The Ultimate 3 Day KYOTO Itinerary | Japan Travel Guide (2025)

@Hangry By Nature

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Explore Kyoto over three action-packed days, covering iconic temples like Kiyomizudera and Fushimi Inari, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, unique dining experiences, and a tatami floor Starbucks.

3 days · 17 places

Day 1 · 7 places · Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Temples, Tatami Starbucks & Gion Night

“This itinerary spans over 3 days, and on day one, we cover Kiyomizudera, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, the tatami floor Starbucks, Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park, Gion, and Kichi Kichi Omurice.”

1
Kiyomizudera Temple
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.6 (72,172)Closed · opens tomorrow 6 AM
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One of Kyoto's most iconic temples, perched on the edge of a picturesque mountain, offering incredible views from its viewing platform. Founded in 780 A.D., it's over 1,200 years old. You can stroll around the grounds and enjoy the scenery.
Kiyomizu-dera, 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan
2
Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka Streets
Tourist attraction · Kyoto
4.5Closed
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Charming laneways dotted with Edo-style houses leading up to Kiyomizudera Temple. It's a great place to eat your way through, trying different sweets and snacks like roasted chestnut soft serve and cold pickled cucumber. You can easily spend half a day exploring here.
Ninenzaka, Higashiyama Ward, Masuyacho, 2 Chome-363-12 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0826, Japan
3
Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya
Coffee shop · Kyoto
4.4 (11,664)Closed · opens tomorrow 8 AM
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The world's only Starbucks built into an Edo-style house, where you can eat and drink on tatami mats. It's very unassuming, blending in with the other buildings with no obvious signage, making it feel like you've stumbled into someone's house.
Starbucks Coffee - Kyoto Nineizaka Yasaka Chaya, 349 Masuyacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0826, Japan
4
Yasaka Shrine
Shinto shrine · Kyoto
4.4 (33,681)Closed
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Also known as Gion Shrine, this beauty of Kyoto dates back as far as 656 A.D. I love the design of its dance stage, with layered lanterns that bear the names of local businesses who have donated to the temple. It's an easy 10-minute walk from Ninenzaka.
Yasaka Shrine, 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073, Japan
5
Maruyama Park
City park · Kyoto
4.3Closed
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A beautiful park located behind Yasaka Shrine, perfect for a leisurely stroll. You might even spot a real bird that looks like a sculpture on a rock.
Maruyama Park, Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0071, Japan
6
Gion District
Kyoto
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A gorgeous place to explore if you want to get a feel of old Kyoto. This old entertainment area now features an abundance of buzzing bars and lively eateries. It's also one of the most exclusive and well-known places in Japan to find geishas, though remember to be respectful and avoid taking photos if you do.
Gion, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan
7
Kichi Kichi Omurice
Japanized western restaurant · Kyoto
4.1 (245)Closed · opens Thursday 5 PM
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A viral sensation known for its quirky and funny Chef Motomuro and his art of making a silky smooth omelette that he slices open to pour over rice. It's one of the best nights we've had in Japan, ending with belting out the 'happy happy omurice song.' You need to book well in advance due to its popularity.
Kichi Kichi Omurice, 185-4 Zaimokucho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8017, Japan

Day 2 · 4 places · Kyoto, Japan

Day 2: Arashiyama's Nature & Golden Temple

“On day two, we recommend renting a bicycle to explore Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, enjoy shabu-shabu at Restaurant Arashiyama, take the Sagano Romantic Train, and end the day at Kinkakuji Temple.”

8
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Tourist attraction · Kyoto
4.4 (24,591)Closed
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One of Kyoto's most popular and Instagrammable attractions. The bamboo stalks are unbelievably tall and numerous, creating a stunning and immersive experience.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8394, Japan
9
Restaurant Arashiyama
Restaurant · Kyoto
3.6Closed · opens Thursday 9 AM
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Located near the bamboo forest, this restaurant serves delicious shabu-shabu made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. It's a hearty and satisfying meal, often accompanied by yummy Dango.
Restaurant Arashiyama, 33 Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8384, Japan
10
Sagano Scenic Railway
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A special sightseeing train that takes you through the mountains and along the Hozugawa River. It's a classic, open-carriage train offering incredible views, especially during the spring and autumn seasons. It's one of the most scenic train rides in Japan.
Sagano Scenic Railway, Kyoto, Japan
11
Kinkakuji Temple
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.6 (70,689)Open · until 5 PM
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A one-of-a-kind temple and one of the most recognizable in the world, with its shiny gold pavilion and Zen garden. The top two levels of the pavilion are covered in real gold leaves. As you stroll around the gorgeous gardens, you'll find snack stores, omamori (good luck charms), and places to make wishes, like a coin-throwing challenge.
Kinkaku-ji, 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan

Day 3 · 6 places · Kyoto, Japan

Day 3: Fushimi Inari, Nishiki Market & Kyoto Station Wonders

“For day three, we suggest checking into Mercure Kyoto Station, dining at Trattoria M Kyoto, then visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine, eating your way through Nishiki Market, exploring Higashi Honganji Temple, and finally, experiencing the grandeur of Kyoto Station.”

12
Mercure Kyoto Station
Hotel · Kyoto
4.4 (267)
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A modern and super aesthetic hotel in Kyoto, highly recommended for its eye-catching designs with hints of traditional Japanese themes. It's a new hotel offering a comfortable stay.
Mercure Kyoto Station, 288 Aburanokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8231, Japan
- Privilege Room — The Privilege Room offers a beautiful view of the mountains in the background, a lovely sight to wake up to.
- Male and female skincare kits — This hotel provides male and female skincare kits, which is a cool and thoughtful amenity I've never experienced before.
13
Trattoria M Kyoto
Restaurant · Kyoto
3.9 (270)Open · until 9 PM
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An Italian restaurant located inside Mercure Kyoto Station. The surroundings are absolutely beautiful, and everything tasted fresh and delicious, made from high-quality locally sourced ingredients to create Kyoto-style Italian dishes. You will not be disappointed.
Trattoria M Kyoto, 288 Aburanokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8231, Japan
14
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Shinto shrine · Kyoto
4.6 (90,859)Closed
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The iconic Gates of Kyoto, where you can walk beneath thousands of famous torii gates and follow them through a trail up the mountain. The number of gates continues to grow, and the full trek to the top takes about two hours, involving many stairs. The further you go, the less crowded it gets, making it more serene and ideal for picture taking.
Fushimi Inari Taisha, 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan
- Sacred Oak Tree Roots — A very special oak tree with roots showing above ground, believed to still be alive. Local residents and visitors rub the roots for extra strength, protection, and good health due to its unique growth.
15
Nishiki Market
Market · Kyoto
4.3 (53,488)Open now
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Kyoto's kitchen, a bustling covered market where you can eat your way through delicious street food. There's so much to try, from sweet treats to fresh seafood.
Nishiki Market, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8055, Japan
- Sweet mochi · ¥390 — Super soft mochi with an unbelievable sweet glaze. A must-try snack in the market.
- Daiso oysters — These are the best oysters we have ever had, plump and incredibly fresh. They have no sourness at all, just a little hint of sweetness. They will blow your mind.
16
Higashi Honganji Temple
Buddhist temple
4.5 (12,280)Closed · opens 5:50 AM
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An underrated and hidden gem right next to Kyoto Station. It's a pretty big temple, looking epic from the outside. It's divided into two grand and breathtaking halls: the Founders Hall and Amida Hall. The history of the temple is impressive and worth looking up. The main temple building connects to sidewalks from a bridge, looking amazing.
Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8505, Japan
17
Kyoto Station
Transit station · Kyoto
4.3
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More than just a train station, this one is absolutely worthy for your Kyoto itinerary, especially at night. You'll be awed by its sheer grandeur and raw design. You can make your way up the escalators, admire the epic set of stairs that light up with imagery and animations, and roam through the amazing glass Skywalk to admire the station from above.
Kyoto Station, Higashishiokoji Kamadonocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan

1 extraction issue

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