The Perfect 3-Day Kyoto Itinerary (Must-Sees + Hidden Gems)

Are you planning to visit Kyoto, Japan and wondering how exactly to piece together all of the “must-see” spots into a cohesive 3 day itinerary?

Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Pagoda, Gion, Nishiki Market, the Bamboo Forest…

You’ve probably seen the names of these iconic landmarks multiple times, but it’s overwhelming trying to figure out where each one fits into your itinerary.

Don’t worry, that’s where I come in!

In this detailed Kyoto guide, I’ll cover exactly how to spend 3 days in Kyoto on your first visit, broken down by morning, afternoon, and evening, so you can skip the stress and get right to the fun!

And after spending 3 days in Kyoto myself last March, let me share my biggest takeaway with you: Kyoto is busy!

It’s one of the most popular places to visit in Japan, with most first-timers doing the classic Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo loop, and naturally, everyone in Kyoto flocks to those popular spots I mentioned!

On our trip, I realized that while those places are famous for a reason, there is also so much beauty to be found in Kyoto off the beaten path. If you only hop from one crowded photo spot to the next, Kyoto can feel overwhelming.

So, this 3 day itinerary is designed to include both the popular spots and some hidden gems sprinkled in too, so you can enjoy Kyoto without being stuck in crowds every moment of every day.

Itinerary Overview & Map

Before we dive into all the details, here’s a quick breakdown of what this 3 day Kyoto itinerary includes! As you can see, this assumes you have three full days in Kyoto.

We personally arrived super early in Kyoto after 3 days in Osaka, but it’s even better if you arrive the evening before day 1!

Getting Around Kyoto

Before I really start planning a trip, I have to know how the city is laid out and how I’m getting around!

Luckily, Kyoto is pretty straight forward in terms of both layout and transportation. (For more tips on navigating around Japan, head over to my Japan Beginner’s Guide here!)

You can take a look at the map above to see the overall layout and where all of the activities are for this itinerary!

In terms of getting to each of these spots, I’ve made sure to include the details in each section (for example, which exact train to take to get from Gion to Fushimi Inari, etc!).

In general, you’ll mostly be using trains while in Kyoto, and maybe some buses! Kyoto has a handful of train and subway lines, and which ones you use most will depend on where you stay.

For example, if you’re staying in the Gion area on the east side of Kyoto, you’ll most likely rely on the Keihan Main Line, which runs north/south through Higashiyama all the way down to Fushimi Inari and beyond, hitting a lot of the main tourist attractions in the area.

However, if you’re staying in central Kyoto closer to Kyoto Station or Nishiki Market, you may take one of the two subway lines more (Karasuma and Tozai).

You can check out this transport map to get a better understanding of the different train options in Kyoto! 🚆

Overall, don’t stress about the transportation in Kyoto too much! Luckily, Google Maps works perfectly in Japan. While on your trip, you can simply pop in where you need to go, and Google Maps will show you the different routes for getting there.

9 times out of 10 on our trip, we just chose the fastest option shown and went with it! You don’t need to pre-plan every single route before you leave.

A Note on IC Cards

If Kyoto is your first stop on your Japan itinerary, you’ll need to grab an IC card at the train station when you arrive, or download the virtual card if you have an iPhone!

An IC card is a refillable transportation card that allows you to tap in and out of train stations and buses without having to buy a ticket for every route. So convenient!

In the Kansai area (Osaka and Kyoto), these cards are called ICOCA cards. However, if you’ve already visited Tokyo first and have a Suica or PASMO card, don’t worry, those work in Kyoto too!

Where to Stay in Kyoto

While it may not seem like it, Kyoto is a very large city (the 9th largest in Japan!).

However, as you can see on the map provided at the beginning of this blog post, most of the main tourist attractions (besides a few outliers) are congregated in the central/east side of Kyoto.

But there are few different neighborhoods within this area to choose from when deciding where to base yourself in Kyoto.

