How to Spend THREE DAYS in Kyoto: 3-Day Itinerary

Ready to experience the magic of Kyoto? Well, you’ve just found the ULTIMATE 3-day Kyoto itinerary!

As seasoned travelers who have explored Kyoto inside and out, we know just how incredible this city can be. With its stunning temples, charming streets, and deep cultural history, it’s also all too easy to get overwhelmed by all of the options! That’s why we’ve carefully crafted the perfect 3-day itinerary to help you experience the absolute best of Kyoto. 

From breathtaking shrines and bamboo forests to mouthwatering local eats, our in-depth guide will take you through Kyoto’s must-see spots, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences. Keep on reading to make the most of your time in this enchanting city.

Day 1

Breakfast – Vermillion Cafe

Kick off your first morning in Kyoto with breakfast at the Vermillion Cafe, a tranquil spot located near the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine. We love the coffee and light bites here, but the real draw is the outdoor terrace, which overlooks the nearby pond. It opens at 8:30 am, and it’s so peaceful here that you might be tempted to stay all day!

Morning – Fushimi Inari Taisha (Thousand Torii Gates)

Arguably the most iconic landmark in Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Taisha draws visitors with its unforgettable charm! This Shinto shrine is world-famous for its thousands of torii gates that create a mesmerizing tunnel-like pathway up the mountain. I’m sure you’ve seen tons of photos of it online! 

I definitely recommend arriving here early to beat the crowds. In fact, you might even want to visit before breakfast so that you can get the trails mostly to yourself.

It generally takes about 45 minutes to reach the Yotsutsuji intersection, which is where the torii gates begin to thin out. You can stop here for a rest and enjoy some beautiful views over Kyoto before hiking back down through the famous red gates. 

Lunch – Ramen cooking class 

Eating lots of ramen while you’re in Japan is amazing, of course, but you know what’s even better? Learning how to make it yourself so you can recreate it at home! 

During this ramen cooking class, you’ll get to make noodles and broth from scratch at a local ramen factory. Then, you get to eat it all at the end! 

Honestly, this was some of the best ramen we’ve ever had in Japan, and the fact that we made it ourselves made it even better! Our teacher, Sakura, was so lovely, and she made the class really fun.

We topped our noodles and broth with meat and vegetables, but no worries if you’re vegetarian, vegan, or halal, either! Just contact the company through Viator after booking, and they’ll adjust the ingredients to suit your requirements.

Cooking classes can often take 3-4 hours, but this is a shorter experience with four different time slots available daily, so it slots into this 3-day itinerary very well. It’s about a 30-minute drive north of the Torii Gates, so book the 1 pm option and it will end around 2:30 pm.

You can also jump on the Keihan Main Line Local train at Fushimi-Inari Station and travel to Demachiyanagi, which is about a 5-minute walk from the cooking school.

Check out over 900 5-star reviews and book this cooking class here!

Afternoon – Kiyomizu-dera Temple

From the Ramen Factory, hop in a cab to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which is perched halfway up Mt Otowa. This is an 8th-century Buddhist temple that offers an absolutely stunning panorama of Kyoto. In fact, this just might be one of the most photographed sites in all of Japan. Make sure to get the iconic shot of the temple’s towering wooden stage jutting out over the hillside—it’s especially magical during cherry blossom season or peak autumn colors.

After exploring the temple itself, take your time coming back down the mountain. The surrounding area is one of our favorite parts of the city! It’s packed with tons of things to see, from quaint, family-owned shops to unique street food stalls, so take your time and explore for as long as you like.

Mid-Afternoon – Explore Higashiyama Area

The Higashiyama Area is nestled in the foothills of Mt Otowa and there’s plenty to see and do here. So if you have time after visiting the Kiyomizu-dera temple, go and check out a few of the following:

• Maruyama Park –  A scenic park that’s a must-visit during cherry blossom season!
• Sanjūsangendō Temple – I don’t think that this temple looks that impressive from the outside, but its exterior is deceiving. Inside, there are 1,001 golden statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy!
• Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka – We love these old-timey, cobblestone streets. They’re filled with charming teahouses and souvenir shops, as well as prime views of the Hokan-ji Pagoda!
• Kyoto National Museum – If you like museums, this one is arguably the city’s best! Entry costs typically range from 300–2,000 JPY ($1.99–$13.30 USD), depending on the exhibition, and we think it’s a great place to learn more about Japan’s rich history and culture.

