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Kyoto: city view and main sights to see
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✦ TRAVEL GUIDE · JAPAN

What to see in Kyoto in 3 days

3 days 21 experiences 8 where to eat from 3€

3-day itinerary for Kyoto (Japan): what to see, where to eat and skip-the-line tickets. Build your free custom plan.

Kyoto blends , culture and nature at every turn. Here's a 3-day itinerary organised by area, with the must-sees, where to eat and skip-the-line tickets to make the most of your trip.

Practical info · Kyoto

📅
Best time to visitSpring & autumn
🗓️
Ideal length2-3 days
💶
BudgetMid-range · €€
🚶
Getting around
Known for, culture and nature

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What to see in Kyoto day by day

Day 1Higashiyama · Arashiyama

Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Wooden temple with a large panoramic terrace over Kyoto, a World Heritage Site.
from 3€
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Shinto shrine famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates climbing the mountain.
Free
Yasaka Shrine
Yasaka Shrine
Shinto shrine at the entrance to Gion, lit by lanterns at night.
Free
Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka Streets
Cobbled sloping lanes with shops and traditional wooden houses.
Free
Ginkaku-ji Silver Pavilion
Ginkaku-ji Silver Pavilion
Zen temple with moss gardens and raked sand at the foot of the eastern hills.
from 3€
Philosopher's Path
Pedestrian path along a canal lined with cherry trees connecting Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji.
Free
Nanzen-ji Temple
Nanzen-ji Temple
Large zen temple complex with an imposing Sanmon gate and a brick aqueduct.
from 5€
Sanjusangen-do Temple
Sanjusangen-do Temple
Wooden hall housing 1,001 golden statues of the goddess Kannon.
from 4€
🍽️ Kikunoi Honten
Three-Michelin-star kaiseki restaurant in Higashiyama.
~120€
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Path among towering bamboo stalks, one of the most photographed landscapes in Japan.
Free
Tenryu-ji Temple
Tenryu-ji Temple
Zen temple with a famous landscape garden facing the Arashiyama mountains.
from 5€
Togetsukyo Bridge
Iconic bridge over the Katsura River with views of the wooded hills.
Free
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Hilltop viewpoint inhabited by free-roaming Japanese macaques.
from 4€
Tour of Arashiyama and Its Temples
Guided visit to the bamboo grove and the main temples of Arashiyama.
from 45€
🍽️ Arashiyama Yoshimura
Homemade soba noodles with views of the Togetsukyo Bridge.
~18€

Day 2Centre & Gion

Gion District
Gion District
Historic geisha district with traditional wooden streets and tea houses.
Free
Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle
Fortified castle of the Tokugawa shogunate with nightingale floors and gardens, a World Heritage Site.
from 6€
Nishiki Market
Five-century-old covered market with food stalls, pickles and Kyoto products.
Free
Pontocho Alley
Narrow lane by the Kamo River full of restaurants and traditional tea houses.
Free
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Former residence of the imperial family surrounded by an extensive park.
Free
Free Walking Tour of Kyoto
Guided walking tour through the historic centre and its traditions.
Free
Guided Excursion to Nara
Full-day excursion to Nara to see the Great Buddha and the park's deer.
from 55€
🍽️ Wajouryoumen Sugari
Highly rated prawn ramen near Nishiki Market.
~14€
🍽️ Gion Kappa
Traditional izakaya in Gion with homemade dishes and sake.
~20€

Day 3North (Kinkaku-ji)

Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion
Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion
Zen pavilion covered in gold leaf reflected on a pond, one of Japan's icons.
from 3€

💡 Indicative prices. The current price is shown when you book on Civitatis.

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Frequently asked questions about Kyoto

How many days do I need to see Kyoto?

With 3 days you can see the must-sees of Kyoto. Our tool organizes each day by area so you don't waste time getting around.

When is the best time to visit Kyoto?

The best time to visit Kyoto is spring and autumn. That said, Trip Planner builds your itinerary for any season and adapts it to your pace.

How do you get around Kyoto?

undefined Plus, our plan groups each day by area so you barely waste time getting around.

What to visit in Kyoto?

The must-sees in Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Gion District and Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion. This guide organises them day by day, with times, a map and skip-the-line tickets.

How much does it cost to visit Kyoto?

It depends on your budget. With Trip Planner you set how much you want to spend per day and the plan adapts, combining free and paid activities.

Where can I buy skip-the-line tickets?

Every bookable activity includes a direct link to Civitatis to buy the ticket or tour online and skip the lines.

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