In general, the main three areas of Kyoto for first-time visitors are:

• Downtown Kyoto (near Nishiki Market / Kawaramachi)
• Gion (Higashiyama District)
• Kyoto Station area

We personally stayed in both Downtown Kyoto and Gion during our 3 days in Kyoto! However, you can definitely choose just one to make your life easier.

Staying in Gion

If I had to pick one area to recommend, it would be the historic Gion area of the Higashiyama District.

This is the part of Kyoto you’ve likely seen photos of, with wooden machiya houses, lantern-lined streets, and some of Kyoto’s most famous photo spots. It’s also where geishas live and work. As a result, this is the most busy part of Kyoto, especially in the middle of the day.

However, staying in the Gion area means it’s easier to explore early in the morning or late at night, when the crowds have died down (this is what we did!).

It can be pricier than other neighborhoods, but for first-timers who want traditional Kyoto right outside their door, it’s the perfect choice!

🏨 Hotel Recommendation: We personally stayed at M’s Inn Higashiyama, which was extremely well-priced and in a perfect location in Gion! Our room was spacious and had a washing machine too, which was great for the middle of our trip.

Staying in Downtown Kyoto

However, if you want to be slightly away from the crowds of Gion, downtown Kyoto is another great choice. This is the more modern side of Kyoto.

Here, you’re within walking distance of Nishiki Market, Pontocho Alley, the Kamogawa River, as well as countless restaurants and shops. It feels lively but not overwhelmingly touristy, and it’s very well connected by subway and bus lines.

It’s also not far from the Gion area (about a 15-minute walk across the river), so you’re still near the historic temples and gardens, just without being in the thick of the crowds.

🏨 Browse more hotels in downtown Kyoto here! 🏨

We stayed in this area during our first night in Kyoto at Matsui Honkan, a traditional ryokan just steps from Nishiki Market, and the location truly couldn’t have been better.

Also, if you’re considering staying in a ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn) during your Japan trip, Kyoto is the perfect place to do it! The historic atmosphere of the city makes the experience feel especially fitting.

At Matsui Honkan, we slept on futon beds laid out over tatami floors, enjoyed tea in our room after a long day of sightseeing, and I even visited the traditional onsen in the basement!

Ryokans are typically more expensive than traditional hotels, which is why we only did it for one night.

Day 1: Arashiyama, Nishiki Market & an Izakaya Tour

Morning: Bamboo Forest and Tenryu-ji Temple

Welcome to your first day in Kyoto! Today, you’ll actually be heading just outside the city to the famous district of Arashiyama.

🚉 Getting There:
Option 1: Take the Hankyu-Kyoto Line to the Randen Line to Arashiyama Station
Option 2: Take the Hankyu-Kyoto Line to the Hankyu-Arashiyama Line to
Arashiyama Station
Option 3: Take the Tozai Line to the San-In Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station
Note: All of these routes take around 50 minutes from downtown Kyoto near Nishiki Market. If you are near Kyoto Station, you can take the San-In line direct to Saga-Arashiyama Station in 30 minutes.

Whether you arrive at Arashiyama Station or Saga-Arashiyama Station, you’re a quick walk from the heart of town and the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest – the main reason people come to Arashiyama.

You’ve probably seen photos of the Bamboo Forest: towering bamboo stalks and sparkling sunlight with no one else around… but I’m going to be honest: that’s not the reality most of the day.

Unfortunately, the bamboo forest is one of a few places we visited in Japan where I felt the “Instagram vs Reality” disappointment. Photos on social media make the bamboo forest look vast and empty.

In reality, it’s only 400 meters (1/4 mile) long, and it’s usually packed with people.

Of course, I absolutely think the bamboo forest is worth visiting while in Arashiyama, but I wanted to set expectations so you’re not left disappointed like most people!

The bamboo grove is completely free to enter, and even with other visitors around, it’s a beautiful sight!

