Looking for the best Kyoto 2 day itinerary? You’re in the right place!
From golden-leaf pavilions reflecting on a glassy pond to a bowl of ramen lit on fire right in front of my face (yes, literally on fire), Kyoto was one city that always kept me on my toes. What was coming next?
Well, with 2 days in Kyoto you can do and see a lot of Japan’s ancient capital city.
Whether you’re just looking for the best things to do or see, or create the perfect 2 days in Kyoto itinerary, you won’t be disappointed by putting the historical and culturally rich city of Kyoto high on your Japan travel itinerary.
If you’re unsure about including Kyoto on your Japan travels, you probably have one question, “why Kyoto?”
Why visit Kyoto in Japan
Kyoto lost is capital city status when the ruling power of the country changed from the Shogun to the Emperor (764 to 1868).
While Kyoto may have lost this title many years ago, it is widely considered the cultural capital of Japan – with it’s beautiful Buddhist temples, tranquil gardens, a traditional form of art – this list goes on why you should spend at least 2 days in Kyoto.
Make sure you’re ready for culture shock in Japan, and learn how to adapt and love a culture shock. Ready to explore Kyoto?
Kyoto 2 day itinerary – who is this for?
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This 2 days in Kyoto travel itinerary is jam-packed of great sights and activities. Which means it is a little fast-paced. Personally, I like to see and do as much as I can if I have a limited time a new destination.
However, I’ve set this travel itinerary for 2 days in Kyoto up so you can easily leave out things that don’t really interest you as much.
If you want to replace anything in these 2 days, or have a little extra time, there are a few extra things to do in Kyoto if you have more than a couple of days.
While there are plenty of things to do in Kyoto, this travel itinerary is tailored to budget travelers, there aren’t many things that cost over 1000 Yen (¥) in this itinerary, and those that made it are well worth the price tag.
So, let’s dive right into this travel itinerary for Kyoto in 2 days!
What this 2 days in Kyoto itinerary will give you
We are going to cover a lot of Kyoto in 2 days – temples and shrines, cultural experiences and flaming ramen.
This Kyoto itinerary starts early each morning so we can explore as much of the ancient capital of Japan as possible.
Let’s get into this Kyoto 2 day itinerary!
Day 1 in Kyoto
Depending on what time you arrive in Kyoto, you may have to cut one or two things from your first day in Kyoto.
Since one of the stops on this first day will likely take up a large chunk of your day, I’ve made this a more relaxed day. Feel free to add another hit or two from the “extra things to do in Kyoto” list at the bottom of this post.
Since most of these activities are popular, I highly suggest hitting the most popular ones first. This gives you more time with the attraction without hordes of people crowding around.
Feel free to start a little later, just be aware that it might get quite busy at some of these Kyoto points of interest.
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Open 24 hours – Free to enter
We start this 2 day itinerary of Kyoto at one of the most popular sights in all of Japan, Fushimi Inari Shrine that dates back to 711 A.D.
Why are we beginning our Kyoto adventures here? If you wait until noon you’ll be fighting with thousands of others for the best views. Or you can beat all that and wake up a little earlier. I arrived around 630-7am and found myself relatively alone.
Fushimi Inari Shrine is well known for thousands of torii gates lining the pathways. By hiking a couple of hours (return) to the peak of Mount Inari, named after the Shinto God of Rice, Inari, you can have a stunning vista over Kyoto.
There a number of smaller shrines and sights as you weave your way up the path, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time here – I suggest around 3-4 hours if you want to explore most of Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Get to Kyoto Station and take a train along with the JR Nara Line 2 stops and get off at JR Inari Station. This costs 140¥ and takes around 5 minutes (one-way).
If you’re looking to learn more about the more unknown sights throughout this ancient temple complex, check out this 3-hour hiking tour.
Kinkaku-ji Temple
9am to 5pm – 400¥
Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion, or Kinkaku-ji Temple is next, and while it is an iconic symbol of Kyoto, it is quite a ways away. It is worth the effort to visit.
The whole complex is memorable to walk around. When I visited, little samples of tea littered with golden flakes were given out, there were stalls and people enjoying the Temple grounds.
The main attraction is unmistakable. It is bright and golden, and reflect from the still pond in front. If you visit on a sunny day, the glare from the reflection can be almost blinding.
Kinkaku-ji Temple was reconstructed in 1955 after a novice monk burned the Zen Buddhist Temple to the ground. Rebuilt in bright gold leaf, this temple is one of 17 locations that make up the 17 Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.
You can get to Kinkaku-ji Temple easiest from Kyoto Station. Bus 101 or 205 take 40minutes and cost 230¥ for the trip. You can also catch a train to Kitaoji Station on the Karasuma Subway Line, and take a taxi or bus from there.
Ryoan-ji Temple
8am to 5pm – 500¥
Ryoan-ji Temple is next on these 2 days in Kyoto list and is pretty close to Kinkaku-ji Temple. You’re looking at traveling 1.4km to the east and easily worth the small amount of effort to visit.
Ryoan-ji Temple is most famous for its rock garden. This villa turned into a Zen Buddhist Temple in 1450 and is one of Kyoto’s most popular sites.
This rock Garden is clouded with mystery, its construction date is unknown and the reasoning for its design are debated. While there are 15 stones in this garden, there is always at least one that isn’t able to be seen from the viewing platform, or Hojo.
Some believe the stones resemble a tiger cub being carried by its mother, others believe a more abstract theory, but since there has been no confirmation each visitor can interpret vastly different options.
You can get to Ryoan-ji Temple from Kinkaku-ji Temple a few different ways. The easiest is a 5minute taxi, costing 400-500¥. The cheapest is to take the Shiei Bus 59 from Kinkakujimae Bus Stop for 230¥.
Day 2 in Kyoto
Our second day in Kyoto begins much the same way – early to beat the crowds and experience as much as possible.
If you are leaving a little early on the second day, you can shorten this 2-day Kyoto itinerary pretty easily, just choose something to cut out.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
9am to 5pm – Free to enter
Home to the Imperial Family until the capital of Japan changed from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1868, Kyoto’s Imperial Palace is where we begin our second morning.
What you see before you is an 1855 reconstruction as the original burnt down.
The surrounding Kyoto Imperial Park has a few different sights – such as Sento Imperial Palace, Itsukushima Shrine, a number of tranquil ponds and cherry blossom trees (if you’re visiting Kyoto during cherry blossom (sakura) viewing season (March 20 to April 14 roughly).
Not only is there plenty of history within the walls of the Imperial Palace, but it can also be a very relaxing stroll through one of Kyoto’s important buildings.
The closest train station to the entrance of Kyoto Imperial Palace is Imadegawa Station on the Karasume Subway Line, costing 260¥ and taking 10 minutes.
If you’re looking to learn more about the Kyoto Imperial Palace, you can take a private tour. If you decide to go this route, you’ll also get Nijo Castle (coming up) included in the guided tour.
Menbakaichida Fire Ramen
1350¥ (for a bowl of ramen) – 11am to 11pm
If you read that intro and noticed “bowl of ramen lit on fire right in front of my face (literally)”, then this is what you’ve been waiting for!
You can find this unique and tasty bowl of ramen at Menbakaichidai Fire Ramen.
Just north of Nijo Castle (our next stop) is this little ramen restaurant. You’ll order your meal, the ‘original ramen’ is their signature dish and contains the green onions. When raw flames hit these little green rings, the caramelization releases more flavor into the broth if the ramen.
When you get seated, you’ll go through the safety precautions – it is fire and you will feel the heat. Wrapped in a disposable apron, and instructed to lean back, flaming oil is poured on top of your dish and the fireball is gone as quick as it appeared.
While no reservation is required, you should arrive a little early during peak times (lunch and dinner).
Nijojo-mae Station is the closest metro station, it is on the Tozai Line.
Nijo Castle
8am to 5pm – 600¥ (extra 400¥ to enter Ninomaru Palace)
Nijo Castle is about 600 meters to the south of your flaming ramen. If you aren’t super hungry, you can always visit Nijo Castle before lunch – Nijo Castle lies between Nijojo-mae Train Station and the fire ramen restaurant, so you can visit the order that suits you.
Used as a former residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the Edo Period’s (1603 to 1867) first shogun, was built in 1603. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, Nijo Castle holds plenty of things to see within its complex walls.
You can rent an audio guide for a self-guided tour of the castle for an additional 500¥, and it’s a great way to learn the history of such an important area.
Ninomaru Palace was the Shogun residence when visiting this ancient city, that unlike many buildings, survived many centuries to be in its original state. Karamon Gate is the entranceway to the palace and it is worth the time to stop and look at the intricacy.
There are also a number of ponds and gardens to explore the complex and is a beautiful way to escape the busy and chaotic streets of Kyoto.
Once again, Nijojo-mae Train Station is the closest to Nijo Castle, on the Tozai Line. It takes around 15minutes from Kyoto Station and costs 260¥.
Toji Temple
8am to 5pm – 500¥ (800¥ during special events)
Built in the late 700’s, shortly after the capital city moved to Kyoto, Toji Temple is one of Kyoto’s ancient sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
While Toji Temple (translates to “east temple”) is the main attraction, the complex is home to a number of other sites, such as Kondo Hall.
Destroyed by a fire in 1486, Kondo Hall is the largest building and the main hall of the Toji Temple complex.
Also burning to the ground in the same empire, the reconstructed Kodo Hall stands next door, which was built in 1825, by Kobo Dashi, the founder of the Japanese Buddhist branch Shingon.
If you’re around on the 21st of the month (any month) Toji Temple holds a popular flea market, where you can find goods and trinkets, ranging from pottery to plants, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Toji Train station is a 2 minute and 150¥ trip from Kyoto Station, along the Kintetsu Kyoto Line.
What else to do in Kyoto if you have more time
As I mentioned earlier, you might have longer than 2 days in Kyoto and that’s where this section comes in. Below are a few different sights and activities in Kyoto that are amazing.
They didn’t make the cut as there is just too much to fit into the main itinerary of 2 days in Kyoto, or they are a little bit of travel time to the city outskirts.
They are all highlights of Kyoto and should be considered should you be looking for something more to do in the city.
Geisha Performance
Hours and cost depend on the performance you attend
Kyoto is well known for its Geisha, an ancient traditional performance by professional female performers. Just to make it super clear, Geisha are not prostitutes or anything remotely along that line.
These highly trained performers in dance, poetry and music are a culturally unique experience to not only Kyoto, but Japan as well.
While you can spend some money to spend time around a Geisha and see Performance s, many people opt to try their luck in the Gion District of Kyoto to spot a Geisha walking the streets – though they are rare and spotting a legitimate Geisha is a little tricky.
The simplest and cheapest way is booking a performance through Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater – prices are 3,150¥ for an experience like no other. You get a tea ceremony and a puppet theater show along with the Geisha Performances. It is a 50-minute long show and takes place at 6pm and 7pm every day.
Seeing as many other interactions with a Geisha, you can be looking at well over 10,000¥.
You can get to Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater by a few hundred-meter walk from Gion-Shijo Subway Station.
Kyoto Tower also does a similar Geisha show from 3:45pm to 4:30pm on Monday, Wednesdays and Sundays.
If you’re looking for a cultural experience in Kyoto, you can’t go wrong with a Geisha Performance.
Alternatively, you can pre-book a Maiko performance online. This is a much cheaper option, as Maiko are Geisha in training, but are still great performers.
Nishiki Market
9am to 6pm – Free to enter
“Kyoto’s Kitchen” is the nickname for Nishiki Market and if you’re looking for a great lunch or early dinner, you can try some dishes Kyoto is well known for.
This narrow shopping street covers 5 blocks and has over 100 restaurants and shops selling seafood to traditional Japanese sweets and a range of other items.
Even though this street is so busy, it’s pretty fun to explore the narrow stalls and see what tickles your taste buds.
Nishiki Market lies roughly in the middle of Shijo Station on the Karasuma Subway Line and Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line. You’re looking at a 4minute trains ride, costing 210¥ from Kyoto Station.
Ginkaku-ji Temple
8:30am to 5pm – 500¥
Ginkaku-ji Temple is one of my personal favorite attractions in Kyoto. This “Silber Pavillion” is modeled after Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavillion). It might not be as popular, or as flashy, but Ginkaku-ji Temple complex makes up for that.
While the temple itself is nice to look at, you might not really fall in love at first sight (unless you’re into Japanese architecture). It is the walk around the quiet gardens, with little trickling rivers and bonsai trees scattered throughout.
It really is a peaceful and beautifully green display of nature inside a busy city.
Ginkaku-ji is a Zen Buddhist Temple that once housed the retirement villa of the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa in 1482.
Getting to Ginkaku-ji Temple isn’t as easy as many other stops in this 2 day Kyoto itinerary, the best way to get there is by bus 5,17 or 100 from Kyoto Station. This trip takes 35-40 minutes and costs 230¥ one way.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Site opening times and price vary
Arashiyama is a district on the northeast edge of Kyoto. The are is designated a cultural and historical site of importance in Kyoto.
During the Heian Period, 794 to 1185, noble families would enjoy the tranquil setting and peaceful nature. Today, the whole area of Arashiyama is a well-visited site in Kyoto, especially during cherry blossom viewing season and fall/autumn when the tree leaves change to golden and red.
You could easily spend half a day roaming the various attractions of Arashiyama. From temples and a bamboo forest to a picturesque bridge and shopping – there is a lot to see in this ancient neighborhood.
First up and probably the most visited site is Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. This weaving path leads visitors along an easy walk through dense bamboo shoots. It’s pretty incredible how versatile these plants are. There are a number of small vendors along the path if you want a memory of the beautiful stroll.
There are plenty of temples in the area, beautiful gardens and ornate buildings are scattered throughout the Arashiyama district. Tenryuji Temple is one of Kyoto’s most visited temples and Arashiyama’s largest.
To get to Arashiyama, the faster and easiest way is by metro. Take the JR Sagano Line (also known as the Sanin Line) for 15 minutes, and get off at Saga-Arashiyama Station, from here, the center of Arashiyama is a 10 minute walk, one-way fare is 240¥.
Tips to have a better Kyoto 2 day itinerary experience
To make your 2 days in Kyoto a little easier, there are some valuable tips, from how to get around, to booking things in advance to save time when you’re in Kyoto.
- Many of the above attractions aren’t covered by the Kyoto metro – most are, but for many temples, you can buy a 1-day unlimited bus pass for Kyoto.
- If you’d rather get guided through Kyoto, whether for full days or just a single experience, there are plenty of available guides to show you the heart of Kyoto.
- Kyoto most likely isn’t your first or last stop in Japan, so buying a JR Rail Pass is possibly a great way to save some money.
Summary of this Kyoto 2 day itinerary for travelers
While these 2 days in Kyoto itinerary covers a lot, there will always be more to see in such a diverse city in history and culture. While you could spend a month in Kyoto and still not cover everything, these two fast-paced days give you a taste of what the culture capital of Japan has to offer.
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Further Japan Travel reading
Not done exploring what to do in Japan?
Here are a few more posts to get ready to travel to Japan.
- Traveling to Osaka? Take Japan’s fastest and cheapest shinkansen
- Want to learn about ninja’s from Kyoto?
- Visiting Otaru is an overlooked destination in Japan
Thanks for reading!
Happy and safe travels,
Ben – Horizon Unknown
