Kyoto is a beautiful mix of old and new. It’s one of those cities you can walk for hours and stumble upon something straight out of a magazine when you turn a corner. On one end of the spectrum, there are centuries-old temples in the midst of the city. On the other, trendy cafés that look like they could be displaced from Venice, California! If you’re a fan of matcha (green tea), you’re in the right place — matcha originated in Kyoto. During our recent trip to Japan we fell in love with the unique old school feel of Kyoto, and I think you might too…
Wandering the alleyways behind Shijo Dori street
7:00am — Coffee
Fight the jet lag with a morning latte. Coffee shop % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama is a trendy coffee boutique serving coffee from a variety of different origins. It’s located on a great walking street with lots to see — even if stores aren’t open yet, this is a great way to get a feel of the city before your day has even begun.
8:00am — Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
I’d recommend heading over early to Fushimi Inari-taisha, one of Japan’s most famous shrines. It consists of over 5,000 tori gates (the orange arches below) and winding through the walking paths will take you higher up the mountain for incredible views. If you want to do the full hike, it’s about 2-3 hours round trip. Otherwise, you can stroll to your heart’s content (and don’t be afraid to get off the main path!).
Walking through the torii paths at Fushimi-Inari Taisha
10:00am — Breakfast
Need a place to relax after lots of walking? Unwind with a homemade green tea matcha cake or freshly-baked muffin at Vermillion Cafe, a local coffee house just below Fushimi Inari. Their outdoor deck is so relaxing.
The interior of Vermillion Cafe
11:00am — Matsubara Dori & Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Matsubara Dori is a walking street lined with traditional wooden shops selling gifts and green tea goodies. It’s located just below the grounds of the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, so you can easily meander your way up towards the top. I loved how this street made me feel like I was stepping back in time in Kyoto.
Matsubara Dori walking street, located just below Kiyomizu-dera Temple
The entrance of Kiyomizu-dera Temple
12:00pm — Lunch
There are plenty of spots to grab lunch around Matsubara Dori whether you’re looking for a traditional Japanese meal, dim sum, or a local tofu house. Craving sushi? Head towards the Gion district for the popular rotating sushi belt restaurant CHOJIRO Shijo Kiyamachi, or grab some some fresh sashimi at Tsukiji Sushisay Kyoto Daimaru.
One of our many sushi lunches in Kyoto
2:00pm — Tenryu-ji Temple
After lunch, hop on a bus and make your way over to Tenryu-ji Temple, which is known for its beautiful gardens. This is the perfect place to just sit and enjoy your surroundings.
Nature views from inside Tenryu-ji Temple
3:00pm — Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
When you exit Tenryu-ji Temple, follow the walking path towards the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (exit the north gate and turn left). The towering bamboo stalks are an amazing sight. Bamboo can grow 3 feet within a 24-hour period!
Inside the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
4:30pm — Hanami-koji Street & Gion
Gion is Kyoto’s most famous geisha district. Geishas here undergo rigorous training to become skilled entertainers who appear at parties and high-end events at ochaya (teahouses) and ryōtei (traditional Japanese restaurants). It’s rare to see a geisha, so as a result geisha-spotting has become a real hobby. If you want to spot a geisha, you’ll have the best luck being on Hanami-koji Street by 4:30pm to wind through the back streets between until 5:00pm as geisha there are heading out to host local events.
A geisha on her way to an event on Hanami-koji Street
Old school Japanese facades in Gion
5:30pm — Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market is a short walk from Gion. I suggest walking down Shijo-Dori street to get there (if you’re anything like me, you’ll also want to grab a matcha ice cream at Saryo Tsujiri on the way!). Nishiki Market is a 400-year-old iconic market featuring lots of Japanese goodies, food, and plenty to see.
Matcha ice cream in Kyoto — my favorite
7:00pm — Dinner
The burnt ramen at Kyoto Gogyo, a cozy noodle bar around the corner from Nishiki Market, was a unique find during our Japan trip. I absolutely loved the smoky flavor of the broth and it’s a great spot for dinner. For a cheap late night meal try Ichiran Ramen — there you’ll buy meal tickets from a vending machine, and then enter your own individual stall so you can enjoy your noodles without distractions. It’s open 24 hours!
A traditional ramen bowl at Ichiran Ramen
Other Sights
There’s a lot to see in and around Kyoto, so I’d highly recommend spending multiple days there! Here are some of our other favorite sights to consider adding to your list:
Tenjuan Garden – this garden is located on the grounds of the Nanzen-Ji Temple. We had this peaceful walking path all to ourselves when we visited. It’s not as popular with tourists unless you’re visiting in autumn, and still worth exploring in the off season.
Stepping stones over the water in Tenjuan Gardens
Kinkakuji Temple – this temple was one of my favorites in Japan. It’s painted gold and set overlooking the most picturesque lake. The grounds close at 5pm, so I’d recommend planning accordingly (we went right before closing and took our time wandering pre-sunset).
