22 Best Things To Do In KYOTO Itinerary (2-day+)
Are you looking for the best things to do in Kyoto? In this article, we share the very best activities we experienced during our 2-day Kyoto itinerary. From the many shrines and temples, traditional teahouses, Instagrammable landscapes and more – every type of traveller will find something to love in the things to do in Kyoto. Continue reading to find out more!
Kyoto is the former capital of Japan. The Emperor ruled the country from Kyoto for over 1,000 years until packing up and moving everything to Tokyo in 1868.
Having played such a significant part in Japanese history, it is unsurprising that there are over 2,000 shrines and temples in Kyoto. Many are incredibly unique such as the Golden Kinkaku-ji and the multi-coloured monkeys covering the Yasaka Koshindo Temple. You are sure to be awe-struck by the magnificent architecture and culture.
Kyoto is also famous for being one of the best places in Japan to see the sakura (cherry blossom). During late March and early April, the city bursts into life with beautiful pink blooms. Locals and tourists participate in hanami (cherry blossom viewing parties) throughout the day and into the evening when many of the cherry trees are lit up. Don’t miss your chance to partake in this wonderful spectacle.
We loved our time in Kyoto and we are sure you will too! Our Kyoto itinerary aims to show you the best things to do in Kyoto over two days, as well as highlighting some great day trips. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links for products and services we genuinely recommend. These help us earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Essential Travel Tools
✈️ Flights: Skyscanner
🚆Transport: 12GoAsia
🏨 Accommodation: Booking.com
📸 Tours: Viator/Klook
🚗 Car hire: Discover Cars
Contents
- Best Time to Visit
- How to Get to And Around
- Where to Stay
- Map
- Itinerary
- Cherry Blossom in Kyoto
- Where to Eat
- Conclusion
Don’t have time to read this article now? PIN IT for later!
Best Time to Visit Kyoto
Kyoto is a year-round destination however its landscape comes to life during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November).
Spring is the most popular time of year to visit as the cherry blossom forms perfect pink clouds around the city. During late March and early April, the city blossoms allowing locals and tourists to have a magical time in Kyoto and partake in hanamis (cherry blossom viewing parties).
Another brilliant time to see Kyoto is autumn to see the fiery fall foliage. The landscape is covered in reds, yellows and oranges making sightseeing feel even cosier. Especially when you stop off in one of the many teahouses around the city.
We visited Kyoto in winter, specifically around the New Year which was fantastic. The Japanese celebrate the New Year by visiting temples to cleanse themselves and perform good luck rituals for the upcoming year. Winter is also a quieter period with fewer tourists. Ideal for visiting the sights and booking cheaper accommodation.
🎉 Kyoto Festivals
Gion Festival – July
Aoi Festival – May
Jidai Festival – 22nd October
How to Get There & Around Kyoto
The closest airport international airport to Kyoto is Kansai Airport whilst the closest domestic airport is Osaka International Airport (which confusingly doesn’t serve international flights anymore). To find the best deals on flights, we use Skyscanner.
To get to Kyoto city centre from Kansai Airport, it is best to use the JR Haruka Express which takes 75 minutes. The train is wonderfully decorated with Hello Kitty artwork, just in case you needed a reminder you were in Japan! Get your advance tickets to the JR Haruka Airport Express here. Alternatively, pay 2,850 yen (£17.60) for a one-way ticket at the ticket machines in the train station.
If travelling from another city within Japan i.e. Tokyo or Osaka, it is best to use the bullet train (Shinkansen). From Tokyo, the journey takes just 2 hours 40 minutes, whilst from Osaka a mere 15 minutes. We recommend getting the JR Pass if travelling around Japan.
When travelling locally, it is best to secure a Kansai One Pass for use on buses, metros and trains throughout the Kansai region which covers Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. The public transportation in Kyoto is easy to use and will get you everywhere you need to go.
Where to Stay in Kyoto
The best areas to stay in Kyoto for first-timers are Gion and Downtown Kyoto. They both offer the convenience of public transport whilst also being close to the best things to do in Kyoto including delicious eateries and plenty of shopping options.
As these areas are so popular, especially in the spring and autumn, places book out months in advance so make sure you book with enough time.
🏨 Kyoto Hotels
Luxury: Rinn Gion Shirakawa
Mid-range: Kyoto Granbell Hotel
Budget: APA Hotel Kyoto Gion Excellent
…find more accommodation options here.
