Kyoto in 2 days

Trip at a glance

Your first day

Add your first day to see each day's date, weather, sunset and closing days.

Day 1: Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera and Gion

The torii gates at dawn, the temples of Higashiyama, Gion at dusk and dinner in Pontochō.

1
7:00 AMFushimi Inari TaishaThousands of vermilion torii gates up Mount Inari. Go early, before the crowds.About 1 hour 45 min here
Free to visit
Walk about 20 min
2
9:00 AMOptionalTōfuku-jiZen temple known for the maple views from its Tsūten-kyō bridge in autumn.About 1 hour here
Tsūten-kyō bridge: ¥600 (about $4) · Bridge in leaf season: ¥1,000 (about $6) · Hōjō garden: ¥600 (about $4) · Leaf season: about mid-Nov to early Dec
Official fees: Tōfuku-jiLast verified Nov 3, 2026
Keihan line to Kiyomizu-Gojō, then walk uphill; about 30 min
3
10:30 AMKiyomizu-deraWalk out onto the wooden stage for the view over the city before the late-morning crowds.About 1 hour 30 min here
Entry: ¥[fee]
Walk about 5 min downhill
4
12:00 PMSannenzaka and NinenzakaLunch in the lanes: try yudofu (simmered tofu), then matcha sweets from the shops.About 1 hour 15 min here
Free to visit
Walk about 10 min
5
1:30 PMOptionalKōdai-jiWalk the gardens and the short bamboo path, then the quiet Nene-no-michi lane toward Gion.About 2 hours 15 min here
Entry: ¥800 (about $5)
Official fees: Kōdai-jiLast verified Nov 3, 2026
Walk about 10 min
6
4:00 PMGion and Yasaka ShrineOld teahouse streets, then the shrine lanterns at dusk.About 2 hours 15 min here
Free; the shrine grounds stay open at night
Walk about 15 min across the Kamo River
7
6:30 PMPontochōDinner in the lantern-lit alley; from May to September many restaurants open terraces over the river.
Pay as you go

Before you go

Get an IC cardSuica, PASMO and ICOCA work on most city trains and buses, and in convenience stores. Top them up with cash at station machines.
Carry some cashSome temples, market stalls and small restaurants take cash only. Convenience store ATMs usually accept foreign cards.
Expect to take your shoes offMany temple halls ask you to remove your shoes, so wear socks and shoes that slip on and off easily.
Leave geiko and maiko beIn Gion, don't follow or photograph geiko and maiko, and keep out of lanes signed as private.
Take trains where you canCity buses fill up in busy seasons. Use trains and the subway where they go, and walk the short hops.
No need to tipTipping isn't customary in Japan, in restaurants, taxis or hotels.

Where to stay for this plan

Stay downtown near Shijō or by Kyoto Station: both put day 1 and day 2 within easy reach by train and bus.

Hotels in Kyoto

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