Once the Imperial capital, Kyoto is home to the ancient traditions and beautiful spirit that defines Japan. Any plans you make for Japan need to include this major city. Visitors come here to experience and enjoy the beauty of old Japan, with the comfort of a modern city. If you follow UNESCO World Heritage Sites, they boast one of the largest collections in the world, featuring temples and shrines surrounded by lush greenery among hills and mountains. Everything you will see seems to be well preserved in this modern city.
With only two days here, I felt like that was just enough time to scratch the surface of Kyoto. I had a simple itinerary that allowed me to see some top attractions, one of my particular favorite subjects of history, and always, some fantastic cuisine and food opportunities.
[This page may contain affiliate links to trusted partners.]
How to Get to Kyoto
There is no direct airport for domestic or international flights in Kyoto. Your best option is to arrive at Kansai International Airport, which is Osaka’s main international airport and the closest, at less than an hour. Otherwise, you can choose to start in Tokyo instead at Haneda or Narita Airport, depending on your itinerary. The next best step is to take the fast and popular bullet train. You can purchase a single one-way ticket or a Japan Rail Pass if you are taking multiple trains during your time here.
Best Time to Visit Kyoto
Autumn and Spring are your go-to seasons for visiting Kyoto. Each season is dazzling in colors that put a little extra into your trip. Spring, of course, has its magical cherry blossom season and milder weather that will make you want to spend all your time in the outdoors and nature. Forget going inside. The forests and mountains surrounding Kyoto in Autumn give way to fall foliage with shades of gold, orange, and crimson leaves in the crisp air.
Day 1
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
One of Kyoto’s most photographed landmarks, with its Japanese aesthetics representing the harmony with nature. A Zen Buddhist temple that is covered at the top in gold leaf (hence the name), with a surrounding pond that reflects it beautifully on a sunny day and still waters. It has been destroyed and rebuilt over the years, becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the process and making it one of the top places to see in Kyoto and Japan.
You can appreciate it from a distance as you can’t enter this three-tiered pavilion. The winding walking path lets you capture the image at different angles, from across the pond to its entrance. From there, you pass by the former living quarters of its head priest onto the temple gardens. Here you can find smaller shrines of deities, where you can toss coins to the statues for good luck and protection.
It’s better to visit in the morning before the area becomes overcrowded. Trying to avoid getting in people’s iconic photographs can be such a hassle.
Samurai Ninja Museum
For fans of the samurai and ninja history and culture, this is a great museum to visit in Kyoto (they also have a Tokyo location). On one side, you have the samurai. You get to learn the beginnings of the original samurai families of Japan, the noble hierarchy, and the traditional values of these warriors. The same applies to the mysterious ninja. Read the assortment of skills acquired and weapons designed for stealth and secrecy. See historical and legendary figures throughout Japan’s history.
With a guide, you will go through several halls of exhibits, gaining a wide range of knowledge. You get to see multiple suits of samurai armor and their weapons in the exhibits. Part of the museum’s fun for all ages is the interactive experience. At the end of the guided tour, you get to test your skills by learning how to throw a shuriken (ninja star) against a target board.
A separate interactive experience you may want to book is the samurai sword lesson or ninja experience. You get to wear the clothing of the samurai while learning the proper sword movements and techniques needed to be a full-fledged samurai. Get a souvenir picture in wearable samurai armor. In the ninja experience, practice your evading techniques and fukiya (blowgun) targeting skills.
Although some might consider it more focused on entertainment than history, it remains worthwhile for a 1-2 hour activity.
Heian Shrine
What I enjoyed about this particular Kyoto shrine, and the first thing you will notice, is the great torii gate leading up to the south entrance. The entire construction was for commemorating the 1,100th anniversary of Kyoto, when it was Japan’s capital. This provides a wealth of historical insight and cultural value. Inside, its design and architecture are meant to replicate the Heian?period Imperial Palace of Kyoto. The traditional vermilion colors are bright and vibrant against the green, which I found particularly enjoyable. It’s a popular shrine among the locals, so there are plenty of visitors and student field trips daily.
Between the torii gate and the southern entrance is also a small local farmers’ market catered towards tourists and visitors. You can find some local arts and crafts, street food, organic vegetables, and artisanal coffee. An excellent spot for slow travel, where you can sit down, relax, and chat with the friendly vendors.
Day 2
Nishiki Market
Even though this place is crowded with tourists at certain times of the day and evening, it’s still a lot of fun and an excellent place for cuisine. You might find it enjoyable, like I did, to walk through the different lanes and alleys to capture the atmosphere first, before deciding on where to eat. The colorful stalls offer a variety of food options, including seafood, meat skewers, and desserts, mixed in with accessories and souvenir shops. It’s no different than any of the other popular markets you will find throughout Japan.
Gion District
One of the many parts of old Kyoto worth visiting, it is most popularly known for being the famous geisha district. This neighborhood brings in many tourists with its wooden homes, known as machiya, and traditional teahouses and shops. Everyone walks the cobblestones of Hanami-koji Street, as it does kind of feel like a step back in time.
Many come in hopes of catching a quick glimpse of a single geisha (geiko) or geisha apprentice (maiko) as they go about their daily routine. Visitors have the opportunity to see a demonstration at the corner end of the street. It’s the only way to enjoy a personal Japanese dining experience without breaking the bank, by purchasing a more intimate experience at a teahouse where geisha are employed.
You might find it better to visit at night to avoid the crowds, heat, and humidity, either on your own or with a Kyoto Night Tour. When the shops are all closed and the lanterns are on, the streets are transformed, giving an ethereal beauty to this Kyoto experience.
Yasaka Shrine
Take a stop at this particular shrine, located between the Higashiyama and Gion districts. It’s well within walking distance of other popular attractions, making it easy to visit, which is why it’s been named one of the most popular shrines in Kyoto. Which means it’s a bit more touristy, as evidenced by the large tour groups in front of the entrance gates for pictures and the food vendor carts inside as you walk the grounds.
Visiting at night, when it is less crowded and the food vendors are shutting down, makes for a more peaceful and serene experience. The dance stage in front of the hall features over a hundred lanterns that are lit each night, adding to its already impressive ambiance.
Other Activities
Kyoto Tower – A symbol of the city, it’s the tallest structure here. If you have some extra time waiting at JR Kyoto Station, it’s only a short walk. Most come up to enjoy the observation deck for panoramic 360-degree views of Kyoto. It’s a great way to orient yourself to the city’s surroundings. But there is also a shopping complex with a dining area and a moderately affordable hotel on the ground level. Be here at night when the entire structure lights up.
Fushimi Inari Taisha – Everyone knows about this iconic landmark where rows of torii gates lead the path up Mount Inari. You will find it on almost every Kyoto itinerary. It’s fun, but it can also be very crowded in the daytime during peak visiting hours, and everyone wants to get their picture taken. To make it worthwhile, you have to go early in the morning to enjoy it and get off the main path to the smaller ones.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – Now this is something I wish I had made the time for, and I plan to make it a point to see on my next visit. Even though it has been overhyped on social media and is smaller than it appears, it’s still a unique experience to enjoy if you can avoid the peak hours. The whole sensory experience of being in a bamboo forest is fantastic. And you can enjoy the nearby temples and gardens on your way out.
Nijo Castle – Fans of the award-winning Hulu series “Shogun” may appreciate this more, as the site is the historic residence of that time in feudal Japan. Come inside past the heavy gates and stonewalls, where there are multiple adjoining buildings of the palace and several gardens spread over the extensive castle grounds. The downside is the additional entrance fees if you want to go inside either of the palaces.
Tofuku-ji Temple – It’s a lesser-known temple and an underrated Kyoto gem most of the time. Still, during Autumn, it is very popular, becoming one of the most photographed fall foliage locations in Kyoto. Inside the grounds are the Hojo gardens. These several gardens represent different concepts of Zen in their design. You also have the Tsutenkyo Bridge, where most people like to view the planted valley of maple trees during the changing of the colors. While the grounds are free to walk around and admire, there is an entry fee to see the Tsutenkyo Bridge, the Zen gardens, and the interior of the Kaisando Hall.
Where to Stay in Kyoto
I stayed at the Kyoto Tower Hotel Annex, a mid-size hotel centrally located. It is only a short walk from the Kyoto train station, making it convenient for any transportation needs you may have. The hotel staff is friendly and accommodating. The rooms were clean and adequate but simple. They are relatively decent-sized by Japanese standards, but can be a bit tight in the bathroom. I always approve of the futuristic toilets they have in Japan, though, and here was no exception. The buffet option is ok with the basic Japanese/American choices, but you may prefer to eat out instead for a little more authenticity.
Their prices are budget-friendly, so it’s a good choice for solo travelers, digital nomads, and couples. Overall, it has excellent ratings, making it a perfect option for those seeking functional comfort while exploring.
Conclusion
Most of my travel itinerary was focused on the typical tourist spots, which were enjoyable for my first time, but completely different if you want a more authentic Kyoto experience like a local. It was a brief visit, giving me a quick glimpse, but I am eager to return because I know this fantastic city deserves a slower pace and a longer stay to immerse myself. And I’m sure you will feel the same way.