Kyoto is, undoubtedly, one of many highlights of any journey to Japan. As soon as the capital for greater than 1000 years, Kyoto stays the middle of conventional Japanese tradition and one of many largest cities within the nation.
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Kyoto attracts hundreds of thousands of holiday makers yearly, and it’s not exhausting to see why, because it’s simply probably the most lovely Japanese cities.
The town is legendary for its Buddhist temples, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, conventional wooden homes, kaiseki eating and geisha entertainers. It’s additionally residence to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Websites, together with the Golden Pavilion and the Tenryu-ji Zen temple close to the well-known bamboo forest.
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We visited Kyoto for 4 days as a part of our Japan journey, and fell in love with this conventional metropolis. We jam-packed our itinerary with stops at primary websites and sights and made essentially the most of our go to. Whereas we completely advocate spending quite a lot of days in Kyoto, we acknowledge that many vacationers are brief on time and wish to squeeze in the perfect of Kyoto into a brief 2 day go to.
If this sounds such as you, learn on to find our urged Kyoto 2-day itinerary, which covers all the perfect sights, actions and must-see districts!
So let’s dive in!
Find out how to Get to Kyoto
Situated southwest of Tokyo, Kyoto is comparatively straightforward to achieve both by air or by land. Essentially the most handy possibility to achieve Kyoto is by aircraft or by practice.
As sustainable vacationers, we at all times encourage methods to cut back your corbon footprint, so we strongly advocate choosing a slower, extra scenic route by practice.
By Air
The closest airport to Kyoto is Itami Airport (Osaka Worldwide Airport) in Osaka, situated about one hour by bus from downtown Kyoto. A number of each day flights join Itami Airport with Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, with the flight time taking about an hour.
An alternative choice is to reach into Kansai Worldwide Airport, which provides each day worldwide and home connections. Observe that Kansai Airport is situated over an hour from Kyoto, which makes for an extended journey if touring from Tokyo.
The JR Haruka Restricted Categorical practice from Kansai Airport can take you to Kyoto practice station in 70 minutes.
By Practice
The practice is definitely essentially the most environment friendly possibility for touring to Kyoto, for those who’re already in Japan. The Tōkaidō Shinkansen bullet practice connects Tokyo and Kyoto on a direct route. There are three companies on this line departing recurrently: Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama; the journey time and price fluctuate by service.
Nozomi sure service provides the quickest possibility, taking round 140 minutes for the journey and costing simply over 14,000 Yen. You may board any Tōkaidō Shinkansen service at Tokyo Station, Shinagawa Station, or Shin-Yokohama Practice Station.
Arriving into Kyoto Practice station is a breeze. The Station is situated proper within the centre of town, making it straightforward to get to your lodging by subway or taxi/Uber upon arrival.
Find out how to Get Round Kyoto
There are various methods to get round Kyoto. With trains, subways, buses, taxis, ride-share companies and even by bicycle or strolling choices, it’s a metropolis that’s straightforward to navigate.
Many sights in Kyoto are situated within the central a part of city, so lowering your carbon footprint and getting your steps in by strolling between your locations is straightforward. We simply clocked in upwards of 20,000 steps whereas exploring Kyoto.
Kyoto Metropolis Subway, JR Strains, and busses provide an awesome different to strolling in Kyoto. Fares are often $1-$3 per journey and might be paid through IC playing cards such because the Kansai One Move. You may also buy a multiple-day Japan Rail Pass to economize on JR Strains.
Greatest Time to Go to Kyoto
Due to good climate, sakura (cherry blossom) and fall colors make Spring and Fall be the busiest seasons in Kyoto. However the fact is, there are perks and disadvantages to any season.
Spring
Spring is usually thought of the perfect time of 12 months to go to Kyoto, principally as a result of it’s additionally cherry blossom season. The climate is kind of delicate in spring, and strolling round and exploring town on foot is comfy. You may anticipate temperatures to be within the mid-60s °F (18 °C) through the day, dropping to round 45 °F (7 °C) at night time.
The draw back of cherry blossom season is that costs improve, and you’ll anticipate a busy crowd of holiday makers at most sights.
