Did you know that Kyoto has 17 World Heritage Sites? That’s a lot of awesome to choose from, but how can you get the most out of Kyoto? This historic town was once the capital and is one of the oldest cities in Japan. If you think gesihas, samurai, tea ceremonies, Gion, Japanese gardens and old Japan… Then… Kyoto is where the magic happens. Having lived in Japan and been there three times, I can definitely tell you this is the best three day Kyoto itinerary if you want to get the most out of your visit to Japan’s old capital.

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Getting Around

As a tourist, we all want the most bang for our buck. While in Kyoto, I highly recommend getting the Hankyu One Day or Hankyu Two Day Pass. With it, you get unlimited train travel to Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, stop offs at popular tourist attractions around the city, exclusive discounts for foreigners, and convenient pick up locations from the JR Namba Line or Kansai International Airport.

It’s also worth noting that if you plan on doing a a big Kansai trip and visiting Osaka, Nara, Kyoto,Okayama, Wakayama, Tottori, Or Lake Biwa, I suggest getting the 5 Day Kansai Wide JR Rail Pass. Also, check out Klook’s guide on how to get the most out of your pass.

Kyoto FAQ

A lot of my fans and others tend to have these frequently asked questions about Kyoto. I’ve been to this marvelous place in every season except spring. (It’s legit my dream to one day do Hanami in Kyoto.)

When is the best time to visit Kyoto?

The temperature in Kyoto year round is pretty bearable, but if you’re a stickler for the weather, then follow my next advice very carefully. The best times to visit are March-May. In summer, it gets unbearably hot and you will sweat all day long because it’s hot and humid. In October/November, the weather is absolutely perfect during the day and a bit chilly at night. Also, the Autumn leaves make it to die for.

Is Kyoto worth visiting in winter?

I would say yes! I’ve visited in December and January and the weather wasn’t unbearable. It’s about 11C (53F) during the day and 2C (36F) at night.

Is Kyoto warmer than Tokyo?

During the winter, believe it or not, Tokyo is actually warmer than Kyoto. Since Kyoto sits at about 40 meters below sea level, it definitely makes a huge difference. But I can promise you Kyoto is much better in the summer because the concrete Jungle of Tokyo will undoubtedly crush you with the heat and humidity.

Which is better Kyoto or Tokyo?

It honestly depends on what you like and don’t like. If you love the city vibe and the wildness of Japan like Robot Restaurant shows or the Kawaii Monster cafe, then you’re better suited to go to Tokyo. However, if you want to experience the traditional side of Japan and you love history, then Kyoto would be much more exciting for you.

Is Kyoto better than Osaka?

Honestly, Osaka is one of my favorite places in Japan. As the sister city to my hometown Chicago, I can’t say enough good things about it. I would describe Osaka as the culinary heaven on Japan.

Osaka is one of my favorite places to shop, party, and experience a more modern Japan. You definitely shouldn’t overlook the third largest city in the country.

Where should I stay in Kyoto?

I recommend staying in downtown Kyoto as it is the easiest place to access public transport that will take you everywhere you need to go in Kyoto. In addition, I recommend these three accommodations below because they’re so convenient.

  • OStay Hotel Kyoto Nijo – I would definitely recommend staying at this place because of its close proximity to main attractions such as Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple, Arashiyama and Gion. Each room comes with a small kitchenette and is decorated with cranes for a very Japanese feel. It’s also a 10 minute walk from Enmachi Station.
  • Guesthouse Oumi – Located less than one kilometer away from Nijo Castle, this two star guest house also has a Japanese style garden on the property. It also comes with breakfast and is perfect if you’re traveling solo or as a couple.
  • The Westin Miyako – I have stayed at this gorgeous hotel before and let me tell you, it is awesome. They gave a great breakfast buffet and proximity to a train station. What I like best is there is a bus that will take you to and from the airport. The even offer a free shuttle service to downtown Kyoto.

