3 Days in Kyoto

Kyoto is a perfect destination to get around on foot, with many of the most essential places being close to each other. To reach the most remote areas, the city has a large network of infrastructures with a continuous timetable.

Three days are enough to see at least the most special places in the city of Kyoto. Don't miss these tours and day trips, they will be the perfect complement to get to know the best of this fascinating city:

Kyoto Travel Guide: Day 1

On the first day we will tour one of the most popular areas of the city, visiting the most typical temples of Kyoto.

Ninna Ji Temple

 

Start by discovering Ninna Ji Temple, a World Heritage-listed Buddhist temple complex, where you can visit teahouses, spectacular prayer halls and the residence area.

It is popular for the cherry blossom in its gardens, one of the most acclaimed places for tourists at this time of the year.

It perfectly represents the natural harmony of Japanese temples, discover its floors and the handicrafts in its halls, it has a great heritage value.

The opening hours are from 9am to 4pm and the entrance fee is 500 yen per person.

Ryoanji Temple

 

Continue to visit the Zen Buddhist temple located 5 minutes walk from the Ninna Ji temple, one of the most visited places by tourists every day.

The main attraction of the temple is what is known as the ‘karesansui’ or dry garden, which is rectangular in shape and consists of 15 rocks.

 

 

The space invites silence and rest, a place for meditation. Don't miss the opportunity to walk around the temple and enjoy the garden in the back area - a magical setting!

The entrance fee is 500 yen per person.

Golden Pavilion

 

Later, head to the Golden Pavilion, also known as Kinkaku-ji Temple, one of Kyoto's great must-see sights and the city's most iconic image.

It is popular for its beauty, adorned with gold leaf, reflected in the water of Yokochi Pond.

Surrounded by two small islands of rocks and pine trees, the setting is magical, enjoy the fascinating scenery that surrounds it, it even houses a tea house.

The entrance fee is 400 yen per person, but you can also take a guided tour in English, visiting also Nijo Castle and the iconic Bamboo Forest. 

Silver Pavilion

 

A visit to the Silver Pavilion, called Ginkaku-ji, an idyllic place in the city of Kyoto, is also a must. Although it is not as well known as the Golden Pavilion, it is still spectacular to visit.

Its beauty is due in large part to the beautiful setting in which it is located, an elegant temple with beautiful gardens surrounding it.

Its garden is a clear example of Japanese landscape architecture, stroll through them to discover how different the temple looks from different points. The entrance fee is 500 yen.

Philosopher's Path

 

To the north of Higashiyama Ward is the popular Philosophy Walk, a well-known two-kilometre route along the Shishi Gatani Canal. It is named after the famous Japanese philosopher Kitaro who used to meditate in the area.

In spring it is a special area, with cherry blossoms on either side of the canal, making it one of the most famous places to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto. Although it is beautiful at any time of the year thanks to the vegetation here, in autumn it is beautiful because of the changing colour of the leaves. Enjoy the pleasant walk in the area at sunset.

Kyoto Travel Guide: Day 2

This is the day to visit some of the most emblematic temples and places of the city, visit the perfect place to taste the Japanese gastronomy and go in search of the typical geishas. Full day!

Nanzen-ji Temple

 

On the morning of the second day, head to Nanzen-ji Temple, one of Kyoto's most famous temples.

It is a place of great heritage interest, with twelve temples scattered around the gardens, the popular shade trees and, most spectacularly, the remains of the ancient Lake Biga aqueduct.

In the main hall of the temple you can enjoy paintings of the 17th century Kano School, authentic works of art. Admission is 500 yen per person.

Kyoto Imperial Palace

 

A must-see in Kyoto! The imperial palace is extensive, so the visit lasts at least 1 hour.

There are free guided tours of the palace every hour. The guide speaks Japanese, but audio guides are also available at the information centre at the entrance. The tour only takes you around the outside, you don't get to see the inside of the buildings, but it's a good way to get a feel for the place.

The complex is very large, although you can only visit the gardens and the outside of the buildings, not the inside of any of the halls.

Nishiki Market

 

The market is located on a covered street in the Nakagyo-ku district, within walking distance of the Imperial Palace, and is an ideal place to stroll around and learn a little more about the country's cuisine.

It's the perfect place to sample some of Kyoto's city dishes, and you can find both fresh produce and small stalls that make food to take away or eat there - you are not allowed to eat while walking through the gallery.

 

 

It is always busy, the bustle of the place stands out, hundreds of tourists visit it every day, and it is one of the great must-see places in the area.

In addition to the food stalls, you can find a wide variety of peculiar and curious souvenirs. A place to get lost and be surprised by the fascinating culture of Japan.

