2-Day Kyoto Itinerary
Welcome to Kyoto, a city where every street whispers the tales of ancient traditions, where time seems to stand still amidst the beauty of centuries-old temples and the tranquility of traditional tea houses. This meticulously crafted travel itinerary invites you to immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of Kyoto, where the past and present coalesce in a seamless dance of culture, history, and natural splendor.
Kyoto Itinerary
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Opening Hours: 24/7
Entry fee: free
Fushimi Inari Taisha, commonly known as Fushimi Inari Shrine, is one of Kyoto’s most popular destinations. It gained fame by have thousands of bright orange torii gates which line the pathways that scale the mountain side. Fushimi Inari Shrine is popular at all hours of the day, so if you want good photos of the beautiful torii gates, get there early, or be prepared to wait in line. Read more.
Shopping in Higashiyama
Higashiyama, located in the eastern part of Kyoto, is a district that embodies the traditional and historical charm of the city. This area is renowned for its well-preserved streets, ancient temples, and atmospheric surroundings, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
Kiyomizudera Temple
Opening Hours: 6:00am – 6:00pm (6:00am-6:30pmJuly-August) | Until 9:30pm in times of evening illumination festivals (Last entry at 9:00pm).
Entry fee: 400JPY
Kiyomizudera is one of the most reverred temples in Japan. Kiyomizudera temple translates to Pure Water Temple, as the temple was founded in the late 8th century near to Otowa Waterfall, which is fed from a spring on the hill Kiyomizudera temple was built upon. It’s a popular sightseeing spot in Japan, attracting millions to the temple grounds yearly as the temple offers unforgettable views and cultural experiences. Read more.
Heian Shrine
Opening Hours: 6:00am-5:30pm (Feb 15 – Mar 14, all October), 6:00am-6:00pm (Mar 15 – Sept End), 6:00am-5:00pm (1 Nov – Feb 14)
Entry fee: Free (600JPY For Heian Shrine Garden)
Heian Shrine is a shrine located to the northeast of Kyoto city’s centre. It was built in 1895 to commemorate 1100 since the founding of Heian, meaning that it’s one of the newest shrines in the ancient city of Kyoto, yet it’s still among the more popular shrines in the city, given the beautiful architecture and serene gardens which are attached to the shrine grounds. Read more.
Nijo Castle
Opening Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm (Last entry at 4:30pm),
Entry fee: 600JPY
In 1867, Nijo castle was used as an Imperial palace for a few years following the fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate. It then was donated to the city, and became the historic site it is today. Nijo Castle is one of the many historic sites registered under the Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage classification, gaining this status in 1994. Read more.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Opening Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm (Last entry at 4:30pm),
Entry fee: 600JPY
End off the day at Abeno Harukas, taking in the nighttime scenery from one of Japan’s tallest buildings. The view from Abeno Harukas 300 is unmatched by anything in Osaka. Read more.
Kyoto Tower
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 9:00pm (Last entry at 8:40pm)
Entry fee: 400JPY
The Kyoto Tower sits in the center of Kyoto, directly outside of Kyoto Station. The Kyoto Tower has an observation deck at 100m high, providing 360° panoramic views of Kyoto. Feel free to use the telescopes on the 5th floor of the Observation deck, these are free of charge and provide more clarity at some of attractions from afar. Read more.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Opening hours: 24/7
Entry fee: Free
Located in Western Kyoto city, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a popular destination among locals and tourists alike. Thousands of bamboo stalks have grown to enormous heights, which create one of Kyoto’s most scenic destinations, attracting photographers from all around the world. Read more.
Tenryu-ji Temple
Opening hours:8:30am-5:00pm
Entry fee: 500JPY, + 300JPY extra to enter into temple buildings
Tenryu-ji Temple is a culturally significant Zen Temple in Kyoto, and is among the Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage sites, Monuments of ancient Kyoto. Today, the beautiful buildings and lovely gardens of Tenryu-ji temple has become a popular attraction for visitor to Arashiyama. Read more.
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Opening hours: 9:00am-4:30pm (5:00pm in Spring and Summer)
Entry fee: 500JPY
The Iwatayama monkey park is one of the few places around the Kansai area where people can go and see monkey’s in their natural habitat and not enclosed in a zoo. It’s located in Arashiyama, near the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and because of this is a very popular tourist destination. Read more.
Relax by the Katsura River
Opening hours: 24/7
Entry fee: Free
The Katsura River in Kyoto is a small yet popular tourist spot in Kyoto that many stop at along the way to the Iwatayama Monkey Park. The River flows from the mountains beyond Kyoto, and forms from the Oi River and Kiyotaki River.
The river brings many people together at the river’s edge in the Arashiyama region of Kyoto, as you can find picnic tables and benches here to rest up, grab a bite to eat, or have a lunch date with someone special. Read more.
Kinkaku-ji
Opening hours: 9:00am-4:30pm (5:00pm in Spring and Summer)
Entry fee: 500JPY
Kinkaku-ji, otherwise known as the ‘Golden Temple’, is a famous Zen temple in Kyoto, in where the top two floors are covered in gold foil.
The temple was once the retirement house of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and following his death in 1408, the villa became a Zen temple as per his will. The grandson of Yoshimitsu, built Ginkaku-ji, or the Silver Temple, on the other side of Kyoto which was inspired by Kinkaku-ji. Read more.
Where to stay in Kyoto
Kyoto Tower Hotel
The Kyoto Tower Hotel is a centrally located hotel in the heart of Kyoto. Found below the Kyoto Tower, this central location is ideal.
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Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Located within Kyoto Station, the Hotel Granvia Kyoto is a stylish and modern hotel, with super convenient access to the train lines for easy exploring in Kyoto.
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Gion Elite Terrace
The Gion Elite Terrace is located in the cultural heart of Kyoto, being on a short walk from the Famous Yasaka shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Hokan-ji, and some of the historic architecture of Kyoto.
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