2 Days in Kyoto Itinerary: Unmissable Spots and Tips!
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Kyoto can be difficult to plan when you only have 2 days. There are hundreds of temples, busy tourist areas, and endless food spots, so it is easy to waste time travelling back and forth across the city or spending too long in one neighbourhood.
After visiting Kyoto, I quickly realised that having a clear plan makes all the difference. The city is much bigger than it looks, and some of the most famous attractions get incredibly crowded by mid-morning. Starting early and grouping sights by area helped me fit in Kyoto’s biggest highlights without feeling rushed.
The part I enjoyed the most was Arashiyama and the Bamboo Grove. It felt much more peaceful than some of Kyoto’s busier attractions, especially in the morning, and there were so many beautiful temples and gardens nearby to explore afterwards. It ended up being one of my favourite parts of the trip.
This 2-day Kyoto itinerary covers the city’s must-see spots, including Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nishiki Market, Kiyomizu-dera, Gion, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and Nijo Castle. I’ve also included practical tips on where to stay, how to get around, when to visit each area, and a few extra suggestions if you have more time.
If you are visiting Kyoto for the first time, this itinerary will help you make the most of your short trip and see the places that make the city so special.
Day 1: Cover the most iconic sites and districts of Kyoto.
Morning ☕
Start your 2 days in Kyoto itinerary at Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its endless row of red torii gates leading up to Mount Inari.
This site is dedicated to the God of rice and it looks incredible! The walk through these gates provides a stunning start to your Kyoto adventure, and it’s wonderful during cherry blossom season.
It is very popular so make sure to go there nice and early. You will probably notice digital creators there trying to get the best Instagram shot or TikTok video.
Pro tip: Maximise your stay by booking this 3-hour tour!
Late Morning: A short walk or train ride from Fushimi Inari, Tofukuji Temple is a Zen Buddhist temple known for its rock gardens, maple trees, and traditional architecture. This is your last stop before a juicy lunch!
Afternoon 🌺
Next, head to Nishiki Market for lunch (picture above). Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” this bustling market is packed with food stalls offering fresh seafood, local produce, and handmade sweets.
Sample specialities like yuba (tofu skin), pickled vegetables, and matcha treats. Nishiki Market is the perfect place to discover unique Japanese ingredients and learn more about Kyoto’s food culture.
If you’re passionate about Japanese food, take this quick tour to Nishiki Market with a local foodie.
After lunch: Once you’ve experienced Nishiki Market, make your way to Kiyomizu-dera Temple (picture above).
Famous for its massive wooden stage and panoramic views of Kyoto, Kiyomizu-Dera is especially lovely in spring when cherry blossoms bloom or in autumn when the surrounding trees turn fiery red.
Explore the temple grounds and visit Otowa Waterfall, where visitors can drink from streams that symbolize health, success in love, and long life.
This is one of the most breathtaking temples I’ve ever seen, it’s definitely a must when visiting Kyoto!
Evening 🌟
End your first day with a stroll through Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district. As evening falls, traditional tea houses and lantern-lit streets come alive, creating a magical atmosphere.
Consider joining a walking tour to learn more about Gion’s history and the art of geisha culture. For dinner, try a traditional kaiseki meal at a local restaurant or enjoy izakaya-style dining.
Day 2: Bamboo Forest, Castles, and Riverside Views
Morning ☕
Begin your second day in Arashiyama to experience the iconic Bamboo Grove (picture above). Arrive early to avoid the crowds and take in the surreal atmosphere created by towering bamboo stalks.
This famous grove is a great place for a quiet walk and offers some fantastic photo opportunities ➡️ check out this private photoshoot experience if you are travelling alone and want some good-quality pictures!
Late Morning: Head to the Tenryu-ji Temple and Sogenchi Garden which arelocated nearby. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto’s most important Zen temples. Its Sogenchi Garden, designed to integrate with the natural landscape, comes with beautiful views year-round. Spend some time here before getting lunch.
The temple and Bamboo Grove are close to a beautiful walk by the river. This walk has lots of delicious traditional restaurants. You might have to queue for some of them but it’s definitely worth it!
Afternoon 🌺
Head back to central Kyoto to visit Nijo Castle, a historical landmark from the Edo period. The castle’s intricately decorated palace rooms and surrounding gardens are a window into Japan’s feudal past.