Recommended Kyoto Tours

Klook.com

Day 1: Eastern Kyoto
Kiyomizudera Temple

Start your day early and go here first. If you go at 8am, there won’t be a crowd. A unique fact to this historic Buddhist temple is not a single nail was used in construction. The temple takes its name from a nearby river called Kiyomizu, meaning pure water. Enjoy the temple and when you come down, don’t forget to drink from the mountain to purify yourself! While the temple is the main attraction, the grounds are just as lovely. Japanese gardens are always carefully constructed with every tree, hill, pond, and lantern. There’s less people and more chances for great selfies.

Dress Like a Geisha

When in Japan do as the geisha do. Wait, what? One of the coolest things you can do is become an enchantress you’ve only seen in story books. I dressed up as a maiko (geisha apprentice) and had my very own photo shoot!

At the Maiko-Henshin Studio Shiki, the friendly staff will first do your make up (so you don’t get it on the kimono). The make up will dry out your skin so they will put moisturizer on your skin, and then paint your face and neck white. After your makeup is finished they will lead you into a room where you can choose the kimono if you like.

You’ll be asked to strip down to your underwear and given a white slip to put on under the kimono. You’re taken into various rooms and told to do poses by a photographer. After the professional photo shoot, you are allowed to take as many of your own pictures as you’d like.

I highly recommend the Maiko-Henshin Studio Shiki with many convenient locations around Kyoto. The staff speaks English as long as you meet them halfway with some Japanese. To check out their studio and makeover plans, click here.

Have a Traditional Experience

If you don’t wanna go full extra the way I did, I totally get it! Why not just wear a beautiful kimono instead? One of Japan’s oldest districts is called Gion and there’s a pretty cool kimono Gion tour available. They will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. When you are brought to the studio, you will have your hair styled like a princess. They’ll take you to the best places to spot a maiko or geisha and then all the amazing temple spots.

Unfortunately, this experience doesn’t come with a photographer, so if you want your own unforgettable memories, you can rent a photographer for your traditional kimono experience.

If you’re feeling lazy (because let’s be real, we all do) there’s even a traditional matcha tea ceremony in kimono experience that you can partake in. Tea and pretty clothes? Yes, please!

Yasui Konpiragu Shrine

This place is pretty darn cool and you can take loads of cool pictures here. Fun fact about this shrine, the deity enshrined here is called Yasui Konpiragu, the emperor Sutoku. He abandoned all worldly desires and now the shrine stands for prayer and abstinence. I guess if you’re trying to get some, don’t come here or you might jinx yourself.

Related: Easy Four Day Kyoto Itinerary 

best Kyoto Itinerary

Gion Bonus: Try to find a geisha at night

Take a Yebisu beer (Kyoto’s brew) and gather your courage. Most geisha entertain their customers at night. The best time to be a super creep is to walk around Gion during the late hours of 11pm and 5 am. You never know and you might get lucky. Most geisha feel burdened by how pushy tourists have become so tread lightly!

If you don’t wanna be that dick, you can alternatively go out in Kyoto in style. You can take an evening tour where you get to try traditional food and drink. And the best part? A private dance from a maiko. Let me tell you, I’ve seen one dance before and it is mesmerizing. Book your night time Kyoto tour here.

Take a Morning Tour

If you’re a bit lazy (because let’s face it, I sure can be at times) there’s also a great Kyoto Morning Sightseeing Tour available. You will get picked up and dropped off at your hotel and three of the most popular locations such as Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji, and the Kyoto Imperial palace. I would totally go on this because every single time I’ve been in Kyoto, the palace has been closed and I haven’t been able to see it. In a way, this tour guarantees you entrance into the palace.

Day 2: Northern Kyoto
Ryonaji

At whatever point you look at the rectangular plot, one of the fifteen rocks is hidden from view. The rock garden can be admired from Hojo, the former residence of the head priest. The only downside is Ryonaji was incredibly touristy and many people made the garden feel overwhelming to the point I couldn’t really enjoy it.

best kyoto itinerary

Ninaji

If you’re anything like me and you hate enormous crowds, then this is the place for you. Overlooked because of Kinkakuji and Ryonaji, this is a perfect and quiet temple. It’s a great place to get the feel of a real shrine without all the people. It’s well preserved and a must see.

best Kyoto Itinerary

Kinkakuji

This golden pavillion is the cream of the crop and often the face of Kyoto. What isn’t cool about a temple doused in a wonderful gold color?

