early. Visit temples early in the day to avoid crowds, and reserve tea houses or kaiseki meals in advance. Gion and Higashiyama are best explored on foot. Allow time for quiet gardens, seasonal cuisine, and perhaps a day trip to Nara.
Discover the best landmarks, where to eat, and where to stay in Kyoto.
Best Time to Visit Kyoto
Spring
20°C / 9°C
Perfect mild weather, stunning cherry blossoms
Summer
32°C / 23°C
Very hot and intensely humid
Fall
22°C / 12°C
Cooling down, spectacular red maples
Winter
10°C / 1°C
Cold and crisp, occasional light snow
Day 1
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Mountainside Shinto shrine dating from 711 A.D. featuring a path with hundreds of traditional gates.
Morning activity: Fushimi Inari Taisha.
Nishiki Market
400-year-old iconic market studded with stalls offering all manner of Japanese edibles.
Lunch nearby: Nishiki Market.
Kiyomizu-dera
Iconic Buddhist temple on Mount Otowa known for the scenic views afforded from its sizable veranda.
Afternoon sightseeing: Kiyomizu-dera.
Kyoto Gion Mikaku
Dinner in the area: Kyoto Gion Mikaku.
Yasaka Shrine
This Shinto shrine was erected in 656 A.D. & is home to one of the most famous festivals in Japan.
Evening experience: Yasaka Shrine.
Day 2
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
A popular sightseeing path runs uphill through this forest of towering bamboo stalks.
Morning activity: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Tenryu-ji Temple
This venerable Zen temple at the foot of mountains features teahouses & serene, expansive gardens.
Lunch nearby: Tenryu-ji Temple.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Historic, tranquil temple with a gold-leaf facade set amid landscaped gardens & a reflecting pond.
Afternoon sightseeing: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).
Pontocho Alley
Dinner in the area: Pontocho Alley.
Gion Corner Traditional Show
Classical theater where a wide variety of Japanese traditional performing arts can be appreciated.
Evening experience: Gion Corner Traditional Show.
Day 3
Nijo Castle
Built in 1603, this cypress-wood castle with extensive gardens was a home for the shogun Ieyasu.
Morning activity: Nijo Castle.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Lunch nearby: Kyoto Imperial Palace.
Philosopher's Path
Scenic pedestrian path along a cherry tree–lined canal that passes by various temples & shrines.
Afternoon sightseeing: Philosopher's Path.
Yudofu Sagano
Elegant venue specializing in tofu dishes, with a terrace overlooking a tranquil Japanese garden.
Dinner in the area: Yudofu Sagano.
Samurai Kembu Theater
Samurai fighting techniques are demonstrated in the shows at this classically Japanese venue.
Evening experience: Samurai Kembu Theater.