2-Day Kyoto Rail Trip Itinerary: Explore the City of a Thousand Temples

Day 1: Arrive & Explore

Kyoto, Japan

9:00AM

Arrive at Kyoto Station

Settle into your hotel near Kyoto Station, which offers convenient access to the city’s attractions.
Walk to your hotel, which should be around a 5-minute stroll from the station.
JPY5000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Kinkakuji Temple

Wander through the beautiful gardens of Kinkakuji, known for its stunning golden pavilion reflected in the surrounding pond, a must-see while in Kyoto.
Take bus number 101 from Kyoto Station, which takes approximately 40 minutes.
JPY400, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Yoshida-sanso

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki lunch at Yoshida-sanso, a lovely restaurant set in a cozy, serene atmosphere.
Return by the same bus to Kyoto Station and take a short walk to the restaurant.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Stroll through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where towering green stalks create a tranquil atmosphere perfect for photos.
Take JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station (approximately 15 minutes).
JPY240, 2.5 hours

4:30PM

Visit Tenryuji Temple

Explore the famous Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, noted for its picturesque gardens and serene atmosphere.
A short 10-minute walk from the Bamboo Grove.
JPY500, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Arashiyama Tokyu

Feast on a delectable dinner featuring fresh sashimi and seasonal seafood at this highly rated restaurant.
Continue to walk back towards Saga-Arashiyama Station then head back to Kyoto Station.
JPY5000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Stroll around Gion

Walk through Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district, where you may catch glimpses of maiko (apprentice geishas) in their beautiful kimonos.
Take the bus from Kyoto Station to Gion (approximately 20 minutes).
JPY220, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cultural Wonders

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty Japanese breakfast at your hotel, fueling up for a day of exploring.
Dine in the hotel’s restaurant, conveniently located within.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates that create mesmerizing trails up the mountain.
Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Inari Station (about 5 minutes).
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Nijo Castle

Make your way to Nijo Castle, an iconic landmark with beautiful gardens and rich history as the former residence of the shoguns.
Return via the JR Nara Line to Kyoto Station and transfer to the subway for Nijojo-mae Station (approximately 20 minutes).
JPY1000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ippudo Ramen

Savor a delicious bowl of tonkotsu ramen at the popular Ippudo, known for its rich broth and tender noodles.
Take the subway back to Shijo Station, it's a short walk to the restaurant.
JPY1200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, perched high on a hill with stunning views of the city and beautiful cherry blossoms in spring.
Take bus number 100 from Shijo to Kiyomizu-dera (approximately 15 minutes).
JPY400, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shop in Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka

Wander through the charming streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka to find locally made crafts, souvenirs, and delicious snacks.
Walk down from Kiyomizu-dera, the shops are within a few minutes walking distance.
Free to explore, purchase as desired, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy an authentic dining experience in Pontocho Alley, famous for its narrow street lined with traditional wooden buildings and delightful restaurants.
A 20-minute walk from Sannenzaka, along the beautiful river.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Nighttime river stroll

Conclude your Kyoto adventure with a peaceful evening stroll along the Kamo River, taking in the delightful night lights reflecting off the water.
Walk back towards the river from Pontocho Alley.
Free, 1 hour
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