Evening – Gion District Geisha tour

Spend the evening strolling through Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district. In case you didn’t know, geishas are highly trained hostesses whose skills encompass dance, music, and the art of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Their job is to entertain the upper classes at parties, teahouses, and restaurants.

If you want to dive deeper into Geisha history and culture, then we highly recommend this walking tour of Gion! This tour is avaliable anytime from 4 pm to 7 pm and it lasts for two hours. You can book it for whenever suits your schedule, and stop for dinner before or after it.

We had the best time learning about Japan’s traditional arts and the painstaking artistry behind geisha culture. It was fascinating to hear about the years of rigorous training that women have to go through to become fully-fledged geishas, or geikos, as they are called in Kyoto once they master their craft.

Our guide, Melanie, also pointed out lots of old-timey tea houses and ryotei restaurants where geishas host and perform, and we actually glimpsed a few geishas on their way to work. This tour was honestly one of the most interesting things we did in Kyoto. And we’re not the only ones who loved it because this tour has tons of 5-star reviews!

After the tour, feel free to spend more time in Gion. There are tons of alleyways that look oh-so-charming after dark when the lanterns are lit up!

Book your spot on this top-rated geisha tour here and enjoy FREE cancellation!

Dinner – Enjoy one of Gion’s restaurants

There are tons of amazing restaurant options in theis area. You can simply wander around and stop by one that calls to you! Whether you’re looking for sushi, Japanese barbeque, udon, ramen, or more – you can find hit here! Here are a few of our favorite places we tired:

• Azuma Sushi is a tiny, family-run spot with just a handful of seats at the counter, and we love the fact that you get a front-row view of the chefs as they work their magic.

• Gyumon Kyoto has some of the best Japanese barbeque we’ve tried! I’m talking beef that melts in your mouth, noodles perfectly chewy, and the atmosphere is cozy and fun. Even better – this restaurant is Halal!

• Gion Soy Milk Ramen Uno Yokiko is unique because it’s vegan ramen! Did you know Kyoto is famous for tofu and soy proucts? Even if you’re not vegan, you will love this ramen – rich, creamy, and delicious.

• Gion Moriwaki is a kaiseki restaurant, which is a local staple of Kyoto. Kaiseki is a sort of meal made of seasonal vegetables and ingredients, mostly variatons of fish and veggies. It is always incredibly fresh and each bite is meant to be savored!

• Izakaya Maumu is another small and intimate izakaya that serves mind-blowing food! Be sure to try the Waygu beef and octopus shashimi!

Day 2

Breakfast – Grab on the go!

Today’s full-day tour starts early with a meeting time of 7:50 am, so breakfast will need to be an on-the-go affair this morning. The tour does meet in front of a Tully’s coffee but it doesn’t open until 10 am, so that’s no good! We suggest grabbing a quick breakfast at or near your hotel, or along the way if you’re using public transport to get to the meeting point. Convenience stores like FamilyMart always have some good on-the-go snacks! 

Full day tour to Nara and Uji 

Trust me, this full-day tour to Nara and Uji is so worth the early start! The historic city of Nara is only an hour from Kyoto, so you can’t pass up the chance to visit while you’re here. 

The tour leaves at 7:50 am from near Kyoto Station. It really allowed us to hit all of the highlights in just one day, including the Todaiji Temple, which is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world! We had so much fun trying to squeeze through the nostril of the giant Buddha statue here. It’s a tradition, after all! 

But of course, the biggest highlight was visiting the famous bowing deer in Nara Park. The deer are used to tourists, so they’re friendly and curious, unlike most wild deer, and they actually bowed to us in exchange for crackers! 

We also got to see Kasuga Taisha shrine on the east side of the park, which is one of Japan’s most famous shrines, and visit the Byodoin Temple. This is the one on the 10 JPY coin!

Then, we stopped in Uji on the way back to Kyoto. It’s the birthplace of the Japanese tea ceremony, and we learned how to make traditional matcha tea from scratch here.

We also opted to include lunch with this tour. This turned out to be a traditional teishoku lunch in a local restaurant, so it was 100% worth it! 

This tour will get you back to Kyoto at around 4:30–5 pm. Also, bear in mind that this tour is popular and tends to sell out, especially during the cherry blossom and fall foliage season when Nara is especially beautiful, so don’t hesitate to book!

Grab your spot on this full day Nara and Uji tour here, before it sells out! 

Dinner – Ramen Muraji

Ramen Muraji is THE place for a standout bowl of ramen in downtown Kyoto. We love this spot because their broth is unbelievably rich and satisfying, and the owners are so friendly! I usually go for a classic soy-based ramen, but trust me, their signature white ramen is definitely worth trying. The owners here are so friendly, too, so it’s the ideal place to refuel after a long, full day tour.

