3 Days in Kyoto, Japan | Best Temples, Food & Hidden Gems (4K)

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Join Yukari and Non on a 3-day journey through Kyoto, exploring beautiful temples, local food, cozy cafes, traditional streets, markets, and more.

3 days · 20 places

Day 1 · 6 places · Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Arrival & Nanzen-ji Exploration

“Our first day in Kyoto, arriving by Shinkansen and exploring the Nanzen-ji area, followed by a relaxing stay and dinner along the Kamo River.”

1
Kyoto Station
Transit station · Kyoto
4.3
Creator's voice
Kyoto Station is a major transportation hub that welcomes millions of travelers each year with its impressive modern architecture.
Kyoto Station, Higashishiokoji Kamadonocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan
2
Kyoto Tower
Observation deck · Kyoto
4.2 (213)Closed · opens tomorrow 10 AM
Creator's voice
The iconic Kyoto Tower stands tall near Kyoto Station, offering panoramic views of the city.
Nidec Kyoto Tower, 721-1 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan
3
Dairikitei
Restaurant · Kyoto
4.1 (414)Closed · opens 11:30 AM
Creator's voice
This restaurant, located near Nanzen-ji Temple, features a beautiful garden designed by renowned landscape gardener Jihei Ogawa XI. It specializes in udon dishes.
Tairikitei, 81 Nanzenji Kusakawacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8437, Japan
- Wagyu udon with Kujo green onions — A cold udon dish served with tender wagyu beef and Kujo green onions, perfect for Kyoto's summer heat. The chewy noodles are just the way we like them, and the wagyu is incredibly good.
- Cold udon with chicken and maitake tempura — This cold udon dish comes with crispy chicken and maitake mushroom tempura, a refreshing option for a warm day.
- Three flavors of dango — Enjoy three flavors of dango – kinako (roasted soybean flour), red bean, and mitarashi (sweet soy glaze). You grill them yourself to give them a little more color, resulting in a sweet, savory, and perfectly balanced dessert.
4
Nanzen-ji Temple
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.5 (12,588)Closed · opens tomorrow 8:40 AM
Creator's voice
A beautiful red-brick aqueduct, built over 130 years ago, runs through Nanzen-ji Temple. Its retro design creates a beautiful contrast with the ancient temple structures.
Nanzen-ji, 86 Nanzenji Fukuchicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8435, Japan
- Matcha and sweets · ¥500 — Enjoy a traditional matcha tea and sweets in a traditional room inside Nanzen-ji Temple, overlooking a beautiful garden with small waterfalls that create a deeply relaxing ambiance. The matcha and sweets cost ¥500, in addition to the temple admission fee.
5
Kamohan
Serviced accommodation · Kyoto
4.5 (25)
Creator's voice
Kamohan is a small luxury machiya hotel located along the Kamo River. On the first floor, there's a cafe attached to the hotel.
Japan, 〒600-8111 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Toichicho, 143-9 KAMOHAN, 鴨川筋五条下る
- Omoya Suite — We chose the Omoya Suite for our stay. It features large windows overlooking the Kamo River, reflecting its shimmering waters onto the ceiling. The room blends raw concrete with traditional Japanese materials, creating a unique aesthetic. You can soak and relax in a luxurious warm wooden tub while enjoying the river view. The vanity area is spacious, and the shower room and toilet are separate, ensuring a comfortable stay. Kamohan is truly the perfect stay for a quiet escape.
- Welcome tea — Welcome tea is served in the room, a nice touch to start your stay.
6
Tazuru
Kaiseki restaurant · Kyoto
4.1 (8)
Creator's voice
Tazuru is a Japanese hotel and restaurant located along the Kamo River, offering dining decks during the summer. We reserved a table on the deck for tonight.
Ryokan Tazuru, 179-3 Minoyacho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8015, Japan
- Appetizer — The first dish is a delicious appetizer.
- Hassun — Next is Hassun, a colorful plate of seasonal bites, offering diverse flavors and textures.
- Sashimi — Fresh sashimi is served, a classic Japanese delicacy.
- Tender braised pork — Enjoy tender braised pork, a rich and savory dish.
- Rice and miso soup — Finishing with rice and miso soup is traditional Japanese kaiseki cuisine style.

Day 2 · 9 places · Kyoto, Japan

Day 2: Historic Streets & Temples

“On Day 2, we explored historic streets and temples, enjoyed breakfast by the river, visited hidden gems, and experienced traditional Japanese hospitality.”

7
Ninenzaka
Tourist attraction · Kyoto
4.5Closed
Creator's voice
Ninenzaka is a historic sloping stone path located in Kyoto, leading to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. It's lined with traditional shops and buildings.
Ninenzaka, Higashiyama Ward, Masuyacho, 2 Chome-363-12 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0826, Japan
8
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.6 (72,172)Closed · opens tomorrow 6 AM
Creator's voice
Founded in 778, Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its main hall features a massive wooden stage built without using a single nail, offering panoramic views of Kyoto. There's a famous saying, "to jump off the stage of Kiyomizu," meaning to take a leap of faith.
Kiyomizu-dera, 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan
- Omikuji fortune-telling — Try your luck with omikuji, a traditional Japanese fortune-telling ritual. Yukari got the best fortune, Daikichi!
9
Kactô
Restaurant · Kyoto
4.5Closed · opens tomorrow 8 AM
Creator's voice
Kactô is a modern American cafe and restaurant located right along the Kamo River. It's a popular spot, so we made a reservation. Perfect for any time of day.
Kacto, 133 Saitocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8012, Japan
- Buttermilk pancakes — Enjoy fluffy buttermilk pancakes with whipped butter and maple syrup, with extra toppings. This is one of Kactô's most popular pancakes, with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Avocado toast with smoked salmon — Savor avocado toast with smoked salmon and tofu mascarpone cream, with extra toppings. Definitely worth a visit.
10
Ruriko-in Temple
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.3 (4,422)Closed · opens Wednesday 10 AM
Creator's voice
Ruriko-in is a beautiful temple hidden in northern Kyoto, about 25 minutes by taxi from central Kyoto. It's famous for its fresh green leaves and stunning moss gardens.
Rurikōin Temple, 55 Kamitakano Higashiyama, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-0067, Japan
- Polished black table reflection — Inside the temple, you'll find a large, polished black table. The vibrant greenery outside reflects perfectly on the tabletop, creating a stunning visual effect. You can also try traditional sutra copying here.
- Koi fish — Beautiful koi fish swim in the temple's ponds.
11
Kyoto Chano-yu Meiho-tei
Cafe · Kyoto
4.7Closed · opens tomorrow 10 AM
Creator's voice
Kyoto Chano-yu Meiho-tei is a teahouse located near Ninenzaka.
Kyoto Chano-yu Akebonotei, 2 Chome-222 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan
- Uji matcha latte — Enjoy a refreshing Uji matcha latte, made with premium Uji matcha. Cute Uji-en packages catch our eye. A refreshing matcha break is just what we need.
12
Kazeno Heritage Nene-no-Michi Bettei
Hotel · Kyoto
3.0 (22)
Creator's voice
This hotel is located on the famous Nene-no-Michi in Kyoto. It just reopened this spring. The property was originally a traditional Japanese culinary inn. While retaining its classic exterior, the inside is a modern luxury space.
Japan, 〒605-0072 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Washiocho, 523 東山露地 Kazeno Heritage（旧：HOTEL VMG VILLA KYOTO)
- Complimentary drinks lounge — Complimentary drinks are available in the lounge.
- Traditional Japanese room — This room offers a beautiful garden view, retaining the property's classic exterior while featuring a modern luxury interior. Only a few rooms make the stay feel private and peaceful.
- Open-air bath — Enjoy an open-air bath overlooking the trees.
- Toiletries — Everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a skincare set, is provided.
- Minibar — The minibar is stocked with various drinks.
- Welcome champagne — We were welcomed with a glass of champagne.
13
Capella Kyoto
Hotel · Kyoto
4.5 (504)
Creator's voice
Capella Kyoto opened in 2026, located inside one of Kyoto's newest luxury hotels.
Capella Kyoto, 130 Komatsucho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0811, Japan
- Maiko performance — Maiko are apprentice geisha found only in Kyoto, one of Kyoto's most iconic symbols. They dedicate years to mastering traditional arts, and every detail, from the kimono to the hairstyle, has meaning. Their traditions have been passed down for generations.
14
Lanterne
Restaurant · Kyoto
4.9 (168)Closed · opens tomorrow 7 AM
Creator's voice
Lanterne is a cafe where you can enjoy delicious cakes.
LANTERNE, 130 Komatsucho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0811, Japan
- Blueberry Gelée Cake — Enjoy a beautiful Blueberry Gelée Cake.
- Dandelion Chocolate Cake — Savor the Dandelion Chocolate Cake, a rich and decadent dessert.
- Matcha latte — This is our second matcha latte of the day.
15
Mitoho Kyoto Bettei
Japanese restaurant · Kyoto
4.8 (87)Open · until 10:30 PM
Creator's voice
Mitoho Kyoto Bettei is a restaurant offering the Ultimate Wagyu Course. We were the only guests that evening.
mitoho kyoto bettei｜Kyoto restaurant, 5 Chome-324番2 Miyagawasuji, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0801, Japan
- Welcome Dashi Soup — Start your meal with a welcome dashi soup, made from Rishiri kelp and premium bonito flakes.
- Seared wagyu loin yukhoe — Enjoy seared wagyu loin yukhoe, made with premium eggs from a producer established in 1947, known for their rich flavor and vibrant yolks. The chef recommends breaking the yolk slightly. So good!
- Seasonal Appetizers — Three small dishes inspired by the spirit of Kyoto are served as seasonal appetizers. Every bite is a surprise.
- Wagyu and herring roe sushi — Savor seared wagyu and herring roe rolled into sushi, wrapped in a thin slice of wagyu. This dish offers a perfect balance of textures.
- Grilled premium wagyu — Carefully grilled premium wagyu is served to bring out its natural flavor. Each sauce brings out a different flavor.
- Chawanmushi — Enjoy chawanmushi, a savory steamed egg custard.
- Wagyu nigiri — Featuring wagyu tongue, skirt steak, and rump cap, each piece of wagyu nigiri is gently seared.
- Matcha — Matcha is whisked right in front of us, bringing the vibrant green to life. Great food, warm hospitality, and we'd happily recommend.

Day 3 · 4 places · Kyoto, Japan

Day 3: Shrine, Shopping & Tea

“Our final day in Kyoto began with breakfast overlooking a beautiful garden, followed by a visit to a colorful temple, some shopping, and a modern tea ceremony.”

16
Heian Jingu Kaikan
Shinto shrine · Kyoto
4.4 (16,207)Closed · opens Thursday 6 AM
Creator's voice
Breakfast is served at Heian Jingu Kaikan. The hotel kindly arranged a taxi for us.
Heian-jingū Shrine, 97 Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8341, Japan
- Breakfast set — The breakfast features seasonal Kyoto ingredients, with three different jams to try, perfect with freshly baked bread. We could stay here all morning.
17
Yasaka Koshindo Temple
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.3 (2,774)Closed · opens Tuesday 9 AM
Creator's voice
Yasaka Koshin-do is a colorful temple in historic Higashiyama. It's famous for its colorful "Kukuri-zaru" wishing amulets.
Yasaka Kōshin-dō Temple, 390 Kinencho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0828, Japan
- Kukuri-zaru wish — Write your wish on a Kukuri-zaru amulet and let go of one desire. It's believed your wish will come true. This tradition is inspired by the wisdom of the Three Wise Monkeys.
18
Kyoto Kumihimo & Goshuin Book Shop - Kodaiji
Book store · Kyoto
4.5Closed · opens Tuesday 11 AM
Creator's voice
This is a specialty shop for traditional kumihimo (braiding) and goshuin (temple stamp) books.
Keibunsha Ichijoji Bookshop, １０ Ichijoji Haraitonocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8184, Japan
- Goshuin book bag — This goshuin book bag is carefully handcrafted by skilled artisans. There are over 100 unique accessories to choose from.
19
Tea Room SABI
Traditional teahouse · Kyoto
4.2Closed · opens tomorrow 12 PM
Creator's voice
Tea Room SABI is a modern Japanese tea room in Gion. Reservations are required.
Ryurei Tea Room “SABI”, T.T 2階 570-120 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074, Japan
- Tea pairing course — Here, five handcrafted sweets are paired with five selected teas. The Cold-brew Gyokuro has a fresh aroma and a rich emerald green. The Setoka brings out the flavor of the tea. The Sencha with Lemongrass & Getto is a unique flavor. Cream cheese pairs surprisingly well with the yomogi. The Roasted Sencha, Pineapple & Coconut Cocktail is tropical. The final course is freshly prepared matcha, whisked right in front of us. This is more than a tea ceremony; it's an experience.

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20
Kamo River
River · Kyoto
4.6
Creator's voice
The Kamo River flows through the heart of Kyoto, with beautiful walking paths along its banks. During the summer, dining decks open along the river, a unique tradition that has continued for hundreds of years.
Kamo River, Kyoto, Japan

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