A relaxed 3-day Kyoto itinerary for two, exploring the city's highlights by public transport. Each day is grouped around a district: Higashiyama, Arashiyama, and the northern temples plus Nishiki Market. We've included real restaurants and left evenings unhurried. Public transport is the main mode, with a transit pass recommended.
3 days · 21 stopsUnbooked — pick lodging near Kyoto Station for easy transit access.
JR京都駅 Central Entrance, Higashishiokōjichō, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, JapanFamous temple with great views; arrive early to avoid crowds.
1-chōme-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, JapanHistoric shrine at the edge of Gion.
625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073, JapanCasual noodle spot near Yasaka Shrine.
87 Kuramakibunechō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 601-1112, JapanTraditional geisha district with wooden machiya houses.
570-2 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074, JapanKaiseki-style dinner in Gion; reserve ahead for two.
570-235 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074, JapanUnbooked — pick lodging near Kyoto Station for easy transit access.
JR京都駅 Central Entrance, Higashishiokōjichō, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, JapanUnbooked — pick lodging near Kyoto Station for easy transit access.
JR京都駅 Central Entrance, Higashishiokōjichō, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, JapanIconic bamboo path; go early for fewer crowds.
Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8394, JapanUNESCO World Heritage temple with beautiful gardens.
Japan, 〒616-8385 京都府京都市右京区嵯峨天龍寺芒ノ馬場町６８Soba restaurant with river views.
Japan, 〒616-8385 京都府京都市右京区嵯峨天龍寺芒ノ馬場町３Former villa of actor Okochi Denjiro; includes tea service.
8 Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8394, JapanTofu kaiseki in a quiet Arashiyama setting.
Japan, 〒616-8386 Kyoto, Ukyo Ward, Sagakamenoochō, 官 有地内Unbooked — pick lodging near Kyoto Station for easy transit access.
JR京都駅 Central Entrance, Higashishiokōjichō, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, JapanUnbooked — pick lodging near Kyoto Station for easy transit access.
JR京都駅 Central Entrance, Higashishiokōjichō, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, JapanThe Golden Pavilion; arrive early to avoid tour groups.
1 Kinkakujichō, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, JapanFamous rock garden; a short bus ride from Kinkaku-ji.
13 Ryōanji Goryōnoshitachō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8001, JapanUdon restaurant near Nishiki Market (actually near Gion, but good for lunch).
Japan, 〒606-8406 Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, Jōdoji Ishibashichō, ７４−３ おめん 銀閣寺バスプール南隣Covered market street with food stalls and local specialties.
Higashiuoyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8055, JapanOkonomiyaki and teppanyaki near Nishiki Market.
597 Nishiuoyachō, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8142, JapanUnbooked — pick lodging near Kyoto Station for easy transit access.
JR京都駅 Central Entrance, Higashishiokōjichō, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan