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Whether you’re into exploring temples, wandering through hidden alleys, or just relaxing at a cozy cafe, this 3-day Kyoto itinerary has you covered for an unforgettable trip to beautiful Kyoto!
Kyoto is one of those bucket list destinations that truly lives up to its hype, and a stop that you should undoubtedly be adding to your Tokyo itinerary.
Walking through the Gion district feels like stepping into another world, wandering through the temples feels surreal, and spotting a real-life Geisha will leave you starstruck—it just happens, don’t ask me why.
With over a thousand and a half temples and shrines to visit, countless charming alleys to wander, unique shops to explore, and cozy coffee shops to visit in Kyoto, planning a first trip to Japan’s historic temple city can feel overwhelming.
But after living in Osaka for over three months, and visiting Kyoto multiple times, I have narrowed it down in this 3-day Kyoto itinerary to include the must-see sights, sprinkled with some slow travel moments to get a better feel of the city and build some unique memories during your first time in Kyoto.
Without further ado, let’s get to it. Here is the ultimate Kyoto 3-day itinerary to see the best of the city in 3 days!
The Ultimate Kyoto 3-Day Itinerary: What To Do, See, And Eat
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Where to stay in Kyoto for first-time visitors?
First things first, where to stay in Kyoto as a first-time visitor for an efficient 3-day itinerary?
The city spreads far and wide, with many incredible areas to explore.
However, since you are only here for 3 days, you will want to stay somewhere central to guarantee you can make the most of each day and be close to all the action.
Staying somewhere central in Kyoto means staying in the historic Gion district, for the unique atmosphere, or somewhere between Pontocho Alley and Nishiki Market, to be in the center of it all, surrounded by cafes and restaurants.
We opted for Gion because we wanted to stay in a more traditional accommodation, and while we had to walk a bit more to find food and coffee shops we considered it worth the effort because we loved our cozy Japanese home.
And if you know me, you know I would never mind an extra hundred steps to find good food or coffee.
The place felt modern yet authentic, and I am still dreaming of the bath to this day! I would highly recommend it.
Other well-located places to stay in Kyoto for first-time visitors:
- Affordable option: Laon Inn Gion Nawate
- Mid-range option: Gion Oyado Kikutani
- Luxury option: Ishibekoji Muan
Kyoto Day 1: Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Central Kyoto
For your first day in Kyoto, we are exploring some of the most significant areas in Central Kyoto, such as the Gion district, Nishiki Market, and Pontocho Alley.
But first, we need to make our way out of Central Kyoto to try to beat the crowds and get the best view from Kiyomizu-dera.
Quick breakfast at 7-Eleven
There are so many incredible cafes in Kyoto to have breakfast at, but in the name of efficiency, the best way to have breakfast and beat the crowds at Kyoto’s main attractions is to head over to 7-Eleven for a quick bite.
If you have read my 2 days in Tokyo itinerary, you will know by now that I am a big fan of 7-Eleven breakfast. It is without a doubt the most affordable, convenient, hassle-free breakfast option to have in Japan.
Especially since lots of places don’t open until 10 or even 11 am, so if you want to be out early and need something to eat, 7-Eleven is the place to go.
Stop to admire Kyoto’s iconic Hokan-ji Temple (that famous pagoda)
As you make your way to Kiyomizu-dera you will notice right ahead of you a familiar sight, the iconic pagoda of Kyoto, officially known as Yasaka Pagoda, and part of the Hokan-ji Temple. A non-negotiable sight on your 3-day Kyoto itinerary.
And while you are already here earlier in the day, is worth it to take the time to get the photos that you want. Since it will definitely be more crowded by the time you come back down from Kiyomizu-dera.
If you’re interested in getting a closer look at Yasaka Pagoda, you can visit and admire its architecture and fading paintings up close. Tickets cost around 3 USD.
Morning exploring one of the must-visit temples in Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera
With over one and a half thousand temples and shrines in Kyoto, deciding which ones to add to your 3 day Kyoto itinerary can seem incredibly intimidating.
But even on a tight schedule, Kiyomizu-dera should be one of the temples that make it into the list.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of Kyoto’s most iconic spots, known for its unique location, perched on a mountainside, and the incredible views over the city that this offers. Especially during cherry blossom season, and during autumn, when you can get an amazing view over the colorful changing leaves.
