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 days Kyoto itinerary for you that you can use as a guide. Tailor it to suit your interests and situation.

3 days in Kyoto itinerary — **Beautiful Cherry Blossoms** **in Kyoto**

3 days in Kyoto itinerary - philosophers path — **Philosopher’s Path**

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

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Key Takeaways:

A 3-day Kyoto itinerary works best when you focus on one area per day: south (Fushimi Inari and Gion), east (Kiyomizu-dera and Higashiyama), and north (Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji).
Starting early each day lets you enjoy major sights like Fushimi Inari, and Kiyomizu-dera, with fewer crowds and better photos.
Public transit in Kyoto is efficient, and pairing nearby sights (like Fushimi Inari with Tofukuji, or Arashiyama with Kinkaku-ji) cuts down on travel time.
This itinerary blends temples, historic streets, scenic walks, and food stops, so travelers get culture, nature, and local flavors in a short visit.
Kyoto works well as either a base or a day-trip destination from Osaka, since the train ride from Shin-Osaka to Kyoto takes about 30 minutes.

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

Kyoto 3 Days Itinerary Fushimi Inari — **Fushimi Inar**i – **go early if you want to avoid the crowds**

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 — **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

3 Days in Kyoto - Kiyomizu dera temple — **Kiyomizu-dera**

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

Morning: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple

3 Day Kyoto Itinerary — **Arashiyama Bamboo Grove**

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, offering some of the most spectacular views. You pass the stunning Hozu River, which winds alongside the tracks, and the mountains, famous for their rolling slopes covered in thick forests.

3 days in Kyoto itinerary - Sagano Romantic Train — **Sagano Romantic Train**

3 day kyoto itinerary - Sagano Romantic Train view — **View from the Sagano Romantic Train**

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About 3 Days in Kyoto

Is 3 days enough to see the best of Kyoto?

Yes, 3 days is enough to see many of Kyoto’s top sights if you group attractions by area. Your current plan does this well. Day 1 focuses on southern Kyoto, with Fushimi Inari, Tofukuji, and Gion. Day 2 covers eastern Kyoto, including Kiyomizu-dera, Higashiyama, and the Philosopher’s Path. Day 3 focuses on northern and western Kyoto, with Arashiyama, the Sagano Romantic Train, and Kinkaku-ji. Travelers get a good mix of temples, old streets, nature, and food without rushing every stop.

Should I stay in Kyoto or use Osaka as a base?

Using Osaka as a base works, since it is only about a 30-minute train ride from Shin-Osaka to Kyoto. This is a good choice for travelers who also want to visit other cities like Nara or Kobe.

For visitors who want slower mornings and shorter transit, staying in Kyoto is better, since many sights start early and get crowded. Both options work, so readers can choose based on hotel prices, luggage, and how much they want to move around.

What is the best way to get around Kyoto for this 3-day itinerary?

Public transit is the easiest option for this itinerary. There are key lines and stations, like the Keihan Line for Fushimi Inari and Gion, the JR Sagano Line for Arashiyama, and local buses for Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkaku-ji.

A Kyoto bus and subway pass can save money if travelers use buses and subways often. For short hops between nearby sights, walking and occasional taxis work well and cut down on transfers.

When should I visit Kyoto to follow this itinerary?

Spring and autumn are the most scenic seasons for this 3-day Kyoto plan. Visiting in April for cherry blossoms makes spots like the Philosopher’s Path and Maruyama Park especially beautiful.

Autumn is ideal for fall colors at places like Tofukuji and Kiyomizu-dera.

The itinerary still works year-round, but readers who want blossoms or foliage should plan for late March to April or late October to November.

What are some must-try food experiences in this 3-day Kyoto itinerary?

Near Fushimi Inari, travelers can try kitsune udon and street snacks at the shrine’s base, plus coffee and light bites at Vermillion Café. Around Tofukuji and Kiyomizu-dera, I suggest Yamamoto Menzou and Omen Kodaiji for udon. In Gion, I recommend kaiseki at Kyoto Gion Yata and okonomiyaki at Nishiki Warai. Tofu-focused restaurants like Okutan Nanzenji and Shoraian showcase Kyoto’s famous yudofu.

Conclusion

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!