Summer season
The temperatures rise fairly rapidly come June, and the humidity additionally arrives because the moist season peaks in Japan. Daytime temperatures vary from the low 80s °F (28 °C) to the low 90s °F (32 °C), with a mean of 5 to eight inches of precipitation per thirty days in summer season.
Summer season brings many downpours and sweltering temperatures. This climate could make it uncomfortable to maneuver across the metropolis, nevertheless it does imply there are far fewer crowds and cheaper lodging.
Fall
Many agree that Fall is the subsequent finest time to go to Kyoto. The temperatures fall after September, and the rain subsides round October, making it a nice time to benefit from the outdoor.
Fall foliage is gorgeous round Kyoto and in addition tends to draw a fair proportion of crowds. The daytime temperatures are a extra comfy 70°F (21°C), with night time temps dropping to 55 F (12 C).
Winter
Winter will get chilly with freezing temperatures. However that signifies that it’s typically the quietest time to go to Kyoto. You may anticipate to have loads of locations to your self and infrequently with a fairly dusting of snow.
Daytime temperatures sit round 50°F (10°C), whereas at night time, they will drop to 32 °F (0 °C) in peak winter in January. You’ll wish to pack heat clothes, particularly for those who plan on doing a strolling tour of town.
Kyoto 2-Day Itinerary
We have now to confess that whereas this itinerary does pack a punch, 2 days in Kyoto isn’t sufficient time. We spent 5 days within the metropolis, and it nonetheless felt fairly rushed as we lined numerous floor from morning till night.
Consider this Kyoto itinerary as a begin and contemplate including a couple of days to it, if doable. For those who can’t, be ready to stroll round 9-12 miles (15-20 km) each day or fork out for a couple of taxis to get round rapidly.
Day 0: Arrive and examine into Seikoro Ryokan
Arrive in Kyoto and examine into Seikoro Ryokan. A ryokan is a standard Japanese inn the place you possibly can expertise genuine Japanese tradition. A keep in a ryokan is a should when visiting Kyoto, and Seikoro Ryokan is among the finest, providing an awesome introduction to town. Overlook a few typical resort room. This keep is all about slippers, yukata robes, inexperienced tea, onsens (sizzling springs), and kaiseki delicacies.
Seikoro Ryokan was established in 1831 and is an unpretentious 4-star boutique ryokan close to the Kamo River in central Kyoto. Inbuilt conventional type with wooden panels, display doorways, a leafy courtyard, a panorama rock backyard, chabudai eating tables, and an onsen with synthetic sizzling spring water, this ryokan provides glorious service and is assured to be a spotlight of your keep.
That night, don your yukata gown and dive straight into conventional Japanese tradition with a kaiseki dinner included in your keep. The meal will likely be served within the privateness of your individual room, so it’s an awesome enjoyable exercise to e-book in your arrival day. Take pleasure in a standard multi-course meal with plenty of appetizers and small dishes showcasing Japanese delicacies, together with loads of seafood.
After dinner, calm down on the on-site onsen. You may soak within the good temperature of the massive wooded bathtub to calm down and prepare for some sightseeing the next day.
Day 1: Temples, Teahouses, and Geishas
Begin your day with breakfast at Seikoro Ryokan (additionally included in you keep). Select between a standard Japanese or extra Western-style breakfast and gas up for the day forward.
Morning: Discover Higashiyama District
Situated on the japanese aspect of town, Higashiyama District is among the best-preserved historic districts of Kyoto, taking you again to the feudal period with conventional Japanese structure. Crammed with slender streets, wooden buildings, conventional pottery retailers, tea homes and loads of temples and shrines, it’s the proper place to expertise previous Kyoto.
Mornings are usually much less busy, so head there shortly after breakfast to beat the mid-day crowds. Discover the slender alleyways, particularly between Kiyomizudera and Yasaka Shrine, popping into conventional service provider retailers promoting native crafts and souvenirs.
Then, go to a number of the well-known temples and shrines within the district. We advocate trying out:
- Kodai-ji Temple: This serene Buddhist temple, Kodai-ji, was constructed in 1605 in reminiscence of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The temple grounds characteristic temple halls, panorama gardens, teahouses and a bamboo grove.
- Yasaka Shrine: Well-known for its hanging lanterns, this shrine hosts the well-known Gion Matsuri Festival held yearly in July. It’s situated subsequent to Maruyama Park, which is the most well-liked park within the metropolis for cherry blossoms.
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Considered one of Japan’s hottest Buddhist temples will likely be busy any time of the day, so be ready to courageous the crowds. Sitting perched on Mount Otowa east of town, it options scenic views from its balcony over town.
There are many eating places within the space to seize lunch and provides your toes a break.
Afternoon: Discover Gion District
As Kyoto’s most well-known geisha district, Gion is a must-visit on any Kyoto itinerary. Situated between Yasaka Shrine and Kamo River, this space is crammed with retailers, eating places and teahouses, the place geiko (native dialect for geisha) and maiko (geiko apprentices) entertain throughout a standard tea ceremony.
The principle avenue of Gion is Hanami-koji Road, which runs from Shijo Avenue to Kenninji Temple. This avenue is crammed with well-preserved machiya homes, which now operate as eating places, serving Kyoto-style kaiseki ryori (conventional Japanese delicacies) and different kinds of native and worldwide meals. Stroll by means of the world at sundown, and see for those who can catch a glimpse of a geisha within the streets.
If dinner with geisha leisure is in your bucket listing, remember to e-book upfront. “Dinner and a Present” packages begin at $100/individual.
Night: Downtown Kyoto
Alternatively, head throughout to the west aspect of the river to Pontocho Alley, which runs parallel to the river. This atmospheric avenue is lined with conventional retailers and eating places, making for a really conventional Japanese expertise.
Pontocho Alley involves life at night time with dozens of small eating places opening their doorways for dinner service solely. You may choose from various dinner choices, together with Yasubee for okonomiyaki, Ukiya for soba noodles, or Yamafuku for a standard tatami room and sizzling pot, to call a couple of.
Day 2: Palaces, Bamboo Grove and Views
Rise up early and head to Nishiki Marketplace for breakfast. This 400-year-old iconic market in downtown Kyoto is among the highlights of any Kyoto journey.
The market is a slender strip lined with over 100 retailers and stalls specializing in all issues associated to meals and native produce.
You may attempt Kyoto specialties, corresponding to Japanese sweets, pickles, contemporary seafood and sushi. Seize snack-size bites from quite a lot of meals stalls and gas your self for an additional huge day of your Kyoto Itinerary.
Morning: Shrines and Palaces
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Stroll, cycle, seize a taxi or a subway to achieve the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Earlier than the capital was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo, this was the residence of the imperial household till 1868. Situated contained in the huge Imperial Park, the advanced is enclosed by lengthy partitions and consists of a number of gates, halls and gardens.
You may go to the palace grounds both independently or on common English excursions. The grounds are huge and exquisite however only some of the rooms are open to the general public.
Kinkaku-ji Temple
Head northwest of the palace gardens to Kinkaku-ji Temple, often known as the Golden Pavilion. This Zen Buddhist temple is totally lined in gold leaf and overlooks a big pond and manicured gardens. Kinkakuji impressed the equally named Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), which might be present in Higashiyama district.
It’s burnt down quite a few instances all through Japanese historical past and rebuilt, with the current golden temple advanced courting again to 1955. Take the time to discover the temple grounds, together with the top priest’s former dwelling quarters (hojo) and the Sekkatei Teahouse.
Afternoon: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Head west of town to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. As one of many metropolis’s most recognizable sights, it is a must-see in your 2 days in Kyoto. You may entry it straight from the primary avenue of Arashiyama, a little bit to the north of the doorway to Tenryu-ji Temple, which you must also go to whilst you’re within the space.
There’s one primary path by means of the bamboo forest grove, which leads slowly uphill. The thick bamboo encloses the path on both aspect, forming extremely picturesque partitions of bamboo that you just’ve seemingly seen in your social media feed. When you attain the highest of the hill, you’ll see the doorway to the Okochi-Sanso Villa proper in entrance of you. That is additionally a pleasant place to go to with lovely gardens and an unbelievable view of town.