Map of The Best Things to Do in Kyoto Itinerary
Save this map for later: Click on the star icon to save the map to your Google Maps Account. You can view the map later by opening Google Maps and navigating to “Your Places/Maps” in the menu.
Best Things to Do in Kyoto Itinerary
Kyoto Itinerary Day 1 – Temples and Geishas
Day one of our Kyoto itinerary focuses on the things to do in Kyoto’s city centre. You will see temples, markets and the geisha district providing you with an insight into Japanese culture.
1. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Price: 400 yen (£2.50) per person
We begin day one of this Kyoto itinerary by visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple (Pure Water Temple) is one of the most celebrated temples in all of Japan. The name comes from the Otowa Waterfalls’ pure water that runs through the temple. The waters are divided into three separate streams and temple visitors use cups attached to long poles to drink from them. It is fascinating to watch as each person picks a stream to drink from based on its benefit i.e. longevity, success at school and a blessed love life.
Another interesting ritual performed within the temple grounds is found in front of the Jishu Shrine. Here you will observe hopefuls as they walk between the two stones 18 metres apart with their eyes closed seeking fortune in finding love.
Whether you partake in any of the activities or not, Kiyomizu-dera is a beautiful place to visit. The main hall of the temple stands proudly on the hillside, providing an excellent view across Kyoto. This was our favourite temple of all the things to do in Kyoto. Don’t miss it!
2. Sanneizaka and Nineizaka
Price: Free
Located just outside the Kiyomizu-dera complex you will find Sanneizaka and Nineizaka streets.
Sanneizaka and Nineizaka are stone-paved streets lined with traditional Japanese buildings and shops. Immerse yourself into Kyoto’s atmosphere as you follow the sloping streets down towards the town.
There are numerous souvenir shops, boutiques and restaurants to be found. Even the nicest-looking Starbucks we’ve seen – who knew Starbucks could blend into the Japanese culture?
Also along the streets are different temples and pagodas. These include the colourful Yasaka Koshindo, covered in multicoloured monkeys carrying wishes, and Hokanji Temple with its pagoda towering over the teahouses providing the ideal photo op. Take your time to explore these streets that almost transport you back in time.
3. Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion)
Price: 500 yen (£3.10) per person
Jump on the metro or bus and head on over to Ginkaku-ji Temple.
Overshadowed by its sister temple Kinkaku-ji (more on that below), this zen temple was the retirement home of the revered shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa.
Despite not being coated in silver, as was intended, the Silver Pavilion is a prime example of the Higashiyama architecture. Ginkaku-ji became the centre of Higashiyama Culture which had a broad impact on the entire country. It was vital in developing and refining important cultural elements such as tea ceremonies, garden design and architecture.
Another point of interest is the “Sea of Silver Sand”, a unique sand garden with a large sand cone at its centre said to symbolise Mount Fuji.
4. Philosopher’s Path
Price: Free
Following on from the Silver Pavilion, the next stop on this Kyoto itinerary is the Philosopher’s Path.
Named because of the philosopher who walked the path each day whilst performing meditative practices, Philosopher’s Path is a 2km walk of zen.
Whether you are visiting in spring for the cherry blossom, summer for the fireflies or autumn for the vibrant reds and yellows, Philosopher’s Path is one of the most magical things to do in Kyoto. Whilst the walk itself is quite short, there are many cafes, temples and other detours along the way which could easily take hours to explore.
If travelling during autumn, make sure to end your walk at Eikan-do Temple for the best fall foliage.
5. Nishiki Market
Price: Free
After all that walking it’s time to head to the Nishiki Market for some food.
Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen” Nishiki Market contains more than 100 shops and restaurants. This thriving market attracts locals and tourists alike. Offering samples, skewers and Kyoto’s specialities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The majority of goods available are locally grown, so you know you will only be eating the freshest foods. Just make sure you don’t walk and eat at the same time, the Japanese consider this to be rude. It’s usually best to eat whatever you have purchased outside the stall itself.
6. Hanamikoji Street
Price: Free
In the early evening, make your way to Hanamikoji Street.
This is the most popular street in the Gion District and is filled with expensive restaurants and traditional teahouses. As the sun sets, lanterns are lit along the street, further enhancing the already magical atmosphere.
Gion is a famous historical area of Kyoto where geisha (geiko in Kyoto dialect) are known to entertain. For hundreds of years, geisha have entertained politicians and businesses in the teahouses of Gion. Consequently, this is the most famous area to see geisha in Kyoto. They are usually found shuffling between appointments in the evening.
