Complete Kyoto Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Kyoto

Day 1 in Kyoto

Higashiyama-ku (Sanneizaka and Ninenzaka)

Your 3-day Kyoto itinerary starts in Higashiyama, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved parts of the city. With its traditional wooden houses and narrow lanes, the neighborhood still preserves much of the charm of old Japan.

I recommend getting to Sannenzaka early in the morning to see the streets slowly waking up. Exploring this area is one of the best things to do in Kyoto, with plenty of cafes, souvenir shops, and historical landmarks to discover along the way.

Ninenzaka is another famous street you shouldn’t miss. It’s the perfect place to capture that iconic Kyoto postcard photo. You’ll also find the famous Starbucks here, set inside a traditional Japanese house with tatami seating.

The cafe is quite touristy, and finding a seat can be difficult, but there are plenty of other traditional cafes and tea houses nearby. Kasagiya is one of them, and I definitely recommend taking a break here during your visit to Higashiyama.

Hōkan-ji Temple

From Ninenzaka, head to Hōkan-ji Temple, one of the most iconic and photographed landmarks in Kyoto. It appears in almost every Kyoto travel guide, and legend has it that its original construction was inspired by a dream.

Also known as Yasaka-no-to, the temple features a 46-meter-tall, five-story pagoda dating back to 589. It has been reconstructed several times over the centuries after suffering damage.

Additional tip! Just outside the temple, you’ll find Yasaka Koshindo, a small and picturesque Buddhist temple known for its colorful kukurizaru. These little fabric balls represent the wishes of worshippers and make for some lovely photos.

Kōdai-ji Temple

Next, make your way to Kōdai-ji Temple. I recommend taking the picturesque Ishibei-koji Lane along the way, one of the cutest little streets in Kyoto and worth a stop for a few photos.

Dating back to 1606, Kōdai-ji is a beautiful temple complex built by Nene in memory of her husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan’s most important historical figures. Nene is also buried here.

The complex is a lovely place to explore traditional Japanese architecture and spirituality. You’ll find beautiful Zen gardens, traditional tea houses, and even a small bamboo grove reminiscent of Arashiyama.

Gion Duck Noodles

I first came across this restaurant on Instagram and kept seeing it all over my feed, so I had to try it for myself. And honestly, it lived up to the hype! The place is called 🦆🍜, and yes, the entire menu is written in emojis, which makes ordering quite an experience.

It’s a relatively new restaurant in Kyoto, but it’s already very popular. As you can guess, the specialty is duck noodles in broth, although there are several other dishes on the menu. We decided to try two versions: one with the full duck and another with just the breast.

The main difference was the broth. The full duck version was much richer and more flavorful, while the one with duck breast was lighter and more refreshing.

The noodles are handmade and taste amazing. I also loved how carefully each dish was presented. The staff are clearly proud of their food and are happy to explain what you’re about to try.

A little warning: queues are pretty common in Kyoto, and this restaurant is no exception. I arrived right at opening time and still ended up waiting around 30 minutes. The place is tiny, and there were already people waiting outside. Was it worth it? Absolutely!

Yasaka Shrine

After a nice lunch break, continue your 3-day Kyoto itinerary with another historic landmark, Yasaka Shrine, also known as Gion Shrine. This Shinto shrine dates back to 656 AD and is one of the most famous in the city.

If you’re visiting during cherry blossom season, the area gets particularly lively. You’ll find plenty of food stalls around the shrine, and it’s a great opportunity to grab some local street food and enjoy a picnic under the cherry trees.

Gion

Now it’s time to explore Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district and one of the most picturesque parts of the city. The neighborhood is full of traditional machiya merchant houses, many of which now host restaurants, tea houses, and small shops.

Gion is also a lovely place to rent a kimono and experience a little more of Japanese culture. Take a walk along Hanami-koji Street to discover its traditional boutiques, or head to Shinbashi-dori to enjoy the beautiful streets and river views.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, stop by the famous Gion Komori and try some traditional matcha desserts. Just be prepared for a queue! Wandering around Gion is easily one of the highlights of spending 72 hours in Kyoto.

And if your feet are getting tired, you can always book a rickshaw tour and explore the charming streets from a different perspective.

Pontocho

Pontocho is one of Kyoto’s most famous dining streets, packed with restaurants, bars, and little hidden spots. It’s a great place to spend the evening, and you’ll find plenty of options, whether you’re looking for casual Japanese food or something more upscale.

