The Perfect 3 Days in Kyoto

With a staggering 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you’ll need to get up very early in the morning to cover all the major sightseeing spots in Kyoto. Our advice is to not panic: you’ll never cover everything, so be selective and concentrate on the most important on your first day. 

Arguably the most famous temple in Kyoto is Kinakuji-ji, better known as the Golden Pavilion for its glittering facade. It’s located in the north of the city, so pairs well with nearby Ryoanji, famed for its striking rock garden. Heading into the city center you can then pay a longer visit to the sprawling Imperial Palace, competing only with the same in Tokyo for size and splendor, and then nearby Nijo Castle, which looks particularly resplendent in the height of cherry blossom season. 

Finish the day by heading out to the eastern side of the city. If you have time, you might be able to reach Ginkakuji (or Silver Pavilion) located up the eastern hills. Alternatively, head straight to Higashiyama, a beautifully preserved traditional district with lots of great places to eat, drink, and shop. At the top of Higashiyama is imposing Kiyomizu-dera, with its epic views back across the city – a fine place to round out the day.

Your third day can serve as an ‘overflow’ day – catching up on any of the above that may have fallen between the cracks. Alternatively, make the most of the day by taking a day trip out of the city. Kyoto’s location in the center of Kansai offers a wide range of trips: nearby cities Nara or Osaka can both be reached in under an hour; Himeji (for its fine castle), Kobe (for its world-famous beef), and Lake Biwa (alluring views and a great cooking class) are all within 2-3 hours.

The most popular day trip is to Nara, where you can take in UNESCO Heritage Todai-ji (thought to be the largest wooden construction in the world) and take a stroll through Nara Park, with its large population of deer. On the way back to Kyoto, take a commuter service to call in at the Fushimi Inari Shrine, on the southern edge of the city. Fushimi Inari’s row-upon-row of vermillion red Torii gates are a truly spectacular site, and great for a lazy afternoon stroll.

For your final evening in Kyoto, we recommend joining a walking tour of the city’s historic Gion district. Your guide will take you through the atmospheric cobblestone streets, lined with historic shophouses and backdoor tea rooms, where – if you’re very lucky – you catch glimpses of geisha hurrying between appointments.