3 Perfect Days in Kyoto: The Ultimate Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Three days in Kyoto is the perfect amount of time to experience the entire city. Kyoto is packed with ancient temples, shrines, and local markets at every corner.

I found that the best way to explore this city was to wake up early to visit the shrines before it got too hot, then to recharge at our hotel for a few hours before going out again to explore the city. Kyoto is a huge tourist destination so the shrines did get busy with both local school groups and foreigners. The school year in Japan runs from January to December so despite visiting early summer we still found ourselves surrounded by field trip groups.

– Day One –

Starting off strong visit Kiyomizu-dera temple. You can either take a bus to get there or a taxi for a more direct route. We took a taxi just because for the three of us it was the same price. You will have to walk up a long shopping street to the first part of the shrine which is a Pagoda.

Once you’re done exploring the path you can go ahead and buy your entrance ticket for 400 yen and enter the actual Kiyomizu-Dera temple, also known as the cliff side temple.

Three hands holding illustrated blue admission tickets with an image of the Kiyomizu-dera Temple pagoda, in front of the temple gate.

A woman with blonde hair stands at a wooden balcony, gazing at the main hall of Kiyomizu-dera perched over a forested hillside.

Inside there are a few walking paths, another pagoda, and lots of smaller shrines. There is also a small restaurant that sells some really good shaved ice that makes the perfect quick snack!

Next, make a right at the temple exit and walk down Sannezaka Street. Here you can buy all kinds of traditional spices, try Matcha, and shop. We also ate lunch at the famous Park Hyatt Kyoto which offered some more pricey but super good meals.

When you get to the end of the street, you can see the Yakasa Pagoda. You can’t go in but you can walk around the base.

Then stop at the Chion-in temple and the Shoren-in Temple and tea house.

Finish off the day at the Nikishi Fish Market where you can try all kinds of local delicacies and sample local sake.

– Day Two –

Take the train over to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. I suggest getting there as early as possible to avoid the crowds. Walk around a bit and explore the nearby pond and then visit the Okochi Sanso Garden.

A woman in a white dress walks alone down the serene path of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, surrounded by tall green bamboo on both sides.

A view looking upward at the towering green bamboo stalks of Arashiyama Grove, forming a natural tunnel above

These gardens have some of the most beautiful forest viewpoints as well as complementary traditional matcha at their tea house.

Then take a taxi over to the Kinkaku Golden Pavilion. The entrance costs 500 yen. This temple is always busy so be ready for lots of tourist groups and schools. Take your time exploring this one and the gardens surrounding the Pavilion.

Next, go over to Gion to explore the old geisha district and finish the night at Teppanyaki Manryu.

– Day Three –

Finish off the trip by hiking the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha. This world-famous spot holds over 10,000 red tori gates that spiral up Mt. Inari. We hiked to the top and it took us around two hours round trip. Make sure to wear appropriate clothing if you are planning on walking to the top; I wore cotton pants and this was NOT the move in the humidity.

That evening try joining a traditional tea-making ceremony and learn how to make matcha traditionally. We booked with MAIKOYA and it was all in all an amazing experience. You get to get all dressed up as well which just added to the fun.