One of the most famous restaurants here is Kichi Kichi Omurice, known for its entertaining chef and signature omurice. However, getting a table isn’t easy, and reservations usually need to be made well in advance.

If you’re looking for something more special, Pontocho is also home to some excellent fine dining restaurants. Enen is worth checking out if you want to try high-quality Wagyu beef.

For a truly unique evening, you can book a private dinner with a geisha and enjoy Japanese food while learning more about local traditions.

Another option is to join a food tour. This highly rated All-Inclusive 3-Hour Food and Culture Tour in Gion is a great way to discover local dishes and explore Kyoto’s food scene.

Day 2 in Kyoto

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

A perfect 3-day Kyoto itinerary for first-timers should include the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Located in the western part of the city, it features a walking path through a bamboo forest, with tall bamboo plants growing on both sides.

The forest is free to visit and open 24 hours a day. I recommend arriving early in the morning to avoid the crowds. You can get there by taking the JR train to Saga-Arashiyama Station, followed by a short walk. Taking a bus is another option.

While you’re in the area, visit Okochi Sanso Garden. It’s located just beyond the bamboo path and is worth adding to your itinerary. Finding the entrance to the bamboo path can be a little confusing, so here’s the exact location to put into Google Maps.

Sagano Scenic Train 

From the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, walk to Saga-Arashiyama Station and hop on the Sagano Scenic Train. This scenic railway takes you through the mountains along the Hozugawa River, with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

The scenery changes with the seasons, so the ride is worth taking throughout the year. In spring, you’ll see cherry blossoms along the route. Autumn brings shades of red, orange, and gold, while summer is all about green forests. In winter, you might even catch the mountains covered in snow.

The ride isn’t particularly long, but it’s a nice way to see another side of Kyoto. You can book your Sagano Scenic Train tickets online here.

At the final station, you can either take the train back towards Saga-Arashiyama or spend some time exploring the area before returning to Kyoto.

Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)

On your way back to the city center, make a stop at Kinkakuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks. Also known as the Golden Pavilion, the temple is covered in gold leaf and stands beside a large pond where you can see its reflection in the water.

The original temple dates back to 1397, but it was destroyed by fire several times. The current building was reconstructed in 1955 and remains one of the most recognizable sights in Kyoto.

Allow some time to walk around the temple grounds and enjoy the views from different angles. At the end of the walking path, you’ll also find a traditional tea house where you can sit down for matcha and a Japanese sweet.

Menbaka Fire Ramen

After a day of sightseeing, it’s time to find something good to eat. If you’re looking for something different, add Menbaka Fire Ramen to your Kyoto itinerary. This restaurant is known for its unusual way of serving ramen, with a burst of flames poured over your bowl just before it’s served.

The ramen itself is made with a flavorful broth and plenty of green onions, which are one of the main ingredients in this dish. But the real highlight is watching the staff set the bowl on fire. It’s not something you see every day!

The restaurant has been serving ramen since 1984 and has become a popular stop. The owner is also known for his hospitality and even shares a little guidebook with recommendations for exploring Kyoto if you are not a local.

Keep in mind that there can be a queue, especially during busy hours. However, the food and the experience make it worth a visit.

Nijō Castle

A short distance from Menbaka Fire Ramen, you’ll find Nijō Castle, another important stop to include in your 3-day Kyoto sightseeing itinerary. Built in 1603, the castle served as the residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

After the end of the shogunate, the castle became an imperial property before being donated to the city of Kyoto and opened to the public.

The complex consists of several areas, including the main castle buildings, defensive walls, moats, and beautiful gardens. It’s a good place to see traditional Japanese architecture and explore the grounds.

If you’re visiting during cherry blossom season, look out for the NAKED exhibition. The event features illuminated cherry blossoms and light displays throughout the castle grounds.

Toji

A short bus ride from Nijō Castle takes you to Toji Temple, another landmark worth including in your 3-day Kyoto tour itinerary.

Built in the late 8th century, it was one of two temples guarding the entrance to Kyoto when the city became Japan’s capital. The West Temple no longer exists, but Toji is still standing and is now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The temple is best known for its five-story pagoda. At 55 meters tall, it’s the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan and one of Kyoto’s most recognizable landmarks. It was originally built to house Buddhist relics.

