The Perfect 2-Day Kyoto Itinerary!

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For a lot of, visiting this place is a dream come true. Japan is filled with iconic sights and locations, and Kyoto stands sturdy boasting an inexhaustible number of them. Whether or not it’s a day or 2, per week, and even months, it’s secure to say that Kyoto will at all times have one thing so that you can get pleasure from and uncover. Whereas it’s an pleasant place for all who come to Japan, it’s most well-known for its abundance of conventional, genuine, historic, and in any other case culturally deep experiences, sights, and merchandise. For many who are visiting many locations in Japan and easily can’t afford to go to each nook and cranny of Kyoto, relaxation assured we perceive the battle. This time round we’ll define how one can greatest benefit from the wonders of Kyoto in simply 2 days! This itinerary will take you thru all one of the best locations and experiences to protect Kyoto as a magical place in your reminiscences. Whether or not it’s in these reminiscences or to town itself, you’ll certainly be craving to return!

Earlier than we get into these 2 days (which can every be full days from breakfast to dinner of continuous journey, if you wish to max out your time), let’s think about that you just may get there the night time earlier than to get settled into your lodging and possibly get pleasure from somewhat of town as you and down and relaxation up in your journey. We might undoubtedly suggest this, by the way in which! However for those who’re simply in search of the two days alone, be happy to scroll down!

Particular provide happening now!

Earlier than we get into this detailed itinerary, we’d prefer to introduce a restricted time, particular alternative that you just wont wish to miss, and should wish to embrace!

For those who’re an enormous fan of Japan’s unbelievable show of cherry blossoms, identified in Japanese as “sakura,” then you definitely’re in luck! A handful of temples in Kyoto are providing a particular probability to enter the grounds earlier than working hours to see the attractive foliage. That is the right alternative to see the temples of their glory in addition to keep away from probably dense crowds because the spots are restricted. The luxurious Kyoto Brighton Lodge line provides these immaculate experiences for these staying on the resort as an add on to the room price, however will also be reserved as a package deal initially. The occasion operates from the twenty ninth of March till the eighth of April!

For all of the specifics, you should definitely go to their official website and make your reservation when you can!

Arriving to Kyoto for Dinner Time

So, possibly you’re having fun with a half day in Osaka, Nara, and even Tokyo and resolve to get to Kyoto to verify in to your resort and possibly have some dinner and take a night stroll. Right here’s a short plan for having fun with town earlier than the true journey begins:

Loosen up and luxuriate in some tasty meals and possibly a number of drinks after:

Gion Shirakawa Namisato

Get pleasure from conventional Kaiseki eating within the stylish ambiance of a Japanese townhouse turned restaurant. Domestically sourced elements, type service, and expertly ready dishes.

Web site | 12:00 – 14:30, 17:00 – 10:30 PM (Mon & Thu 12:00 – 2:00, Wed)

Gion Mikaku

There’s nothing fairly like a top-quality wagyu being cooked proper in entrance of your eyes. Spare the over-presentation and luxuriate in a humble but trendy and remarkably scrumptious Teppanyaki expertise.

Web site | 12:00 – 13:30, 17:30 – 21:00 (Mon)

Izuju Sushi

For those who’re a giant fan of sushi and love the old-school vibes that Kyoto is understood for, that is your spot. Scrumptious sushi with a nostalgic model!

Web site | 10:30 – 19:00 (Thu)

Music Bar Universe

Nonetheless not happy along with your dive into Kyoto’s night scene after dinner? Jam to some tunes at this 80s report bar that’s open let into the night time.

Web site | 17:00 – 3:00

Bar Indigo

Maintain the opulent vibes going at Indigo. This articulate, low-light cocktail bar is helmed by masterful bartenders who will certainly have you ever sipping in your new favourite drink.

Web site | 17:00 – 2:00

And naturally, both approach, you’ll want a spot to remain, proper? Listed here are some nice locations which can be ideally positioned for the itinerary:

Locations to remain in Gion:

Rinn Gion Kenninji

For those who’re in search of Japanese aesthetics mixed with fashionable model at an reasonably priced worth, this place has acquired you set with beneficiant 3 star consolation.

E book right here

yoin resort kyoto gion

Flip up the consolation a notch to 4 star choices in a glossy, minimal design that can certainly have your exhaustion wash away for the subsequent day of adventures.

E book right here

Kizashi The Suite 京都祇園

Make your Kyoto journey one of the best it may be with 5 star luxurious. Higher echelons of rest and opulence could have you prepared to remain possibly only one extra day.