The way to Kiyomizu-dera is a bit of a hike, not too crazy, but it is still an uphill path. However, it is lined with souvenir shops and casual eateries, where you can stop to take a break or grab a snack if needed.
The temple is open from 6 am-6 pm, and according to my research you cannot book tickets online, you have to buy them on-site—which is what we did.
You will probably spend around 2 hours inside if you slowly walk through it and take time to enjoy the gardens and the view.
Similar to Hokan-ji Temple, the earlier you go in the day the less crowded it will be.
We were leaving around midday and the number of tour buses arriving was overwhelming. This is why I think is better to tick this off the list as early in the day as possible.
Pick-me-up matcha at Gokago
If you are in need of a pick-me-up—and even if you are not—I highly recommend stopping at Gokago on your way back down, for one of the best matcha lattes in Kyoto!
I didn’t know about Gokago until I walked past the shop on the way back from the temple and—as with many things in Japan—it caught my attention due to the amount of people lining up for it.
So I went to investigate.
Gokago is known for its rich and unique matcha drinks. Ranging from your typical matcha latte to matcha affogatos with matcha ice cream, and even matcha donuts.
The matcha is thick, an incredible shade of green, and so so delicious!
A fun feature of this modern Japanese sweet shop is the demonstration. After ordering your drink you are invited to come closer to the counter to see how your matcha is prepared right in front of you. It’s fascinating!
Here you can also purchase different matcha products, such as bowls, whisks, and different matcha powders. Perfect for some souvenir shopping!
Wander the streets of the historic Gion district
While you slowly make your way towards lunch, you will inevitably walk through the historic Gion district, our next stop.
Gion is Kyoto’s most famous Geisha district, and while most people come here hoping to see one, the area is worth visiting in its own right.
This popular area of Kyoto is filled with shops, restaurants, and tea houses, all set inside traditional wooden Machiya houses.
Make sure to walk along the busy Hanamikoji Street, and admire the shops’ facades, as well as peaking in through the side alleys—you never know what you might find.
If you happen to be a lucky visitor who gets to see Geisha, please be mindful and respectful, as they don’t like to be photographed.
Lunch at Tonkotsu Ramen Zururu
After all that walking around, up and down, you must be starving. So for lunch, I am taking you somewhere good!
We came across Ramen Zururu, an unassuming ramen restaurant, by pure luck, but it immediately became our go-to spot for a quick lunch or dinner in Kyoto.
The ramen is Tonkotsu style, with a rich, cozy broth that tastes incredibly fresh and homemade, every single time—believe me, we were there often.
You can customize it by adding more sesame seeds, ginger, garlic, and even ramen sauce. It’s just amazing, and you have to try it!
Snack-tasting and souvenir-shopping at Nishiki Market
An unmissable stop in any Kyoto itinerary is the famous Nishiki Market, also known as Kyoto’s Kitchen.
Nishiki Market is a narrow street that extends over five blocks and is packed with more than one hundred stands. Selling everything from fresh produce to crab meat skewers, tempura, tamagoyaki, traditional sweets, tea leaves by the bulk, and more.
It’s the perfect place to dive into the local culture, and its cuisine, and feel part of its everyday life as locals come to buy produce or a quick snack on the way home.
At Nishiki Market, you will also find a few kitchenware shops, which are perfect for buying practical souvenirs that you will actually use at home, such as wooden bowls and ceramic mugs.
One of my favorite things to buy here is the ridiculously adorable ceramic chopstick holders. Particularly the food-themed ones. They are just so cute!
Shops to visit in and around Nishiki Market:
- Den on the table: Cute ceramic shop selling all sorts of homeware items, from plates to ramen bowls and soy sauce dispensers.
Address: 537-1 Nakanocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8046, Japan - Yoshimune Knives: A small basement shop specializing in Japanese kitchen knives. Get one, they are life-changing!
Address: Japan, 〒604-8042 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Nakanocho, 537-1 B1F - Tanaka Keiran: A popular shop selling freshly made tamagoyaki, a Japanese rolled omelet. An easy snack for picky eaters.
Address: Japan, 〒604-8055 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, 富小路西入東魚屋町185
While you’re in the area, don’t miss the nearby Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine, with its unique torii gate that stands out right in the middle of the bustling shopping district.
Explore the charming Pontocho Alley
Let’s slowly make our way to a closing evening drink. And since there is no time to waste, we can make it there while sightseeing, as we are now very close to another must-see spot on your Kyoto itinerary—the famous Pontocho Alley.
