The Perfect 3 Days Kyoto Itinerary: Explore Kyoto In 3 Days

We were lucky enough to be in Kyoto in April when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. It was beautiful! We had made Osaka our base and did many day trips to Kyoto. It’s only a 30 minute journey by train from Shin-Osaka train station.

I’ve prepared a 3 day Kyoto itinerary for you that you can use as a guide. Tailor it to suit your interests and situation.

3 days in Kyoto itinerary - philosophers path

With its blend of ancient temples, serene gardens, bustling markets, and traditional tea houses, Kyoto is an unmissable part of any Japan itinerary.

This Itinerary covers the highlights while making the most of each area—plus food recommendations and travel tips to make your journey even easier.

Here’s what you can see and do in Kyoto in 3 days:

Day 1: Southern Kyoto – Fushimi Inari, Tofukuji, and Gion

Morning: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Start day 1 of your 3 days in Kyoto itinerary, at Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates that create a mesmerizing path up Mount Inari. Arrive early (around 8:00 AM) to avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquility of the trails.

Nearest Station: Fushimi Inari Station (Keihan Line) or Inari Station (JR Nara Line)
Food Nearby: After exploring, head back down to the shrine’s base where you’ll find small shops selling kitsune (fox) udon, rice cakes, and other quick bites. For a hearty breakfast, try Vermillion Café, a short walk from the shrine, known for its delicious matcha lattes and sandwiches.

Midday: Tofukuji Temple

3 Days Kyoto Itinerary - Tofukuji Temple

From Fushimi Inari, take a quick 10-minute walk to Tofukuji Temple. Known for its serene Zen gardens and beautiful autumn colors, this temple is quieter and offers a peaceful retreat from the city. Be sure to visit the Tsutenkyo Bridge for breathtaking views, especially in the fall.

Nearest Station: Tofukuji Station (Keihan Line and JR Nara Line)
Lunch Suggestion: Just a short walk from the temple is Yamamoto Menzou, a local favorite for hand-pulled udon noodles. Arrive early to avoid long lines!

Afternoon: Gion District and Yasaka Shrine
In the afternoon, head to Kyoto’s Gion District, a quick 20-minute ride on the Keihan Line to Gion-Shijo Station. Wander the historic streets, spot traditional wooden teahouses, and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of a geisha.

End your day at Yasaka Shrine, located at the heart of Gion. This colorful shrine is beautiful in the late afternoon light, and the nearby Maruyama Park is a lovely spot for a stroll, especially during cherry blossom season.

Dinner Options: Gion is filled with dining options. For a traditional experience, try Kyoto Gion Yata, a restaurant serving kaiseki (multi-course meal) showcasing Kyoto’s seasonal ingredients. For a more casual meal, Nishiki Warai serves okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes) and is only a short walk from Gion-Shijo Station.

Day 2: Eastern Kyoto – Kiyomizu-dera, Higashiyama, and Philosopher’s Path

Morning: Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Start early at Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto’s most famous temples, with its stunning view over the city and the surrounding hills. The iconic wooden stage here provides panoramic views, especially captivating in spring and autumn.

Nearest Station: A 20-minute bus ride from Kyoto Station on the Kyoto City Bus #100 or #206. Get off at Kiyomizu-michi bus stop and walk uphill for about 10 minutes.
Breakfast Nearby: After exploring the temple, wander down Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka streets, which are lined with traditional shops and teahouses. Kasagiya is a charming spot for traditional sweets and matcha tea, perfect for a mid-morning snack.

Midday: Higashiyama District and Ninenzaka
Spend your midday strolling through Higashiyama, Kyoto’s historic district. Here, you’ll find quaint shops selling Kyoto specialties like yatsuhashi (cinnamon-sugar treats) and handcrafted souvenirs.

Lunch Recommendation: Try Omen Kodaiji, a cozy spot serving Kyoto-style udon noodles with tempura. It’s a short walk from Kiyomizu-dera, making it a convenient stop for lunch.

Afternoon: Philosopher’s Path and Nanzenji Temple
Take a 20-minute walk or a quick taxi ride to the Philosopher’s Path, a beautiful canal-side walk lined with cherry trees. In spring, the path is lined with blossoms, and in fall, the leaves create a colorful tapestry. Follow the path to Nanzenji Temple, where you can explore tranquil gardens and the famous Sanmon gate, offering stunning views of the city.

Dinner: Head back toward Gion for dinner, or try Okutan Nanzenji, a tofu specialty restaurant located near Nanzenji. Kyoto is known for yudofu (hot tofu), and Okutan Nanzenji offers a relaxing setting to try it.

Day 3: Northern Kyoto – Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Golden Pavilion

Morning: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple

Kick off your final day of 3 days Kyoto itinerary with a visit to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Arriving early (around 8:00 AM) will give you a chance to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before crowds arrive. Afterward, visit nearby Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a magnificent Zen garden.

Nearest Station: JR Saga-Arashiyama Station (JR Sagano Line) or Arashiyama Station (Hankyu Line)
Breakfast Nearby: Try Arabica Arashiyama for a coffee with a view of the Katsura River, or Sushi Naritaya for a quick sushi breakfast.

Another fantastic option that is extremely enjoyable is to take the Sagano Romantic Train ride.

You can take the train from Kameoka Torokko Station, and disembark at Arashiyama Torokko Station. It’s a short ride of approximately 25 minutes, that offers some of the most spectacular views, with the stunning Hozu River that winds alongside the tracks, and you go past Arashiyama’s mountains, famous for their rolling slopes covered in thick forests.

3 days in Kyoto itinerary - Sagano Romantic Train

3 day kyoto itinerary - Sagano Romantic Train view

The Arashiyama Torokko station is within a very close proximity to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple.

Be sure to book the tickets in advance. For more details you can watch this video.

Midday: Monkey Park and the Togetsukyo Bridge
Take a 15-minute walk to Iwatayama Monkey Park, where you can interact with wild monkeys and enjoy fantastic views of the city. Afterward, stroll along the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, a beautiful spot to enjoy seasonal scenery.

Lunch Suggestion: Shoraian is an upscale tofu restaurant with river views, offering set meals featuring Kyoto-style tofu. Alternatively, Yudofu Sagano is a more budget-friendly tofu restaurant in the area.

Afternoon: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

From Arashiyama, take the Randen Keifuku Line to Kitano-Hakubaicho Station, then a short bus ride (Bus #101 or #205) to Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. This iconic temple covered in gold leaf is a must-visit, and the surrounding gardens are equally stunning.

Dinner Options Nearby: Kinkaku-ji is a bit further from the main dining areas, so consider heading back to Kyoto Station, where you’ll find many options. For a unique dinner, Kyoto Ramen Koji on the 10th floor of Kyoto Station offers a variety of ramen styles from across Japan, giving you a taste of different flavors in one place.

Travel Tips for Kyoto

Kyoto Bus and Subway Pass: Consider purchasing a one- or two-day pass for unlimited travel on Kyoto’s buses and subways, available at Kyoto Station and convenience stores.
Early Start: Kyoto’s temples and shrines get busy quickly, especially on weekends. Arriving early ensures a more peaceful experience.
Cash and Coins: Many small shops and restaurants only accept cash, so carrying some yen in small denominations is handy.

This 3 Days in Kyoto itinerary offers a balanced blend of Kyoto’s most famous sites, cultural experiences, and local flavors. With attractions close to each other, you can maximize your time and enjoy the city’s rich heritage without too much travel in between. Enjoy Kyoto’s timeless charm and savor every moment!