Ginkakuji

You’ve seen the golden pavilion so why not up your game and see the silver pavilion too? When you get there, you’ll see why this brown temple is called as such. Like it’s golden counterpart, it boasts a silver rooster on the top. Don’t be disappointed that it’s not silver because the grounds are stunningly beautiful.

Nijo-jo

I’ve been to this palace three times and I’ve never grown tired of it. Once a grand warlord castle, you now have the opportunity to see how the warlords lived. The grounds are spectacular and the rooms inside are fantastic as well.

Day 3: Southern Kyoto
Fushimi Inari

This is definitely a must see for all those of you who have seen Memoirs of a Geisha. This is currently the number one spot in Kyoto and attracts thousands of tourists each year. Ten thousand torii gates go up a mountain and it’s breathtaking. It’s a great spot to take pictures in yukata or kimono. Try hiking to the top as well! 

Byodoin Temple

In my opinion, this is the most beautiful temple in Kyoto. I love how it’s built near a bond and the colors are absolutely outstanding. The grounds are tranquil and peaceful. In addition, there won’t be as many tourists like with Fushimi Inari and and Kinkakuji.

What to Eat in Kyoto

As you know, Kyoto was the capital of Japan for a very long time; therefore, it has the best cuisine available. When you’re in Kyoto, you should try these yummy treats.

  • Tofu
  • Yuba (Tofu skim)
  • Kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine)
  • Shojin Ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine)
  • Kyo-wagashi (traditional Kyoto sweets)
  • Yodofu (tofu cooked in hot broth)

Of course, if you’re in Kyoto you shouldn’t miss out on some of my favorite dishes like sushi, udon, ramen, yakiniku (Japanese bbq), tempura, and unagi. If you’re into more of a local’s way of eating there’s also a taste of Kyoto food walking tour. You’ll be able to try Kyoto’s sweets, snacks, and street food.

If you’re also into cooking and taking home Japanese cuisine long term, you should also try a donburi cooking class. You’ll learn how chefs make this delicious dish made with meat and veggies and even try it yourself. They have the option to make a veggie donburi, meat donburi, and seafood donburi. To be honest, this is one of my favorite Japanese comfort foods.

Have you been to these places and would you recommend this itinerary to a friend? Looking forward to hearing about it!

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33 Comments on The Best Three Day Kyoto Itinerary

    • That would be cool! Although I never did it, I did stay in a Japanese style residence in Gion! That was super cool too!

  1. Japan’s temples are so incredible! Super unique architecture. Also, you make a beautiful geisha!!! What a cool idea. Did you ever see one at night? Sounds like I’ll need to learn some Japanese and take a trip!

    • Thank you Lyssie! It’s super sweet of you to say! I never saw a geisha but I did see a maiko! She was really sweet and let us take a picture with us. You’ll absolutely adore Kyoto!

  2. I hope to dress like a geisha one day in Japan. That would be my highlight too. Cool itinerary and pics 🙂

  3. Kyoto is my favourite place that I’ve been to in Japan, it’s so beautiful, Hoping to get back there at somepoint before I leave Korea so I will book mark this for then 🙂

    • Me too! When I lived in Japan, I was in Kyoto 3 separate occasions! I was there for 3 seasons. My only regret is that I wasn’t there in spring! Thanks for bookmarking this! I’m glad I can help out!

  4. Great blog post!! I visited Japan for the first time this month and it is AMAZING! We only stayed in Tokyo, but would love to check out Osaka – especially the Fushimi Inari gate 🙂

    • Fushimi Inari is in Kyoto and luckily only an hour train ride away! If you’re a fan of Memoirs of a Geisha, you don’t want to miss this opportunity to see it!