The interiors of this castle are very well kept which is nice to see. Make sure to book a walking tour of Nijo Castle, to make the most out of your afternoon.
If you are visiting during Sakura (blossom season), visit the castle in the evening instead. Every year they held Sakura Night events at the caste and they are breathtaking! There will be a light show, sakura-themed stands and amazing paths to explore surrounded by blossom trees!
Evening 🌟
Wrap up your Kyoto adventure with dinner in Pontocho Alley. This narrow, beautiful street along the Kamo River is lined with traditional restaurants and izakayas (Japanese bars).
It’s a popular spot for a memorable evening meal, and some restaurants offer riverside seating during warmer months.
Pro tip: Make sure you are insured for this trip to Kyoto. ➡️ I use Safety Wing, it’s easy to use and affordable!
Best Places To Stay In Kyoto
➡️ Budget option: Guesthouse KYOTO COMPASS
➡️ Mid-range: Kaikoan
➡️ Luxurios option: Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto Bettei
-> Check out the complete list of the best neighbourhoods and places to stay in Kyoto here!
How to Get to Kyoto From Tokyo And Osaka
Before diving into the 2 days in Kyoto itinerary, let’s cover how to reach the city. Getting to Kyoto is simple and convenient, especially with Japan’s efficient rail network.
- From Tokyo: The fastest and most comfortable way is the Shinkansen (bullet train), which takes about 2.5 hours on the Nozomi train. If you’re using the Japan Rail Pass, opt for the Hikari or Kodama trains, which take a bit longer but are fully covered by the pass.
- From Osaka: Kyoto is only a 15-minute journey on the JR Tokaido line from Osaka. Alternatively, there are buses and private transfers available, and the Kansai International Airport also offers a direct route to Kyoto.
- From Kansai Airport: Take the Haruka Limited Express, which brings you straight to Kyoto Station. This is particularly convenient for international travellers arriving at Kansai Airport.
Top tip: If you are opting for the bullet train, remember to get yourself an amazing bento box. This is a packaged lunch you can take with you and eat on the train. There are even bullet-train-themed bento boxes which are fun to try!
Tips on Visiting Kyoto During Spring
- Remember the weather is unpredictable. Wearing layers is the way to go. Sometimes there will be strong winds and rain during spring. It could also be warm and sunny, all in the same day!
- Bring your umbrella
- Make sure you have coins and cash for public transport
- Have some snacks with you for when you feel tired from walking or queuing ( I love having matcha Kit Kats handy at all times!).
Day Trips from Kyoto
With a little extra time, consider taking a day trip from Kyoto. Here are some top options:
- Nara: Known for the Great Buddha at Todaiji Temple and the friendly deer that roam freely in Nara Park, Nara is a popular day-trip destination. It’s only a 30-40 minute train ride from Kyoto. Check out the complete guide on a day trip to Nara here!
- Uji: A beautiful riverside town famous for its green tea, Uji offers the chance to visit Byodo-in Temple (featured on the 10 yen coin) and enjoy tea-tasting sessions. A short train ride from Kyoto, it’s a great spot to explore on a half-day trip.
Spring in Kyoto: Where To See Cherry Blossoms
Visiting during cherry blossom season is one of the best ways to experience Kyoto’s unique beauty. If you’re travelling in March or April, spend time enjoying hanami (flower viewing) in parks like Maruyama Park or along the Philosopher’s Path,
where you can find cherry trees lined up by the canal. I also loved the view from Kiyomizu-dera Temple over Kyoto, there will be many opportunities to enjoy Sakura from there!
These spots come alive with blossoms and are ideal places for springtime photos. As mentioned before, Nijo Castle is great for Sakura nights.
1-Day Kyoto Itinerary: Key Highlights for a Short Visit
If you only have one day in Kyoto, focus on Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), the Bamboo Forest and a visit to the Gion District.
This condensed itinerary captures the essence of Kyoto, including its rich history and culture.
If you don’t have time to organise this itinerary, ➡️ get a full day tour of Kyoto so you have nothing to think about!
How to Use the Bus in Kyoto
Kyoto’s bus system works perfectly and is a convenient way to explore the city. For tourists, a one-day or two-day bus pass provides unlimited rides on city buses, making it easy to reach various sites.
These passes are available at Kyoto Station or major bus stops. Remember to board from the rear door, and pay as you exit from the front.
Ideally you should have your pass or coins ready because there isn’t much time available to change the coins. The price for each ride will be shown on a sign inside the bus.
