Spending 2 days in Kyoto, Japan? Let us help you maximise your time in Japan’s cultural capital.
Start by visiting the spectacular bamboo grove in Arashiyama where the tall bamboo stalks create a magical atmosphere.
As you wander around central Kyoto, visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the golden temple, Kinkaku-ji and the most famous Buddhist temples that are the soul of the city. Don’t miss Nishiki Market, a popular tourist destination, for a taste of real Japanese food.
Whether you’re looking at cherry blossoms, admiring torii gates, exploring famous shrines or attending a traditional tea ceremony, this Kyoto itinerary is full of must-see attractions.
To top it all off, visit Nara Park and experience more of Japan’s history and culture. Kyoto will surely be a trip to remember.
Planning Your Trip to Kyoto
Getting to Kyoto
Visiting Kyoto, Japan? If you’re flying in, the closest airports are Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport) and Kansai International Airport (KIX). Fortunately, both provide convenient connections to Kyoto.
Whether you’re zipping in from Tokyo Station on the bullet train or arriving at Shin-Osaka Station, Kyoto is easy to navigate by train with some help from your trusty Google Maps.
Pro-tip: Consider getting a Japan Rail Pass for ease of travel to popular destinations in Japan.
When to Visit Kyoto
To make the most of your 2 days in Kyoto, try to visit Kyoto during the cherry blossom season (March-May) to stroll along a main street lined with cherry blossom trees or autumn (October-November) when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its best.
Accommodation in Kyoto
For accommodation, staying in downtown Kyoto puts you right in the middle of everything with easy access to main attractions and things to do in Kyoto.
For extra convenience look for hotels or ryokans near a train station and you can hop on the Japan Rail (JR) Kyoto Line, the Karasuma Subway Line or even a Kyoto bus to see the sights.
Kyoto Itinerary
Day 1 Morning
Start in the early morning by visiting the renowned Fushimi Inari Shrine. This important shrine, located in Southern Kyoto, has famous red torii gates lining both sides of the entrance to the main buildings, leading up to a range of trails. These trails pass through a mountainous wooded forest to lead up to the sacred Mount Inari.
To make the most of your visit, you can check out this Gion and Fushimi Inari Shrine Kyoto Highlights with Government-Licensed Guide trip to understand the history and culture of the place better.
If you are interested in exploring more shrines, consider visiting Yasaka Shrine, a small Shinto shrine in the Gion District.
How to get there | Fushimi Inari Shrineis a short train ride away from Kyoto Station. Get down at Inari Station and take a short walk to reach the shrine. (map) |
Opening hours | Open 24 hours |
Ticket cost | There is no ticket or admission fee to visit the site |
Once done, take a train back and treat yourself to a traditional Japanese breakfast served at several quaint restaurants located nearby such as Kyoto Brighton Hotel Kyo Kaiseki Hotaru to savour these regional delights.
Day 1 Afternoon
Spend a tranquil afternoon at a renowned Zen Buddhist temple and a UNESCO World Heritage site - Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
The stunning temple is famous for not using any nails in its construction. Located on Mt. Otowa, explore the temple grounds and head to the wooden stage of the main hall in this Zen temple for scenic views of Kyoto.
To fully immerse yourself in Japanese culture, consider adding a Kyoto Tea Ceremony & Kiyomizu-dera Temple Walking Tour to your Kyoto trip.
If you have time to spare when visiting Japan and are interested in visiting more Buddhist temples, head to Hōkan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda) for one of the best photo spots in Higashiyama, Kyoto.
How to get there | Take busnumber 100 or 206 to Kiyomizu-michi or Gojozaka bus stops from Kyoto Station. The temple is a 10-minute uphill walk away from either of the bus stops. (map) |
Opening hours | Daily, 6am to 6pm |
Ticket cost | USD2.71 (JPY400) |
Day 1 Evening
In the evening, head to Nishiki Market, a busy shopping street five blocks long with over a hundred food stalls and shops.
Known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’, this market is filled with food-related products such as fresh seafood, food items, cookware and knives.
f you have been looking for a taste of Japanese cuisine, this is where you can enjoy local Japanese street food and drinks.
Want to experience Kyoto’s nightlife? Go to the Gion area, a street with wooden houses and lots of entertainment.
You can even meet a Maiko (Geisha in training) for a tea ceremony at a tea house!
