3 day itinerary for Kyoto

Itinerary

Kyoto is a beautiful city with so much to offer. Here's an ideal itinerary for 3 days in Kyoto that meets your constraints:

Day 1:

Start your day by visiting the Fushimi Inari Shrine, which is famous for its thousands of torii gates. It's best to go early in the morning to avoid crowds. Afterward, head to Nishiki Market, which is a traditional food market that offers a wide variety of local delicacies. You can try some fresh sushi, matcha sweets, and other delicious treats.

For lunch, I recommend trying out a traditional Japanese meal at Gion Nanba, which is a small restaurant located in the Gion district. The restaurant serves authentic Kyoto-style cuisine, including tofu dishes, grilled fish, and seasonal vegetables.

In the afternoon, visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto. The temple is known for its stunning views of the city and its beautiful architecture. Afterward, take a stroll through the Higashiyama District, which is a charming neighborhood filled with traditional shops and restaurants.

For dinner, head to Pontocho Alley, which is a narrow street lined with traditional restaurants and bars. You can enjoy some delicious local cuisine while watching the river flow by.

Day 2:

Start your day by visiting Arashiyama, which is a scenic area located on the outskirts of Kyoto. You can take a walk through the bamboo groves, visit the Tenryu-ji Temple, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

For lunch, try out some traditional soba noodles at Okina-tei, which is a small restaurant located near the Togetsukyo Bridge. The restaurant serves handmade soba noodles that are freshly made every day.

In the afternoon, visit the Kinkaku-ji Temple, which is also known as the Golden Pavilion. The temple is famous for its stunning golden architecture and beautiful gardens. Afterward, head to the nearby Ryoan-ji Temple, which is known for its famous rock garden.

For dinner, try out some delicious kaiseki cuisine at Gion Karyo, which is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in the Gion district. The restaurant serves traditional multi-course meals that are beautifully presented and delicious.

Day 3:

Start your day by visiting the Nijo Castle, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle was built in the 17th century and is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning gardens.

For lunch, try out some delicious ramen at Menya Inoichi, which is a small restaurant located near the castle. The restaurant serves some of the best ramen in Kyoto, with rich and flavorful broth and perfectly cooked noodles.

In the afternoon, visit the Ginkaku-ji Temple, which is also known as the Silver Pavilion. The temple is known for its beautiful gardens and stunning views of the city. Afterward, take a stroll through the Philosopher's Path, which is a scenic walking trail that runs along a canal.

For dinner, try out some delicious yakitori at Torito, which is a small restaurant located in the Pontocho Alley. The restaurant serves grilled chicken skewers that are juicy and flavorful, along with other delicious dishes.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Kyoto!