Is Kyoto Expensive?
I would say Kyoto is cheaper than Tokyo and can totally accommodate a range of budgets.
➡️ Using a Japan Rail Pass for intercity travel, choosing budget-friendly eateries (like convenience stores or ramen shops), and booking accommodations in advance can help control costs.
Many temples have a small entry fee, while some shrines and parks are free. It doesn’t matter if you are travelling on a tight budget or looking for more luxurious experiences, Kyoto offers choices to fit different spending levels.
FAQs About 2 Days In Kyoto Itinerary
Spring (March-April) and autumn (October-November) are ideal due to the cherry blossoms and fall foliage, though summer and winter also offer unique experiences. Keep on mind that spring is the busiest time of the year!
Kyoto has an efficient network of buses and trains. Bicycles are also a popular option, especially around the Arashiyama and Gion areas. Before starting my trip, I set up my Ubigi eSIM for Japan so I could connect the moment I landed. It worked perfectly throughout Kyoto, even on the train to Arashiyama.
Kyoto is known for green tea, traditional ceramics, and yukata (summer kimonos). Nishiki Market and Kyoto Station’s department stores have a variety of souvenir options. I loved getting some sushi-themed socks by the market near Nishiki Market and some cool chopsticks!
The Japan Rail Pass covers JR trains within Kyoto, such as travel to Arashiyama or between Kyoto and Osaka. However, it doesn’t cover city buses or private railways, so a bus pass may also be useful. Keep in mind that sometimes the Japan Rail Pass is not available all year around, so ask for it at Kyoto station just to make sure.
Two to three days are recommended to explore Kyoto’s main attractions. If you’d like to take day trips, consider adding an extra day. I feel like 4 days is the magic number if you want to include a lovely day trip to Nara!
What Next?
I hope you enjoyed this 2-day Kyoto itinerary. If you are looking for some inspiration on what to do next, check out this cool 2 week itinerary of Korea, Japan and China.
In case you are heading to Tokyo next, these are the best areas and accommodations to consider for solo travellers! Enjoy!
Ciao for now,
Silvia x
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✍️ Kyoto Travel Planning Guide 🍱
Before you start your unforgettable journey to Kyoto here are the essential tips every female solo traveller should know:
📱 Do I need an eSIM for Kyoto?
✅ Yes. Having data from the moment you land makes your trip so much easier. I recommend Ubigi eSIM, which connects instantly without queuing at the airport for a SIM card and works better than other eSIMs I have tested. 👉 Get your Japan plan now
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for Kyoto?
✅ 100% YES! — My #1 safety tip for all travellers is to buy travel insurance for every trip in case anything happens during their visit. I highly recommend HeyMondo – you get 24/7 support and it’s budget-friendly!
💧Can you drink the water in Kyoto?
✅ 100% YES! — Tap water is totally safe in Kyoto!
✈️ Where can I book my flight?
Skyscanner is definitely the best one out there! I love their “explore everywhere” function for when I need inspiration on where to go next!
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Kyoto accommodations?
My go-to for Kyoto hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I normally go for Hostelworld (you can also filter by private rooms if you want!). If you love pets you should consider Trusted Housesitters, you would get free accommodation in exchange for looking after amazing pets ❤️
⛩️ What’s the best way to book my Kyoto activities?
Get Your Guide and Viator are the best ones. You can go through the reviews to learn more about each activity and they have amazing customer support!
🚕 How can I book my taxi in advance from the airport to my accommodation?
I always recommend reserving your taxi in advance via Klook.com. This is because it will ask you for flight details and the driver will be able to track your flight in real time. I would book my taxi especially when I fly to new places or get there at night time! If you want to rent a car instead, use DiscoverCars, they have cars available to pick up right at the airport!
✈️ What’s the best site to book Kyoto flights?
To find cheap Kyoto flights, I recommend Skyscanner!
🎫 Do I need a visa for Kyoto?
⛔ No! — US, UK, and EU passport holders should not need the visa for up to 90 days
💰 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: The currency here is the Yen, and there are plenty of ATMs if you need cash. I always withdraw from ATMs to get the best rates (select “no” when it asks you if you accept the conversion rate). The best debit card to use when travelling to Kyoto is Wise!
🚕 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Getting around Kyoto is easy peasy! Public transport works really well! There are underground trains, buses and trams.
