Every thing it’s essential know to plan your good 3 days in Kyoto itinerary!
Kyoto, as soon as the capital of Japan, is house to a seemingly limitless variety of issues to do.
From strolling quiet bonsai crammed gardens to temple-hopping an unforgettable gold and silver pavilions.
This Kyoto 3 day itinerary will information you thru what you can’t miss out on in such a brief window.
You’ll get some gorgeous views overlooking elements of Kyoto and walks by hundreds of torii gates.
Additionally, plan on having some attention-grabbing delicacies of Kyoto – together with hearth ramen.
Sure, a bowl of ramen that’s actually lit on hearth simply earlier than serving!
With all these memorable sights and points of interest, 3 days in Kyoto may not sound like sufficient – as there’ll all the time be extra to see in a metropolis with an unlimited historical past and a singular, and infrequently quirky Japanese tradition.
Earlier than we dive proper into this 3 day Kyoto itinerary, here’s a quick historical past lesson for certainly one of Japan’s greatest locations to go to.
Historical past of Kyoto
As talked about above, Kyoto was as soon as the capital metropolis of Japan, from when it was based in 794 to 1868.
Nevertheless, Kyoto, which interprets into “capital metropolis,” has not all the time had the identical title.
In 794, town was based as Heian.
Kyoto misplaced its capital metropolis standing when Japan handed management over from the chief of the samurai, the Shogun, again to the Emperor.
In 1868, the capital of Japan grew to become Tokyo, the place it has stayed ever since.
Right this moment, Kyoto is Japan’s third-largest metropolis (behind Osaka and Tokyo) and has loads of methods to be taught in regards to the historical past of Kyoto.
There may be loads extra on provide than simply unforgettable temples.
Your Good 3 Days in Kyoto Itinerary
With out additional ado, let me inform you what to do in Kyoto in 3 days!
First issues first it’s essential discover an superior place to remain. We advocate staying within the Gion neighbourhood, so that you’re central to every thing there. Yow will discover nice lodging right here on Agoda.
Don’t neglect to make use of our unique coupon code AGODANMD10 to get 10% off your reserving.
READ MORE: Don’t miss our full Journey to Japan information!
Day 1 in Kyoto
We’re going to begin off our Kyoto itinerary by tackling a few of the greatest points of interest within the metropolis. Don’t neglect to begin your day early!
8:45am – Nijo Fort
First up on this 3-day Kyoto itinerary is Nijo Fort.
Considered one of 17 UNESCO Historic Monuments of Kyoto, Nijo Fort has a number of lovely gardens and historic data inside its big fortified partitions.
Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founding father of the Tokugawa Shogunate, ordered all present feudal lords of Japan to contribute to the constructing of Nijo Fort.
Building started in 1601 and accomplished in 1626.
Nijo Fort and the encircling complicated has been broken by hearth a number of occasions throughout the 1700s.
A lightning strike and a fireplace that ravaged a lot of Kyoto had been accountable for the destruction.
Nijo Fort opens at 8:45 am.
It’s a widespread theme to beat the crowds by arriving early, that’s why you must purpose to be right here by opening if you happen to intend to have the fort grounds to your self for some time.
A few of the details of curiosity inside Nijo Fort embrace the Ninomaru Palace – consisting of 5 separate however becoming a member of buildings.
Intricate carvings from wooden sand golden leaf decorations are current to at the present time.
They’d the intention of portraying a strong and rich.
One factor to look out for is the intentional “squeaky flooring” to warn residents of ninja assaults as you possibly can’t stroll on the ground silently!
Nijo Fort is a good instance of Japan’s ultimate samurai interval and an ideal strategy to begin your 3 days in Kyoto.
Count on to spend 1-2 hours right here, relying on how a lot you need to discover Nijo Fort and its grounds.
In the event you’re visiting Kyoto in spring, you possibly can admire all of the cherry blossoms that bloom on the grounds across the fort.
11 am – Menbakaichida Fireplace Ramen – Lunch
Kyoto is house to fairly a singular model of ramen. The truth is, the “hearth ramen” is the one one on this planet.
Plus, it’s a really quick stroll from Nijo Fort grounds.
This unforgettable bowl of ramen is in a tiny restaurant, so ready occasions in your flaming bowl would possibly take a couple of minutes to get seated.
That’s why I recommend getting right here for a little bit of an early lunch. It’s additionally scrumptious ramen as effectively!
Menbakaichida restaurant opens at 11 am, so if you happen to will be inside the first 5 or 6 visitors, you shorten your ready time till lunch to zero!
Now, after I say hearth ramen, I imply they ignite your dish in a large fireball in entrance of you, simply earlier than they serve it to you.
To make it protected, you’re given a paper apron for the oil splashes and particular directions to lean backward on the bar stool.
Though it doesn’t really feel it, the fireball is fairly cool.
It’s not only for a present, the flames assist carry out the flavour within the inexperienced onions.