Hanamikoji has been a victim of its own success. Tourists flock in huge numbers and reports of geisha being chased down have resulted in rules being enforced in the area. No photographs are permitted in certain parts so make sure you are paying attention to the signs.
7. Gion District
Price: Free
After Hanamikoji Street, take your exploration of the Gion District further.
Gion is actually quite a large area in Kyoto. Whilst Hanamikoji Street is the most popular part, we also loved the quieter, more picturesque Shirakawa Lane (pinned on our map). Here you can walk the willow-lined lane along the canal.
If you get lucky enough to spot a geisha, please act appropriately. Don’t chase them down like paparazzi.
As most of the bars and restaurants look out onto the canal, it creates a wonderful setting to enjoy your evening meal. Spending an evening in Gion is one of the most magical things to do in Kyoto.
Kyoto Itinerary Day 2 – Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama & The Golden Pavilion
Day two of our Kyoto itinerary guides you through the best things to do in Kyoto’s outskirts. By making good use of the trains and buses, you will see forests and wildlife, as well as shrines and temples unlike any you will have seen before.
8. Fushimi Inari Shrine
Price: Free
We can almost guarantee you will recognise this next place on our Kyoto itinerary. One of the most popular things to do in Kyoto, the Fushimi Inari Taisha is an aesthetic dream.
It can get pretty busy here so we recommend coming early to really enjoy the ultimate torii gate experience.
The thousands of orange torii gates that straddle the pathway up the mountain have made Fushimi Inari Taisha famous. Each gate is donated by individuals and companies. You will find the donator’s name and the date of the donation inscribed on the back of each one. Walking beneath the canopy is a special experience to have in Kyoto.
Whilst you might not want to hike the full 2-3 hours to the top of Mount Inari, it is worth strolling towards the Yotsutsuji intersection. Here you get excellent views over Kyoto and a quieter experience of walking through the gates.
9. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Price: Free
Next on your Kyoto itinerary, jump on the train and head over to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
There are a few things to see in Arashiyama with plenty of street food stalls and souvenir shops so take your time here.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of the top things to do in Kyoto. It provides a unique opportunity to saunter through towering green bamboo. Some have described the forest as otherworldly and serene.
However, thanks to Instagram, it is rare to find a quiet moment at this park. Whilst the bamboo grove was shorter than we expected, it does provide a beautiful backdrop for photos.
The Kameyama-kōen Park at the end of the forest also offers a lovely riverside walk to the next spot on our Kyoto itinerary.
10. Togetsu-kyo Bridge
Price: Free
Having strolled along the river, you will reach the famous Togetsu-kyo Bridge. Apparently. you could show anyone in Japan a picture of this bridge and they could tell you where it is.
Spanning the Katsura River, the wooden bridge has been in place since 836 although the most recent variation was built in 1934. The true beauty of the bridge can be captured in spring when surrounded by the pink blooms of the cherry blossom, and in autumn amongst the fiery foliage.
There is a tradition where the local children have to cross the bridge without looking back. If they fail, it brings bad luck so it’s a serious business.
11. Iwatayama Monkey Park
Price: 550 yen (£3.40) for adults
Across the bridge, you will come to the Iwatayama Monkey Park where you can see the red-faced Japanese Macaques (otherwise known as Japan’s Snow Monkeys).
Hike the steep, steady climb up the mountainside to reach a clearing with breathtaking views and a feeding hut. Step inside the hut where you can feed the monkeys bits of apple and some peanuts through the safety of the wire mesh. Whilst the humans are “caged” the monkeys can roam freely.
As these are wild animals, make sure you don’t look them in the eye, touch them or smile as they see this behaviour as threatening.
We didn’t actually come here as we had already seen the Snow Monkeys in Nagano during our week in the Japanese Alps.
12. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Price: 500 yen (£3.10) per person
Board the bus and arrive at one of the best things to do in Kyoto, Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion.
Kinkaku-ji, built by shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, was the inspiration behind Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion). However, Kinkaku-ji lives up to its name as it is covered in gold leaf. This striking temple stands boldly on the edge of a pond and carefully manicured gardens.
Although visitors cannot enter the pavilion, they can appreciate it from the walkways around the pond. It is built in three styles with the wooden and white plaster first floor in the Shinden style used for palace buildings. The golden second floor is in style used for samurai residences and the third is in the style of a Chinese Zen Hall and is topped with a golden phoenix.
It is an incredible sight to behold from across the lake. Make sure you don’t miss this from your Kyoto itinerary.
