A 3-Day Itinerary for Kyoto, Japan

Are you heading to Kyoto and in search of one of the best Kyoto points of interest and issues to do throughout your time there? Look no additional, you’ve landed within the good publish.

Kyoto, Japan is the form of metropolis that lends to a slower tempo of journey, I feel thats why I liked my time right here a lot. Exploring Kyoto is all about wandering bamboo forests, admiring hillside temples, considering peaceable zen gardens, and afternoons wandering streets lined with picket teahouses and kimono-clad locals. It’s additionally a dream for anybody who loves exploring on foot, attempting genuine Japanese delicacies, and diving deep into cultural heritage.

Whether or not you’re right here in Kyoto for its centuries-old shrines, historic tea ceremony immersions or its Michelin-starred matcha desserts, Kyoto will captivate you in additional methods than one.

On this Kyoto, Japan journey information, I’m going to share a 3-day itinerary that, for my part, reveals off one of the best of Kyoto. This Kyoto itinerary gives an ideal steadiness of out of doors journey, custom, meals and tradition – just a little little bit of every thing!

We’ll have you ever ticking off iconic temples and shrines (like Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari), strolling conventional streets, and devouring the native eats at spots just like the Nishiki Market. Go away it with me. Pens and notepads on the prepared, let’s make your Kyoto journey one to recollect.

Let’s start with answering the query, ‘The place is Kyoto?’, lets?

Kyoto is positioned within the Kansai area of Japan, simply an hour by prepare from Osaka and just a little over two hours from Tokyo, making it a straightforward cease on any Japan itinerary. It’s shut proximity to each airports means you may land into both of those interational hubs and get to Kyoto, Japan with ease.

Enjoyable truth: Kyoto, Japan, was as soon as the capital (for over 1,000 years), and while Tokyo is now the captial, Kyoto stays Japan’s religious coronary heart.

Finest time to go to Kyoto

Kyoto is gorgeous year-round, however from what I learn and found, one of the best occasions to go to are spring (March–Could) and autumn (October–November).

Spring is when the Sakura timber blossom (cherry blossom season), whereas autumn paints the temples in deep reds and golds (mid-November foliage). Summer season may be very popular and humid (apparently extra so lately), nevertheless it’s additionally competition season, which is tremendous enjoyable. Winter gives crisp air and fewer crowds — good for temple hopping and scorching tea.

I visited on the finish of October and the climate was surprisingly heat, sitting round 19-26degrees every day! It was gorgeous for temple hikes and exploring town. Apparently, it’s often cooler than this, however lately it’s staying heat just a little longer. In my closing few days in early November, the temperature did begin to drop and the leaves began to show purple – I simply missed the attractive turning of leaves!

Day 1 in Kyoto

Your first day in Kyoto is all about immersing your self in native temples, wandering conventional streets and getting began with tasting some native delicacies.

You’re going to start out by getting your morning caffeine or matcha repair at Black Cat Espresso, which is just a little gap within the wall vibe (see image beneath left). Superb espresso served by an area Japanese man. It’s a one man present and it’s going to gas you up for a day in your toes.

Be aware: Get your comfortable strolling sneakers on!

P.s. I’ve truly pinned all of the spots I discovered on my journey to Kyoto onto the Japan Google map legend, so if you wish to unlock entry to ALL my suggestions, click on right here.

When you’ve had your caffeine, it’s time to make your manner round just a few temples within the Gion / Higashiyama space. That is the realm you’re going to be primarily based in in the present day…

Yasaka Shrine (Free Entry)

Yasaka Shrine is considered one of Kyoto’s most well-known Shinto shrines with its vivid purple torii gates, lanterns, and a vigorous vitality fillling the grounds. That is the place locals come to hope for luck, well being, and heading off negativity. Each July, Yasaka Shrine turns into the guts of Gion Matsuri, Kyoto’s greatest and most well-known competition, celebrating resilience and group spirit with elaborate floats, rituals, and road festivities.

Temple Hopping in Higashiyama

Kyoto’s jap district is dwelling to a few of its most stunning and peaceable temples — see which one resonates (or all three they’re fairly shut by) and go absorb the serene the environment.

• Maruyama Park: When you’ve been to Yasaka Shrine, simply behing it’s Maruyama Park. There are many benches right here to take a seat and benefit from the gardens and when you are available Spring you see all of the cherry blossoms bloom.
• Kodaiji Temple (¥600, money solely): A beautiful Zen temple with superbly landscaped gardens that you may weave by way of earlier than ending by descending again to the doorway by way of the bamboo groves.
• Ryōzen Kannon Temple (¥300): When exploring Kodaiji, it’s possible you’ll discover the massive statue. That is Ryozen Kannon Temple with its a 24-metre-tall statue of the Goddess of Mercy inside. Upon entry you might be given an incense to position earlier than the Goddess of Mercy. There are just a few different temples and deities to replicate beside within the grounds.

Nene-no-Michi & Higashiyama Wandering

From Kodaiji, stroll alongside Nene-no-Michi, considered one of Kyoto’s most picturesque stone-paved streets. Lined with conventional picket homes, teahouses, and craft retailers, it’s very best for images, choosing up souveniers and sluggish wandering. This can be a nice time to decide on someplace to eat additionally.

I extremely advocate getting Wagyu Katsu at GYUKATSU.

For the afternoon, proceed by way of Higashiyama Ward to the streets of Sannenzaka and Kiyomizu. These are very touristy streets so count on crowds nevertheless it’s positively value it, even for a fast wander. This could be the time to lease a kimono (¥4,000–¥6,000) for just a few hours and take some enjoyable pictures while attempting Kyoto’s signature sweets like yatsuhashi (cinnamon rice crackers) and matcha mochi from a few of the totally different stalls discovered right here.

When your toes want a relaxation, half manner up Kiyomizu you’ll discover a line. That line is for Gokago, a peaceful, trendy teahouse that has grow to be extremely fashionable! Their matcha lattes and warabi mochi are in excessive demand — good for a day refuel.

Night:

After freshening up at your lodge, head out for dinner on the legendary Chao Chao Gyoza, a Kyoto establishment well-known for its crispy, juicy dumplings (count on a queue, generally an hour lengthy — nevertheless it’s value it!). Seize just a few totally different flavours, order a chilly beer, and settle in for a enjoyable environment. In case you have room, attempt the chocolate gyoza too!

If you’re full, your closing journey in the present day is a wander down Kiyamachi-dori, considered one of Kyoto’s liveliest nightlife streets working alongside the Takase River. The glowing lanterns and late-night izakayas ship the right ending to your first day on this attractive metropolis of Kyoto, Japan.

Day 2 in Kyoto, Japan

Rise and shine prepared for one more day of exploring. Be sure you get these comfortable sneakers on once more!

Dawn at Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari (Free Entry)

As talked about, it’s actually value getting up just a little early in the present day. First up you’re heading to considered one of Japans most recognisable landmarks and most photographed shrines and also you’ll wish to get there earlier than the crowds descend! Belief me.

I used to be staying in Gion and the journey time by way of prepare was round 25 minutes. Tremendous straightforward.

Well-known for its infinite tunnel of purple torii gates (you’ve in all probability seen it on social media!), Fushimi Inari Taisha is a web site to behold but additionally, a superb hike too. Pack your waterbottle and put on one thing you may transfer comfortably in.

I’d recommend arriving earlier than 7/8am as this implies you’ll catch the mountain trails nearly empty. You don’t have to stroll far to seek out the gates and to take your images, however if you would like the total expertise, take a few hours to do the total spherical journey. A bonus when you do the total factor is that on the high there are hardly any individuals so you may make sure you get that good selfie with no queuing concerned haha!

Breakfast by the River — Ohanabatake Wagyu Sandwich

After your shrine journey, seize breakfast or brunch from Ohanabatake, a tiny native gem again in Gion recognized for its juicy Wagyu beef sandwiches. They’re just a little spenny for a sandwich however they’re superb. They’ve loads of choices and have veggie sandwiches too!

Then, discover a quiet spot by the river to take a seat, chill out, and people-watch as Kyoto wakes up round you.

TeamLab Kyoto

By afternoon, in case you have the vitality, swap temples for tech and head to TeamLab Kyoto, town’s latest immersive artwork set up. Sure this is similar firm because the one in Tokyo that everybody raves about and October seventh noticed this one open in Kyoto, Japan!

Count on a digital dreamscape of sunshine, sound, and motion that transforms into full bodied consciousness as lose monitor of time and lose your self within the artwork. I wandered for about 2 hours by way of the house.

• Getting there: Take Metropolis Bus 205 from central Kyoto (flat fare ¥230, money solely).
• Getting again: Return by way of the 206 bus (identical fare).
• Tickets: ¥3,800 on-line beneficial (e book forward to keep away from queues).

Eat your manner round Nishiki Market

You may’t go to Kyoto with out heading to Nishiki Market, usually referred to as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”. That is is a vigorous, slim procuring road filled with over 100 stalls and small eateries providing the easiest of native meals tradition.

It’s positioned in downtown Kyoto, and has been serving town for over 400 years, relationship again to the early Edo interval. Wandering by way of the colorful alleys of Nishiki market seems like moving into the soul of Kyoto, the place outdated meets new, and each chunk tells a narrative of town’s culinary heritage.