In terms of how to get here, you can either jump in a cab from outside Tully’s coffee, where the tour drops you off or catch the Karasuma Line train from the nearby Kyoto Station. Stay on for five stops and get off at the Karasuma Oike Station, which is just under a 10-minute walk from the ramen restaurant.

Day 3

Morning – Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

No trip to Kyoto is complete without a visit to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. During our research, we found that there is a lot more to it than just bamboo, so we booked this morning walking tour for the full experience. 

The bamboo forest is best in the morning, so we booked the 8:30 am timeslot. We met our tour guide, Ariyo, just outside the Saga-Arashiyama JR station and were off to wander through the towering bamboo stalks. The area was so quiet and peaceful in the morning, and Ariyo led us away from the crowds and to the best viewpoints. 

After, we relaxed with tea and sweets at the stunning Okachi Sanso Garden. But, we had more to see! So we headed to the Tenryu-ji Temple and into Arashiyama to see all of the cute shops. While many people come for the bamboo grove and then leave, we were so happy to have time to explore the area. 

Our last big stop was Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, where we had a full hour to see monkeys climbing through the bamboo! We had a blast here, and the kids in our group especially loved it. Just hold on to your phone – monkeys have a knack for stealing!

This morning tour was exactly what we wanted to get out of our Arashiyama experience – tons of information, history, and hidden gems. It made visiting incredibly easy!

Book this tour in advance here and get FREE cancellation before you go!

Lunch – Nishiki Market

The Arashiyama tour officially ends here at the Monkey Park, so make your way back to the JR station and head into downtown Kyoto for lunch at one of my favorite places in Kyoto: Nishiki Market.

Nishiki Market is known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”, so where better to enjoy a street food lunch? It’s home to an incredible variety of traditional street eats, from tempura and grilled seafood to local specialties such as yuba (tofu skin) and sabazushi (mackerel sushi). We even found a sake stall where we enjoyed tasting lots of different types of Japan’s famous rice wine. 

Afternoon – Explore downtown Kyoto

This morning was all about soaking in Kyoto’s natural beauty and historic sites, so this afternoon we’re going for a change of pace in the bustling downtown area. 

We recommend checking out the bustling shopping streets of Shijo-dori and Teramachi, especially if you’ve yet to buy any souvenirs! These are also just interesting streets for window-shopping, as you can find everything from stylish clothing boutiques to specialty stores selling traditional crafts such as washi paper and Kyoto ceramics. 

We also highly recommend popping into one of Kyoto’s many arcades. Arcades are super popular in Japan, and the country has a huge gaming culture, so visiting one is a must! There are so many fun games to try, from classic claw machines to taiko drumming.

After (hopefully) getting a few wins under your belt, take a stroll along the Kamo River. We like walking along here because it’s a popular local hangout, so residents come here to slow down and enjoy the fresh air.

And if you have time, Nijō Castle is definitely worth a visit. This ornate, samurai castle took our breath away with its beautifully preserved interiors. We were fascinated by the “nightingale floors” which actually chirp when walked on. This was how they prevented intruders back in the day! Access to the grounds and palace costs 1,300 JPY ($9 USD), which we think is totally worth it.

Dinner/evening – Find Kyoto’s best food spots

This top-rated food tour was the best thing we did in Kyoto, and we’re sure it will be the same for you! So what better way to spend your final night in the city?

The tour begins in the heart of Kyoto’s downtown and explores the Gion and Pontocho neighborhoods. These are two vibrant but very traditional areas of Kyoto, and they’re known for their wooden houses, narrow streets, and geishas. We even met a geisha at one of the bars we visited!

Our friendly guide, Natsu, took us to three different local food spots. At the first one, we sampled some snacks, and at the second restaurant, we got to eat a full kaiseki dinner! Kaiseki is a traditional, multi-course Japanese dinner. It’s meticulously prepared and beautifully plated, so it’s basically Japanese fine dining. And of course, Kyoto is the best place to enjoy a kaiseki dinner because it originated right here.

Matcha lovers, listen up because our third stop was a matcha cafe where we enjoyed the most delicious dessert ever. Oh, and of course, we got to try some sake along the way! We loved each stop and can totally see why this tour has over 1,100 positive reviews!

Book our FAVORITE Kyoto tour here and enjoy free cancellation!