Pontocho is one of the most beautiful streets in Kyoto, charming at any time of day, but it truly comes alive at night, with locals heading to dinner and geishas making their way to the tea houses.
This lively street, running parallel to the Kamo River, is also known for its beautifully preserved traditional Japanese architecture and the many restaurants lining its narrow path.
The main attraction here—besides hoping to spot a geisha—is dining, which we will save for tomorrow. For now, you can stroll along the alley and admire the unique Japanese architecture before we head to our next stop.
Evening drink at The House of KI NO BI
This one will be a must in your itinerary if you are a cocktail drinker and, if like me, you are a gin fan.
To finish off the first day of our 3 days in Kyoto itinerary we are visiting The House of KI NO BI, the elegant bar of the Kyoto-based gin distillery of the same name.
The house of KI NO BI is a beautiful gin bar housed in a renovated machiya (a traditional wooden townhouse), serving incredible gin-based cocktails.
The place is elegant without being pretentious, with most things sourced locally, from the pieces of furniture to the fabrics to even the wallpaper. The whole place has an upscale Japanese vibe to it. Classy and minimalistic.
And what’s even more important, the drinks are incredible! I couldn’t help myself and I ordered a Negroni, and it might be one of the best ones I have ever had!
Casual dinner at Ramen Zundouya
If you feel like you could use a late-night snack before heading home to rest, fear not, Ramen Zundouya is the perfect spot for a quick bite to sober up.
This casual eatery might be called a ramen restaurant, but my favorite things to have here are the gyozas and the fried rice—I told you, perfect for after-drinks.
One of the best things—and the reason that we ended up here a few times—is that they are open until 3 am most days and until 6 am on Friday and Saturday(!).
A great spot to have in mind for those late-night cravings.
So, bon appetit, and see you tomorrow!
Kyoto Day 2: Fushimi Inari + more Kyoto exploring
For your second day in Kyoto, you will be heading a little bit out of the city, to explore another unmissable spot in your 3 day Kyoto itinerary—the magical Fushimi Inari!
Breakfast at 7- Eleven
You know the drill. If you want to avoid the crowds as much as possible, the key is to wake up early, before all the tour buses arrive—which happens at around 10 am.
And with not much open before 10 am, it means it’s time for another Japanese 7-Eleven breakfast! Yay!
I could honestly eat at 7-Eleven every day.
Consider getting some water bottles and snacks—my favorite convenient snack is the tuna-mayo onigiri—since visiting Fushimi Inari involves a bit of hiking and you might need the fuel later on.
Morning exploring the iconic Fushimi Inari
This iconic Kyoto Shinto Shrine is one of those non-negotiable items in any 3-day Kyoto itinerary.
Fushimi Inari is a famous shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice, and is the most important Shinto Shrine in Japan dedicated to this deity. The fox is believed to be the messenger of Inari, which is why you will also find a few fox statues throughout the Shrine grounds, as well as adorable fox-themed souvenirs.
With its thousands of vibrant Torii gates, Fushimi Inari is one of the most recognizable images of Japan and one that undoubtedly lives up to expectations.
You can quite literally walk for hours under tunnels of Torii gates. It feels very surreal!
The whole Mt. Inari loop takes around 3 hours to complete, however, you can also do a smaller part of it and turn around at any point.
Different from other temples and shrines, this one is open 24 hrs, so you can show up whenever you want.
However, the same rule applies to most tourist attractions, the earlier you arrive the bigger chance you have of finding it less crowded.
Or in this case, if you arrive even a little bit later, but commit to walking further in, you can still manage to avoid crowds as many tourists just come to check out the initial area, take photos, and then leave.
Brunch at Ogawa Coffee
Now, after that early morning, and probably a lot of walking at Fushimi Inari, it’s time to head back to the city for some well-deserved brunch. And one of my favorite brunch-y spots in Kyoto is Ogawa Coffee.
Ogawa Coffee is a sleek-looking cafe with delicious coffee and an extensive food menu, that includes one of the best sandwiches I have ever had—their Kujo green onion and shirasu egg sandwich.
I know what you might be thinking, “I didn’t come to Japan to try sandwiches”, and you might have a point, however, sandwiches in Japan are something else. And the ones at Ogawa Coffee are some of my favorite ones.
