Kyoto is a city located in the central part of the island of Honshu, Japan. It was the imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years, and as a result, it is filled with many historical and cultural sites. Some of the most famous tourist attractions in Kyoto include temples such as Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, and Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates.
Gion is the most famous geisha district in Kyoto, where visitors can spot geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) walking to and from appointments.
Kyoto is also known for its beautiful gardens, such as those at the temples of Ryoan-ji, Ginkaku-ji, and Tenryu-ji, and for its scenic locations like Arashiyama and the Hozugawa River.
Kyoto is easily accessible from Tokyo by train, and it is also a popular stop on the “Golden Route” of Japan, which includes Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. Kyoto is also known for its delicious and diverse local cuisines.
The number of days needed in Kyoto depends on one’s interests and priorities. Kyoto is a large city with a wealth of cultural and historical sites, so it can take several days to see many of the major attractions.
If you only have a limited amount of time and want to see the most popular and famous sites, 3-4 days would be a good starting point. You can visit the temples and shrines, see the traditional geisha culture, and explore the city’s scenic locations like Arashiyama and the Hozugawa River.
Day 1:
- Arrive in Kyoto in the morning and check into your hotel
- Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates
- Have lunch at a traditional Kyoto-style restaurant, such as a kaiseki ryori (Japanese haute cuisine) or obanzai ryori (Kyoto home cooking) restaurant
- Visit the Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, in the afternoon
- Walk through the Gion district, famous for its geisha and traditional teahouses
- Have dinner at a yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) or tofu (soybean curd) restaurant
Day 2:
- Take a train or bus to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence of the Japanese emperor
- Visit the Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former residence of the Tokugawa shogun
- Have lunch at a ramen or udon (thick wheat noodle) restaurant
- Visit the Sanjusangendo Temple, known for its 1,001 statues of the Thousand-armed Kannon
- Visit the Ginkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Silver Pavilion
- Have dinner at a sushi or tempura (deep-fried) restaurant
Day 3:
- Take a train or bus to the Arashiyama district, famous for its bamboo groves and scenic views
- Visit the Tenryu-ji Temple and its beautiful gardens
- Have lunch at a soba (buckwheat noodle) or ochazuke (tea with rice) restaurant
- Take a boat ride on the Hozu River
- Visit the Togetsu-kyo Bridge
- Have dinner at a izakaya (Japanese pub) or yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurant
- Pack and get ready for your departure
Please note that this is just one possible itinerary and there are many other sights and activities to enjoy in Kyoto.