Look out for:

• Mitarashi dango – grilled rice dumplings glazed with soy and sugar syrup – they’re chewy, barely smoky, and dangerously moreish.
• Pickles (Tsukemono) – From crunchy daikon to tangy eggplant, Kyoto-style pickles are a flavourful, colourful alternative.
• Matcha Sweets – From wealthy inexperienced tea mochi to creamy matcha delicate serve, you gained’t be wandering for lengthy earlier than you discover matcha flavoured every thing!
• Recent Seafood & Grilled Snacks – Pattern skewered fish, grilled eel, or tiny seafood bites which can be bursting with umami and freshness straight from the close by rivers and seas.

Different afternoon / night concepts:

Listed here are just a few different choices if the teamlabs artwork set up didn’t peak your fancy…

• Thinker’s Path Temple Stroll: A relaxed 2km stroll alongside a canal lined with cherry timber, connecting Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) and Nanzen-ji Temple. It’s magical at golden hour.
• Sundown Hike to Mount Daimonji: For one thing extra lively, hike up Mount Daimonji (round 45 minutes a technique) for sweeping views over town because the solar units. This can be a little bit of a Kyoto, Japan hidden gem, you’ll escape the crowds and get one of the best view throughout town!

Day 3 in Kyoto, Japan

Your closing day in Kyoto is about slowing down and fascinating in just a little extra conscious ritual. It’s possible you’ll discover after yesterdays actice day that your legs are just a little sore so – you’re welcome. I’ve designed this 3 day itinerary properly haha, it’s the precise one I did myself. Right now blends teh likelihood to rise up shut with zen gardens, immerse in genuine tea ceremony, and bathe in a restorative onsen. Let’s dive in.

Ryōan-ji Rock Backyard (¥500 entry)

Begin your morning by taking the bus to Ryōan-ji, Kyoto’s most well-known zen rock backyard.

The minimalist structure of 15 stones set in white gravel is a wonderful window into Zen philosophy. The 15 stones are organized in order that regardless of the place you stand, solely 14 are seen without delay, superbly symbolising the concept that one particular person’s fact is at all times partial and that we are able to by no means understand the total image except we transend the bounds of the ego and of our distinctive perspective.

Take a while right here to take a seat, meditate, replicate and even deliver your sketchpad and do some drawing. I noticed just a few individuals right here doing this and it appeared so stress-free!

Kinkaku-ji Temple (Non-obligatory, ¥500 entry)

While you’re within the space and if time permits, swing by Kinkaku-ji, the long-lasting Golden Pavilion. Its gold-leaf exterior displays superbly over the encircling pond and gardens, providing considered one of Kyoto’s most photographed scenes. Even a fast stroll across the perimeter is value it.

Embrace an genuine Tea Ceremony

Take a second to decelerate amidst town’s bustle and embrace Japans tea tradition and custom. This 60-minute matcha tea ceremony expertise, is held inside a 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse, illuminated by candlelight. Distraction and stimulus are eliminated, which heightens your senses as you drink tea from the close by hills of Uji in a blissful presence with a talented facilitator.

I extremely advocate this expertise. Certainly essentially the most genuine however vacationer pleasant tea ceremony in Kyoto, Japan.

E-book your expertise right here.

(Non-obligatory) Bamboo Forest Stroll

Seize some lunch at an area spot after the tea ceremony after which when you nonetheless have a while and vitality earlier than heading to your onsen, go to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. This stroll, by way of the towering bamboo stalks, is without doubt one of the hottest Kyoto points of interest and it’s near the tea ceremony and onsen so it might be a disgrace to overlook it.

I used to be too tight for time and able to chill out so I didn’t go but when you end up with some further motivation – stroll it for me!

Loosen up within the Tenzan no Yu Onsen

It’s lastly time to unwind at Tenzan no Yu, and shut out your busy few days exploring Kyoto Japan. This native however luxurious onsen options a number of indoor and outside baths. You’ll break up by gender upon arrival and benefit from the baths with no swimmers, it’s a very liberating and totally serene environment inside. There’s a steam room, an enormous sauna and so many various temperature and water baths to select from.

I left feeling utterly replenished. Thank me later.

Thats it!

I hope you’ve one of the best time in Kyoto Japan and that you just loved this Kyoto Japan journey information.

I’ve truly pinned all of the spots I discovered on my journey to Kyoto (and something I used to be beneficial by different travellers) onto the Japan Google map legend, so if you wish to unlock entry to ALL my suggestions, click on right here.

Have you ever been to Kyoto?

What are one of the best issues to do in Kyoto? Something you’d add to this 3-day Kyoto itinerary?

Love as at all times and joyful adventuring…