Kyoto

Kyoto is pleasant for walking in spring and autumn, humid and hot in summer, and rather cold in winter.

Kyoto is a place best explored slowly. From temples and gardens to street-side sweets, you can see traditional Japanese aesthetics and a quiet atmosphere everywhere. Below is a classic itinerary, along with accommodation, transport, and dining information, suitable for a first visit to Kyoto.

Classic 3-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Classic Higashiyama Route (Experience Kyoto’s Traditional Atmosphere)
  • Morning: Head to Fushimi Inari Taisha as early as possible to see the Senbon Torii gates. You can continue walking farther up the mountain path, where there are relatively fewer visitors and the experience is better.

• Afternoon: Visit Kiyomizu-dera and see the Kiyomizu Stage. Then walk along Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka to enjoy the stone-paved slopes and Japanese-style shops lining the streets.

• Evening: Walk to Yasaka Shrine and wait for the lanterns to light up. Then head to the Gion area to enjoy the nighttime street views around Hanamikoji.

• Day 2: Arashiyama and Nature Route (Get Close to Nature and Temple Gardens)
  • Morning: Take JR or the Randen tram to Arashiyama, and visit the Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji. In summer, you can see lush green scenery; in autumn, the highlight is the fall foliage.

• Afternoon: Walk around Togetsukyo Bridge, where the riverside views are open and spacious, making it a good place to rest and take photos. If you still have energy, continue to Jojakko-ji for a view of the city from above.

• Evening: Return to the city center and have dinner around Kawaramachi or Nishiki Market, trying Kyoto cuisine.

• Day 3: Quieter Healing Route (Avoid Crowds and Plan a Deeper Visit)
  • Morning: Visit Sanzen-in to explore its spacious gardens and mountain greenery. You can also try sutra copying and enjoy tea seating.

• Afternoon: Visit Rurikoin to see the reflections on the polished table; advance reservation is required. Alternatively, go to Kifune Shrine and try “water fortune-telling.”

• Evening: Return to the city center and browse Takashimaya or Shoyeido for souvenirs such as incense and beauty products, bringing the trip to a close.

Recommended Areas to Stay

• Around Kyoto Station: This is the most convenient area for transport connections, suitable for travelers who need to take the Shinkansen, the Haruka train, or plan to visit Fushimi Inari or Arashiyama. There are many shopping malls and dining options nearby, but the traditional Kyoto atmosphere is relatively weaker. Consider Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or Onyado Nono Natural Hot Spring Hotel.

• Around Shijo-Kawaramachi / Gion: Located in the city center, close to the Kamo River, Nishiki Market, and Gion. It is very convenient for dining and shopping at night, and some major sights can be reached on foot. Suitable for travelers who value nightlife, shopping, and the atmosphere of Kyoto’s streets. Consider Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi or Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Kiyomizu Gojo.

Transport Guide

• Intercity transport: From Osaka to Kyoto, the JR Special Rapid takes about 30 minutes, while the Hankyu Railway takes about 40 minutes. The fares are similar, so choose based on your departure location.
• Getting around the city: Kyoto’s subway network is not very dense, so travel within the city mainly relies on buses, trains, and walking. It is recommended to prepare an ICOCA or Suica card for easier fare payment.
• Taxi advice: Walking can be tiring on the uphill section to Kiyomizu-dera or when moving hotels with luggage, so you can use GO TAXI or Uber when needed. A 10-minute ride costs about 1,500 yen. You can also ask a restaurant or hotel to help call a taxi.

Dining Reference List

• Matcha desserts: Tea sweets are common in Kyoto. You can try rich matcha and ice cream at GOKAGO Japanese Tea Specialty Store, or choose matcha ice cream at SNOOPY Chocolat.

• Kyoto cuisine / Yudofu: Consider Shoseian, which offers seasonal omakase prepared by an older chef.
• Tonkatsu: Kyoto Tonkatsu Katsuda is an option. The Sanjo-Kawaramachi branch serves a variety of fried dishes, known for a crisp coating and tender interior.

• Unagi rice: Visit Sumiyaki Unafuji, located on the 8th floor of Daimaru Department Store. The shirayaki eel better highlights the natural flavor of the ingredient.

• Yakitori: Consider Yakitori Daikichi or Kushi Yaki Karasuma Bunta. They are suitable for dinner and go well with draft beer.

Practical Tips

• Start early whenever possible: For Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari Taisha, and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, aim to arrive before 7 a.m. Otherwise, visitor numbers will increase noticeably, affecting both sightseeing and photo-taking.
• Kimono experience: If you plan to wear a kimono, it is best to book in advance through the official website. The uphill road to Kiyomizu-dera is not suitable for long walks in geta sandals, so consider changing into sneakers or discussing it with the shop in advance.
• Bus transfers: Kyoto buses are prone to traffic delays, so plan routes using a combination of subway, walking, and buses. It is not ideal to rely entirely on buses.
• Shopping reference: Beauty products and Ralph Lauren small handkerchiefs on the first floor of Takashimaya are good buys; Kyoto’s largest MUJI occupies an entire floor and has reasonably priced pajamas; Shoyeido incense makes a suitable souvenir.