Just trust me and order the egg sandwich. It’s so good! It comes with a small dipping bowl with thick olive oil. *chefs kiss*
Perfect post-hike brunch if you ask me.
Besides the incredible food, the space is also beautiful. All elegant and modern at the front, and cozy Japanese zen garden at the back, so make sure to ask if it’s possible to sit in the back room.
Afternoon exploring the center of Kyoto
Option to go back to the hotel and take a nap post-brunch. We definitely did.
As I am a big fan of slow traveling, I don’t particularly like to overpack my schedule.
Some days is nice to go all full-on tourist mode, and other days I like to leave time to just wander the city and go in whichever direction I feel like at that moment.
So after brunch—and a possible rest—I would recommend doing just that.
You can walk around the streets of central Kyoto, and explore the boutique shops, or pop by other cute coffee shops in the area.
You could go back to Nishiki market to keep on shopping or get lost inside Loft, one of my favorite shops. It’s like a mature, aesthetic, organized version of the popular and chaotic Don Quijote.
Or, if you are more of a go-go-go kind of traveler, this is the perfect afternoon to book some kind of fun activity in Kyoto!
Like a traditional tea ceremony with a breathtaking view of a Japanese garden.
Enjoy a drink with a one-of-a-kind view at K36 Rooftop Bar
To wrap up your day with a bang, head to K36 Rooftop Bar and enjoy a drink with one of the best views in Kyoto—the Yasaka Pagoda rising above Gion.
For extra magical points make sure to get there early enough to catch the sunset.
I know this might be a bit of a walk from where you spent your afternoon, however, I cannot imagine a better way to end the day.
Dinner at Torisuke Yakitori
After that magical sunset drink is time for some food.
For dinner, walk back to Gion to stuff yourself with tasty yakitori at a small spot we stumbled upon—Torisuke Yakitori.
Torisuke Yakitori is a no-frills spot popular with locals, where friends gather for highballs and to enjoy, what seems like, half the menu.
I’m not super adventurous when it comes to yakitori, so I was a big fan of their chicken breast yakitori as well as their fried chicken, and the bacon-wrapped asparagus.
They close at 3:30 am according to their Google Maps, so you know they will have dinner even after a night out.
Kyoto Day 3: Exploring Arashiyama
For our last day of the 3 day Kyoto itinerary, we will be exploring one of the most popular areas in Kyoto, the incredibly picturesque Arashiyama and its bamboo forest, plus other fun spots in the area.
Quick early-morning breakfast at 7-Eleven
You know it! Another day, another quick breakfast at 7-Eleven. Especially if you want to make it to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest before the overwhelming crowds arrive.
I have a good brunch spot for later, located in the heart of Arashiyama, so you might be fine with just a light breakfast to keep you going.
Early morning at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
I know I keep saying that you need to arrive early to most attractions to avoid the crowds, and in the case of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, I MEAN IT.
I had been waiting all my life to see this, and I was not about to get it ruined by elbowing my way through the crowds. So we set our alarms for 5 am and arrived at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove by 7 am to find it nearly empty. And for me, it was worth it!
When we arrived, there were maybe five other people, and slowly but surely more people showed up. By 9 am it was hard to get a picture without anyone in the back.
Even if you take the photography part aside, it is so peaceful to be able to walk through the incredibly popular forest nearly empty.
The iconic Bamboo Grove is not the only thing to do in Arashiyama. Make sure to wander all the grounds and make it to the stunning Ogura Pond, walk the Arashiyama Park trails, and enjoy the view from the park’s Observation Deck.
Coffee at one of the most scenic coffee shops in the world: % Arabica by the Katsura River
It would not be my itinerary if it didn’t include specific coffee shop stops. And this one, I am very excited about!
% Arabica is a Japanese specialty coffee chain that is actually from Kyoto (!). This feels like my very own version of catching Pokemon.
The vibe is minimalistic and elegant, with white walls and gold details. The coffee is strong and prepared to perfection.
And what is even better, they are open from 9 am—which is rare for coffee shops in Japan. Making it the perfect pit spot after that early morning exploring the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
Besides being a sought-after coffee chain, this particular location of % Arabica has gained great popularity due to its unmatched scenic spot right next to the Katsura River in Arashiyama.
So make sure to stop by for a delicious coffee—my favorite is their Kyoto latte—and enjoy the gorgeous view!
