One Perfect Day in Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Explore Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Kyoto breakfast at Inoda Coffee, a local favorite known for its delicious coffee and freshly baked pastries, ensuring you have the energy to explore the beautiful city.
Take the subway to Shijo Station and walk to the café which is a 10-minute walk away.
JPY1000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

After breakfast, head to Kinkaku-ji, a stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf, where you can stroll through the beautiful gardens and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Catch bus number 101 from the café to Kinkaku-ji, approximately a 30-minute ride.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Stroll through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Next, make your way to the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove for a peaceful walk through towering bamboo stalks, truly a must-see experience in Kyoto.
Take the bus back to Kyoto Station and transfer to the JR Sagano Line, it takes about 40 minutes to reach Arashiyama.
JPY600, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Just a short walk from the Bamboo Grove, visit Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its beautiful gardens and historical significance.
Easily walk from the Bamboo Grove to Tenryu-ji, it’s a 10-minute stroll.
JPY500, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Arashiyama Ponto-cho

Savor some local Kyoto cuisine at a riverside restaurant in Ponto-cho Alley, known for its traditional wooden buildings and delicious dishes like Yudofu (tofu hot pot).
Walk back to the train station and board the JR back to Kyoto Station before walking to Ponto-cho, which would take around 40 minutes.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Fushimi Inari Taisha

Post-lunch, journey to Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates winding through the forest trails, an unforgettable sight.
From Ponto-cho, take the subway to Fushimi Inari Station, taking about 20 minutes.
FREE, 2 hours

4:00PM

Kiyomizu-dera Temple Visit

Next, head to Kiyomizu-dera, another UNESCO-listed site that offers stunning views of the city and surrounding hills, particularly beautiful in the late afternoon sunlight.
Take the subway to Kiyomizu-Gojo Station, then walk for about 15 minutes.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at Gion Karyo, an elegant restaurant known for its kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal) that showcases the best of Kyoto's seasonal ingredients.
A 20-minute walk from Kiyomizu-dera will lead you to Gion Karyo.
JPY7000, 2 hours

7:30PM

Evening Stroll in Gion District

After dinner, take an evening stroll through Gion, where you might catch a glimpse of geishas and enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of lantern-lit streets.
Just steps from the restaurant, Gion is a lively area easy to explore by foot.
FREE, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability