One day in Kyoto: How to Maximize your day trip
They say that a lifetime in Kyoto is not enough to explore the thousands of shrines and temples that it can offer. Since we only had one week in Japan, our time in Kyoto was limited, we spent only one day in Kyoto. If you have more time, check out the best of Kyoto in 2 days. If you can only have one day in Kyoto, you can still enjoy this cultural capital of Japan. If you are planning a trip to Japan, there are also several great Discover Japan tours available.
First and foremost, you need to start your day early. Since you only have one day in Kyoto, you need to make most of your time by starting early. Our first stop is the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha where you’ll see thousands of vermillion torii gates.
I did a separate post about Fushimi Inari Shrine. Click here to read more:
Classic Kyoto: The Famous Fushimi Inari Shrine
We arrived there at around 8 A.M and there were not much crowds. After exploring the torii gates, we then took a cab outside the shrine so we can head to our second stop, which is the Kiyomizu dera Temple.
Don’t be confused even if you cannot see any temple when the taxi drops you off since you still need to do a small hike. There are shops selling souvenirs and snacks as you hike to the temple.
In addition, you are actually doing a hundred year old tradition when you shop while hiking to the temple. I personally think that Kiyomizu dera is the best place to buy souvenirs.
We arrived at the temple at around 10:30 A.M and there are already a huge crowd, so you must come earlier. Obviously, this place is always busy and full of tourists, even so it’s still a must visit.. Entrance fee of the temple is very affordable at 300 yen (2 USD or 150 PHP) per person.
Furthermore, you can also enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto from the balcony of the temple. This temple is so beautiful especially during spring or autumn season where you’ll see this temple with cherry blossoms and fall foliage. Unfortunately for us, the cherry blossoms were just starting to bloom when we visited even so it was still a great experience.
The wooden stage also known as the Kiyomizu Butai is what this temple is most known for. However, they were under renovation when we visited so we cannot walk at the stage.
If you turn right after a few blocks from the entrance of the temple, you’ll see another famous spot in Kyoto. This place is called Sannenzaka which translates to three year slope. They say that if you fall in this slope, something will happen to you within three years, good or bad.
This slope is an iconic part of Kyoto which brings you back to Japan’s good old days. In addition to this. if you want a nostalgic and dreamy scene, come early since there will be no crowds. In addition to this, the slope is lined with traditional Japanese shops where you can buy Kyoto candies, handicrafts and traditional snacks.
Once you reach Ninnenzaka, there are several unique shops here including traditional Starbucks that has tatami mats. Another unique shop is a Studio Ghibli shop perfect for fans of the Ghibli movies.
Once we have finished exploring Sannenzaka and Ninnenzaka, we then head to Gion District for lunch. It was almost 2pm when we arrive at Gion. We decided to have a Kaiseki Lunch Course, an authentic Kyoto cuisine. There’s no better place to have Kaiseki in Kyoto than Gion. Kaiseki meal is definitely one of the best things to eat in Japan. Check out what are the other best and worst things to eat in Japan. We ate at Gion Hanasaki, which you can also book a reservation. We went at 1:30pm, near closing time, and for this reason, we did not wait long before we were seated.
We ordered the Set A, which is an eight course meal. This restaurant is one of the places where you can get affordable Kaiseki meal with great quality. It’s a good value for money.
Don’t forget to have Matcha Desserts when in Kyoto. We went to Gion Tsujiri. There was a long line outside the shop but you can buy take out with only limited menu. You can also buy some souvenir items such as matcha tea and sweets.
The rest of the afternoon, we explored Shirakawa Canal, it’s a popular cherry blossom spot. Unfortunately, they were only starting to bloom when we visited.
We crossed the Shijo Bridge and took a stroll along the Kamogawa River. It’s really a peaceful place and the atmosphere of this place is really great.
During summer time, the restaurant will set up temporary platforms for guests to enjoy open air dining while overlooking the river.
Our last stop is to visit the famous Ponto-cho Alley.
This narrow alley is full of traditional shops and restaurants. This alley can get really crowded, especially at night time. Stroll further down the alley and you’ll find a peaceful park.
If you have more than one day in Kyoto, here’s some of the places which you might want to visit.
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
- Tenryu-ji Temple
- Kimono Forest
* I wrote a separate post about our trip to Arashiyama, click here to read more: Exploring Arashiyama in Kyoto - Philosopher’s Path
- Kinkakuji Golden Pavillion
- Ginkakuji (Silver Pavillion)
- Nijo Castle
- Kyoto Tower
I hope you enjoyed reading my guide on how to maximize your day trip if you only have one day in Kyoto. If you are planning a trip to Japan soon, check out Japan Travel Tips
Check out my other Japan blog posts:
- Mt Fuji Shibazakura Festival
- Itinerary for Nagoya: Day Trip from Osaka
- Nabana no Sato: Winter Illumination in Japan
- Hidden Gem in Kobe: Nunobiki Herb Garden
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Fae Celine
Ever since starting her travel blog on April 2019, Fae has loved taking photographs of new places and sharing them online. Now, in her 20s, take a peek in her life as she pulls you into a world of travel, food and lifestyle.
59 Comments
Emma
Wow, it really looks magical with the Cherry Blossoms hanging over the walkways. I had a bit of a chuckle seeing a wooden Starbucks sign in this ancient area. Your post was very informative with what to see, find and expect.
Thank you.
Fae Celine
It’s even more magical at early mornings when there are no crowds, perfect for photos! I’m glad that you find this post informative 🙂
Stephanie
Useful post!! Thanks for sharing—I am planning a trip to Japan and only have a short time.
Oluborode Ayokanmi
The pictures are beautiful. I wish I had time to travel to different places.
APRIL KEY RODE
Hello Fae, another Pinay here… I enjoyed reading your tip in Kyoto it’s good to know where to eat and how to maximize our time visiting Kyoto in one day. I love your pics seating under the cherry blossoms. May I know what month and week of the month you visited here?
Fae Celine
Hi April, nice to meet you 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed reading my Kyoto trip. I went during the last week of March, (26-31). The cherry blossoms were only starting to bloom in Kyoto. Some other parts of Japan have already full bloom though like when we went to Nagoya, you can see sakura everywhere.
Sean Brett
It looked amazing. the cherry blossom tree at Sannenzaka slope was an amazing photo too. Is it always that busy?
Fae Celine
It is very busy and crowded during daytime but if you want to take a photo of this slope without the crowds, it’s much better to go there early mornings around 6-7am.
Evan Petzer
Early mornings are my favorite thing when traveling purely because you get to experience a full day, all those temples and cherry blossoms will defiantly get me to stop at the StarBucks just to refuel on caffeine. No day is ever complete without some good coffee… I bet the food is quite something out of this world and all the souvenirs, better start making a list of people for who I would have to bring something back to.
Fae Celine
Me too, nothing is better than starting your day early when traveling. The Starbucks in Japan also have limited menu that you can’t find anywhere else so that is another great thing about it. The food and souvenirs in Kyoto are the best too, you’ll love it.
Samara
Love this guide. What a cool place to visit! Will hopefully get the chance to use these tips soon!
Fae Celine
Thank you 🙂
Sarah
So many unique sights! You can almost smell the cherry blossoms and that ice cream, love that color! My cousin did the exchange student program years back and went to Japan, hearing her experience and all the neat things she brought back were amazing!
Fae Celine
Kyoto has so many unique sights, the bests ones are the off the beaten paths 🙂
Elizabeth @ Anchored Adventure Blog
That green ice cream looks so delicious. What month did you visit? Would love to plan a trip sometime but it looks so crowded from your photos. Perhaps traveling in the winter is less busy?
Fae Celine
I went during the cherry blossom season that’s why it was so crowded. The best time to visit is around September where weather is pleasant and it’s not peak season. Traveling during winter is great too since there are not much crowds although the weather can be very cold.
Danik
Looks like one day is not enough,… honestly on your experience how long would you say a decent stay in the city would be for? I am hoping to be in Japan soon and Koyto is on my list.
Fae Celine
One day is definitely not enough. I recommend 3 days for Kyoto. You can explore a lot of the main shrines and temples and discover more hidden gems too.
The Holidaymaker
Your post is very informative and interesting. Is there a time of year that is best? It looks very crowded at the temple.
Fae Celine
We went during cherry blossom season and since it was peak season, there was a lot of crowds. I recommend visiting Japan during September since weather is very pleasant and there are not much crowds.
anshul
Kyoto is such a gorgeous place. I am perticularly fascinated with its architecture. I would love to explore this city someday.
Fae Celine
Yes, the architecture here is really beautiful and very unique too. You’ll love it here.
Jeenu Pillai
The place looks like a page from a fantasy book. I love the way you have described every detail.
Sheila
Those cherry blossoms are beautiful. I can only imagine what it would have looked like if all of the trees in your photos were in full bloom. Some great tips here, thanks for sharing so many details on how to spend the day in Kyoto.
Fae Celine
I agree, it would have been magical if all the cherry trees were in full bloom but at least there were some trees that have already bloomed.
Wander Women Abroad
Wow what a beautiful place! I have always wanted to visit Japan and especially Kyoto. You captured the essence of the town beautifully and I felt like I was right there with you. I most definitely want to visit the Studio Ghibli shop.I grew up on their films, they were a big part of my childhood
Fae Celine
the studio ghibli shop is so beautiful, they also have a dessert cafe inside but it was too crowded, we decided to just skip it.
Clyde
It is really hard to have only a day to explore such place but with good organization and planning, it is possible. Cherry Blossoms always look so lovely, you have taken beautiful photos of them and the place.
Lia
Wow, looks like you had a busy day! Loved all the different pictures, really got a feel for it. And planning seems necessary for this. Thanks for the informative breakdown.
Fae Celine
it looked like we have a full packed day but it was actually really chill since all of these places are just walking distance within each other, it wasn’t really rushed which made the experience more enjoyable.
Stephanie
Thanks for these great tips! I am planning a trip to Japan and appreciate the advice!
GiGi Eats
What an action packed day! Thank you for this! I really hope to get to Kyoto really soon!
Dan
Looks like you had a busy day! Sounds like a good city to visit.
Fae Celine
Kyoto is definitely a must visit place when in Japan
Gervin Khan
I have never been there but I always find Japan as one of the beautiful places to visit. I am glad that you’ve had a great time at Kyoto and I am hoping to visit that place someday!
Fae Celine
there are many beautiful cities in Japan. Kyoto is one of my favorites
Lyosha
Kyoto is my favorite in Japan. No wonder but still! One day is definitely not enough but it is definitely better than nothing. Your plan sounds nice!
Fae Celine
thanks for reading!
Wren LaPorte
This looks like so much fun and like you literally filled that day trip to the max! I would love to do all of these things in a day!
Patricia Martin
I hope to be able to visit Japan one day, your pictures are great, I love the cherry blossoms.
Lavern Moore
I would love to experience the day in Kyoto. Armed with the great information that you present here, it would be so great!
Kathy Kenny Ngo
I hope I get to visit Japan before I hit 45. It looks really stunning.
Catherine Santiago Jose
Japan is one of my dream place to visit and hope to visit and explore the beauty of this place someday! You really had a wonderful one day trip at Kyoto.
Jackline A
I have never been to Japan but I am hoping I can visit soon!! Thank you for this guide. It will be very useful.
alexandra cook
what a fun looking adventure, I will make sure to visit this place soon when we have time, thank u for sharing!!
Corisa
Looks like a great trip. Love those cherry blossom trees! I would love to visit Japan one day!
twinspirational
Oh you really did make the most out your day.. 😊The places are so pretty..! If I were there I would do the same things and eat most of the time.
Vannie
wow such a crowded place . it reminds me my home city HoChiMinh City in Vietnam
Karen Monica
I have always love cherry blossom trees. The trees are just so pretty. Love the photos that you share. Hopefully, I would get to visit Kyoto soon.
Paula Stewart
It looks like a very popular place. You sure did pack a lot of adventure into a very short trip.
The Captain
Wow… The vibe here looks magical….. it really does
Stephanie
Wow, what a full day of sightseeing! I love getting up early when we are visiting somewhere new to get to see the sights before it gets crowded.
Fran Jorgensen
I am dreaming of visiting Japan! Kyoto looks like an incredible place to visit to discover this amazing culture!
Jasmine Watts
I have never been to Japan but I’m hoping to go there someday!
Natural Beauty And Makeup
Japan is on my travel bucket list! Kyoto looks so beautiful, would love to visit this place someday 😍
Patricia Chamberlain
I have always wanted to visit Japan! Thank you for this beautiful photo tour of Kyoto. I really enjoyed reading about your trip.
Philomath
This is really amazing and my dream is one day to give this place a visit.
Amanda @ Healthy House on the Block
That looks like an incredible day trip! Those cherry blossoms are stunning! You definitely got a lot out of your day — definitely would like to visit some day!
Christa
I would love to visit and see the cherry blossoms! Japan is a dream trip for me and I can’t wait to plan it.