  5. I’ve always wanted to visit Kyoto and you’ve simply fueled my desire even more 🙂 I’ve never heard of Ninaji but it sounds truly peaceful!

    • I’ve been 3 times so I know a bit more than the average tourist. (I also lived in Japan for 3 years.) Ninaji ihas a rock garden and is a bit better than Ryonaji, in my opinion.

  6. This is exactly what I needed! I’m about to be traveling to Japan occasionally for business, and of course I’ll want to add on a little time for Kyoto. I’ve been to Tokyo multiple times, but I haven’t made it to this gorgeous city.

    • I hope you make it to Kyoto! Please let me know if you do! I would love to know about your trip! Kyoto is incredible. You’ll be amazed with everything every time. I know I was. 🙂

  7. I absolutely love the tranquility of the places you’ve shared here, and this itinerary was super useful- really well put together. Thank you!

  8. This is cool! I’ve recently been really intrigued by Japan and would love to make it there some day… but I’m specifically interested in Kyoto. I love the culture of ‘old Japan’ and I’m sure I would be very happy exploring that city. Thanks for giving us so many awesome ideas! I hope I’ll get to do these activities in Kyoto myself at some point 🙂

    • I love culture myself and there’s so much pretty to see. I hope you try out this itinerary and let me know if you do! 😀

  9. I like the kimono you chose! I got to see the maiko dance when I was in Kyoto at the beginning April and I loved it! You suggested some really good places like Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizudera temple. I still need to get to Kinkaku-ji!

    • You definitely have to make it there! Kinkakuji is breathtaking! I saw maiko dance for free at the museum. It was so mesmerizing.

  10. As a 4-year resident in Kyoto I agree with the spots on your list! You are right about trying to hit the most popular spots (Kiyomizu, Kinkakuji, and Fushimi Inari especially) in the early morning to avoid crowds. Tourism in Kyoto has really increased in the past few years!

    I always thought the white maiko makeup would look horrible on my big-nosed blonde foreigner features, so I just rented a normal kimono for the day and strolled around Gion/Kiyomizu area with some friends. We rented from Yume Kimono near Yasaka Shrine in Gion, they dressed us and did our hair. They have a good English website now, but when I went 5 years ago it was all in Japanese and none of the staff spoke English. I think it’s changed to be more foreigner-friendly now^^

  11. Awesome itinerary, Gina! I’m heading to Kyoto next March and am feeling overwhelmed at all the different landmarks to visit – thanks for putting this list together and sharing your beautiful photos!

  12. Kyoto is really lovely. I am enamoured by the beauty of the place. The temples have a surreal aura about them which is really very endearing. The temple of Fushimi Inari is really fascinating, after reading so much about this place, I realize that it has become a sort of icon for Kyoto.

  13. As I read each section, I thought it was my favourite! I’ve never been to Japan, but by the time I got to the end I was ready to book my flight!! Seriously, there’s a great variety of interesting options – and I’d LOVE to find out what I look like in full geisha garb!!

  14. This brings back some wonderful memories from my time going to school in Japan. Kyoto is indeed a lovely place and I love the places and photos you have featured. Great that you experienced the traditional dress and make up!

  15. OK why would they even have an ugly grey kimono…! I’m so envious how well the Japanese preserved their historical structures – along with the landscape that they deserve.

  16. Kyoto is high on our bucket list of travel destinations. Having never been to Japan, you’ve got me really excited about planning a trip there now. The temples and pavilions look amazing and it would be fantastic to see a geisha. Thanks for sharing your tips!

  17. I love that you dread up as a Maiko! you look unreal. What a beautiful experience for you. Kyoto looks like an awesome destination with lots of gardens and temples and great things to do.
    Kristie – you.theworld.wandering

  18. Never knew that Kyoto had so much to be explored. There is something unique about the architectural style, where the building is complimented by a water body which adds a distinct character to it. The pictures look inspiring enough for me to head there now.

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