Right next to the bamboo forest is Tenryu-ji, one of the most important Zen temples in Kyoto and a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

While many visitors stop only for the bamboo, I found Tenryu-ji’s garden way more memorable, especially since we were visiting during cherry blossom season.

The temple’s landscape garden (called Garden of Hundred Flowers) dates back to the 14th century and is designed around a large reflective pond framed by the mountains and greenery of Arashiyama.

During cherry blossom season, there are beautiful weeping cherry trees surrounding the temple buildings and garden. But even if you aren’t visiting in the spring, it’s absolutely worth the small entry fee to see!

And if you really want to immerse yourself in Zen Buddhism, consider having lunch at the temple! Every day (except Thursdays), you can enjoy shojin ryori  (Zen vegetarian cuisine) at Shigetsu, a restaurant inside Tenryu-ji’s World Heritage gardens.

I highly recommend booking your spot in advance here, especially if you are visiting during peak season! 🍱

This is one of the most popular temples to visit in Arashiyama, so expect crowds! And if you are looking to get a bit more off the beaten path, there are plenty of other temples in Arashiyama to see.

Another popular one right in the heart of town is Jojakko-ji Temple, which is especially busy in the autumn for the fall leaves.

But as you continue north out of the main tourist area, there are many other temples that don’t see nearly as many visitors, like Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple with its moss-covered stone figurines and Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple with thousands of memorial statues.

🌿 Or, consider booking a hidden gem temple tour like this one to really get off the beaten path with a local guide!

Afternoon: Lunch and Monkey Park or Hozugawa River Cruise

After exploring the bamboo forest and the temples of Arashiyama, you have a few options depending on your energy level!

First, if you haven’t eaten lunch yet – now is the perfect time. There are tons of restaurants to choose from along the main road in Kyoto. However, this area can get extremely busy at lunchtime.

Instead, we found a little ramen shop called Chikurintei on the north side of town that was absolutely delicious!

After lunch, I recommend choosing between the following activities: Iwatayama Monkey Park or a Hozugawa River Cruise! No matter which you choose though, make sure to walk down to the famous Togetsukyō Bridge along the river and admire the views first!

I personally did the Iwatayama Monkey Park on my first trip to Kyoto and had a blast!

Fair warning: it’s about a 20–30 minute uphill walk that can be a little strenuous, but at the top, you’ll get panoramic views of Arashiyama and Kyoto.

In addition to incredible views, there are over 100 wild Japanese macaque monkeys here! You can feed them through a metal fence with food purchased on site, or simply enjoy their presence throughout the park with no barriers.

If this doesn’t sound like your vibe, another more relaxing option (and less touristy) is a Hozugawa River Cruise.

This scenic boat ride takes you through the forested gorge along the Hozugawa River, which was originally used to transport lumber to build the many temples of Osaka and Kyoto.

Today, you’ll take in the beauty of Arashiyama on a traditional style, flat-bottomed boat piloted by boatmen with oars and bamboo poles. It’s especially beautiful during cherry blossom or fall foliage season!

I highly recommend booking this boat cruise in advance via Klook to make sure it doesn’t sell out when you visit! 🚤

Evening: Nishiki Market & Izakaya Hopping 

After you’ve wrapped up your day in Arashiyama, it’s time to head back to central Kyoto for an evening of fun!

First, head to the famous Nishiki Market for some snacking and souvenir shopping. Often called “Kyoto’s Kitchen”, this covered market stretches several blocks and is packed with food stalls, seafood vendors, sweets shops, and specialty stores.

We ended up trying a bunch of different snack items here, like the famous candied skewer strawberries (which really got stuck in my teeth – wouldn’t recommend lol), matcha ice cream, and more!

Make sure to get here before 6pm, as that’s when most vendors close up shop.

And for dinner tonight, I highly recommend booking this izakaya tour that we did!