E book right here

And, for those who’re in search of extra choices, in fact we’ve acquired you lined:

With out additional ado, let’s discuss how one can get essentially the most out of your 2 full days in Kyoto. As you may think, you’ll wish to stand up early and attempt to keep away from the crowds the place you possibly can. Realistically, Kyoto goes to be crowded nearly any time of the day or year- it’s simply that common. 

1. 8:30 – 9:30: Kiyomizu-dera

You could have heard that visiting Fushimi-inari would be the place to begin early within the morning, however really that’s not essentially the case (we’ll get again to that), as a result of this temple gathers a crowd all through the day that may be troublesome to navigate. 

Kiyomizu-dera boasts a wide range of spectacular sights, with its most well-known being its stage-like most important corridor constructed on the facet of Mt. Otowa. It was constructed with none nails or screws and stands sturdy for instance of Japanese craftsmanship. Different sights like Niomon (a large purple gate) and the Owata waterfall ought to be loved! 

Web site
Hours: 6:00 – 18:00
Admission Payment: 500 yen

2. 9:30 – 10:00: Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka

After having fun with the famend Kiyomizudera, some nice and effectively preserved neighborhoods wait round so that you can stroll and luxuriate in. You’ll come throughout Sannenzaka first, which can lead into Ninenzaka. Each are nice for seeing conventional structure in addition to doing a little bit of buying!

Web site
Hours: 24/7
Admission price: Free 

From right here, there are 2 paths you may wish to think about based mostly in your preferences! 

3A. 10:30 – 11:00: Sanjusangendo

Sanjusangendo, which means “33 intervals”, is sort of the spectacular website. This wood building- which is definitely Japan’s longest wood structure- is crammed with 1,001 golden, human-sized statues of Kannon, the buddhist goddess of mercy. It’s an unbelievable sight to absorb and one price seeing! You may both see this in your strategy to lunch and the market, or possibly have an early lunch and see it in your strategy to the subsequent vacation spot (Fushimi Inari).

Web site
Hours: 9:00 – 16:00
Admission price: 600 yen 

3B. 10:15 – 10:30: Maruyama Park & Yasaka Shrine

10:15 – 10:30: Maruyama Park 

Maruyama park can be a pleasant go to as midday approaches, and particularly a well-liked spot within the spring as there are cherry blossoms. 

Web site
Hours: 24/7
Admission price: Free

10:30 – 11:00: Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine is most well-known for the Gion pageant in July- one among Japan’s most (if not essentially the most) well-known festivals. It’s a sight to see 12 months spherical on account of its outdated age (developing on 1,400 years!), however it’s superb through the Gion pageant.

Web site
Hours: 24/7
Admission price: Free

4. 12:00 – 13:00: Lunch Downtown

By now you’re certainly hungry (or possibly having an early lunch round 10:30-11:00 for those who’re going to sanjusangendo after as a substitute of earlier than), so why not head to one of the vital well-known meals markets in Japan? It’s extremely beneficial that you just indulge within the big number of road meals all through the market, wherein case, you might mix this time slot with the next one. Nevertheless,  for those who’re desirous to take a break from strolling, there are many eating places round for those who’re desirous to take a break from strolling. Right here’s a number of of our favourite picks close by: 

Saryo Kikyo

Maintain the theme going with some actually buddhist meals ! For those who’re vegan or vegetarian this can be a good spot for you. Get pleasure from matcha and sweets too! To not point out, it’s proper by sanjusangendo at Chishakuin temple- full with an important backyard view.

Web site | 11:00 – 20:00

Y’s Burger

Feeling possibly just a bit too immersed in Japanese tradition? Take somewhat breather and get a pleasant burger at this tasty spot close to the market.

Web site | 11:00 – 15:00, 17:00 – 20:00

Kokoraya Gokomachihonten

Strive some actually Kyoto model delicacies known as “Obanzai” at this actually immersive spot. Be prepared to take a seat on the ground!

Web site | 11:30 – 14:30

5. 13:00 – 14:00: Nishiki Market

This can be a vibrant, bustling market crammed with contemporary meals and elements particular to Kyoto! Prefer it’s mentioned above, there are many meals stalls right here that you just’d undoubtedly remorse lacking out on! You should definitely attempt issues like Hamo (a particular type of eel), shrimp tempura, and takotamago (octopus full of a quail egg). There’s many issues to see and check out, so let your eyes wander.

Web site
Hours: 10:00 – 18:00
Admission price: Free

6. 15:00 – 18:30: Fushimi Inari

Make sure you might have vitality prepared for this (and maybe think about letting your lunch settle a bit!), seeing the myriad of vermilion torii gates is not any easy feat! You’ll be able to anticipate about 5 kilometers of mountaineering, however it’s principally not too steep, has stairs, and is paved in lots of locations as effectively. Many sources might report that you want to get up very early to beat the gang right here, however truthfully, it’s extra about strolling the place others aren’t or farther than them. There may be loads of room for having fun with this epic labyrinth of gates! One other profit to beginning in the direction of the night is having an opportunity to see the world illuminated.