Where to Stay in Kyoto

Okay, now that we’ve got the perfect 3 days in Kyoto covered, you just need the perfect place to stay! There are lots of great hotel options in Kyoto but if you’re only here for a couple of days, we suggest staying centrally so that you can get the most of your time here. We’ve chosen 3 hotels in the downtown area, whether you’re looking for a luxe stay, a budget bed, or a happy medium between the two. 

Here are our top three picks:

Luxury – $$$ 

A trip to Kyoto isn’t complete without a traditional Japanese stay, which is why Kyoto Ryokan Kinoe is our first pick for places to stay in the city. This Ryokan is in the heart of Kyoto, within walking distance of the Gion geisha district. We love the traditional charm of the rooms here as it features futon beds, fresh tea, and access to public baths and a stone garden. 

Prices vary by season but average around $300 USD per night. Check availability and book this stay online here.

Mid-range – $$ 

Located in the Shimogyo district, Hotel Resol Kyoto Shijo Muromachi is a comfortable stay at a moderate price point. The rooms are spacious and modern, ranging from Hollywood twin to double rooms. There’s also an onsite restaurant which is handy, but you’re also a quick walk from downtown Kyoto’s top spots. 

Rooms start around $120 USD but can climb upwards of $300 USD during busy seasons. Check prices here and book this hotel in advance!

Budget – $ 

Staying in a capsule hotel is a quintessentially Japanese experience, and Glansit Kyoto Kawaramachi is a fantastic place to try it out for a few nights while saving money. It offers comfortable, sparkling clean capsules with air-conditioning and free WiFi, plus their own flat screen TVs inside  – how cute is that? It’s also within walking distance of Gion and a 5-minute walk from the Nishiki Market, so it’s an excellent base for exploring the city.

Prices here start from $50 USD per night but can go up to around $140 USD. Check prices and book this unique capsule stay here!

Need more options? Check out all of Kyoto’s listed hotels here!

Renting a Car in Japan

Japan’s trains are great, but if you want to explore rural areas, scenic routes, or off-the-beaten path hidden gems, renting a car offers unmatched flexibility. Driving in Japan is generally safe, with well-maintained roads and clear signage, though there are some unique rules and customs to be aware of.

We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare multiple provider prices, check company ratings, filter for the type of vehicle you want, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.

Tips for Renting a Car in Japan

• Drive on the left: In Japan, vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road. The driver’s seat is on the right, and you’ll need to adjust to roundabouts and different road layouts. Take some time to get comfortable before hitting busy roads.
• Know the local rules: You must come to a full stop at “止まれ” (stop) signs, and pedestrians always have the right of way. It’s also mandatory for all passengers to wear seatbelts, even in the back seat. It’s also a good idea to brush up on the Japanese road signs before you go. They are mainly symbol based, and being able to recognize them will make your journey a lot smoother!
• Insurance is essential: We always recommend full coverage rental insurance—especially in Japan, where tight city parking, narrow village streets, and even wildlife on roads (like deer in Hokkaido) can lead to unexpected dings or damage. Discover Cars makes it easy (and affordable) to add this peace of mind when you book.
• Choose the right car: Roads and parking spots in Japan can be tight, especially in cities and older towns, so a small or mid-sized car is usually best. Discover Cars makes it easy to filter by transmission, fuel type (like hybrid), luggage space, and more, so you can find exactly what works for your trip.
• Watch for toll roads: Japan has an extensive network of toll roads (expressways). Tolls can be paid by cash or card, but it’s worth checking if your rental car comes with an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card for convenience.

What You Need to Rent a Car in Japan

• A valid driver’s license from your home country.
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1949 Geneva Convention. This is a must—it’s the only version Japan recognizes, and you’ll need to get it before arriving.
• A credit card in the driver’s name for the deposit.
• Most companies require you to be at least 18 years old, and some may require you to have held a license for at least one year. Drivers under 25 may face additional fees.

Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the Japan on your own terms!

Thanks for reading!

Kyoto might be steeped in tradition, but exploring it over three days felt like peeling back layers of history, one incredible experience at a time. From iconic temples and bamboo forests to sipping matcha in secret cafes and devouring unforgettable street eats, this city blew us away.

We hope this 3-day itinerary makes planning your Kyoto adventure a whole lot easier (and tastier)! Before you head off, don’t miss our other Kyoto blogs, where we share even more top tours. Or check out these ideas for your next stop in Japan!

10 Best Things to do in Kyoto, Japan

5 Best Kyoto Night Tours

5 Best Food Tours in Kyoto