2 Day Kyoto Itinerary-Perfect for First Timers

Kyoto is the heart of traditional Japan. With its ancient temples, quiet gardens, vibrant markets, and peaceful tea houses, it’s the perfect place to slow down and soak in the culture. I spent two days exploring Kyoto and fell in love with its charm.

If it’s your first time visiting, this Kyoto itinerary will help you hit all the highlights without feeling rushed. I’ve included a few must-do experiences, restaurant tips, and even some optional activities if you have more time.

And make sure to check out the end of the post for a BONUS day!

Where to Stay in Kyoto

Hyatt Place Kyoto–Best for Using Points

If you’re looking for a clean, comfortable hotel with great transit access, Hyatt Place Kyoto is a great choice. It’s right above the Marutamachi subway station on Kyoto’s subway line, so you can easily get around the city and even connect to the JR line for day trips.

• Use World of Hyatt points (Category 2: 6,500–9,500 pts per night)
• Rooms are big, beds are comfy, and there are snacks and coffee in the lobby
• Even if you don’t have points, this could be a great points-earning opportunity! Rates average $150 USD per night

💡 Tip: If you have Chase Ultimate Rewards, you can transfer them to Hyatt to book this stay with points.

Nazuna Kyoto Nijojo–Boutique Ryokan Experience

If you’re craving a more traditional stay, Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo is a stylish modern ryokan-style inn. Each room is a converted tea-themed machiya (Kyoto townhouse), and some even include a private open-air bath.

• Located in Nakagyo Ward, quiet but central
• Easy access to Nijo Castle, Arashiyama, and Kyoto Station
• Beautiful Japanese breakfast and top-tier service

💡 Tip: Great for couples or solo travelers who want something memorable and immersive.

Cross Hotel Kyoto–High End Mid Range Comfort

If you want to stay somewhere vibrant and modern but don’t need a big chain brand, Cross Hotel Kyoto hits the sweet spot.

• Walkable to Nishiki Market, Pontocho Alley, and Gion
• Rooms are larger than average and well-designed
• Highly rated for service and location

Day 1–Fushimi Inari, Southern Higashiyama, and Gion

Your first day in Kyoto is all about temples, history, and a bit of magic at sunset. This area of the city gives you a glimpse into Kyoto’s past, and it’s where you’ll find some of its most iconic spots.

Morning: Fushimi Inari Taisha ⛩️

Start early and head to Fushimi Inari, one of the most photographed places in Japan. If you’ve seen the bright orange torii gates winding up the mountain, they’re even more breathtaking in person! This was one of my favorite temples!

• Cost: Free
• Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Tip: The earlier you go, the fewer the crowds. I arrived around 7:30 a.m. and had stretches of the path all to myself.

You don’t need to hike all the way to the top, but going partway up gives you a peaceful view over Kyoto and a deeper appreciation for this sacred place.

Midday: Nishiki Market/Nintendo Kyoto

Next, hop on the train or take a taxi to Nishiki Market, Kyoto’s famous food street. It’s five blocks packed with food stalls, small restaurants, and local specialty shops.

We snacked our way through the market and then stopped for lunch at a conveyor belt sushi restaurant called Daiki Suisan Kaiten Sushi Shinkyogoku. Highly recommend if you’re looking for this type of experience!

Although food is the main attraction here, there are several shopping stores too! This is where we found engraved chopsticks, which make great gifts and something you can use for a lifetime to remember your trip.

A short walk from the market off Shijo-Dori Street, you will find Nintendo Kyoto. The store is located inside the Kyoto Takashimaya S.C. T8 on the seventh floor. There will be signage inside the shopping centre that shows which escalators to take. 

There are all kinds of merchandise here from several popular video game series, including some exclusive to the store. If you are a huge Nintendo fan or know someone who is, this is a great spot to pick up a souvenir!

Afternoon: Kiyomizu-dera Temple

After lunch, head southeast to Kiyomizu-dera, a stunning temple perched on a hillside, offering sweeping views of the city.

• Cost: ¥400, cash only
• Time needed: 1–1.5 hours
• What to see: Otowa Waterfall, Jishu Shrine, the massive wooden veranda

The walk up to the temple is lined with traditional shops. I bought a handcrafted fan and some local sweets along the way.

Evening: Gion District

End your day in Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district. These historic districts come alive at night with lanterns glowing and the chance of spotting a geisha.

For a more in-depth experience, consider booking a guided tour that includes these sites! There are some very affordable night walking tours available on Get Your Guide. I will put a couple I recommend below.

Day 2-Arashiyama and the West

On day two, head to Kyoto’s western outskirts for peaceful riverside views, more temples, and bamboo groves. The bamboo grove doesn’t take long to get through, but there is so much to see in the same area! It’s a great time to just explore and see where the next path takes you.