1 pm – Kyoto Imperial Palace
After a fiery lunch, it’s time to move to Kyoto’s Imperial Palace.
Right this moment, you possibly can go to the palace that served because the residence of the Imperial Household till Japan’s capital moved to Tokyo in 1869.
As is widespread with giant wood buildings, a fireplace destroyed the Imperial Palace a complete of 8 occasions.
The model you see right this moment was accomplished in 1855.
No reservation is presently required, and the opening hours are from 9 am to five pm.
Kyoto Imperial Palace is a brief 5 minutes drive or 25-minute stroll from Nijo Fort.
4 pm – Nishiki Market
Nicknames by locals as Kyoto’s Pantry, Nishiki Market is seen as the very best conventional meals market in your entire metropolis.
Someway, over 130 stalls of meals and items line the slender 5 block road in downtown Kyoto.
Whereas this causes restricted private area, the ambiance from the distributors and prospects and all of the tasty choices to eat make Nishiki Market effectively well worth the go to.
Nishiki Market is round 10 minutes by automotive or roughly 20 minutes on foot.
There isn’t a entrance payment to enter this congested buying road in downtown Kyoto.
It’s an ideal place to strive some native Kyoto dishes and have a memorable dinner all of sudden.
In the event you love meals, be sure you take a look at this foodie strolling tour of Kyoto throughout the daytime!
Take a look at our Japan Vlog on exploring the Higashiyama and Downtown Districts in Kyoto in Japan.
Day 2
Welcome to day two of your 3-day Kyoto itinerary! Rise up good and early, because it’s going to be a jam-packed day in central Kyoto.
8 am – Fushimi Inari Shrine
As soon as once more, day two of this Kyoto itinerary begins early. With good motive.
Fushimi Inari Shrine is normally the primary attraction -in all of Japan!
This reputation signifies that it’s busy, very busy!
Devoted to the Shinto God of Rice, Inari, hundreds of shiny torii gates lead guests from the primary shrine up Mt Inari.
This path winds up the sacred Inari Mountain and finally offers off some lovely views of Kyoto and surrounding areas.
Even if you happen to’re right here as early as doable, you gained’t have the ability to escape the crowds by the point you descend Inari Mountain.
However that early morning stroll by certainly one of Japan’s most vital shrines is superb.
On the entrance to the shrine complicated stands the Romon Gate that was donated in 1589.
One other common spot for a photograph OP is the place the torrid gates and pathway splits right into a ‘Y’ form.
Relying in your pace, the complete hike to the summit of Mount Inari takes from 2-3 hours, so carry loads of water and snacks together with you.
12 pm – Lunch
There are many choices for excellent eating places for lunch round Fushimi Inari Shrine.
In the event you’re within the temper for sushi, Kyoto Prepare Station, has a fantastic sushi prepare possibility, Ashami.
No matter you’re on the lookout for, from egg rolls and inari pockets to octopus and even horse meat (offering the interpretation is respectable).
It’s a reasonably low-cost possibility for lunch with 3 or 4 plates costing round USD$6, relying on what plates you select.
1 pm – Toji Temple
Toji Temple, or East Temple, was constructed in the beginning of the Heian Interval within the late 700’s.
This 5 story pagoda is made out of wooden and is one other well-known UNESCO World Heritage Web site in Kyoto.
Different notable buildings within the complicated embrace Kondo Corridor.
Reconstructed within the early Edo Interval after a fireplace in 1486 destroyed the unique.
It’s thought-about one of many Toji Temple Advanced’s unique buildings.
Destroyed in the identical hearth is Kodo Corridor, which sits subsequent door. Kodo Corridor served because the lecture corridor within the Toji Temple space.
The wood Toji Tower itself stands 57 meters tall, the tallest in all Japan.
You will get to Toji Temple through the Kintetsu Kyoto Line and is a 5-minute stroll from Toji Station.
Throughout cherry blossom season, the grounds across the temple are overflowing with the gorgeous flowers as effectively!
3 pm – Ginkaku ji Temple – Silver Pavilion
After Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa’s loss of life in 1490, Ginkaku ji Temple, or the Silver Pavilion, was reformatted from retirement home to Zen Temple.
Whereas Ginkaku ji Temple is effectively value a go to in itself, as are the opposite buildings within the complicated, it’s the lovely moss-covered gardens that steal the present.
Strolling a small loop by lush greeny and trickling rivers, it’s exhausting to discover a place equal to the tranquillity of the Ginkaku ji Temple Advanced.
Ginkaku ji Temple will be accessed from Kyoto Station by bus #5, 17 or 100.
Opening hours are from 8:30 am to five pm.
Count on to spend about an hour right here, except you stroll the quick path very slowly taking within the sights.
Take a look at our Japan Vlog on exploring the Gion District in Kyoto, Japan.
Day 3
We’re nearly on the finish of your itinerary for Kyoto in 3 days. Don’t assume you’ve achieved every thing simply but although, we nonetheless have a number of extra superb Kyoto actions for you.
Early – Head to Arashiyama
On the western fringe of downtown Kyoto is the district of Arashiyama.
This complete space just isn’t solely a Historic Web site of Kyoto, however it’s additionally a Web site of Scenic Magnificence, as categorised by the Japanese Authorities.
There are a number of issues to do within the space of Arashiyama, and most are straightforward strolling distance from one another.
As with hottest websites round Kyoto, Arashiyama is common, and that brings crowds.
Arashiyama is definitely accessed from Kyoto Station. Soar on the JR Sagano Line and head to Saga-Arashiyama Station.
From right here, the middle of Arashiyama is a 10-minute stroll.
Test our our Japan Vlog on exploring Kyoto’s most well-known attraction in Japan.
8 am – Togetsukyō Bridge
In the event you catch the prepare to Arashiyama JR Station, you’ll be near Arashiyama’s well-known Togetsukyō Bridge.
So it is smart to go to right here first.
The truth is, the simplest strategy to get to the following cease, the Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama, you’ll cross the bridge anyway.
Togetsukyō Bridge spans 155 meters throughout the Katsura River.
The unique bridge was constructed just a little upstream in 1606.
Strolling the size of this bridge offers lovely views of the river beneath and the encircling mountains.
You would possibly even get fortunate sufficient to see native fishermen casting in alongside the banks.
9 am – Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
One of many areas most visited websites of Arashiyama is the Bamboo Grove.
It is a pure bamboo forest, with paved trails weaving by the tall shoots of the sturdy, but versatile plant.
Since 2015, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove has opened freed from cost to guests.
This makes the attraction close to Kyoto much more interesting.
In the event you’re wanting to go to the Bamboo Grove with out hordes of tourists and hand-cart taxis, I recommend beginning your day right here.
For a good higher expertise, you possibly can guide your self a nice guided tour of the bamboo forests.
Or do one thing actual totally different and check out a rickshaw tour right here.
11 am – Tenryuji Temple
In-built 1339 by the Shogun Ashikaga Takauji, in dedication to Emperor Go-Daigo who handed away as means to ease the spirits of the late ruler.
A lot of the temple grounds, together with a lot of the constructing, have been destroyed a number of occasions all through historical past and now date again to the Meiji Interval (1868 – 1912).
The temple gardens survive of their unique state to at the present time and supply a beautiful stroll across the small pond.
Opening hours for Tenryuji Temple are 8:30 am to five pm, and you must anticipate to spend round an hour right here.
12 pm – Ryoanji Temple and Lunch
Ryoanji Temple was transformed right into a Zen Temple in 1450.
It’s additionally the positioning of probably Japan’s most famous rock backyard.
Just about every thing about this rock backyard is unsure, its date of building and the that means behind it.
The story I heard most is that these 15, expertly positioned stones, resemble a tiger carrying a cub.
One of the attention-grabbing information, is that on this sq. enclosure of pebbles, regardless of the place you stand, you possibly can solely ever see 14 stones.
Personally, it’s the encircling surroundings that makes Ryoanji Temple a must-visit with 3 days in Kyoto.
There are many quiet trails and immaculately stored ponds to soak within the reflection of the nonetheless floor.
Lunch
For lunch, there’s no want to go away the temple grounds.
There’s a small restaurant that gives a Kyoto specialty, Yodafu.
Boiled tofu in a tasty broth is much more filling than you’ll anticipate.
This, together with Japanese Tea and an attractive view overlooking the luxurious inexperienced environment is an ideal spot for lunch.
3pm – Kinkaku ji Temple
A 3 day Kyoto itinerary wouldn’t be full and not using a go to to Kinkaku ji Temple, or the Gold Pavilion.
Considered one of Kyoto’s famed 17 Historic Monuments, the Golden Pavilion Buddhist Temple is certainly one of Japan’s most visited buildings.
This Zen Temple was initially accomplished in 1397 and reconstructed in 1955 after being burnt to the bottom by a novice monk who then tried to commit suicide behind the temple.
The glimmering gold floor has a symbolic that means and thought to cleanse adverse ideas involved with loss of life.
As it’s so common, getting an image or a view with out one other individual within the shot is nearly not possible.
By standing subsequent to the sting of the lake, looking over the glass-like floor and the reflecting golden iconic image of Kyoto, it’s exhausting to not fall in love with Kinkaku ji Temple.
Summarizing Your 3 Day Kyoto Itinerary
As with all locations with the huge historical past and tradition of Kyoto, there’ll all the time be extra to see.
The truth is, 3 days in Kyoto is just the start of this extremely lovely, historic metropolis.
However by following this itinerary, you’ll be handled to a spread of cultural, historic and scenic sights that this busy metropolis has to supply.
And by the tip of your journey right here, you’ll have a small however memorable perception into certainly one of Japan’s historical capital cities.
