Kyoto was one of the most magical places I visited in Japan. As a former imperial capital, it’s packed with stunning temples, peaceful shrines, and rich traditions that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Wandering through its narrow alleys, lined with wooden townhouses, Zen gardens and hidden tea houses, is an unforgettable experience.
And yet, Kyoto isn’t just about the past—it blends history with modern life in such a unique way. From the famous bamboo forest to breathtaking temples and the heart of Geisha culture, it’s a place that truly feels special.
And while I’d recommend spending a couple of days in Kyoto, if one day is all you have, it’s still worth the visit! In this article, you’ll find a comprehensive itinerary for spending one day in Kyoto.
I’ve carefully selected the most important attractions and I planned your day in a way that makes sense geographically, so you can make the most of your time in the city. Are you ready to explore the beautiful Kyoto city? Read on!
The Best Kyoto Tours for One Day
➤ Are you coming to Kyoto for a day trip and not planning to spend the night in the city? Then I’ve written a whole post about the perfect day trip to Kyoto from Tokyo if you want to check that out!
➤ If you’re in town for a full day and you would rather explore the city with a guide, in my opinion, these are the best tours in the city.
▶️The 5 Top Highlights of Kyoto with Kyoto Bike Tour is a full-day excursion that takes you cycling around the city. You’ll explore the most traditional districts as you learn about the culture and customs of Kyoto, and visit iconic attractions, including the Bamboo Forest, the Golden Pavilion, the torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Kiyomizu Temple. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Private Kyoto Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems, Personalised caters to groups of eight. A private guide will lead the way as you explore the landmarks and neighborhoods of most interest, with an itinerary crafted according to your preferences. The tour can last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Kyoto Early Bird Walking Tour starts as soon as the day does, with a visit to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of the most famous attractions in the city. The tour then continues to the Kinkakuji Temple and caps off at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest before the crowds arrive. You’ll be free to move on with your day at midday! ➥ BOOK IT HERE
One Day in Tokyo: The Ideal Itinerary
Fushimi Inari Shrine
TIP: If you stay in Kyoto, I’d recommend choosing a hotel in the city center which is easily connected by public transportation to the shrine, which will be your first stop of the day. If you’re coming on a day trip from a different city, make sure to get an early start!
Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the most popular attractions in Kyoto, and it’s easy to see why! With 10,000 bright vermilion torii gates winding up the mountainside, it feels like stepping into another world.
This shrine is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and harvest, and you’ll spot plenty of fox statues along the way—they’re believed to be his messengers. As you walk through the gates, you’ll also find smaller shrines hidden in the forest, making the whole experience even more magical.
I highly recommend getting to Fushimi Inari Shrine first thing in the morning, because it gets packed later in the day.
To reach Fushimi Inari Shrine, you can take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto station, which is only two stations away, about a 15-minute journey. You’ll get off at JR Inari Station, 5 minutes on foot from the shrine.
▶️ If you prefer to visit with a guide, you can otherwise join this Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Walking Tour with Guide to visit the iconic shrine with a local. You’ll visit the main shrine and walk through the stunning torii gates as you learn about the symbolism, history, and significance of the site. Meet the fox statues, and visit the Komyoin Zen Temple. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Opening Hours: 24/7
Entrance Fee: Free.
Early lunch at Nishiki Market
From the Fushimi Inari Station, take the Keihan Main Line to Gion-Shijo Station. The journey takes under 10 minutes, and then you’ll have another 10 minutes on foot to reach the market.
Nishiki Market is also called Kyoto’s Kitchen, and there’s a good reason for it. The bustling covered street is a massive market lined by hundreds of stalls, restaurants, and shops where you’ll find everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to seafood, BBQ dishes, ready meals, and sweets.
It’s a must-visit for foodies, and the perfect place to grab lunch as there’s great variety that will suit all palates, including the vegetarian ones.
Once refueled, you’ll be in for a treat: authentic Japanese tea in the most special ceremony. Keep reading!
Experience a Tea Ceremony
The tea ceremony I recommend (and I personally joined) takes place in Jotokuji Temple, an easy 17-minute walk from Nishiki Market along Yanaginobamba-dori street.
Tea ceremonies are an important part of Japanese culture and tradition, closely linked to meditation and spirituality. It was originally designed by Zen monks who found that the art of preparing and drinking matcha tea helped them focus on the present moment.
Today, it’s also one of the top tourist attractions in Japan and specifically in Kyoto.
The tea ceremony that I attended in Kyoto takes place in a dedicated tea house, where you’ll be seated on tatami floor and follow the instructions of a tea master to prepare Japanese Matcha tea.
We learned all about matcha tea and its rituals, and you can also wear a kimono while doing so.
▶️ This Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple lasts slightly over an hour. You’ll discover the ancient ritual of tea drinking as you learn about its history, social significance, and every step it takes to make, from setting out the utensils to sipping the drink. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Kiyomizu-dera
Kiyomizu-dera is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto, and a 30-minute walk from the Jotokuji Temple where the tea ceremony takes place.
This 1,200-year-old temple is built on the side of Mount Otowa, and boasts a massive main hall with a wooden stage overlooking the city and surrounding forests, offering beautiful views. I would say this is the main reason to visit the temple!
Other beautiful attractions in the temple complex worth checking out are the three-story vermilion pagoda, and the Shoro bell tower located near the entrance. You might also want to stop by the Jishu Shrine, dedicated to the god of love and matchmaking!
Opening Hours: Daily from 6 AM to 6 PM.
Entrance Fee: 500 yen (USD 3,40).
Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka streets
A 6-minute walk from the temple you’ll find the picturesque, historical streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. These sloped alleys are lined by traditional wooden machiya houses that will take you back in time as soon as you set your eyes on them.
You’ll find shops and tea houses as you stroll down the alleys, unmatched photo spots, and even a traditional-looking Starbucks where you can stop for coffee or matcha and drink it while sitting on the tatami floor!
Kodaji Temple
A 3-minute walk from the prettiest streets in Kyoto is Kodaiji, a Buddhist temple with sprawling Zen gardens designed with ponds, pathways, and lush greenery that will immerse you in the peaceful atmosphere of the site immediately.
You can take a stroll in the gardens, which are especially stunning during cherry blossom season and in the fall, visit the Main Hall, and admire the elegant Kaisan-do building.
Psst. There’s also a bamboo forest on site that you should check out! It isn’t widely known, so if you want to escape the crowds of the more popular Arashiyama, you can come here.
Opening Hours: Daily from 7.30 AM to 5.30 PM (April through October) and from 7 AM to 5 PM (November through March).
Entrance Fee: 600 yen for adults. Children accompanied by an adult have free entry.
Walk around Gion
Enjoy a 10-minute walk from Kodaiji Temple and you’ll reach Gion, one of the most historical districts in Kyoto, and the most culturally rich, home to the entertainment businesses and attractions. It’s also known as the Geisha district, as it’s where they live and work.
The buzzing district comes to life as night falls, and it’s fun to stroll its streets in the evening.
Hanamikoji Dori is one of the most beautiful cobblestone streets in Gion, and its main avenue. It’s lined with paper lanterns, traditional houses, and restaurants, and the best place to be for Geisha spotting!
At the end of the street, turn toward the waterway to find Shirakawa Lane, an incredibly picturesque alley with cherry trees on both sides.
▶️ Instead of wandering on your own, you could join this Kyoto: Gion and Higashiyama Walking Tourto explore the district with a guide. You’ll discover the traditions and customs of the Geisha, learn about Japan’s entertainment districts and their traditions, and check out the major attractions in Gion. The tour lasts 2 hours. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Dinner at Pontocho Alley
Continue your stroll toward the Pontocho Alley, located less than 10 minutes from Gion, to enjoy a scrumptious Japanese meal for dinner.
Pontocho Alley is a narrow, bustling street that runs parallel to the Kamo River, and offers a great number of eateries and high-end restaurants housed within the traditional machiya houses.
Paper lanterns light the alley, and during the summer months, restaurants will open terraces so you can enjoy your drinks and food al fresco, overlooking the river.
▶️ One of the best eateries in the area is enen, a highly-rated BBQ restaurant that serves the world-famous Wagyu beef and other meat cuts prepared on tabletop grills.
▶️ For traditional Japanese cuisine, head to Itsukichaya Pontocho, a lovely restaurant that serves small bites and drinks showcasing the local fare.
▶️ Pontocho Sushi Ishiya is in the Michelin Guide, and is your best bet for authentic fresh sushi dishes.
And that’s a wrap! I hope this Kyoto itinerary helps you see the best of the city and make the most of your day.