Web site
Hours: 24/7
Admission: Free

7. 19:00: Dinner in Gion

By now, you’re certainly exhausted and prepared for some nourishment. Listed here are some nice choices which can be maybe close by your lodging, and if not, they’re in an exquisite space to walk within the night: Gion! Maybe you’ll have the possibility to see a geisha or maiko…

Gion Shirakawa Namisato

Get pleasure from conventional Kaiseki eating within the stylish ambiance of a Japanese townhouse turned restaurant. Domestically sourced elements, type service, and expertly ready dishes.

Web site | 12:00 – 14:30, 17:00 – 10:30 PM (Mon & Thu 12:00 – 2:00, Wed)

Gion Mikaku

There’s nothing fairly like a top-quality wagyu being cooked proper in entrance of your eyes. Spare the over-presentation and luxuriate in a humble but trendy and remarkably scrumptious Teppanyaki expertise.

Web site | 12:00 – 13:30, 17:30 – 21:00 (Mon)

Musoshin

It doesn’t at all times need to be about fancy stuff- dig right into a hearty bowl of ramen at an important worth that can go away you looking for the subsequent noodle joint. Nice for a fast chew to get to your resort sooner!

Web site | 11:30 AM – 21:30

The primary two choices had been talked about above, so for those who’re in search of much more spots, try these articles!

8. 9:00 – 10:00: Tenryu-ji

Begin your second day with a go to to one among Kyoto’s most essential Zen temples, Tenryu-ji. This UNESCO World Heritage Website dates again to 1339 and is understood for its beautiful backyard, which has remained largely unchanged for hundreds of years. The backyard options a gorgeous pond surrounded by rocks, pine bushes, and seasonal flowers, making a tranquil ambiance. The temple itself provides a powerful instance of conventional Japanese structure, and from right here, you possibly can simply entry the well-known bamboo grove.

Web site
Hours: 8:30 – 17:00
Admission price:
Highschool college students and up: 500 yen 
Elementary and junior highschool college students: 300 yen 

9. 10:00 – 11:00: Bamboo Grove & Okochi-Sanso Villa

No journey to Kyoto is full with out strolling via the enchanting Bamboo Grove of Arashiyama. Towering stalks of bamboo create a mesmerizing pure tunnel, making this an ideal spot for photographs and peaceable strolls. Although typically crowded, the trail is lengthy sufficient to search out quieter moments for those who preserve strolling.

Dwell Digital camera:

Hours: 24/7
Admission: Free

For these seeking to discover a hidden gem, Okochi-Sanso Villa is a wonderful addition to your morning. This former residence of a well-known Japanese actor options superbly manicured gardens and a teahouse the place you possibly can get pleasure from matcha and conventional sweets. The doorway price is price it for the beautiful panoramic views of Kyoto. 

Web site (Japanese web site solely)
Hours: 9:00 – 16:30 
Admission price: 
Adults: 1,000 yen
Elementary and junior highschool college students: 500 yen (Matcha can be served)

10. 11:30 – 12:30: Lunch in Arashiyama

After a refreshing, maybe therapeutic morning, it’s time to refuel with a scrumptious lunch within the Arashiyama space. Listed here are some glorious selections:

Tenryu-ji Temple Shigetsu

Impressed by the methods of buddhism? Get nearer to enlightenment with some scrumptious buddhist vegan meals known as “shoujin ryori.”

Web site | 11:00 – 14:00 (Thu)

Steak Otsuka

Would you favor a pleasant, juicy steak as a substitute? Try this modern spot that serves up some unbelievable lunchtime steaks!

Web site | 11:00 – 14:30 (Thu & Solar)

Unagi Hirokawa

Relax on this laid again, historically designed spot and luxuriate in a cultured dish: Unagi (grilled eel). To not point out, you’ll be capable to admire some beautiful backyard views!

Web site | 11:00 – 14:00, 17:00 – 20:00 (Mon)

11. 13:00 – 14:00: Kinkaku-ji & Daitoku-ji Daiji-in

The following cease is the long-lasting Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion. This breathtaking Zen temple, lined in gold leaf, displays superbly within the surrounding pond, creating one among Kyoto’s most picturesque scenes. Take your time exploring the backyard, which supplies totally different views of the shimmering temple.

Web site
Hours: 9:00 – 17:00
Admission Payment:
Highschool college students and up: 500 yen
Elementary and junior highschool college students: 300 yen

If in case you have additional time and wish to discover a quieter temple, Daitoku-j Daiji-in is a good close by different. This massive temple advanced is dwelling to sub-temples with a few of Kyoto’s most beautiful Zen gardens, providing a extra peaceable distinction to Kinkaku-ji’s recognition. You’ll be able to even take part in Zen meditation! 