On the tour, you and a small group will be led by a guide to 3 different local izakaya spots. An izakaya is a small, Japanese restaurant or pub where people go to socialize over drinks and eat small plates of food!

We ate a ton of different food at the first stop while our guide shared about growing up in Kyoto, the food and drinking culture, and so much more!

Then, we were taken to two different bars where we tasted local sake and whiskey! Both spots were very off-the-beaten path and not somewhere you’d normally stroll into as a tourist, so it was great getting to experience it with a local!

The tour is also a great way to meet other travelers and try some new foods you might not order yourself!

Day 2: Gion, Tea Ceremony & Fushimi Inari

Morning: Traditional Tea Ceremony in Gion

Today is all about experiencing the more traditional side of Kyoto!

Gion is Kyoto’s historic geisha district, filled with wooden machiya houses, temples, gardens, and I’ll be honest, very busy streets.

(If you want to see Gion without the crowds, today is a good day to wake up early and explore).

For this reason, it’s the perfect place to take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony!

As Japan’s former capital, Kyoto is considered the spiritual heart of the tea ceremony.

We booked our private ceremony at Maikoya Kyoto 2+ months before our trip because spots fill up quickly, especially during cherry blossom season. If this tea house is sold out for your dates, you can also check out this tea ceremony that looks almost identical!

Upon arriving at the tea house, you’ll be taken upstairs to dress in a traditional Japanese kimono of your choosing, plus socks and sandals. If you’re a girl, they will also style your hair for you, one of my favorite parts!

Then, you’ll be taken to your tea room for the ceremony, during which you’re guided step-by-step by a real tea master. You can expect to learn about the history and meaning behind the ritual from your tea master during the process, which I really appreciated.

First, we enjoyed a seasonal Japanese sweet (wagashi) – our tea master explained that this is to sweeten your mouth before drinking the matcha, which is a little bitter.

Then, you’ll watch your tea master prepare their tea before whisking your own bowl and enjoying the matcha. I personally needed some help because I wasn’t whisking hard enough and was afraid of damaging the wooden whisk (chasen).

Everything takes place in a quiet tatami room, some with beautiful garden views.

After our ceremony was over, we were given time to explore the garden and take photos. Our tea house also allowed us to keep the kimonos all day so we could take photos around the Gion area!

Afternoon: Exploring Gion & Yasaka Pagoda

After your tea ceremony is over, spend some time wandering through the Gion area (either in your kimonos or normal clothes!).

The most popular area of Gion is centered around the stunning Yasaka Pagoda, also known as Hōkan-ji Temple, which traces its origins back to 794.

And right behind the pagoda are the famous Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets.

Ninenzaka in particular is one of the most photographed streets in Gion thanks to the traditional wooden architecture along the sloping street. Most of these are now tourist shops (including a Starbucks!), but it’s still extremely beautiful to see.

Again, expect crowds in the area around Yasaka Pagoda, especially mid-day. If you want photos with less people, I recommend coming before 7am (like we did to get the below shots!).

This is the perfect time to grab some lunch in Gion, as there are plenty of options as you head northwest from Yasaka Pagoda towards Maruyama Park.

If you have more time, you can also head to the beautiful Kōdaiji Temple, which has its own bamboo forest too!

Evening: Fushimi Inari Shrine

A few hours before sunset, it’s time to visit Fushimi Inari, home to the famous red torii gates that wind up the mountainside. The shrine is dedicated to the Shinto god of rice, Inari.

🚉 To get there from Gion, hop on the Keihan Main Line at Gion-Shijo Station and ride about 20 minutes to Fushimi-Inari Station.

Fushimi Inari is open 24/7 and completely free to enter, so don’t worry about buying tickets in advance for a specific time slot. You just show up!

The trail is made up of thousands of bright vermilion torii gates, which have been donated by individuals and businesses over the years. As you walk higher up the mountain, the gates start to thin out, and so do the crowds.

