If you are going to Japan, I highly recommend spending at least two nights in Kyoto. It’s the cultural capital of the country, and there is magic everywhere you look. I’ve been to Kyoto in the early spring of 2016, and I’ve been to Kyoto for fall colors in 2023. Both were great times to visit, but honestly anytime is a great time to be in Kyoto.
Below is the Trent Family’s three day/two night itinerary for Kyoto, but there is so, so much to see and do in this city. While a two night stay is long enough to explore and see the major sights, you’ll be a better judge of how much time you’ll need to do this city justice. Our list isn’t exhaustive, so please continue to do your own research. With all those disclaimers out of the way, let’s get to it.
Day One
We recommend taking the Shinkansen, bullet train, from Tokyo to Kyoto in the morning. It leaves form Tokyo Station and if the weather is on your side, you’ll get a gorgeous view of Mount Fuji as you zip across the country. Tickets are generally easy to acquire day of, but if this is a once in a life time adventure and you don’t want to take any chances, you can prebook them too. While you’re waiting for your train, grab a box of Tokyo Bananas to enjoy with your breakfast. Omiyage is a really fun part of Japanese culture, but how will you know what to bring back for friends and family if you don’t try everything first yourself?
The train ride is around 2 hours and 15 minutes long and takes you right to Kyoto Station. From there you can easily grab a bus or a local train to your lodgings. On our last trip we wanted the kids to experience a traditional Japanese home, so we stayed in this home near the Fushimi Inari Shrine. We recommend taking advantage of your lodgings’ luggage storage, changing into some good walking shoes, and heading to the Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Being outside and hiking through the torii gates is perfect after a morning of travel. Take photos, stop for snacks, and marvel at the beauty all around you. I mentioned snacks, but I need to talk about street food for a hot second.
It’s delicious and fun, and we highly recommend getting a taste of it after your afternoon hiking through the gates.
We don’t tend to pack in a lot of adventures on travel days. Sometimes getting to the hotel or BnB is adventure enough, but if you are keen to do more after your afternoon at the Fushimi Inari shrine, Kyoto has lots of options. Walking around your neighborhood, locating a bakery or 7-Eleven for morning rations, may lead to exciting discoveries.
Day Two
One of the most beautiful/scenic/cool walks in the entire world is in Kyoto. Hope you’re ready. This is a day for a lot of shrines and temples. Dress for being out of doors and on your feet.
Start the day at Kiyomizu-dera Temple. This is an iconic Buddhist temple that has gorgeous views of Kyoto. It’s often the temple that you see when flipping through guidebooks. One of our favorite parts of visiting this site is experiencing the Tainai Meguri, birth canal. You pay a nominal entrance fee, remove your shoes, and walk down some stairs to a passage that is completely dark. Holding a beaded rope, you journey in the darkness to a lit stone and make a wish. It’s a very cool, sensory experience, and I was delighted by how much my family enjoyed it. Pictures on the iconic wooden stage, lighting incense, seeing the Otowa waterfall, and enjoying the grounds are all things you have to do before you push on. While you do not have to drink from the Otowa waters, it is cool to know that doing so could bring you success, love, or longevity depending on which stream of water you fill your cup from. Just know that you can’t run your cup under all three–as this is considered not only bad manners but greedy.
We’re walking to the next temple via the Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka paths. This is the walk I mentioned earlier. It’s absolutely gorgeous and filled with all kinds of jaw-dropping views. The street food and shopping scene is a total party, so slow down, shop, eat, take pictures, and enjoy.
Which temples or shrines you visit next is going to depend on personal preference. If you are pressed for time or energy is flagging, I recommend the Ryōzen Kannon Temple. If you want something more iconic the Kodai-ji Temple is right next door. The Yasaka Shrine is a short walk from both these temples and a great spot for pictures. There are literally hundreds of shrines and temples in Kyoto, so it’s a great idea to do some research and make a plan for what you want to see and what appeals to your party. We were hungry and tired so after seeing the giant Buddha statue, we opted for a sit down lunch at the French cafe CHASEN. It was delicious.