How to get there | Nishiki Marketis a 5-minute walk from Shijo Station. (map) |
Opening hours | Varies by store. Usually open from 10am to 6pm. Many shops remain closed on Wednesdays and Sundays. |
Ticket cost | Entry is free |
Day 2 Morning
Kickstart the morning at the Golden Pavilion, a majestic temple overlooking a big pond, filled with beautiful Japanese gardens and covered in gold leaf that used to be Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu’s retirement villa.
While you are in the area, don't forget to take a short walk to the nearby Ryoan-ji Temple to admire its spectacular Zen rock garden.
How to get there | From JR KyotoStation take either Kyoto City Bus 101 or 205 to get to the Kinkaku-ji Temple (approx. a 40 minute bus ride). (map) |
Opening hours | Daily, 9am to 5pm |
Ticket cost | USD3.38(JPY500) for adults and SGD2.03 (JPY300) for children |
Next, visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence of Japan’s imperial family. It’s located inside the Kyoto Imperial Park, a beautiful park in the middle of Kyoto City.
The palace is surrounded by walls and several gates. There are many beautiful halls and gardens inside but visitors can only walk around the garden area, not enter the buildings.
You can make the most of your second day morning by booking a Kyoto Morning-Golden Pavilion ＆ Kyoto Imperial Palace tour.
How to get there | Kyoto Imperial Palace is located 5 minutes away from Imadegawa Station on Karasuma Line. You can also take a Kyoto City Bus till Karasuma-Imadegawa bus stop and then walk for 5-minutes.(map) |
Opening hours | Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm |
Ticket cost | Admission is free |
Day 2 Morning
After lunch, visit the popular Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a serene and picturesque area with towering bamboo stalks renowned for its ‘Instagrammable’ spots. Surrounded by bamboo trees on both sides, there’s something special about the light peeking through the bamboo trees.
How to get there | Take theJR an-in or Sagano lines from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station. From there you can take a bus to the bamboo forest or walk for about 15 minutes. (map) |
Opening hours | Open round-the-clock |
Ticket cost | Admission is free |
When you are done, take a short walk to the nearby Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto’s most famous temples.
To ensure you won't miss out on any must-see spots in the area, go for a Arashiyama highlights walking tour to the Arashiyama bamboo forest and monkey park with a local guide.
Day 2 Evening
In the evening, take some time to explore the area around Kyoto station because there’s a lot to see in and around the station:
Kyoto Railway Museum
All aboard! Grab a ticket and hop aboard a train into the past when you visit Kyoto Railway Museum, the biggest railway museum in Japan with various exhibits of Japan’s railroad history.
Kyoto Tower
Scale the tallest building in the city to get a bird's eye view of Kyoto from this 131-metre high tower.
Higashi Honganji Temple
Besides offering an impressive spot to capture photos, the big complex of Higashi Honganji Temple is also the headquarters of Buddhism in Kyoto.
Nishi Honganji Temple
This huge temple compound, located northwest of the station, is surrounded by many beautiful buildings with great architecture and history.
Food Places
You’ll be spoiled for choice if you want to eat as there are many restaurants and cafes around the area. Some of the popular ones are Ginnan, Kushinobo, Kyoto Tower Sando Bar and Wagyu Junkie.
Shopping
And of course no trip is complete without some shopping. You can find local and international shops in and around such as Isetan, The Cube, Asty Square & Asty Road, Porta Underground Shopping Mall and more.
Day Trip Options
If you’re planning to visit Japan, we highly recommend visiting Kyoto for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes.
But don’t stop there—consider taking day trips to nearby cities like Nara or Osaka to expand your adventure. Nara offers a deeper dive into Japan's ancient history, with its famous deer park and towering Buddha statues, while Osaka promises vibrant city life and delicious street food.
If you’ve already visited Kyoto, a short trip to Uji is a must. Known for its lush green tea plantations and stunning riverside views, Uji adds a refreshing twist to your Japanese journey.
Enjoy Your Travels with This Kyoto Itinerary Now
Kyoto is a treasure trove of culture and history, and with this 2 day Kyoto itinerary, you’ll see the best of it.
From the peaceful Zen gardens and temples to the lively streets and traditional tea ceremonies, every moment in Kyoto is an opportunity to connect with Japan.
Whether you’re gazing at the famous bamboo grove or tasting the delicious food, you’ll never forget your time in Kyoto. So pack your bags, grab your JR Pass and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime. Happy travels!