Even those of us who don’t know much about Japan have certainly heard of Kyoto.
Kyoto, once Japan’s capital, is located on the island of Honshu. It is a city filled with traditional Buddhist temples, beautiful gardens, galleries, and entertainment. Tourists from all over the world visit Kyoto on their trips to Japan.
In this post, you will find out how to meet a geisha, when the best time to visit Japan is, and how to fit everything you need to see into your 2-day Kyoto itinerary.
Spoiler alert: spending 2 days in Kyoto will be an unforgettable experience, but if you get the chance to visit again, don’t hesitate! There is so much more to see.
Woman in traditional japanese Kimono walking at Fushimi Inari
Are 2 Days in Kyoto Enough?
Many travelers say that 5 days in Kyoto is the ideal amount of time. You get to see all the sights and complete your tourist agenda, while also taking your time to walk around the city, sit in cafes and gardens, and shop for souvenirs. That being said, not everyone can afford to spend 5 whole days in Kyoto. If you’re traveling through Japan, you might only have a week to see everything you wanted to see.
2 days is just enough to get all the major sightseeing in. You best believe that it will be a busy 2 days, but full of beauty, excitement, and joy. You are going to make amazing memories that are going to be worth the running around. Try to take at least 2 days to see Kyoto. One day is way too short and would probably be too stressful to enjoy.
Two days in the city will be enough if that’s all you can spare. Besides, you will have a reason to come back!
Kyoto Cherry Blossom
The Best Time to Do This Kyoto 2-Day Itinerary
The best times to visit Japan are spring and fall. You will experience the mildest weather conditions between March and May, and from September to November. Though visiting in summer may sound appealing, it will actually end up being quite sweaty and uncomfortable. The temperatures get high, and so does the precipitation. Japan is very humid, so summer in the city is unpleasant for tourists, to say the least.
Spring in Kyoto
The winter months, though calm and almost entirely tourist-free, are a bit too cold for most people. If you don’t mind the cold weather, you should give it a go! And, if you’d like to stick to the suggested months, the weather will be as pleasant as it can be.
One thing you should look out for is heaps of tourists. Most people decide to visit Japan and Kyoto in particular in spring because of the blooming cherry blossoms. A picture of blooming cherry blossoms is textbook Japan; it’s no wonder travelers don’t want to miss that! But, if you haven’t seen Japan in the fall, don’t settle on spring just yet.
From mid-October to mid-November, you can see the colors of the fall in Kyoto. The whole city becomes submerged in beautiful and vibrant shades of red, green, and maroon. That calls for lots of tourists too. Not to mention, the weather stays warm and sunny all throughout the fall season.
Fall Charm in Kyoto
How to Get Around Kyoto?
Kyoto is a modern city with a great public transportation system. The distances are not too big most of the time, so many locals and tourists choose to walk or travel by bike. At the same time, taxis are relatively inexpensive and can be very convenient if you’re traveling long distances with 2 or 3 other people. Here are the best ways to get around Kyoto:
Public transportation
Kyoto has trains, subway lines, and buses that you can take. Trains are usually used to travel to nearby cities, though they can be used to travel within Kyoto as well. Namely, you can conveniently get to places like Arashiyama and Tofuku-ji from the Kyoto Station with ease. Here is a map that outlines all the stops on the Kyoto train system. You can buy tickets directly at the station.
The subway in Kyoto is the fastest and easiest way to get around. Visit this page to see a map of the subway system in Kyoto. Take the subway when you’re in a rush. We recommend the subway for this 2-day Kyoto itinerary, as you won’t have too much time to waste. Get to your destination quickly!
Buses are another popular option in the city. Buses are a bit more difficult because you have to figure out which bus to take and where to go. That can take away some of your efficiency. If you have help from a local, taking the bus can be a fun experience. Visit this page to download the map of all Kyoto city buses.
Kyoto Station
Call a Taxi
Taxis in Kyoto are reasonably priced, so taking one won’t break your budget. If you’re traveling with 2 or 3 other people, you can split the cost and make it even more budget-friendly. You can also travel quickly and easily without having to change buses or subway lines. In addition to that, a taxi will get you as close to your destination as possible. If you’re in a rush or don’t feel like walking, it’s a great mode of transportation.
Catching a taxi in Kyoto couldn’t be easier. You will find taxi ranks near bus and train stations, as well as some large stores. If there is no bus station near you, you can simply flag a taxi down on the street. To stop a taxi, just wave at it the way you would in New York. You can usually tell if a taxi is accepting passengers when the taxi sign is illuminated.
The final price of the journey will depend on its length. Generally speaking, if you’re traveling with 3 other people, taking a taxi will cost approximately the same amount as taking the bus (around 1,000 Japanese yen).
Taxi Station in Kyoto
Get around Kyoto by Bike
Though Kyoto is not Amsterdam, the city is still very bike-friendly. The drivers and pedestrians are usually reasonable and polite, creating the perfect climate for cycling. Speaking of climate, the weather in the fall and spring is mild and pleasant, making biking through the city a great experience. You will find bike rental places scattered all around Kyoto. KCTP (Kyoto Cycling Tour Project) is a modern rental with nice bikes and friendly prices.
Kyoto by bike
Kyoto 2-Day Itinerary
Kyoto used to be the capital of Japan, so it is a relatively large city. With a population of almost 1.5 million, Kyoto has a lot to offer in terms of sights, food, entertainment, and nature. Seeing it all in 2 short days is a challenge! But don’t worry, we will help you on your journey through this beautiful city. Follow our 2-day kyoto itinerary closely and try not to lose track of time. If you do, don’t beat yourself up! You probably got caught up looking at something beautiful. Take it all in and move on to the next point in the itinerary when you’re ready.
Day 1:
Morning
You’re going to start day 1 with a visit to Arashiyama. Arashiyama is a district on the outskirts of Kyoto. It’s famous for its bamboo grove and Tenryu-ji temple. The easiest way to get to Arashiyama from the center of Kyoto is by train from the Kyoto Station. You can also take bus number 11 to Arashiyama. The journey by public transport can take an hour or so. A taxi can get you there in 20 minutes. Keep in mind that you have a lot to get through in those 2 days, so you have to get up very early. Be ready to leave the hotel at around 7 am to make it to the site at 8 am.
Once you get to Arashiyama, make your way to the bamboo grove. It should be within walking distance from the train station or bus stop. The bamboo grove is essentially a forest of bamboo with a narrow path that leads you through.
You can stand in the middle of all the stalks of bamboo and feel the power of Japanese nature. Though it is certainly a tourist attraction, it is one worth seeing. You’ve probably seen pictures of the grove, so why not experience it on your own skin? Experience the Arashiyama bamboo grove with a private local tour guide.
Bamboo Groove
Bamboo Groove
Not far from the grove is Tenryu-ji temple. The temple is one of the most important sights in Arashiyama. It dates all the way back to the 14th century. It is not only beautiful but also a very significant place for Kyoto. Beware of the vendors nearby. You will see lots of stores with souvenirs and other knick-knacks. Those are extremely overpriced and targeted at tourists. There are better places to buy souvenirs!
Tenryu-ji-temple
Lunch
For lunch, we recommend making your way back to the center of Tokyo. Nishiki market is located approximately a 20-minute drive from Tenryu-ji temple. You can also take bus number 73 from Arashiyama to Shijo Karasuma and walk for a few minutes to get to the market, which will take a bit less than an hour. Nishiki is an iconic market in downtown Kyoto. It is the place for the best authentic food. Remember what we said about lunch being the best time of day to eat out? Use this opportunity to have a delicious bento box in the city.
Nishiki Market
When you’re done with lunch, stroll through the galleries of Teramachi and Shinkyogoku.
These two are some of the most popular shopping streets in Kyoto. They are almost always crowded and bustling with life. Because the whole area is covered, you will feel protected from the elements, whatever they may be. It is a great spot for buying souvenirs and finding a yummy dessert to take with you to go. Don’t get lost though; you don’t have that much time!
Teramachi Gallery
Afternoon
In the afternoon, come back to the center to see the Golden Pavilion, also known as Kinkaku-ji. Kinkaku-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple in the center of Kyoto. Beware of tourists, as there are always many all around the temple. The Golden Pavilion is so special because of its significance in Buddhism, as well as its lavish appearance. The structure is covered in gold foil, which is a symbol of spiritual purity in Buddhism.
Golden Pavillon
While you’re in the area, you can walk over to the famous Ryoan-ji dry garden.
Ryoan-ji is a zen rock garden and one of the most popular dry gardens in the whole world. The concept of a dry garden may seem unusual at first, but you will quickly understand the beauty behind it once you see it with your own eyes. This particular garden was created all the way back in the 15th century.
Ryoan-ji garden
End your evening in Gion district. If you followed our advice and booked your accommodation in Kyoto downtown or Gion, this route will take you right back home. There, you can walk around the old streets of Kyoto, get some dinner to go, and just enjoy the atmosphere of the city. Gion is also the geisha district. If you’re interested in geisha (or geiko) entertainment, you’re at the right place! Refer to the section “How to Meet a Geisha in Kyoto” for close instructions.
Gion district- Kyoto
Day 2
Morning
Hopefully, you got enough sleep and are ready to conquer the day! This is your second and last day in Kyoto, so you have to use your time wisely. Start the day by going to Fushimi Inari Taisha. You can take the bus there from your most convenient bus station. Fushimi Inari Shrine is famous for its many torii gates. Surely, you’ve seen pictures of these bright orange structures. If you want to hike all the way up Fushimi Inari, it will take you around 3 hours. It is a beautiful hike, but, if you only have 2 days to spend in Kyoto, it is simply not worth your time. You are welcome to walk as far as you want and turn back at any point. Keep in mind that you still have at least one stop to get through before your lunch break!
Fushima Inari
Then, make your way to the Higashiyama quarter. The district is full of traditional restaurants and tea houses. But don’t think about food just yet! This is where you want to go to explore authentic Kyoto. Nearby, you will find Kiyomizu-dera, a Buddhist temple. Are you getting tired of temples? This is a really special one. So special, that we recommend booking your tour in advance. Check out this list of Kiyomizu-dera tours.
If you’re not all “templed out” by now, you can visit Nanzen-ji, a Zen Buddhist temple established by Emperor Kameyama back in the 13th century. Bear in mind that the temple is huge, so you probably won’t have time to explore it in its entirety. If you’re running low on time, feel free to skip this one.
Kiyomizu-dera
Lunch
When it’s time for lunch, we recommend staying in the Higashiyama quarter. Explore Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets. The streets are lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Have a walk around and try food from one of the local vendors. The streets are almost always filled to the brim with curious tourists. If you can, brave the crowds and see these roads for yourself. You won’t only come across commercial spaces, but also beautiful buildings in Japanese style.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, you can catch a bus or taxi from Higashiyama to Tetsugaku No Michi. Also known as the Philosopher’s Walk, it is a beautiful path connecting Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji.
The path is lined with cherry trees, which is absolutely breathtaking in spring. When the cherry trees start to blossom, the Philosopher’s Walk is a pink blooming tunnel. The whole route is only about 1.5 kilometers, which shouldn’t take you longer than 20 minutes to conquer. It’s quite peaceful and hidden from tourists, so take your time here and enjoy the view.
At the end of your walk, arrive at Ginkaku-ji. Be careful not to stray away from the path and end up in a residential area. Ginkaku-ji is a wonderful temple that you can admire from the outside if you want. You can also go in if you have some time to spare. The temple is an excellent example of Japanese culture and architecture from the 15th century CE.
Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion)
Where is the Best Area to Stay in Kyoto?
Finding the right place to stay in Kyoto is crucial. If you pick a convenient location, you will be able to travel everywhere with ease and complete your 2-day kyoto itinerary on time. Staying on the outskirts, while cheaper, will take up a lot of time that you don’t have any money to spend on transportation. With that being said, here are some great places to stay in Kyoto:
Downtown Kawaramachi
Downtown Kawaramachi is the best place to stay if you’re visiting Kyoto for the first time and want to be in the epicenter of the action. There are countless restaurants, cafes, and shops in the area. Finding a place to eat will be easier than ever; just walk out of the hotel and you will find a hidden gem just around the corner! The area is also a 15-minute walk from Gion (a famous historical part of the city). There are subway and bus stops only a few minutes away.
Many people recommend Royal Park Hotel Sanjo which is located in Downtown Kawaramachi. The hotel is situated right in the middle of all entertainment. The hotel is quite nice and budget-friendly, especially if you are traveling with a friend or partner. Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi is a less expensive option. The rooms are clean and comfortable. Essentially, you are paying for the location.
Gion
Gion is the so-called geisha district in Kyoto. If you don’t want to miss out on authentic Japanese geishas, you should consider staying in this area. The district is more traditional and old-school than Downtown Kawaramachi, even though the two are located only a 15-minute walk away from each other. Gion has a bustling nightlife with authentic Japanese pubs and bars.
Hotel Sou Kyoto Gion is very reasonably priced. The rooms are clean, the check-in is quick, and the staff is very friendly. What more could you want from a hotel? For its price, it’s a bargain! If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, you will easily find a number of nice hotels in the area! Just check booking.com and you will be presented with a number of options.
Gion District
Central Kyoto
Central Kyoto is another area that’s, for lack of a better word, central. Staying in this part of town exposes you to some amazing sights, such as the Nijo Castle and Kyoto Gosho. Even if you won’t have time to explore these palaces and get close to them, you will still see them in passing, which is better than not seeing them at all. Central Kyoto is also very close to Downtown Kawaramachi and Gion, arguably the most magical areas in the city.
One of the main reasons to stay in Central Kyoto is the deals on accommodation. You can find a number of budget-friendly options with ease. Hotel Sunroute Kyoto, for example, is quite a great place to stay. It is bordering the Kawaramachi area and gives you access to the Kyoto Station. The hotel itself is very nice and clean. It is a total bargain given the location and price.
What about Kyoto Station?
Many people recommend staying in the Kyoto Station area. The truth is, there are pros and cons to staying there, but we recommend looking at other options first.
The benefit of staying near the station is – you’ll have access to all modes of transportation. Buses, trains, taxis, the subway, you name it!
This is a great spot if you want to be able to travel to the airport quickly and easily. However, you will be quite far from all the historic parts of Kyoto.
Because you will have major transportation hubs near you, getting to the center of the city won’t be hard. However, it’s always more pleasant to walk. A beautiful view outside of your window in Kyoto’s downtown is a nice bonus!
How to Meet a Geisha in Kyoto
Kyoto is one of the few cities where you can still find geishas. For many people and regions, geishas are a thing of the past, nothing more than a beautiful symbol of Japanese culture. Therefore, to find a real geisha, you have to travel to the district of Gion in Kyoto. Once you get there, you might find that seeing a geisha with your own eyes is not as easy as you thought.
The reason for that is that geishas are most commonly found in local tea houses that only grant entry to loyal customers. If you are not a member of this exclusive club, you will not be let in to see what happens inside. Well, there is one loophole. You can arrange a geiko (geisha) dinner through your hotel or travel agency.
Click here to see your options. The price is not low; a geiko dinner can cost you around $300! At an additional cost, you can book an interpreter that will enable communication with the geisha.
Once you get into the tea house society, you can rent a room with a geisha and enjoy the company of one or several geishas, and entertainment in the form of dance, for example. Don’t forget about all the delicious food and drinks you can have!
If you don’t want to spend a small fortune on one dinner, you can approach the geisha culture in a different way.
Visit the Gion Corner, a local theater for tourists, to watch Japanese arts performed by geishas in real-time. You can also enjoy a tea ceremony, flower arrangement session, and more during your 2-day Kyoto itinerary.
One adult ticket costs a little bit over 3,000 yen. Performances are usually held in the evenings from 6 till 7 pm.
Best Tips for Visiting Kyoto
Japan is a different world and one of the best family travel destinations in Asia, and Kyoto is a small world of its own inside of it. Despite the city’s historical and cultural heritage that you will see once you get there, it is quite modern. You won’t have a hard time getting around or communicating with locals. Nevertheless, there are some things to pay attention to. Here are our tips and tricks that will make your 2-day Kyoto itinerary smoother than ever:
Bring comfortable shoes
This is a no-brainer for visiting any place, right? You’d be surprised just how many people put fashion above function! While that may work in some cities, it won’t fly in Kyoto. Kyoto is a walking city, which is quite different from most of America and some parts of Canada and Europe. Even with buses and taxis, you’ll be doing a whole lot of walking. Rather than worrying about the way you look, wear comfortable sneakers and appreciate the view!
Eat out at lunch
If you’re choosing between lunch and dinner, lunch is the best time to eat out at a restaurant. That’s because lunch is the cheaper meal! Many vendors serve lunch menus in traditional bento boxes, which is an experience of its own. Surely, Japanese cuisine is available all over the world, so you might think that it’s nothing new. Trust that the flavors will surprise you!
Get into temples and shrines for free
There is no trick or code word you need to use when purchasing your tickets. The truth is, most shrines and temples are free for everyone! Take advantage of that and explore the city’s numerous sights, including Yasaka Shrine – the most popular attraction in Kyoto.
Plan your routes
Kyoto is a big city. Though it is quite walkable, you won’t be able to walk everywhere.
In the interest of saving time, you are better off taking public transportation or taxis.
The public transportation system is very well organized, you just need to know where to go. Download any app with maps on your phone. Type in your destination and select the icon that symbolizes public transportation. That will show you where to go, what bus or subway line to take, and whether or not you’re better off taking a taxi.
Don’t Miss Kyoto’s Cat Cafés
If you are a cat lover, Kyoto has a special treat in store for you: its charming cat cafés. These cozy spots let you sip coffee or tea while spending time with friendly felines, a perfect way to relax after exploring the city.
Two popular cafés in Kyoto are Cat Café MoCHA, known for its playful kittens and stylish interior, and Temari no Ouchi, which offers a calm, cozy atmosphere and a chance to unwind with adult cats. Visiting a cat café is not just fun, it is a uniquely Japanese experience that every cat enthusiast should try.
For more on the best cat cafés across Japan, see Cat Cafés in Japan.
Bring around $100 for each day in Kyoto
This is a rough estimate based on the experiences of people that have traveled to Kyoto in the past few years. $100 a day will allow you to live relatively lavishly and not worry about anything.
Of course, Kyoto can be done on a budget too! If you budget well, don’t splurge, and use public transportation, you can do just fine with around $40 a day. Japan is widely known as a country that’s quite expensive, but that image is deceiving. Kyoto is quite inexpensive compared to the capital – Tokyo.
Pick your time to visit wisely
It is no surprise that Kyoto is very crowded. If you’ve ever been to Japan, you must be familiar with the crowds. However, that’s not the case all year round. In the off-season months, the city can turn quiet and cozy. If you’d like to avoid the crowds, we suggest traveling to Kyoto in winter. The city is calm and relaxing, though a bit cold and rainy. If you don’t mind the weather and want to avoid the screaming crowds, winter is definitely the best time to visit. And if not, prepare to brave the crowds!
Final Words
Doing Kyoto in 2 days is very ambitious, and you will understand exactly why when you get there! There is a lot of beauty to be captured and experienced to be lived. There is no way to see the whole city in just 2 days. However, this 2-day kyoto itinerary should give you a glimpse of the most characteristic sights in the city. Treat it as a sampler menu in a restaurant. If you find yourself enjoying Kyoto a bit too much, you can always come back for seconds!
