Kyoto Japan 2 Day Itinerary

2-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Kyoto, Japan

Day 1

Morning (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)

  • Fushimi Inari Shrine: Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form a tunnel up the mountain. Take a short hike to enjoy the scenic views.
    • Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto
    • Access: JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station (5 minutes)
  • Nijo Castle: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and former residence of the Tokugawa shoguns. Explore its “nightingale floors” that squeak to alert guards of intruders.
    • Address: 541 Nijojo-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
    • Access: Subway Tozai Line from Fushimi Inari Shrine (10 minutes)

Lunch (12:00 pm - 1:30 pm)

  • Gion Nanba: Try their delicious and affordable kaiseki (multi-course) lunch in a traditional Japanese setting.
    • Address: 570-12 Gion-machi, Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
    • Access: Subway Tozai Line from Nijo Castle (10 minutes)

Afternoon (1:30 pm - 5:00 pm)

  • Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion): A stunning temple covered in gold leaf, surrounded by beautiful gardens.
    • Address: 1 Kinkaku-ji-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto
    • Access: Subway Karasuma Line from Gion Nanba (10 minutes)
  • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Take a serene stroll through the picturesque bamboo forest.
    • Address: Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
    • Access: Hankyu Railway from Kinkaku-ji Temple (20 minutes)

Dinner (5:00 pm - 7:00 pm)

  • Ganko Takasegawa Nijoen: Enjoy traditional Kyoto-style cuisine in a beautiful garden setting.
    • Address: 570-12 Gion-machi, Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
    • Access: Subway Tozai Line from Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (20 minutes)

Evening (7:00 pm - 9:00 pm)

  • Gion District: Explore the traditional Japanese streets and alleys of Gion, famous for its geisha culture.
    • Address: Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
    • Access: Subway Tozai Line from Ganko Takasegawa Nijoen (5 minutes)

Accommodation

  • Hotel Gion Nanba: A traditional ryokan with comfortable rooms and a great location.
    • Address: 570-12 Gion-machi, Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
    • Access: Subway Tozai Line from various locations in Kyoto

Day 2

Morning (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)

  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto’s most famous temples, offering stunning views of the city.
    • Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
    • Access: Subway Tozai Line from Hotel Gion Nanba (10 minutes)
  • Jishu Shrine: A small shrine dedicated to the god of love and matchmaking, famous for its beautiful gardens.
    • Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
    • Access: Same location as Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Lunch (12:00 pm - 1:30 pm)

  • Yudofu Sagano: Try their delicious tofu dishes in a serene garden setting.
    • Address: 13 Tanakajima-cho, Sagano, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
    • Access: Hankyu Railway from Kiyomizu-dera Temple (20 minutes)

Afternoon (1:30 pm - 5:00 pm)

  • Sanjusangendo Temple: Famous for its 1,001 life-size statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.
    • Address: 657 Sanjusangendo-mawari, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
    • Access: Subway Tozai Line from Yudofu Sagano (20 minutes)
  • Philosopher’s Path: A scenic walking path lined with cherry blossom trees and temples.
    • Address: Nanzenji, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
    • Access: Subway Tozai Line from Sanjusangendo Temple (10 minutes)

Dinner (5:00 pm - 7:00 pm)

  • Kyubey Gion: Enjoy high-quality kaiseki cuisine in a traditional Japanese setting.
    • Address: 570-12 Gion-machi, Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
    • Access: Subway Tozai Line from Philosopher’s Path (10 minutes)

Things to Know

  • Dress Code: Modest clothing is recommended when visiting temples and shrines.
  • Respect Local Culture: Remove your shoes before entering traditional Japanese buildings, and avoid tattoos in public baths.
  • Transportation: Kyoto has an efficient public transportation system. Buy a prepaid IC card (e.g., ICOCA) for convenient travel.

Tips

  • Buy Snacks: Try local snacks like senbei (soy sauce crackers) or matcha-flavored treats.
  • Learn Basic Japanese Phrases: Show respect by learning basic phrases like “konnichiwa” (hello), “arigatou” (thank you), and “sumimasen” (excuse me).
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular attractions can be busy. Plan ahead and consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening.

Other Things of Interest

  • Nishiki Market: A narrow shopping street lined with over 100 food stalls and shops.
    • Address: 604 Gion-machi, Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
    • Access: Subway Tozai Line from various locations in Kyoto
  • Kyoto Imperial Palace: The former residence of the Emperor of Japan, offering guided tours.
    • Address: 3 Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto
    • Access: Subway Karasuma Line from various locations in Kyoto