Another highlight is the Kondo Main Hall, the largest building in the complex. It houses several Buddhist statues and features a mix of Japanese and Indian architectural influences.

The interior of the pagoda is usually closed to visitors, but it occasionally opens for special events. If you happen to visit during one of these openings, it’s worth taking a look inside.

 鉄板酒場ひろし

For dinner, I want to recommend a local gem I stumbled upon during my trip to Japan.  鉄板酒場ひろし is a modern izakaya that serves local specialties in a casual setting.

The cook prepares your meal right in front of you and takes particular pride in the locally sourced beef. If you enjoy meat, it’s definitely worth trying. You can also choose from a good selection of sake and other spirits.

Day 3 in Kyoto

Fushimi Inari

Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the most famous landmarks in Kyoto and a place you shouldn’t miss during your visit. It’s best known for its thousands of red torii gates that line the walking trails up Mount Inari.

As you can imagine, it’s also one of the busiest attractions in the city. I recommend arriving early in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds and take photos without too many people around.

The shrine complex is much larger than most visitors realize. Many people only explore the main area and leave, but the trails continue up the mountain. If you’re willing to hike further, you’ll find quieter sections with far fewer visitors.

Allow a good part of the morning to explore the shrine and climb some of the trails. You can easily spend a few hours here before taking the train back to central Kyoto.

Nishiki Market

If you enjoy Japanese food, Nishiki Market is a must-visit in Kyoto. Known as the city’s kitchen, this covered shopping street stretches across five blocks and is home to more than 100 shops and restaurants.

You’ll find all kinds of Japanese food here, from local specialties and freshly prepared snacks to traditional sweets and ingredients. It’s a good place to try something new, pick up a few souvenirs, or simply walk around and see what the local shops have to offer.

The streets around the market are also worth exploring if you enjoy shopping. There are plenty of clothing stores, small boutiques, and vintage shops in the area.

Where to eat at Nishiki Market?

Nishiki Market is often described by tourists as a tourist trap, and it’s not hard to see why. Many restaurants in the area have poor reviews or charge high prices for what they offer. However, there are still a few exceptions worth finding if you know where to look.

If you haven’t tried sushi or sashimi yet, stop by Kimura Fresh Fish. It’s a simple fish stall where you can order directly from the seller and enjoy your food at one of the small tables nearby. Don’t expect a fancy restaurant, as the focus here is on fresh fish and good food.

My partner ordered a selection of sashimi with different cuts of tuna and salmon, along with a plate of sushi. He said it was some of the best sushi he’d ever had! If you’re not a fan of raw fish like me, you can also order grilled fish prepared on the spot.

Seating is very limited, so you might have to wait for a table. If you prefer a more traditional restaurant setting, our guide recommended 錦 鮨しん for sushi.

For something sweet, stop by Sawawa Japanese Matcha Sweets. The shop is known for its matcha desserts, especially the ice cream. You can also visit the café or pick up some matcha souvenirs to take home.

Tea Ceremony

If you want to learn more about Japanese traditions, a tea ceremony is a lovely experience to include in your Kyoto itinerary. We booked ours in advance, and I’d recommend doing the same. You can book your tea ceremony experience here.

The ceremony takes place in a traditional Japanese setting, where your hosts will introduce you to the art of preparing and serving matcha. It’s also a chance to slow down and take a break from the busy streets of Kyoto.

If you’re visiting during peak season, make sure to book ahead. These experiences can fill up quickly, especially during the busiest travel months.

Kiyomizu-Dera

For your last evening in Kyoto, head to Kiyomizu-dera Temple via the picturesque streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. The temple is famous for its large wooden stage, which stands 13 meters above the hillside.

Once you reach the entrance, you’ll need to walk uphill to explore the temple grounds. Take your time to look around and enjoy the details of the architecture. You’ll also get a lovely view of the nearby Koyasu Pagoda.

Spring and autumn are particularly beautiful times to visit. Cherry blossoms and colorful maple leaves surround the temple, and special evening illuminations are held during these seasons.

K36 (The Bar & Rooftop)

If you’re looking for a nice place to end your trip, K36 is a great choice for your last dinner in Japan. The restaurant serves international dishes prepared with quality ingredients, with a menu that offers something for different tastes.

The setting is elegant, but the real highlight is the terrace overlooking Hokan-ji Temple and the old streets of Kyoto. K36 also has an extensive selection of local and international spirits, wines, and champagne.