Kyoto Itinerary Day 3+ – Additional Things To Do In Kyoto
If you have additional time in Kyoto or you are looking to swap out some of the activities in our 2-day Kyoto itinerary, here are some more fantastic things to do in Kyoto.
13. Kyoto Tower
Price: 800 yen (£5) per person – book tickets in advance here
Kyoto Tower is one of the rare, modern things to do in Kyoto that stands out amongst the wooden teahouses and traditional architecture.
At 131 metres tall, it is the tallest building in Kyoto, offering 360° panoramic views across the city. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Osaka.
14. Samurai and Ninja Museum with Experience
Price: 3,000 yen (£18.60) per person
The Samurai and Ninja Museum holds an impressive display of armour and weapons from some of the most interesting parts of Japanese history and culture.
Included in the basic ticket price are Samurai and Ninja Experiences. During the Samurai Experience, tourists can try on the full samurai armour including replica swords. Whilst in the Ninja Experience, you learn the secret ways of the ninja and participate in games such as star throwing and aiming with a blowgun.
What an amusing way to pass an afternoon with this fun, educational and interactive museum tour.
15. Kyoto Imperial Palace
Price: Free
Kyoto Imperial Palace was once the home of Japan’s Imperial Family until 1868 when the emperor and capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. Now it is open to the public to view the buildings and gardens enclosed by the walls.
The Kyoto Imperial Park, where the palace complex resides, is an attractive space with many lawns and tree-lined paths for locals and tourists to enjoy. It is especially beautiful during the spring cherry blossom event.
16. Kyoto International Manga Museum
Price: 900 yen (£5.60) per person
The Kyoto International Manga Museum contains a massive collection of Japanese and international manga.
Across four floors, walls are lined with manga comics in this fun and colourful museum. As well as giving history into manga and its origins, visitors can peruse the vast collection and select which they would like to take out onto the lawn to read. Whilst most are written in Japanese, some have been translated into English.
Best Day Trips from Kyoto
Thanks to an amazing train network, a day trip is one of the best things to do in Kyoto as it makes a great base for visiting more of Japan’s cities. Here are a few great day trip options you might like to consider adding to your Kyoto itinerary.
17. Osaka Day Trip
Osaka is the third city in Japan’s Golden Triangle and is a mere 30-minute train ride from Kyoto. Out of the three, Osaka feels like the most authentic city as it is less manicured.
Famous as the foodie capital of Japan, many of the nation’s biggest hits originate from this city. The iconic Dotonbori is lined with retro eateries distinguished by their over-the-top, wacky signs to showcase the speciality of the restaurant. With takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and rock crab, this really is a foodie wonderland.
Osaka Castle is also a must-see when visiting Japan. It is the most famous castle in the country and is one of the best places to view Japan’s wonderful cherry blossoms in the spring.
18. Nara Day Trip
The whimsical city of Nara is only 34 minutes away from Kyoto on the train making it a perfect addition to any Kyoto itinerary.
Most famous for its polite deer population that bows to visitors for cookies, the deer freely roam between various temple grounds. Legend has it that one of the four Japanese Gods rode a deer from Tokyo to Nara, thus granting them a sacred status within Japanese culture. Killing one of the deer is still punishable by death.
A visit to Nara is a breath of fresh air from the big cities and it will be one of the most wholesome days during your time in Japan.
19. Kobe Day Trip
Known for its beef, Kobe is another simple day trip from Kyoto. With a journey time of just over an hour, you could easily spend the whole day in Kobe and see most of its attractions.
Popular things to do include the Herb Garden, Kobe Chinatown and Kobe Harbourland. However, there are also many shrines and temples and cultural neighbourhoods to explore. Just make sure you stop at Steakland for your chance to try the deliciously marbled Kobe beef.
20. Ine-no Funaya Day Trip
Ine is located a couple of hours outside of Kyoto and feels like a different world altogether. Labelled as one of the most beautiful villages in all of Japan, residents of Ine-no Funaya lead a simple life, far removed from the modern Japan we see in the likes of Tokyo. Here they live in beautiful wooden houses on stilts over the water, with the main trade being fishing.
Allow yourself to soak in the sea air in Ine whilst appreciating the incredible landscapes of mountains and forests. Whilst this may be off the beaten path, we are sure you won’t regret visiting here to relax after doing all the best things to do in Kyoto.
21. Visit Universal Studios Japan
If you remotely enjoy theme parks then Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is an absolute must-do during your trip to Japan.
Located just outside of Osaka City Centre, it is easy to get to and can be added to your Kyoto itinerary by simply taking the train to Osaka station and switching to the USJ line on the metro.
The main two draws of the park are the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the world’s first Super Nintendo World. Both these zones are fully immersive experiences that throw you into the ultimate fandom whether that’s the movie or the game.
The park is insanely popular so make sure you buy your tickets in advance and look into which fast pass options work best for you. This way you can see everything that USJ has to offer.
For anime fanatics, USJ also has a featured set of animes available for a limited time until they are switched to the next group. This allows you to get some exclusive merchandise for your favourite anime show.
22. Cherry Blossoms In Kyoto
It is safe to say that visitors flock to Kyoto during spring, specifically late March to early April, to witness Japan’s incredible cherry blossom (sakura). Kyoto is one of the best places in the country to marvel at this spectacular event. Here are some of the best spots in Kyoto to see the cherry blossom for yourself.
Maruyama Park
Maruyama Park is Kyoto’s most popular hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spot. Whilst it is more lively than peaceful, the atmosphere is electric with friends and families having picnics and enjoying the viewing. At night, lanterns are lit up and there are street food stalls to keep the party going.
Don’t miss the weeping cherry tree (Gion Shidare-zakura) that has been grown from the seed of its 200-year-old predecessor. The tree is illuminated from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. during peak cherry blossom time.
Philosopher’s Path
As touched on earlier in this post, Philosopher’s Path is a 2km pathway along the canal. Here you will find some of the best cherry blossoms in Kyoto. It is such a popular hanami spot that we suggest getting here early.
Takenaka Inari Shinto Shrine
A quieter cherry blossom spot, the Takenaka Inari Shinto Shrine provides the perfect sakura picture. With the orange and black torii gates interspersed with the pink and white cherry blossom, this lowkey location is sure to boost your Insta feed.
Daigoji Temple
Once the sight of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s (a Japanese samurai and lord) grand hanami party, Daigoji Temple has almost 1,000 cherry blossom trees for visitors to enjoy. The trees sweep through the temple grounds with varieties including the weeping cherry blossom and the wild mountain cherry blossom.
If you time your visit well, you could witness a parade that commemorates the cherry party held by Hideyoshi that is held on the 2nd Sunday of April every year.
Keage Incline
A local favourite sakura spot, the Keage Incline is a disused railway line gifted with an explosion of blooms on either side.
The cherry blossom trees almost form a tunnel along the gently sloping pathway. Whilst this is a popular sight with locals and Asian tourists, it is largely off the radar for Western tourists.
Kyoto Botanical Gardens
Kyoto Botanical Garden is the oldest botanical garden in Japan. Here you can find over 500 cherry blossom trees, with the best viewing found in the northern part of the conservatory.
During peak cherry blossom season, the garden stays open until 21:00 with colourful illuminating lights set up underneath every tree.
Where To Eat In Kyoto
- Kichi Kichi Omurice – made famous on social media, this lively chef entertains diners whilst preparing possibly the best omurice in Japan.
- Omen – serves the best udon noodles in Kyoto.
- Issen Yoshoku – quirky restaurant with retro decor serving just one thing: the Kyoto-style okonomiyaki
- Rai Rai Tei – chain ramen restaurant popular for its rich flavour
- Honke Owariya – one of Japan’s oldest restaurants serving some of the best soba noodles around.
- Kagizen Yoshifusa Shijo – traditional teahouse selling charming Japanese confections
Kyoto Itinerary Conclusion
As you can see there are so many amazing things to do in Kyoto that it is hard to fit them all in. You could easily add a few more days to your Kyoto itinerary and not get bored, especially with the excellent day trip opportunities.
With the vast amount of temples and shrines, other-worldly forests and traditional teahouses, Kyoto has a lot to offer its visitors. Especially those that are interested in Japan’s fascinating history and culture. We loved the drastic contrast between Tokyo and Kyoto, each one representing Japan’s intriguing past and its technologically-advanced present.
Despite the spring’s cherry blossom and autumn’s foliage being huge attractions to the city, Kyoto is a remarkable year-round destination that will appeal to any traveller. We couldn’t recommend it enough!
If you found this post useful, BOOKMARK it for later and SHARE it with your friends or…
Are you on Pinterest? PIN IT!
Have suggestions of your own? Please let us know in the comments below!
Travelling Japan? Check out our other guides for some inspiration:
