Kyoto Itinerary—What to Do in 3 Days

Kyoto is a city where traditions meet breathtaking landscapes, with unforgettable experiences at every corner. This spot ain’t popular for nothing!

Here’s my guide to exploring this cool city with a mix of culture, nature, and unique activities to get a great taste.

This 3-day Kyoto itinerary is exactly what I did during my visit!

Kyoto Itinerary Day 1: Gion & Central Kyoto

Today is the day for Kyoto’s history and culture as you wander the streets of Gion, explore ancient shrines, and even take part in a traditional tea ceremony.

There’s kind of a lot going on today! So if you wander quickly, you’ll be fine. If you’re a bit slower, you might want to eliminate a thing or two.

Pontocho Alley

Kick off your Kyoto adventure with a stroll down Pontocho Alley, a narrow, atmospheric street brimming with traditional wooden eateries.

Each restaurant is adorned with glowing red or white lanterns, casting a warm light over the alleyway. The architecture is classic, and the vibe is lively yet intimate.

I visited during the day, but if you want to see Pontocho Alley at its best, come back in the evening when the restaurants are bustling and the lanterns are aglow.

Hanamikoji Street

Head to Hanamikoji Street, another spot that feels like stepping back in time.

The historic wooden machiya houses and rows of red lanterns make this area a photographer’s dream.

You might even spot a real geisha gracefully making her way to an appointment. It’s a great place to soak in the traditional charm of Kyoto’s Gion district.

NOTE: DO NOT stalk a geisha trying to take a photo! Tourists behave badly in this area, and it’s become a problem. Be kind and respectful.

Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine is more than just a single shrine; it’s an entire complex set within a sprawling park.

The main shrine is grand and impressive, but don’t miss the smaller, tucked-away shrines scattered throughout the grounds.

When I visited, there was a lively market offering delicious street food and handmade crafts. It’s a wonderful place to wander and eat.

Shirakawa Lane & Gion Tatsumi Bridge

For a quieter moment, stroll along Shirakawa Lane, a charming canal-side walkway shaded by weeping willow trees.

The historic Gion Tatsumi Bridge is the perfect spot for photos, especially with the traditional rickshaw pullers transporting visitors past the picturesque scene.

Tea Ceremony Experience

In the afternoon, treat yourself to a traditional tea ceremony. This was one of the highlights of my trip!

My friend and I dressed in kimonos styled from head to toe. The ceremony itself was fascinating—learning to make matcha and shape little mochi desserts was so much fun.

The host was incredibly sweet and knowledgeable, and the garden was made for perfect photo opportunities.

READ MORE: Tea Ceremony in Kyoto: A Must-Do Experience!

Tōji Temple

End your day at the iconic Tōji Temple, home to Kyoto’s tallest and most recognizable five-story pagoda.

This architectural marvel has withstood earthquakes and fires over centuries, standing as a testament to the city’s resilience.

Entry is ¥500 ($3 USD), and you can pay extra to explore a nearby museum if you have time. Wandering through the historic grounds is a peaceful, reflective experience.

Kyoto Itinerary Day 2: Rainy Day Wanders

Hands-on art experiences, stroll through bustling shopping arcades, seeing a show… You’ve got options.

A rainy day doesn’t have to be boring! I had to think of a quick rainy-day Kyoto itinerary on the fly, and here’s what I came up with.

Marumasu Nishimuraya

Unleash your inner artist at Marumasu Nishimuraya, where you can create custom souvenirs like totes, wallets, fans, robes, and more using traditional Japanese painting techniques.

I spent hours here working on an intricate hanging decoration that could have easily been painted all day.

The staff guides you through the process, making it both educational and fun, and you’ll leave with a truly unique souvenir.

Kaleidoscope Museum

For a short but mesmerizing experience, check out the Kaleidoscope Museum.

It’s a single room filled with an incredible variety of kaleidoscopes, from oil-based to gemstone-filled.

You can’t take photos inside, but it’s an escape from the rain and surprisingly entertaining. Of course, there are tons of other museums, but this one seemed unique, and it was near the rest of the other things we did today.

Sanjo Meiten-gai Shopping Arcade

Head to Sanjo Meiten-gai, a bustling arcade full of shops selling everything from kimonos to chocolates.

Grab some okonomiyaki for lunch and play a few rounds at the GIGO arcade, testing your skills on claw machines.

The arcade’s energy is infectious, and you’ll find plenty of unique items to bring back as souvenirs.

We got sucked into these arcades numerous times. I even played Dance Dance Revolution for the first time in YEARS! I also lost at the claw machine A LOT…

Kyoto’s Theaters

Kyoto is known for its traditional theater scene, and I’m so happy we saved this idea for our rainy day activities in Kyoto! Here are some popular theaters to check out:

• Samurai Kenbu Theater: Watch samurai performances and learn about ancient warrior customs.
• Minamiza Theater: A historic venue known for kabuki performances. Even if you can’t catch a show, the stunning exterior is worth admiring.
• Gion Corner: A cultural hub offering a variety of traditional performances, from tea ceremonies to puppet theater. If you want a quick taste of Kyoto’s arts, this is the spot.

Kyoto Itinerary Day 3: Arashiyama & Fushimi Inari

End your time in Kyoto with some of the most iconic spots all in one day!

Hike through the iconic torii gates of Fushimi Inari, stroll along historic streets, and spend an afternoon in Arashiyama.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Start early at Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its seemingly endless rows of vibrant torii gates.

As you hike up the mountain, the crowds will thin, and you’ll find pockets of peace along the way.

The trail is steep and full of steps, but you’re rewarded with beautiful views and a sense of accomplishment. Plan for 2-3 hours to take photos, explore the shrines, and enjoy the scenery.

READ MORE: Fushimi Inari Hike in Kyoto, Japan—What to Know!

Sannenzaka Road

Make your way to Sannenzaka Road, a picturesque and bustling street lined with quaint shops, cafes, and traditional sweets vendors.

The old stone staircases and wooden storefronts create a charming backdrop, perfect for a leisurely stroll and some souvenir shopping, plus sites of the stunning Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple.

Visit Arashiyama

Spend your afternoon in Arashiyama, a district full of some of Kyoto’s most famous spots.

• Arashiyama Monkey Forest: For ¥600 ($4 USD), hike up to see monkeys roaming freely and enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto. The area is well-regulated, and the monkeys are calm and safe (this is NOT a zoo!).
• River Boat Ride: Rent a boat for a peaceful ride on the river, surrounded by lush forested hills.
• Kimono Forest: A short but stunning walk through colorful pillars wrapped in kimono fabric. It’s a whimsical spot for photos, especially as the sun begins to set.
• Bamboo Forest: End your day with a stroll through the iconic Bamboo Forest. It’s a popular spot, but the towering bamboo is worth seeing, even with the crowds. Treat yourself to matcha ice cream and soak in the beauty of Kyoto’s green wonderland.

RELATED: What to Do in Arashiyama in Kyoto, Japan—In 1 Day!

Where to Stay in Kyoto

I stayed at Hop Inn Kyoto Shijo Omiya, and I highly recommend the Omiya area as a great base for exploring Kyoto.

This neighborhood felt central and convenient, with easy access to public transportation, shops, and restaurants. Being close to a train station is key when staying in Kyoto (really Japan in general), as it makes getting around the city so much easier.

Tips for Visiting Kyoto

• Start Early: Many of Kyoto’s top attractions, like Fushimi Inari and the Bamboo Forest, get crowded quickly. Arriving early in the morning will give you a quieter experience.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking a lot, so sturdy and comfortable footwear is a must. Some areas, like the Monkey Forest and Fushimi Inari, involve lots of steps and inclines.
• Pack for the Weather: Kyoto can get hot, cold, or rainy, depending on the season. Be prepared with layers, umbrellas, or a hat and sunscreen.
• Cash is King: Many smaller shops and restaurants in Kyoto only accept cash, so have some yen on hand.
• Mind Your Manners: In places like the Monkey Forest and the geishas in Gion – rules are in place to keep both visitors and animals safe. Always follow local etiquette.

Getting Around Kyoto

Getting around Kyoto is an adventure in itself! You’ll be walking a lot, so be ready to explore on foot, especially in areas like Gion and Arashiyama.

Kyoto’s public transportation system is efficient and reliable, with trains and buses covering nearly all major attractions. The city’s buses are a great way to get around, but keep in mind that they can get crowded during peak times.

Kyoto Station is a major hub and a bit overwhelming, with multiple floors and endless shops and restaurants. It’s easy to get lost, so allow extra time to find your way around or to make connections.

Using a preloaded IC card (I used Suica) will make paying for trains and buses easier and faster.

Quick Rundown of My Favorite Highlights

• Tea Ceremony Experience: Dressing up in a kimono and learning the art of making matcha was unforgettable.
• Arashiyama: The Monkey Forest, boat rides, and the beautiful Bamboo Forest all in one stunning district. You can spend a whole day in Arashiyama!
• Marumasu Nishimuraya: A super fun and creative experience where I got to paint my own Japanese souvenir.
• Fushimi Inari: Hike through the iconic vermillion torii gates. It gets quieter the higher you climb.
• Just Wander!: Getting lost in Kyoto is part of the magic. Strolling down Pontocho Alley, Hanamikoji Street, Shirakawa Lane, and Sannenzaka Road are some of the nicest.

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