Three Days In Kyoto, Japan
Spending three days in Kyoto is always such a gift. Kyoto is one of my favourite places in Japan, despite having become more and more crowded over the years as tourists flock to this traditional city that is the beating heart of Japan’s culture and history.
There is honestly so much to see here, that it’s nigh on impossible to get to everything in a mere three days in Kyoto, but it is a good amount of time to get a taster for what this city is all about. I’ve been back multiple times and explored in detail and I’m still finding new pockets of this stunning city to fall in love with on each visit.
How to spend an amazing three days in Kyoto, Japan [updated: 2023]
Why is Kyoto so special?
Kyoto sits at the heart of Japan’s culture, spirituality and history. For centuries, this city was the home of the Imperial Court of Japan and is home to a whopping 17 UNESCO World Heritage listed sites, one of the largest concentrations of world heritage designated sites in the world.
Marry that up with Kyoto being the home of Japan’s famous Geisha culture; this magical city is one of the few locations in the country where you can still spot these elusive performers walking briskly to their next appointment along narrow laneways lit by paper lanterns.
There’s something for everyone in an itinerary for three days in Kyoto. There are more temples and shrines in Kyoto than you could possibly visit, there are stunning walks in and around the city, there is some of the tastiest food in the country here and there’s also the former Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle to explore the regal history of the region and of Japan. Combine that with the ambience and aesthetic of traditional Japan being visually stunning and you’ve got yourself a recipe for a magical stay.
Where to stay on a three day itinerary in Kyoto?
To truly experience the wonders of Kyoto, stay in Higashiyama in or around the Gion district. This will give you unfettered access to the magic of the Kyoto evenings, wandering the dimly lit lanes that truly come alive when the sun goes down.
Traditional Japanese hotels called Ryokans are a great option for those wanting the real Japan experience. These hotels involve a tatami mat floor, a futon to sleep on and often have their own bath houses or onsen for guest use. Ryokan Motonago is a great choice in the heart of Gion, as is the Gion Yoshiima Ryokan which is family run.
For those preferring a more contemporary hotel, the Gion Elite Terrace is highly recommended, as is the four star Rinn Gion Shirakawa. For five star accommodation in Higashiyama, look no further than the beautiful Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu.
Booking.comHow to spend the ultimate three days in Kyoto
Day 1 – Morning in the Gion District
Yasaka-jinja
A visit to Yasaka Shrine is the perfect way to start your three days in Kyoto. If you’re in Gion, then it’s the big shrine at the end of the Shijo-Dori (Fourth Avenue). Entry to the complex is free and it’s a great place to stroll around and watch locals and tourists alike visit to pray and pay their respects.
Yasaka-jinja is a Shinto shrine, which is the original religion of Japan. You can tell the difference between Shinto and Buddhist places of worship by the Shinto torii gates located at each site.
Take note of the wooden ’ema’ hanging around the temples – these wooden plaques are inscribed with wishes and then burned in ritual ceremonies. They’re available for purchase, too, if you feel inclined to write a wish down for the Shinto gods. Wander past the shrine area to the pond and park out the back and enjoy the serenity and beauty of the art of Japanese Gardens.
Kodai-Ji
Kodai-Ji Temple is a mere 6 minutes walk from Yasaka-jinja, so it makes sense to continue on with our spiritual morning by visiting a nearby Buddhist temple. Kodai-ji is part of the Rinzai zect of Zen Buddhism and was constructed in memory of samurai Toyotomi Hideyoshi back in 1606.
Make sure you explore the famous rock garden and the stunning pond area. Kodai-ji does have a small entrance fee of 600 JPY to enter, or 900 JPY to enter Kodai-ji and the Entokuin sub-temples on the grounds.
Kiyomizu-dera
Another Buddhist temple in the area worth visiting on this morning amble through Higashiyama is the fabulous Kiyomizu-dera. This temple is part of the collection of UNESCO World Heritage listed temples and shrines in Kyoto and for good reason.