Morning: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

You’ll find this is the theme in Kyoto, but you will want to start early again today to see the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. From Kyoto Station, take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station (approximately 17 minutes). The bamboo grove is about a 10–15 minute walk from the station.

• Cost: Free
• Time needed: 30–45 minutes
• Tip: Get there by 8 a.m. to avoid the crowds and get that perfect photo.

After the grove, explore Nison-in Temple, a tranquil site known for its beautiful autumn foliage and historical significance. It’s just a short walk away from the bamboo forest.

There is a small admission fee of ¥500 for adults, but we really enjoyed this temple. There are a lot of steps to get to the top, but you are rewarded with a great view of Kyoto!

Midday: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Next, head to Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto’s iconic Golden Pavilion. From Arashiyama Station, take the Keifuku Randen Line to Kitano-Hakubaicho Station. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to Kinkaku-ji.

You can explore this UNESCO World Heritage site on your own, or you can join this 90-minute tour with a knowledgeable guide for only $45 USD, which includes your admission fee.

Afternoon: Tea Ceremony

The perfect way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture is to book a traditional tea ceremony in kimonos. You learn about Japanese history, sample matcha green tea and wagashi sweets, and capture memorable photos in a kimono.

You will find tea ceremonies offered throughout Japan, but Kyoto is a popular destination because it is considered the cultural heart of Japan. I booked ours with Maikoya teahouse, and it was a great experience. Try for the 4:30 timeslot!

Evening: Kawaramachi & Pontocho Alley

After a day of temple hopping and bamboo strolling, spend your evening exploring Kawaramachi and Pontocho, two lively neighborhoods that come alive after dark. These areas are perfect for dinner, drinks, and a walk by the river.

Kawaramachi is Kyoto’s main downtown district. It’s a blend of modern shops, bustling izakayas, cocktail bars, and department stores. It’s also where many locals go for dinner and drinks.

Just across the Kamo River from Kawaramachi is Pontocho Alley, one of Kyoto’s most atmospheric spots. This narrow lane is lined with traditional wooden buildings, lanterns, and small restaurants, some with balconies over the river.

The popular L’Escamoteur speakeasy, where magic meets mixology, is in Kawaramachi! We tried to visit, but when we got there right before they opened, there was already a line out the door. The bar only holds about 20 people, and this is pretty standard everywhere, unfortunately. If you are looking for a nice dinner on the river, consider booking a reservation in advance.

Some additional bars you could check out that were on our list:

• Bee’s Knees
• Beatle Momo Music Bar
• Scotch & Branch

BONUS: Day Trips from Kyoto

Kyoto is well connected to some great nearby destinations. If you have an extra day, here are some of my top picks!

Nara 🦌

Just 35 minutes from Kyoto by train, Nara makes a fantastic day trip!

Highlights:

• Todai-ji Temple: Home to the Great Buddha, one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world
• Nara Park: Famous for its freely roaming deer — they’ll bow to you for snacks
• Kasuga Taisha: A beautiful shrine lined with hundreds of stone lanterns

Plan to spend around 5–6 hours here. It’s easy to do without a guide, but you can also book a small group tour if you prefer.

Osaka 🍜

If you’re craving nightlife or a foodie adventure, hop down to Osaka, just 30 minutes away by metro or 15 minutes by bullet train.

Top things to do:

• Stroll Dotonbori for street food, beers, and neon lights
• Try takoyaki and jiggly cheesecake
• Visit Osaka Castle
• Ride to the top of the Umeda Sky Building for sweeping city views
• Spend the day at Universal Studios Japan

Osaka has a completely different energy than Kyoto — loud, fun, and full of flavor. You can wander without a guide, but if you prefer a guided tour, this one will hit all the must-see sites in 7 hours!

Uji 🍵

If you love green tea or want a peaceful break from the city, Uji is a fantastic and underrated day trip from Kyoto. You can get there by taking the JR Nara Line to Uji Station (about 20–25 minutes).
It’s known as the birthplace of Japan’s highest quality matcha and is home to one of the oldest temples in the country.

Highlights:

• Byodo-in Temple– A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s most iconic temples.
• Matcha Tasting-Explore Omotesando Street, which is lined with tea shops, cafes, and matcha specialty stores. You can try everything from matcha soba to matcha parfaits.
• Uji River Walk
• Ujigami Shrine-One of Japan’s oldest existing Shinto shrines

Final Thoughts

Kyoto blends tradition and beauty in a way that no other city does. Two days is just enough to explore the must-see sites, enjoy a few local experiences, eat a variety of foods at the market, and start dreaming about your next trip back.

If you have more time, I would highly recommend booking a day trip to Nara. It is a great escape away from the city, and interacting with the sacred deer is a unique experience! If you are planning a longer trip across Japan, check out my 10 Day Japan Itinerary to help you plan the best vacation!