Make a reservation for the meditation right here. 
Participation Payment: 3,500 yen (Zen Instruction price and Meal included)

Web site
Hours: 24/7
Admission price: Free

12. 14:00 pm – 15:00 pm: Nijo Fortress

Step into Kyoto’s samurai historical past with a go to to Nijo Fortress. This UNESCO World Heritage Website was as soon as the residence of Tokugawa shoguns and showcases spectacular wood structure, intricate gold-leaf decorations, and the well-known “nightingale flooring” that chirp as you stroll to forestall intruders. The huge grounds embrace lovely gardens, making this a superb cultural and historic cease.

Web site
Nijo Fortress’s hours and admission are a bit advanced, so try the small print in our information!

13. 15:00 – 17:00: Free Time

After two days of continuous exploring, take a while to calm down and luxuriate in Kyoto at your personal tempo. Listed here are a number of solutions:

• Relaxation at your resort – Recharge earlier than your ultimate night in Kyoto.

• Revisit Nishiki Market– If there’s something you missed yesterday, now’s the time to return and seize these Kyoto specialties.

• Return to a favourite spot – Perhaps you wish to see Fushimi Inari or the bamboo grove [hl to bamboo section] once more throughout a quieter time, or possibly cease by that store that caught your eye!
• For those who’re touring spontaneously, possibly this can be a good time to resolve whether or not or to not keep one other night time in Kyoto or catch a prepare again to Osaka or Tokyo!

14. 17:00 – 18:30: Dinner in Pontocho

To your ultimate dinner in Kyoto, benefit from the energetic but conventional ambiance of Pontocho, a historic alley lined with glorious eating places. Listed here are some prime picks:

Kyo no Yakinikudokoro “Hiro” Pontocho

For those who’re jonesing for some Wagyu, this place will certainly be your hero. Reservations are required at this deluxe yakiniku spot!

Web site | 17:00 – 23:00 

Yuzugen Pontocho

This place is legendary for its use of yuzu, a beloved Japanese citrus! Strive a wide range of dishes right here, particularly the yuzu ramen! 

Web site | 11:30 – 14:00, 17:00 – 22:00 (Tue)

Pontocho Robin

An aesthetic spot with an astute inside model. Right here you possibly can get pleasure from a wide range of dishes particular to Kyoto all whereas overlooking the river.

Web site | 17:00 – 21:50 (16:30 – 21:50 on weekends)

And for those who’re in search of some extra choices, there are a lot to select from:

15. 18:30 – 20:00: Stroll via Gion

Finish your Kyoto journey with a leisurely night stroll via Gion, Kyoto’s well-known geisha district. The softly lit streets, conventional wood machiya homes, and occasional sighting of a geisha or maiko create a magical, timeless ambiance. Get pleasure from a cup of matcha or a late-night snack earlier than wrapping up your unforgettable two-day Kyoto journey!

Here’s a useful map containing all of the factors included within the itinerary:

For those who’re all for extending your journey or might wish to attempt another areas, try these guides as effectively:

Are you prepared for Kyoto?

So there you might have it! All you’ll have to get a really perfect Kyoto expertise. It’s comprehensible to have a really restricted time to get pleasure from all of the wonders that Japan has to supply and and due to this fact may be exhausting to spend greater than 2 days right here, however Kyoto has a lot to supply! Hopefully you can be impressed by all of the great issues there are to do sufficient to return and go to a number of the lesser-known areas and actually immerse your self in one among Japan’s prides. For those who do, simply know we’ve acquired you lined!

Japan Marvel Journey Excursions in Kyoto

When you’re visiting Kyoto and also you want some assist organizing your journey, you got here to the fitting place. We’re joyful that will help you make your journey to Kyoto one of the best journey ever. We will advise you on the place to go and even higher, present you round with an area, English talking information. Allow us to provide help to create secure, snug, and unforgettable reminiscences in Kyoto!

▶Discover Nishiki Market: Meals & Tradition Stroll
For those who’re seeking to study extra concerning the tradition and the native delicacies of Kyoto, that is the right tour for you! Participate on this Kyoto food and drinks tour and discover the 400-year-old market and the well-known surrounding areas.

▶Kimono Expertise
Kyoto is one of the best metropolis to discover in kimono, Japanese conventional clothes. You’ll be able to select the one you want essentially the most from a number of patterns and colours on the rental store. In Kyoto, two places are each accessible from the primary vacationer points of interest which makes it simple to attempt it on and discover town for a day!

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