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Sanjusangen-do, Kyoto

Itinerary · Kyoto · Japan

One day in Kyoto

A day-by-day plan grouped by neighbourhood, so you spend your time seeing Kyoto, not crossing it.

Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team

Photo: Akonnchiroll, CC BY-SA 4.0

Quick answer

One day is a taster: the plan below covers the essentials, but most visitors want 4. Day 1: Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kiyomizu-dera. Base yourself in Kyoto Station area.

Key facts

Days
1
Sights covered
5
Day trips
None
Best base
Kyoto Station area
Book ahead
Nothing essential

Day by day

  1. Day 1: Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kiyomizu-dera

    Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji, then Gion and Hanamikoji Street in the evening.

    1. Morning

      Fushimi Inari Taisha

      Arrive before 8am or after dark for empty gates; the crowds thin dramatically above Yotsutsuji. Allow 2–3 hours.

    2. Late morning

      Kiyomizu-dera

      Go at opening time, then walk down Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka before the shops open and the crowds arrive. Allow 1.5–2 hours.

    3. Lunch

      Lunch: Kaiseki

      Ryokan and traditional restaurants in Gion, Higashiyama and Arashiyama; reserve ahead.

    4. Afternoon

      Kinkaku-ji

      Combine with Ryoan-ji and Ninna-ji, a 20–30 minute walk or short bus ride along the 'Kinukake-no-michi' road. Allow 1 hour.

    5. Late afternoon

      Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji

      Walk the bamboo grove soon after sunrise, then visit Tenryu-ji's garden when it opens. Allow Half a day.

    6. Evening

      Gion and Hanamikoji Street

      Photography is banned on some private lanes off Hanamikoji; never block or follow geiko or maiko for photos.

Before you go

If it rains

  • Swap in Nishiki Market (Downtown Kawaramachi): Eat at or beside the stall where you buy; the market asks visitors not to eat while walking.
  • Swap in Sanjusangen-do (Higashiyama): Look for a face that resembles someone you know; tradition says you can find one among the statues.
  • Swap in Kennin-ji (Gion): Photography is allowed in most areas, and it is usually calmer than the temples up the hill.

Where to stay for this itinerary

$$ · Best for first-timers, families and budget

Kyoto Station area

Transport hub with big hotels, Kyoto Tower and department stores

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 9–12 hours of visiting over one day, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 9.8 hours in December to 14.5 hours in June, so in winter start early and keep museums for the afternoon.

Getting between stops: Bus. City buses cover the main temples with a flat fare within the central zone; board at the back and pay at the front when you leave.

More or fewer days

Questions travellers ask

+Is one day enough in Kyoto?

One day is a taster: the plan below covers the essentials, but most visitors want 4. How many days Kyoto needs.