The beautiful Kinkakuji Golden Temple
Honen-In Temple – I’ve heard great things about this lesser-known, peaceful temple located just off of the Philosopher’s Walk. We didn’t make it here but I wish we had!
Philosopher’s Walk – this is a must if you’re visiting in Spring, as this riverside path is lined with Cherry Blossom trees. There is still plenty to explore if you’re visiting in the off seasons — charming boutiques are located steps from the path and there are a number of temples to visit as you’re walking.
The entrance of the Philosopher’s Path
Nara Deer Park (Day Trip) – I adored this day trip from Kyoto. You’ll find hundreds of nodding deer in Nara, and there are stalls where you can purchase wafers to feed them. Bring a camera and don’t miss the park’s Giant Buddha in Todai-ji Temple while you’re there. I also recommend grabbing a tuna sashimi bowl for lunch at Maguro Koya nearby — it was one of our favorite quick meals in Japan!
Feeding the nodding deer in Nara
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, I suggest combining your visit to Kyoto with another city. Check out our complete travel guide to Tokyo for a breakdown of must-see spots by neighborhood there.
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I absolutely loved Kyoto. What cities in Japan are on your list to visit?
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Sai Harshitha Says
Great post! Kyoto is such a fascinating city with its mix of history and culture. Your 24-hour itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience the best of Kyoto in a short time. The photos and recommendations make me want to visit even more! Thanks for sharing this helpful guide. 😊
Mia Says
Gorgeous!
Stephanie Says
How did you get photos without any people in the background? Looks like you had all of these places to yourself ? are the crowds photoshopped out? I know going early to these places is key, but I just don’t know how you managed to get solo pics at all of the locations. I’m looking forward to my trip this fall and I would love to know your secret to getting these! Thanks so much.
Imran Salim Says
Hi, this is actually wonderful travel guidelines which helps me to understand the culture of Japan.
Selena Says
Post authorHey Stephanie! We went early morning to Fushimi Inari-taisha, but other than that, we were mainly just creative with shots. 🙂 Many of these places are also spread out, for example like Nara deer park, so there were less people around.
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Rachel en Route Says
I followed this itinerary on my recent trip to Kyoto and it was perfect! While I didn’t get to everything on the list, I hit many highlights! Thank you so much x
Selena Says
Post authorThat’s so great to hear! Japan is so high on our list to return to…hope you had an amazing time xx
Blondevoyagenyc Says
I really love this post! I feel like I missed out on so much in Kyoto. I only had one day and it was not enough. Looks like I need to go back ?
Selena Says
Post authorWe’d go back too – such a unique city! xx
Baran Says
Amazing????????????????????
Thank you for this perfect guide !
I wish i could guess aproximqtely how much money will i need to spend in each countries you go. I’m not a wealthy person , college student! But my dream is to travel the world????????????
Selena Says
Post authorHi Baran, so glad you like it! It really depends on what kind of trip you want to have. Staying in a traditional Ryokan in Japan will be much cheaper than swinging a hotel each night. Airbnb is also a great option for traveling on a budget. Good luck and hope you make it to Kyoto soon!
Bella Says
Hi, I stumbled across you guys whilst researching for my trip to Japan! Your instagram is amazing! I was wondering what time of year you went? I am thinking of going in either July or November – but have heard that it’s quite hot and humid in July. What was your experience and do you have any recommendations? Thank you xx
- Selena Says
Post authorHi Bella! Thanks so much. 🙂 We went to Japan this past May, so the weather was still mild (we were usually fine in a t-shirt and jeans) and it also rained a couple times while we were there. If I went back I would try to go during Spring for the cherry blossoms or in Fall to see the leaves changing color, which I’ve heard is beautiful especially when you’re visiting temples ! So maybe November? I can’t comment on it being very humid, but I’d say if heat/crowds aren’t your thing November is probably the way to go!
Amanda Says
Such a beautiful place, lovely photos!
- Selena Says
Post authorThanks Amanda! It really is, we can’t wait to go back one day. 😉
Joelle Says
I’m about to go to Japan next week for the third time and I can’t express how much I love the country! I still really want to go to the island of hokkaido (famous for the monkey hot springs) and Nara too, this post was so insightful so thank you!x
- Selena Says
Post authorWe want to go back with you! 😉 Have an amazing time. We also heard about Hokkaido and it’s definitely somewhere we’d want to see as well. Dreaming of matcha tea now…
Daisy Says
Do you have recommendations as to where to stay in kyoto?
- Selena Says
Post authorHi Daisy — we attended a conference at the Hyatt Regency in Kyoto and it it was at the perfect location to explore the city!
Michael @ Mile in My Glasses Says
What a brilliant guide! I hope life will take me to Kyoto soon enough!
I hope you have a wonderful Sunday!
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.co.uk
- Selena Says
Post authorThanks Michael, you too! xx
Moni Says
Thank you for this amazing guide! Can’t wait to explore Kyoto this week! Love????♥
- Selena Says
Post authorEnjoy Moni! Thanks for reading. 🙂