Gion Corner Theatre

 

One of the city's main tourist attractions, this meticulously crafted show is the best way to immerse yourself in Japan's millenary culture.

In 50 minutes you can get to know the most traditional customs of Japan, seven different traditional arts. Discover the tea ceremony, mask theatre, musical instruments, folk theatre, geisha dancing and puppetry.

The entrance fee is 23€ and the opening hours are 18:00 and 19:00 p.m. Take your trip in Kyoto to another level by visiting Gion Corner!

Gion Quarter

 

Take a leisurely stroll through one of Kyoto's most popular neighbourhoods, famous for its geisha and maiko. It is one of the few places in Japan where you can still see these typical Japanese figures and even visit the traditional teahouses.

Keep your eyes peeled! You may even see them walking the streets as you wander through the neighbourhood.

3 Days in Kyoto: Exploring the suburbs

The third day is to see some of the more out-of-town sights, as well as the city's major museum and various sites in the eastern part of Kyoto. Remember that you can see these places on the Kyoto Highlights in a Day tour.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

 

 

The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of Japan's most magical and photogenic landscapes. Located in the Arashiyama district on the outskirts of Kyoto, this forest offers a path surrounded by towering bamboo trees that sway gently in the wind, creating an atmosphere of absolute serenity.

Walking among these green giants is a unique sensory experience, especially when the sunlight filters through the trunks and the sound of bamboo rustling in the breeze envelops the surroundings. To enjoy it in less crowded conditions, it is best to visit early in the morning or at sunset.

Nijo Castle

 

An essential place in Japanese history, it was for a long period the home and seat of power of the Shoguns, feudal lords with their own army. The building, which is huge, is a must-see and perfectly preserved, considered a World Heritage Site.

Rooms with different engravings according to functions, good historical explanations and great beauty of the wooden buildings. A must-see to better understand how society functioned in feudal times.

It is open to the public until 16:00 in the afternoon, the price is 1000 yen per person. Join a guided tour of the best of Kyoto, and discover Nijo Castle and sites such as Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Kinkaku-ji Temple.

Templo Kiyomizu-dera

 

A large group of Buddhist temples, with great architectural, historical and scenic value, the visit takes an average of 4 hours. It consists of a main temple, surrounded by small shrines, gates, statues and pagodas.

It is a temple that you cannot miss if you come to Kyoto, as it is in the old part of the city, and it has hardly changed over time despite being more than 1000 years old. Admission is 300¥ per person.

It is also known for the Stone of Love, where you have to take 30 steps blindly to get good luck, both tourists and locals come to perform this ritual.

Maruyama Koen Park

 

Stroll through the beautiful Maruyama Koen Park, located in the centre of Kyoto. It is a large park with numerous street food stalls, several temples worth visiting nearby and a unique natural environment.

It is a spectacular park where the most abundant trees are cherry trees, so the best time to visit is in March, to contemplate the beauty of the cherry trees in their maximum splendour.

Geishas are often seen here, as this is the usual place where they stroll. 

Fushimi Inari Taisha

 

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is one of Kyoto's most iconic and spiritual sites. Known for its thousands of red torii that form a winding path along Mount Inari, this Shinto shrine is dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice and prosperity. 

Along the way, you'll find small shrines and statues of foxes (kitsune), considered divine messengers. The place is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic and photographed in Japan. Here is just one example:

 

 

The full hike to the top takes about two hours, but even just the first section is an unforgettable experience, especially at sunrise or sunset, when the light creates a magical effect among the red portals.

Nara Park

 

Although not actually in Kyoto, Nara Park is worth a visit. Famous for its sika deer, considered sacred messengers of Shinto, which roam freely in its large green areas. 

The park is home to some of Japan's most important temples, including the imposing Todai-ji, which houses one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. 

Visitors can buy special biscuits (shika senbei) to feed the deer, which have learned to bow in exchange for a snack.

 

 

In addition to its natural beauty and cultural significance, the park offers tranquil trails and spectacular views, making it a must-see destination for visitors to the Kansai region.

You can visit Fushimi Inari Taisha and Nara Park on this tour from Kyoto, which also visits Osaka. 

Tips for a 3-day tour of Kyoto

It is important to know what documentation you need to travel to Kyoto. If you are staying for less than 3 months, Spanish citizens only need to carry a valid ID card and passport.

You can pay with a card in large establishments and hotels, but most restaurants and bars only accept cash. It is even difficult to withdraw money with foreign cards at ATMs, so change enough cash before you set off on your trip.

In many hotels the plugs are not European, so if you want to avoid problems charging your mobile phone, I advise you to bring a plug adapter.