Visit the beautiful Tenryu-ji Temple
Since you are already out and about, let’s keep exploring Arashiyama, and make your way to Tenryu-ji Temple.
Tenryu-ji Temple is a Zen temple nearby, with stunning gardens featuring a pond, lush trees, and the surrounding mountains. It’s also one of the most important temples in the Arashiyama district.
One of my favorite parts about the temple is one of the halls with beautiful tatami mats all over it, where you are allowed to enter—without shoes obviously—and sit down to enjoy the stunning view of the pond and the trees through the hall’s open walls.
This right here feels like a very Kyoto moment to me.
An unmissable spot to add to your 3-day Kyoto itinerary as is very easy to get to from Arashiyama’s central station, and the Bamboo Forest.
Brunch at Bread, Espresso, And Arashiyama Garden
Now that you have checked the main things to do in Arashiyama off your list, it is time for some actual food, and luckily you don’t have to go far.
If you started your day as early, or nearly as early, as we did, it should still be before midday by the time you are done with your visit to Tenryu-ji Temple, which means, it’s still brunch territory.
Make your way to Bread, Espresso, and Arashiyama Garden for a hearty meal set inside a striking 210-year-old thatched-roof house, where both the exterior and interior of the house are equally impressive.
The menu consists of a Japanese version of brunch items, tasty paninis, the unique Japanese fruit sandwich, and some toast variations. The food is good, and the place and the experience just make it so much better!
Plus, it is very conveniently located for a morning spent exploring Arashiyama. So I would highly recommend stopping by!
Afternoon options:
A) Keep exploring Arashiyama: Kinkaku-ji Temple or Arashiyama Monkey Park
If you are more of a go-go-go traveler, then this one is for you.
Other things that you might be interested in visiting in Arashiyama include the Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavillion) and/or Arashiyama Monkey Park.
We didn’t make it to the Kinkaku-ji Temple, mostly because we were exhausted and wanted to go home and rest. But I also heard that you cannot go close to the temple, you merely see it from across the pond and take a photo.
So the effort of catching public transport to make it there didn’t seem worth the effort with our energy level at the time.
Arashiyama Monkey Park is another popular attraction in the area, which might be worth a visit if cute monkeys are your thing.
B) Rest and explore Central Kyoto
As I have said before, I am a very chilled slow traveler, and if I am exhausted, I will shamelessly go back to the hotel and take a nap. Because I’ve learned that no matter how much I want to see everything, it won’t make for a great travel memory if I spend the whole day tired and in a bad mood.
So when visiting Arashiyama Bambo Forest at 7 am we definitely opted for afternoon option B.
After spending some time at the hotel resting, we went back out to walk other streets of Central Kyoto that we hadn’t walked the day before.
We took our time stopping by the shops for one last time and picked up some last-minute souvenirs.
Dinner at Gyukatsu Kyoto Pontocho
For your last night in Kyoto, we have to end it on a high note, and that is why you should head to Gyukatsu Kyoto in Pontocho, for one of the best meals of your life!
While you might know about Tonkatsu—Japanese breaded deep-fried pork—you might not know about Gyakatsu, which is the same, but with beef. The invention of Gyukatsu Kyoto.
Gyukatsu Kyoto is a native restaurant of Kyoto, but I noticed that it was also popular in other Japanese cities we lived in, and that is how we finally tried it in Kyoto. Which I’m so happy we did, and at the same time sad we didn’t try it sooner!
The menu consists of mostly different cuts of beef that you get to choose from for your Gyukatsu. This meal might be a little bit more expensive than the others you had on your trip, but believe me, it is definitely worth it!
It is also a bit of a foodie experience, as the meat is served with a hot stone where you get to cook to your liking.
The beef is just delicious and accompanied with wasabi, which is so unique, and such a core foodie memory of my time in Japan.
Sake by the Kamo river
For another core Kyoto memory, let’s stop by a liquor shop for some personal-size sake bottles, and make your way to the grassy area of the Kamo River.
We did this on the last night of our last trip to Kyoto, and it’s just such a movie-like memory in my brain.
I believe this is such a special way to end a 3-day Kyoto itinerary, and you can always cheer for a trip back to this stunning and magical city.
I hope this 3-day Kyoto itinerary has helped you prepare for your trip, highlighting all the must-see sights as well as some great spots for food and coffee for the ultimate Kyoto trip.
What is the first thing you cannot wait to do when arriving in Kyoto? Let us know in the comments.