Hello, fellow explorers! Kyoto is this amazing blend of old-world charm and new-age vibes.
One day surely isn’t enough to see it all, but we’ve put together a little one-day guide to catch some of its brightest gems.
Whether you’re a Kyoto newbie or a seasoned visitor, there’s always something special waiting around the corner. Let’s dive in!
Deals 💥
Pro tip for exploring Kyoto: grab a day pass and hop on a bus! With so many buses zipping around Kyoto, you can easily get to all the hotspots without much waiting. It’s an affordable and convenient way to see the city’s best! You can buy on the bus from a driver.
Itinerary ⌛️
1. 🕖 7:00 – 8:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha ⛩️
Ever been to a shrine with a thousand torii gates? It’s a unique sight even in Japan! On a sunny day, the gates glow, creating a picture-perfect tunnel. While it’s popular for business blessings, sending out a wish for family or health is a sweet idea too.
And a tip: it can get crowded, so an early morning visit might be your best bet.
Want to make your visit even more special? Dive into our page with a guide on shrine manners here. Understanding the local customs and their meanings can turn your trip into an even richer memory!
Transportation by train 🚃
| Entrainment station | Platform | Drop-off station | How much | How long |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fushimi-Inari | No.1 | Kiyomizu-Gojo | 220 Yen | 5 min |
Strolling from Kiyomizu-Gojo station to Kiyomizu Temple, you’ll find the vibrant Kiyomizu-zaka street lined with countless souvenir shops. Browsing through Kyoto mementos on this stretch will surely add a sprinkle of fun to your journey towards the temple!
2. 🕘 9:00 – 11:30 Kiyomizu Temple 🙏
Kiyomizu Temple, with over 1,200 years under its belt and a UNESCO World Heritage badge, is something special. Its most famous feature? The ‘Kiyomizu Stage’, impressively built on a cliff without using a single nail!
Here I recommend three things:
Cleansing your soul at Zuigudo 😌
Dive into an experience like no other in total darkness. They say it mirrors the vastness of the universe or the depth of a mother’s womb. As you navigate with just a handrail, you’ll have a moment to reflect deeply within, purifying your soul.
It can be a tad tricky to locate, so keep this map handy!
Getting a sprinkle of love magic from the matchmaking deity to seal the deal on romance 💘
There’s also this little love shrine on the grounds that’s a total hit, especially with the ladies. A fun tidbit? I once snagged a love amulet here, and let me tell you, it seemed to work some magic on my romance game!
Sipping the pure water and making a wish 💧
The temple’s spring water, often sipped by many for health, love, and academic wishes, is just down the slope past the stage. Make sure to stop by when you visit!
Transportation by walk🚶
It’s about a 20-minute walk to our lunch spot. Let’s embrace the stroll, soaking in the Kyoto vibes along the way. When you head to the restaurant, make sure to use this place as your waypoint. Enjoy!
Wandering the atmospheric streets of Kyoto, let’s make our way to a lunch spot. As you meander downhill, the harmonious view of Hokanji Temple comes into sight, fitting perfectly with the surroundings.
And guess what? There’s a uniquely Kyoto-esque Starbucks here. Imagine sipping your coffee in a traditional Japanese building – a once-in-a-lifetime kind of moment, right?
3. 🕛 12:00-13:00 Savoring Kyoto’s traditional cuisine for lunch 🥢
This isn’t your usual sushi, it’s Kyoto’s unique spin on it! At Gion Mametora, these bite-sized beauties, adorned with fish, seaweed, and veggies, are so vibrant and photogenic, you’ll have to snap a pic.
Plus, they’re served exclusively as part of a course that includes delicious fish dishes and traditional Kyoto ‘obanzai’. A real feast for the eyes and taste buds! But this is only one of the delicacies i think you should try in Kyoto, check out more here!
Transportation by bus 🚌
| Boarding | Bus number | Drop-off | How long |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gion | No.12 | Kinkakujimichi | 39 min |
4. 🕑 14:00-14:45 Kinkaku Temple ✨
Did you know ‘kin’ means gold in Japanese? Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, shines brilliantly with its top floors covered in gold leaf, reflecting in the serene pond below. This level of gold leaf decoration is truly unparalleled and precious.
There are a few reasons for this golden touch: to recreate the idea of a paradise on Earth, to display the shogun’s immense power, and possibly due to the influence of China, with whom there were active exchanges at the time.
Transportation by bus 🚌
| Boarding | Bus number | Transfer | Bus number | Drop-off | How long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinkakujimichi | No.59 | Yamagoe Nakacho | No.11 | Nonomiya | 33 min |
5. 🕞 15:30-18:00 Arashiyama 🎋
When in Kyoto, you simply can’t miss Arashiyama. It’s a top tourist spot for a reason! The breathtaking natural beauty here is second to none. Plus, there’s no shortage of cozy eateries and souvenir shops lining the streets. A perfect blend of nature and culture!
Here I recommend three things:
A tranquil moment in the bamboo forest 🎋
The bamboo groves of Arashiyama are a breathtaking sight, with towering bamboo tightly lining the paths. The swaying bamboo and filtering sunlight create an atmosphere of serene beauty.
The iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, a symbol of Arashiyama 🏞️
The harmonious blend of mountains, bridges, and rivers is simply breathtaking. Especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, crowds gather to soak in this stunning vista.
Dango time at eX cafe 🍡
How about indulging in Kyoto’s popular treat, dango, while gazing at a traditional Japanese garden? At eX cafe,nestled near the Togetsukyo Bridge, you’ll find a quaint cafe housed in a renovated historic residence, with a grand gate welcoming you.
Here, you can grill your own mochi and savor it fresh. Paired with classic mitarashi sauce, red bean topping, and a sip of matcha, it’s the perfect way to fully enjoy Kyoto’s sweets scene.
Transportation by bus 🚌
| Boarding | Bus number | Drop-off | How long |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arashiyama | No.72 | Shijo Karasuma | 34 min |
6. 🕖 19:00-20:00 Savoring Kyoto’s traditional cuisine for dinner 🥢
At Yubanzai Komameya Nishiki, you can savor fresh yuba made just from premium soybeans and Kyoto’s famous water. What’s even more attractive is its affordability. While there are set courses, you can enjoy individual dishes for around 1,000 yen.
7. 🕗 20:00- Wandering Kyoto’s streets & chilling by the Kamo River 🚶
Gion retains its old-world charm. Come nightfall, lanterns softly illuminate the stone pathways, creating an enchanting atmosphere. The vibe in Pontocho at night is particularly enchanting.
Plus, you might just spot a Geisha, and if you listen closely, the melodies of their instruments might grace your ears.
Kyoto’s Kamo River is the city’s go-to spot to relax. It’s a curious quirk us Japanese enjoy here: folks chilling out just naturally end up sitting at even intervals. This is quite the mystery, right?
Fancy joining in and winding down your day by the river? Before you know it, you’ll be part of this unsolved spacing mystery!
Conclusion
Though I’ve tried to pack a lot into this one-day Kyoto plan, trust me, there’s so much more to explore, you could start with our article on best places to visit in Kyoto for more local insight.
Or go deeper into all our pages about Kyoto for more places I adore, experiences that left me in awe, and dishes I couldn’t get enough of.
Hope my tips help make your Kyoto journey truly memorable!
