Discovering Kyoto in 3 Days

Day 1: Central Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Nishiki Market

Start your day with a visit to Nishiki Market, known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen', offering a wide variety of local street food and traditional snacks.
Nishiki Market is a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station.
Free entry, 2 hours

11:00AM

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its famous wooden stage offering panoramic views of Kyoto.
Take a bus from Nishiki Market to Gojozaka bus stop, then a 20-minute walk to the temple.
¥400, 2 hours

2:00PM

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Visit the mesmerising Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates lining the hiking trails on Inari Mountain.
Take a train from Kiyomizu-Gojo Station to Inari Station, then a short walk to the shrine entrance.
Free entry, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Gion District

End your day exploring the historic Gion District, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and the chance to spot geisha.
Gion is a short bus ride from Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.
Free to walk around, 2 hours
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Day 2: Arashiyama District

Kyoto, Japan

8:30AM

Bamboo Grove

Start your day with a peaceful walk through the enchanting Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama, a serene natural wonder.
Take a train from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station, then a short walk to the Bamboo Grove.
Free entry, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple, a Zen temple with stunning gardens that change beautifully with the seasons.
Tenryu-ji Temple is a 5-minute walk from the Bamboo Grove.
¥500, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama

Head to the Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama to see wild Japanese macaques up close and enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto.
A 20-minute walk from Tenryu-ji Temple.
¥550, 1 hour

2:00PM

Togetsukyo Bridge

Cross the Togetsukyo Bridge for stunning views of the Hozu River and surrounding mountains in Arashiyama.
Togetsukyo Bridge is a short walk from the Monkey Park.
Free to walk around, 1 hour
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Day 3: Eastern Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

9:00AM

Kinkaku-ji Temple

Start your day with a visit to the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji Temple, a stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf.
Take a bus from Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji Bus Stop.
¥400, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Philosopher's Path

Stroll along the picturesque Philosopher's Path lined with cherry trees, a truly magical experience during cherry blossom season.
Philosopher's Path is a 15-minute walk from Kinkaku-ji Temple.
Free to walk along, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Ginkaku-ji Temple

Visit the Silver Pavilion, Ginkaku-ji Temple, known for its beautiful sand garden and traditional Japanese architecture.
Take a bus from Philosopher's Path to Ginkaku-ji Temple.
¥500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Higashiyama District

Explore the charming streets of Higashiyama District with its preserved historic architecture and souvenir shops.
Higashiyama District is a 20-minute walk from Ginkaku-ji Temple.
Free to walk around, 2 hours
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