Speaking of crowds, I recommend visiting in the late afternoon so most of the tour groups have cleared out. A lot of people recommend visiting here first thing the morning, but you really have to go at sunrise if you want ~minimal~ crowds.

In short: No matter what time of day you go, there will be other people here. But don’t feel discouraged if there are large crowds when you first enter the torii gates. As everyone climbs further, there will be breaks in the people and you can find some moments of peace!

You will be climbing uphill through the gates, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes!

The full hike takes about two hours round-trip, but you absolutely do not have to complete the entire loop. We made it about halfway to one of the main viewpoints before turning back down, and it felt like the perfect amount for us.

If you make it to the top around sunset, you’ll be spoiled with gorgeous golden hour views of Kyoto!

There are also smaller shrines and lookout points along the way, so take your time and explore as much as you want! On the way down, we decided to take the route down the mountain that doesn’t go through all the gates, which was a nice break from the crowds (and still had some beautiful temples to see).

⛩️ Lana’s Tip: This was one part of our itinerary that I felt like we rushed through and didn’t get to fully experience on our own. When I go back to Kyoto, I’ll definitely be booking this evening tour of Fushimi Inari with a local guide to learn more about the cultural significance of the shrine!

Once you’ve wrapped up your hike, head back to Gion (the same way you came) and make your way towards Pontocho Alley for dinner.

Pontocho is a narrow pedestrian alley that runs parallel to the Kamogawa River and is packed with small restaurants, bars, and traditional dining spots.

Some restaurants have river-facing platforms in the warmer months, which makes it a really fun place to grab dinner.

You’ll find everything here from yakitori and sushi to higher-end kaiseki meals. It’s a great area to try something a little more traditional if you haven’t yet on your trip.

After dinner, you can pop into one of the small bars tucked into the alley for a sake or whiskey nightcap before heading back to your hotel!

Day 3: Biking Temple Tour, Maruyama Park & Kiyomizu-dera

Morning: Temple Bike Tour & Philosopher’s Path

For your final day in Kyoto, we’re heading slightly north and then working our way back down through some of the city’s most peaceful temple areas!

There are dozens of temples scattered across Kyoto, and they aren’t all conveniently next to each other.

That’s why we decided to book a morning temple bike tour with Kyoto Fun, and I’m so glad we did!

We rode along the Kamo river first thing in the morning (which was definitely the hardest biking stretch of the day), but after that, it was mostly short flat rides between stops!

On our tour, we visited Ginkaku-ji, Nanzen-ji, and the Heian Shrine, while also getting to bike along the gorgeous Philosopher’s Path. All of these spots felt away from the main tourist crowds, especially after spending the previous day in Gion!

Ginkaku-ji, also known as the Silver Pavilion, was the perfect way to begin the day. It sits at the base of Kyoto’s eastern mountains and has beautiful moss gardens and a carefully designed sand garden.

There’s also a short uphill walking path that gives you a great view over the grounds!

It felt like we had the place (almost) to ourselves because of how empty and peaceful it was.

From there, we biked along the Philosopher’s Path, which is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season! Even though we were slightly early for peak bloom, there were still some trees flowering along the canal.

If we had more time in Kyoto, I definitely would’ve come back to walk along the Philosopher’s Path in the morning with a matcha latte!

Next up was Nanzen-ji, a large Zen temple complex. While the temple was impressive, my favorite part was the old brick aqueduct next to it, which was built during the Meiji Period (1868-1912). We got to walk along elevated parts of the aqueduct, which still has water running through it!

Finally, we ended our biking tour at Heian Shrine. The main buildings of the shrine were some of the most impressive we saw during our time in Japan. I especially loved the wooden plaques (Ema) where visitors can write their wishes for the gods to receive them.

However, we were surprised to find out there was even more to explore at the Heian Shrine in the beautiful garden area! (There’s a small fee to enter the garden area, but it was included in our tour and is absolutely worth it).

