Kyoto, Japan - Travel Guide

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Plan a free trip to Kyoto

Updated: 2026-10-11

Kyoto is a mesmerizing journey through time - the historic wooden streets of Higashiyama whisper ancient secrets, while the towering stalks of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove create a spellbinding canopy of green. Wander through the legendary Gion district for a glimpse of a passing geisha, and let the city's soulful rhythm captivate you.

Top things to do in Kyoto

Things to do in Kyoto include Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove + Monkey Park. 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
3
  1. 1
    Kinkaku-jiBuddhist temple
    3.3 km
  2. 2
    Nijo CastleCastle
    2 km (🚶 34 min)
  3. 3
    Nishiki Market
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Day 2

Stops
6
Walking
1h 29m
  1. 1
    Kennin-ji TempleBuddhist temple
    300 m (🚶 5 min)
  2. 2
    Gion + PontochoNeighbourhood
    750 m (🚶 12 min)
  3. 3
    Higashiyama historic streetsStreet
    550 m (🚶 9 min)
  4. 4
    Kiyomizu-deraBuddhist temple
    1 km (🚶 18 min)
  5. 5
    Maruyama ParkPark
    3 km (🚶 45 min / 🚌 18 min)
  6. 6
    Ginkaku-ji + Philosopher's Path
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Day 3Return at noon

Stops
2
  1. 1
    Arashiyama Bamboo Grove + Monkey ParkMountain
    11 km
  2. 2
    Fushimi Inari TaishaShinto 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, Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove + Monkey Park, Ginkaku-ji + Philosopher's Path, Gion + Pontocho, Nishiki Market and 9 more.

What can you do in 3 days in Kyoto?

Day 1: Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market. Day 2: Kennin-ji Temple, Gion + Pontocho, Higashiyama historic streets, Kiyomizu-dera. Day 3: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove + Monkey Park, Fushimi Inari Taisha.

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