Kyoto, Japan - Travel Guide

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Plan a free trip to Kyoto

Updated: 2026-10-18

Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital, offers a magical journey into a world of ancient temples, serene gardens, and traditional geisha districts. Visit to experience the cultural and spiritual soul of Japan in its full glory.

Top things to do in Kyoto

Things to do in Kyoto include Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Here are 15 places worth knowing, with a short note on each.

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A sample 3-day itinerary for Kyoto

Here is what 3 days in Kyoto look like when the planner builds them - arriving at noon on the first day and flying home at noon on the last. Stops are grouped by proximity so no day doubles back, and the same route can be built for any length, from two days to a week.

Day 1Arrival at noon

Stops
4
  1. 1
    Kinkaku-jiBuddhist temple
    3.3 km
  2. 2
    Nijo CastleCastle · Nakagyo Ward
    1.8 km (🚶 29 min)
  3. 3
    Nishiki MarketNakagyo Ward
    1.4 km (🚶 18 min)
  4. 4
    Gion and Hanamikoji StreetNeighbourhood
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Day 2

Stops
7
Walking
2h 33m
  1. 1
    Fushimi Inari-taisha ShrineShinto shrine · Fushimi Ward
    3.2 km (🚶 56 min / 🚌 22 min)
  2. 2
    Kiyomizu-dera TempleBuddhist temple · Higashiyama Ward
    400 m (🚶 6 min)
  3. 3
    Sannenzaka and NinenzakaStreet
    800 m (🚶 12 min)
  4. 4
    Yasaka ShrineShinto shrine · Higashiyama Ward
    1 km (🚶 15 min)
  5. 5
    Pontocho AlleyAlley · Pontocho
    3.6 km (🚶 56 min / 🚌 22 min)
  6. 6
    Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)Buddhist temple · Sakyo Ward
    450 m (🚶 8 min)
  7. 7
    Honen-inBuddhist temple
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Day 3Return at noon

Stops
3
Walking
14 min
  1. 1
    Arashiyama Bamboo GroveArashiyama
    300 m (🚶 7 min)
  2. 2
    Tenryu-ji TempleBuddhist temple
    200 m (🚶 7 min)
  3. 3
    Nonomiya ShrineShinto shrine
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The route assumes the first day starts at noon, after you land, and the last ends at noon, before your flight. It is an example: with your dates the planner builds a route around your landing and your flight home, real opening hours, how you get around and your own preferences.

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Kyoto?

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), Gion District and 9 more. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine: Thousands of red torii gates lining mountain trails - a unique and impressive experience.

What can you do in 3 days in Kyoto?

Day 1: Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market, Gion and Hanamikoji Street. Day 2: Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, Yasaka Shrine. Day 3: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple, Nonomiya Shrine.

Which areas should you explore in Kyoto?

The itinerary for Kyoto runs through Nakagyo Ward, Fushimi Ward, Higashiyama Ward, Pontocho, Sakyo Ward and Arashiyama.

What parks and gardens are there in Kyoto?

Parks and gardens in Kyoto: Nara day trip and Maruyama Park (Higashiyama Ward).

Destinations near Kyoto

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