The temple features a large wooden terrace that offers incredible views of the surrounding area, particularly beautiful in cherry blossom and autumn foliage season.
Kiyomizu-dera is another 10 minutes walk from Kodai-ji, so it is the perfect way to close out our temple viewing for the morning before heading back down to wander the many gorgeous Gion streets. The temple costs 400 JPY to visit.
Day 1 – an Imperial afternoon
Stop for lunch at Nishiki Market
The Nishiki Market is the perfect place for lunch, where you’ll find a lengthy arcade full of Kyoto delicacies. The quickest way to get there from Higashiyama is to catch a taxi or get the 83A bus, however the longer 30 minute walk from Kiyomizu-dera to the market is quite scenic, so if you’re able to do the stroll, I’d really recommend it.
As you wander the market, vendors will entice you with samples of their foods. There is an abundance of pickled vegetables, seafood and matcha products available as well as okonomiyaki and some other weird and wonderful things that to this day, I have no idea what they are.
Some things you should keep an eye out for to try are the rolled egg omlette, beef sushi and tofu doughnuts.
Be warned that in Japan it is seen as being rude to eat and walk, so if you sample something from a vendor, stand at their stall to eat it and then be on your way.
Nijo-jo
Nijo-jo is a castle built in the 1600s that used to house the Shogun of the region before the fall of the shogunate in the 1800s. The castle was also used for a while as an Imperial Palace and eventually made it onto the UNESCO World Heritage list.
A walk here from Nishiki Market will take around 30 mins, whereas the bus 12 will take half that time and cost around 230 JPY. If you’re short on time, you may prefer to save your legs. Then again, if you’ve had a big meal the walk might be welcomed.
The vast castle complex houses a beautiful, intricately decorated Japanese castle with rooms covered in tatami mat floors. The surrounding gardens are beautiful and are lovely to walk through in any season.
The paintings on the walls to decorate these rooms are delicate and full of natural beauty. Amusingly, some of the paintings depict tigers, which look strangely out of proportion and as I read the information panels, I realised that it was because the painter had never actually seen a live tiger.
Entry to Nijo-jo is 800 JPY with an additional 500 JPY to enter one of the palaces, Ninomaru.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
A mere 15 minute walk from Nijo-jo is the Kyoto Imperial Palace. This was the residence of the Japanese Emperor until 1868, so is particularly significant in Kyoto’s history as the former capital of Japan.
The palace grounds are situated in the Imperial Park which is lovely to explore and also contains another palace called the Sento Imperial Palace, used for retired emperors and other important people.
It isn’t possible to enter the palace buildings, but you are able to explore the grounds at your leisure. The Imperial Park and palace grounds are free to enter, so a stroll before heading back to the Gion district for dinner is a great idea.
Note that the palace grounds close between 4pm – 5pm depending on the time of year, but the broader park is open 24 hours a day.
Day 1 – Evening
Gyoza at Chao Chao Sanjo Kiyamachi
Gyoza are a favourite of mine and even if you’ve had dumplings before, these Japanese style dumplings are a little different to their Chinese counterparts. They’re still delicious morsels of mince and cabbage dipped in soy, but the dumpling dough is much thinner and lighter.
Gyoza are traditionally served lightly pan fried and they come all stuck together with a slight crisp to their skin. There’s no better place for gyoza in Kyoto than Chao Chao Sanjo Kiyamachi. They’re delicious and great value with delightful and friendly staff who are very accommodating to tourists. Japan can be an expensive country to travel to, so I consider finding a great value restaurant for a casual dinner to be a huge win.
Chao Chao Sanjo Kiyamachi is only 20 mins walk from the Imperial Palace grounds, so head over there for an early dinner and some Japanese beer. From here, it is a mere 15 minute walk back to the laneways of Gion for a nightcap in a local bar.
Ponto-Cho Alley
Once you’ve eaten, then it’s time for a bit of Geisha spotting in Ponto-cho Alley. This narrow street contains a number of bars that you can stop off in to grab a drink as you wait in hope that you might see a geisha scurrying to an appointment in a tea house.
When I visited around New Years Day, there were so many geisha about – I think I saw 14 in three nights!
Please also remember that whilst it’s exciting to see them, Geisha are people going to work, so don’t jump in their way or demand photos – always be respectful and grateful that you’re seeing a special part of Japanese culture.
Day 2 of three days in Kyoto
Morning – Arashiyama District
On day two of our three days in Kyoto, we’re heading out to the stunning Arashiyama region where you can find the whispering trees of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the surrounding temples. There are many ways to get to Arashiyama, however the most unique way is to take the Randen otherwise known as the Keifuku.
Head out to the Randen station at Shijo Omiya and buy a day pass to use both the red and blue lines as in the second half of our day out, we’ll use the Randen again to visit the golden pavilion of Kinkaku-Ji. Hop on the red line first and ride the Randen right to the end of the line where you’ll arrive in Arashiyama.
Wandering the Arashiyama area is wonderfully relaxing, although if you do want Instagram-worthy photos free of tourists then you’ll need to get there super early. But never mind if you get caught on a day where there are throngs of people around – the flip side is there’s often a great chance you’ll spot locals dressed in traditional bright kimonos and they make for a wonderful picture too.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Kyoto’s most iconic sights. The famous bamboo lined walkway feels otherworldly as it spirals and winds its way through the region. Free to enter, but incredibly busy at any time of year, the real magic is felt by taking your time here.
In the silence, the rustling whispers of the bamboo trees can be heard, so don’t rush through – dawdle your way, looking up to the canopy above. Once you’ve finished your stroll, make your way to the entrance of nearby temple Tenryu-Ji for your next stop.
Tenryu-ji
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is situated next to one of my favourite temples in Japan, the stunning Tenryu-Ji. This Rinzai Buddhist temple is famous for its pristine pond garden which really comes alive in the Autumn foliage season in November.
Tenryu-Ji is UNESCO World Heritage listed, particularly for the gardens that surround the temple. The genius of the temple design is that all the buildings and prayer rooms open up to face the gorgeous pond and gardens – there’s few more picturesque places to meditate than this.
Entry fees are payable to explore the temple and grounds, but the 800 JPY is well worth shelling out for to experience this beautiful sight.
Day 2 – Afternoon
Kinkaku-Ji (The Golden Pavilion)
Take the Randen back halfway to stop A8 and then ride the blue line to the end to head out to the famous Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-Ji. This famed pavilion adorned in gold leaf is one of Kyoto’s most visited sights and if you’re lucky enough to be there when the sun’s rays come out from behind a cloud and light up the gold, you’ll understand why.
The reflection of the pavilion in the pond it sits on and the surrounding gardens are everything you’d expect from a Japanese garden – peaceful, serene and perfectly in place.
Entry to the Golden Pavilion complex costs 400 JPY and visitors are not able to enter the pavilion itself, but the best views are from the extensive grounds anyway.
Ryoan-Ji
After enjoying the golden sight of Kinkaku-Ji, there’s another beautiful and very different temple waiting a short walk away. Wander towards the Ryoan-Ji Temple which is most famous for its Zen garden made of raked stones and strategically placed rocks.
The temple grounds also feature a beautiful garden and pond, but I strongly suggest you take some time to sit in front of the rock garden in quiet contemplation – even if you’re not a spiritual person, it is wonderfully relaxing.
It is said that from any vantage point there is always one of the larger feature rocks that is not visible. The significance of this isn’t known, but I took it to be a kind of representation of infinity. Entry is 500 JPY.
Day 2 – Evening
Dinner – Tonkatsu at Katsukura Tonkatsu Sanjo
Catch the Randen back into Shin Omiya and then take the brown Hankyu-Kyoto line to Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station (2 stops). From here, your dinner is just 10 minutes walk away at the fabulous Katsukura Tonkatsu Sanjo.