Kinkaku-ji or the Golden Pavilion is the last site on our list today (pictured at the top of this post). Last admission of the day is at 4:30PM with the site closing at 5:00PM. It’s on the other side of town, so you’ll need to account for some public transit in your schedule. You don’t need a lot of time at Kinkaku-ji, but you do need at least an hour to take in the grounds and enjoy the beauty.
We recommend finishing the day shopping and dining at the Nishiki Market. From here you can also walk over to Nintendo Kyoto and Pokemon Center Kyoto. Even if you aren’t a fan of Nintendo or Pokemon, it is incredibly fun to marvel at everyone else who is. The merch at these stores is next level, and some times so are the lines. Nishiki Market is also home to a Shiba Inu Cafe if being ignored by adorable dogs is on your list of musts. We tried it, but we’re bigger fans of when the furry friends want to play. The cat cafe we went to in Tokyo was a much better experience.
Day Three
We’ve save the best for last. It’s time to head to Arashiyama. We’re hiking through an iconic bamboo grove, up a mountain, and finishing up with a scenic train ride before you head out of town tonight. Good shoes are a must today. Let’s hit it.
If you are up early, I recommend checking out the Bamboo Grove first. It’s often quietest in the morning, and if you want to get some of those iconic pictures, it’s going to be easier and faster to do it before the crowds come. The Bamboo Grove is adjacent to the Tenryu-ji Temple, and walking through the temple’s beautiful gardens to get to the grove is our preferred approach. Plus, the Tenryu-ji gardens include some jaw-dropping Japanese dry gardens (also known as Zen gardens or rock gardens). Seeing these in person in Kyoto is next level. The precision, care, tranquility, and beauty that these express is worth experiencing.
When you’ve walked the Bamboo Grove and are ready to leave, head to your left towards the Arashiyama Park Kameyama Area. If you need to save your legs for the hike that’s coming, just mozy down and out of the park, but if you have the stamina, hike up to the Arashiyama Park Viewpoint and enjoy the view of the Katsura River. If you’re luck you might see the scenic train you’re going to hop on after lunch. Take pictures and enjoy the view.
Not far from here is the Iwatayama Monkey Park. This is our next stop, and worth every switchback up the mountainside. It’s steep, but it is very doable. Also, it’s pretty.
There are benches along the way if you need to rest, and when you get to the top there are monkeys everywhere, and you get to feed them. In the ranger station you can buy a bag of snacks, and then the monkeys stick their hands through the barred windows and pull the chunks out of your hand. I have never seen a bigger smile on Mr. Trent’s face. I’ve never heard more delighted laughter from my son. I have seen a similar expression of joy from my daughter, but it was on the same afternoon Aspen came home for keeps. She’s a cat-person.
The monkeys are amazing, so is the view. Take it in.
This next item may require some advanced planning, and it is seasonal. It also may not be your cup of tea, but we love trains and we love pretty views. The Sagano Romantic Train was right for us. We think it is worth it to book a round trip (unless you want to come back by boat) and to reserve seats ahead of time. It’s a popular attraction, particularly during Sakura, cherry blossoms, and fall color. It’s not a long trip, but the views are beautiful and the train itself is charming.
Circle back to your hotel to pick up your luggage and then head off on your next adventure. If you are leaving from Kyoto station, consider trying the Yatsuhashi. It may not be a Tokyo Banana, but it’s a tasty way to end your visit.
Notes
While you’re out and about, keep your eyes open for Gachapon machines. They also make for amazing omiyage. If you see a miniature tea set gachapon (or anything else equally kawaii), don’t think, “Oh, I’ll get this when I see it again in Tokyo.” While some of the machines are popular and easy to find, some are rare.
This drink is delicious. It was everyone’s favorite. If you happen across it at a vending machine, buy immediately.
The Nijō Castle and the Kyoto Imperial Palace are also places you might want to look into as you’re planning your trip. If Kyoto feels like it is more your vibe than say Tokyo, you might want to stay longer and look into some day trips from there too.
Next week I’ll be sharing our guide to Tokyo, including a photo or two from the cat cafe that I mentioned above. Until then, happy travels and happy reading!
(All photos in this post were taken by me, Amy Trent, and may be used with permission. Just reach out via my contact form.)