Tucked away behind the main buildings, the sprawling garden area had ponds, pagodas, and of course, beautiful cherry blossom trees!

This was definitely our favorite stop of the tour, and we took our time exploring the very peaceful landscape away from the crowds of Gion and downtown Kyoto.

Book your own Kyoto biking temple tour here! ⛩️🚲

Afternoon: Maruyama Park

After your temple visits, head back toward the Higashiyama area and spend some time at Maruyama Park!

This park is especially popular during cherry blossom season thanks to its large weeping cherry tree in the center.

When we visited, there were food stalls set up and locals sitting on picnic blankets enjoying hanami (cherry blossom viewing). We grabbed some sakura-themed drinks and sat in the park for a while enjoying the views!

Even outside of cherry blossom season, Maruyama Park is a beautiful place to relax after a long morning of exploring.

Also, don’t miss the Yasaka Shrine on the west side of the park. When we visited, there was some sort of show going on at the Buden stage right next to the shrine that we enjoyed watching for a few minutes!

Evening: Sunset at Kiyomizu-dera

To end your 3 days in Kyoto, I highly recommend heading to Kiyomizu-dera in the late afternoon to watch the sunset!

This is one of Kyoto’s most famous temples, so it definitely gets crowded, but it’s absolutely worth it!

From Maruyama Park, it’s about a 15 minute walk through the historic Higashiyama streets to the temple.

You’ll pass preserved wooden buildings, souvenir shops, and small snack stalls along the way, especially once you reach Matsubara Street, which may be packed with people! We picked up some souvenirs (like Japanese fans) for our family back home here.

Once you arrive at Kiyomizu-dera, you’ll be greeted by various gates, pagodas, and temple structures, which are all free to enter.

However, the most popular portion of the temple grounds is the wooden stage, which overlooks the valley below and was absolutely packed with people when we visited. There is a small fee to enter this portion of the temple.

Instead of lingering at the stage, we continued along the mountain pathway to get the famous view of the stage and the pagoda with the Kyoto skyline in the background!

From here, you can continue exploring the grounds of the temple. Don’t miss the Otowa-no-taki Falls and Kenzan Monument Memorial stones on the pathway down to the other pagodas!

When exiting the temple complex, head towards Juichiju Sekito (Eleven Story Stone Pagoda) and take the road in front of it (not the road you came down) for less crowds!

At the end of this road, where it meets Gojo-dori Street, you’ll find an adorable sake bar where you can grab a tasting flight or some local beer.

Then, head back towards your hotel and grab some yakiniku for dinner. If you’ve never had yakiniku, it’s where you cook slices of meat on a small grill at your table!

We wandered into the tiny Yakiniku Kure in Gion and had a really great experience. The owners were lovely and the food was delicious!

P.S. Want more tips like this on what food to try in Japan? Head over to my complete breakdown of What to Eat in Japan (Coming Soon!)

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there’s no shortage of beautiful temples, shrines, and landmarks to see in Kyoto.

But what I learned after spending 3 days in Kyoto myself is that the overall experience really comes down to how you plan your time. Compared to the many things to do in Osaka, Kyoto has a handful of landmarks that everyone wants to see.

If you try to cram every famous attraction into one day, you’ll end up exhausted and frustrated by the crowds. But when you balance the iconic spots with quieter temples, slower mornings, and experiences like an izakaya bar crawl or a biking tour with locals, Kyoto feels much more enjoyable!

So, I hope this itinerary has helped you plan out how you’re going spend your three days in Kyoto!

And while you lock in your plans, make sure you’re staying in the right area for your interests, as where you base yourself in Kyoto makes a huge difference!

I break down the best neighborhoods (plus specific hotel recommendations by budget) in my full guide on Where to Stay in Kyoto (Coming Soon), which will help you choose the best home base for your trip!

Enjoy Japan!!