Tonkatsu is one of my favourite dishes in Japan. Breaded chicken or pork that comes out golden, crunchy and with a range of sauces to sweeten the deal is my idea of a great meal. Tonkatsu Katsukura Sanjo is my pick to sample this dish in Kyoto, where you can make your own sauce and get free refills of shredded cabbage, miso soup and pickled vegetables.
After dinner, it is a 20 minute stroll back to the Gion district.
Day 3 of three days in Kyoto
Day 3 – Morning
Fushimi Inari Taisha
No three days in Kyoto itinerary would be complete without a stop at one of the city’s most iconic sights, the orange torii gate trail at Fushimi Inari Taisha. From the Gion district, take the Keihan Main Line from Gion-Shijo to Fushimi Inari Station (approximately 10 minutes) and then walk about 5 minutes to the entrance of the shrine.
Dedicated to the god of rice and sake, Inari, the shrine is decorated with little foxes that are the messengers for the god, often spotted with grain in their mouths. Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto Shrine which has origins that date back to 794.
There are multiple sub shrines in the Fushimi Inari complex and part of the joy of exploring is discovering their little nuances and the mountain trails offer spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Like the Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama, you’ll need to arrive early if you don’t want to content with hoardes of tourists, but luckily you can normally position yourself in such a way that you’re able to cut most people out of your photos of the orange gates stretching all the way up the mountain.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is also free to visit, so it’s a great addition to your three days in Kyoto.
Day 3 – Afternoon
Walk the Philosopher’s Path
The Philosopher’s Path or Tetsugaku-no-michi is a little way from the lovely Fushimi Inari Taisha, but no three days in Kyoto is complete without a contemplative walk along this stretch of the Biwa canal.
From Fushimi Inari station, take the Keihan Main Line back towards Gion and alight at Demachiyanagi Station (note: you may need to change trains at Shichijo Station). This will have you arriving near Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion, which marks the start of the Path of Philosophy.
Along this path there are many temples to explore as well as quaint shops and eateries. This area is particularly famous for its cherry blossoms, but it also comes to life in vibrant colour in Autumn.
Even in winter, the gnarled and bare branches of the cherry blossom trees offer up a sparse kind of beauty that is still really enjoyable to take in.
Ginkaku-ju (The Silver Pavilion)
Kyoto’s famous Silver Pavilion is a must-visit along the Philosopher’s Path. Although not actually silver, this Pavilion was modelled after the stunning Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-Ji and it is rumoured that in the moonlight, the building does indeed look silvery.
Of particular note at this temple is the unique dry sand garden, which is called the Sea of Silver Sand. There’s also a picturesque moss garden which is lovely to walk through. The complex is well worth the 500 JPY entry fee.
Nazen-ji
At this point you might be thinking, “Oh no, not another temple”. BUT I promise you that Nazen-Ji is worth the stop for its unique brick aqueduct that looks like it belongs somewhere in Europe.
Of course, the temple is beautiful and the grounds are lovely, but this aqueduct is highly unusual amongst the traditional Japanese architecture. Nazen-ji marks the southern end of the Philosopher’s Path, so treat yourself at the end of your stroll by seeing one of Kyoto’s more unexpected sights.
Entry to the Nazen-ji complex is 600 JPY.
Day 3 – Evening
Dinner at Gion Tanto
Wander through the Gion area along Kyoto’s most famous street, Shinbashi Dori, to watch the lanterns start to flicker on. The narrow alleyways around this street house lots of great local places to eat, but I’d really recommend you seek out a particular favourite of mine, Gion Tanto.
This little restaurant often has a queue and they finish up serving around 8.30pm (in winter), so make sure to get there nice and early.
You’ll get the full Japanese experience, including sitting at cushions on the tatami mat floor and cooking up your meal on the grill plate in front of you.
In Conclusion: Three Days In Kyoto
Three days in Kyoto is hardly enough to experience all the magic of the region, however it is a great amount of time to whet your appetite for the city, one that I guarantee you’ll be hungry to return to again and again.
Easy to access from all the major Japanese cities, Kyoto is a far cry from the craziness of uber modern Tokyo so step back in time and enjoy the magic of Japan’s cultural heart.
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