Tenryu-ji
Then, head over to Tenryu-ji, a serene Zen temple that includes teahouses and expansive gardens. It’s the top temple of the Tenryū-ji department of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism and can also be a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. It’s particularly lovely in Spring and Fall, when the cherry blossoms and Fall foliage come alive.
Sundown: Fushimi Inari Shrine
To complete off this 2 day Kyoto itinerary, we extremely advocate a sundown hike to Fushimi Inari Taisha. This is among the most well-known shrines in Kyoto, so will probably be busy it doesn’t matter what time of the day. However, sundown is usually a lot quieter, and we discovered that it will get much less busy the upper you go up the mountain.
To succeed in it, take the JR Nara Line and get off on the Fushimi Inari Station.
The shrine is legendary for 1000’s of torii gates, which straddle the paths behind the primary temple buildings that lead into the forest of Mount Inari. It’s thought of an important shrine devoted to Inari, the Shinto god of rice.
Behind the shrine’s primary corridor is the doorway to the torii gate-covered mountain climbing path. The pilgrimage to the summit of Mount Inari takes about 1-2 hours (return). For those who’re not eager on an extended stroll at sundown, you possibly can stroll as much as the Yotsutsuji intersection roughly midway up the mountain. This spot provides views of the attractive metropolis of Kyoto and provides a very good different for many who don’t wish to stroll up all the best way. Don’t fear, the views on the high don’t get higher, so that you gained’t be lacking out by not making it to the highest.
Different Issues to Do in Kyoto:
When you’ve got greater than 2 days in Kyoto, there’s lots extra so as to add to your itinerary. A number of further days provides you with the chance so as to add some conventional foods and drinks experiences and cultural actions to your listing.
Listed here are some suggestions to fill in your time for 3+ days within the metropolis.
Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
For foodie vacationers, this brewery and museum tour in Kyoto is a good way to dive into the normal sake tradition. This tour consists of an introduction to sake making and a guided tasting paired with conventional Japanese snacks.
Discover Fushimi Sake Village
The Fushimi Sake District is a standard sake brewing district alongside the Horikawa River in southern Kyoto. House to almost 40 sake breweries, it’s the proper place to delve into the tradition of sake. A number of of the breweries are open to the general public, and a few retailers provide an opportunity to style and buy their merchandise, in addition to have a chew to eat.
Samurai and Ninja Museum
Situated proper in downtown Kyoto, the Samurai and Ninja Museum is the enjoyable exercise for many who are touring with children. The museum options Edo-period armour and sword shows, together with family-friendly directions to warrior abilities. Guests can gown up as samurai, throw ninja stars, use a blow gun and take a look at archery.
On the lookout for a extra genuine samurai expertise? Head to Kuma Valley!
Ryōan-ji Temple
Situated not removed from Kinkaku-ji Temple or Golden Pavilion, this Fifteenth-century Buddhist temple and UNESCO World Heritage Web site can also be value a go to. It’s residence to considered one of Japan’s most well-known rock gardens, together with some mild strolling paths beside a pond and the temple’s primary buildings.
Kyoto Tower
When you’ve got some spare time in your two days in Kyoto, head to Kyoto Tower, an remark tower proper within the middle of town close to Kyoto Station. The metal tower is the tallest construction in Kyoto, with its remark deck at 100 meters (330 ft) and its spire at 131 meters (425 ft).
You may admire panoramic views from the highest and even get pleasure from a romantic dinner at Kyoto Tower Restaurant. Final admission to the remark deck is 8.30pm, so we advocate visiting within the night round sundown time.
Conventional Tea Ceremony
A standard tea ceremony is a vital expertise for any tea lover in Kyoto. Be taught in regards to the historic ritual in one of many conventional teahouses dotted across the metropolis, study to make matcha, and style it paired with numerous sweets and snacks.
You may do that Tea Ceremony and Machiya Townhouse Tour or Traditional Tea Ceremony at Jotokuji Temple for a beautiful expertise throughout your Kyoto itinerary.
