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Recommended for First-time Visitors to Kyoto! A 2-Day Kyoto Tour Plan

Recommended for First-time Visitors to Kyoto! A 2-Day Kyoto Tour Plan

The major sightseeing spots in Kyoto are compactly arranged, so by minimizing travel time, you can visit more places within two days.

For example, if you want to visit Kiyomizu Temple, it’s a good idea to also tour Yasaka Shrine and Gion. If you’re heading to Arashiyama, it’s a great plan to also visit Ryoanji Temple and Kinkakuji Temple in the north.

This article introduces a “2-Day Kyoto Tour Plan” perfect for first-time visitors touse as a reference.

1.A 2-Day Kyoto Tour Plan

The first day of the 2-day plan will have you mainly touring the central part of Kyoto. You’ll take a bus from Kyoto Station to Kiyomizu Temple, and then move around on foot.

The following table summarizes the schedule for the first day.

Kyoto City Tour Schedule

Travel Time
Kyoto Station 10:00
Kiyomizu Temple 11:00
Hokanji Temple 13:15
Yasaka Shrine 14:15
Gion 15:30
Nishiki Market 16:30
Kyoto Station 18:00

The table shows the travel time to each spot. Upon arrival, the time until the next departure is the sightseeing time at each location.

Let’s delve into some of the attractions.

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1-1.Kiyomizu Temple

Founded in 778, Kiyomizu Temple was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1994, gaining international recognition.

One of the temple’s highlights is the main hall’s wooden stage, “Kiyomizu no Butai,” which stands 13 meters high and offers a panoramic view of Kyoto city. This stage is also the origin of the Japanese proverb “to jump off the stage at Kiyomizu,” which symbolizes taking a bold leap or making a significant decision.

Another impressive sight is the Nio-mon Gate at the entrance. Protected by two statues of Nio guardians, it welcomes visitors with a majestic presence. Passing through the gate, you are enveloped in the sacred atmosphere of the temple, feeling the weight of history and culture.

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1-2.Yasaka Shrine

Located in Kyoto’s Higashiyama Ward, Yasaka Shrine is a historic shrine at the heart of Gion. It is known for its beautiful shrine architecture and traditional cultural appeal, making it popular among foreign visitors.

Believed to have been founded in 656, Yasaka Shrine is affectionately known as “Gion-san.” True to its name, it is the central site for the Gion Matsuri, one of Kyoto’s three major festivals, held annually in July. The festival is a quintessential summer event in Japan and is famous worldwide. Visiting during this time allows you to experience the festive atmosphere and vibrant yamaboko parade.

Around Yasaka Shrine lies Gion’s hanamachi district, lined with traditional townhouses and teahouses. If you’re lucky, you might spot maiko or geiko in their elegant attire.

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1-3.Nishiki Market

Located in central Kyoto, Nishiki Market is a historic food market affectionately known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen.” Stretching about 400 meters east to west, this narrow shopping street has been at the heart of Kyoto’s food culture for over 400 years.

For foreign visitors, Nishiki Market offers a sensory experience of Japanese food culture. With over 100 shops, it boasts a diverse range of products, including fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, traditional Kyoto pickles, dried foods, tofu, and sweets.

Many stalls sell ready-to-eat snacks and delicacies, allowing you to sample Kyoto’s flavors as you stroll. You can enjoy a variety of street foods such as grilled fish, rice balls, takoyaki, and kushi-katsu, experiencing the everyday food culture of Japan.

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1-4.Kyoto Station

Near Kyoto Station stands the Kyoto Tower, offering a 360-degree panoramic view from its observation deck, where you can overlook the cityscape of Kyoto.

Within walking distance of Kyoto Station is Toji Temple (Kyo-o Gokoku-ji), founded in 794 during the Heian period, renowned for its five-story pagoda. The temple grounds are expansive, housing many structures and statues recognized as national treasures and important cultural properties.

The area around Kyoto Station is highly accessible, with convenient transportation to other city attractions. The station building itself includes a bus terminal, making it a breeze to move around Kyoto’s main tourist spots. The station area is also filled with shopping malls and restaurants, offering plenty of options for dining and shopping.

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2.Day 2: A 2-Day Kyoto Tour Plan

On the second day of the 2-day plan, you will mainly tour the Arashiyama area. You’ll take a train from Kyoto Station to Arashiyama Station, and then move around on foot.

The following table summarizes the schedule for the second day. As with the first day, the table’s times represent travel times.

Arashiyama Area Tour Schedule

Travel Time
Kyoto Station 10:00
Arashiyama Station 10:30
Horinji Temple 10:45
Togetsukyo Bridge 11:15
Tenryu-ji Temple 11:40
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 13:15
Jojakko-ji Temple 13:45
Nison-in Temple 14:00
Seiryo-ji Temple 14:25
Daikaku-ji Temple 14:45
Arashiyama Shopping Street 15:20
Kimono Forest 16:30
Arashiyama Station 17:30
Kyoto Station 18:00

Let’s take a look at some of the attractions.

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2-1. Togetsukyo Bridge

Togetsukyo Bridge, known as the symbol of Arashiyama, is a wooden bridge spanning the Katsura River. With a length of about 155 meters, it is said to have been originally built in 836, but the current bridge was reconstructed in 1934. The name “Togetsu” is said to come from the view of the moon crossing over the bridge.

The view from Togetsukyo Bridge is enchanting throughout the year. Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, lush greenery abounds in summer, the surrounding mountains turn red and yellow in autumn, and in winter snow creates a picturesque landscape. During the autumn foliage season, the mountains painted in red and yellow reflect on the river, creating a stunning view. In summer, you can see boats navigating the river, allowing you to feel the traditional Japanese atmosphere.

There are walking paths along both sides of the bridge, where you can leisurely stroll and enjoy the nature of Arashiyama. At night, the bridge is illuminated, creating a different, magical atmosphere.

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2-2.Tenryu-ji Temple

Tenryu-ji Temple, a World Heritage site, is within walking distance from Togetsukyo Bridge. It was founded in 1339 as the mortuary temple for Emperor Go-Daigo and is the head temple of the Tenryu-ji branch of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.

The biggest attraction of Tenryu-ji is its garden, designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government. Known as the Sogen Pond Garden, it is a circuit-style garden centered around a pond, creating a beautiful landscape that integrates with the surrounding mountains of Arashiyama. The arrangement of rocks and plantings is exquisite, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of a Japanese garden.

The main hall, known as Hojo, opens up to the garden, offering a view that looks like the garden is framed as a picture. The Hojo’s ceiling is adorned with the famous Cloud Dragon painting, allowing you to see traditional Japanese painting style up close.

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2-3.Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is an enchanting bamboo forest in the Arashiyama area, popular among foreign visitors for experiencing Japan’s natural beauty. Located north of Tenryu-ji Temple, it stretches for about 400 meters.

Walking through the bamboo grove feels like entering another world. Tall, green bamboo stalks line both sides, with leaves swaying above creating a mystical play of light and shadow.

Bamboo has long been a special element in Japanese culture, symbolizing integrity due to its straight growth. It frequently appears in Japanese literature and art and is cherished for its beauty and resilience. In the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, you can experience this cultural symbolism firsthand.

The bamboo grove is also a popular spot for photography which is widely shared on social media. When taking photos, be mindful of others and respectful of the site.

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2-4. Arashiyama Shopping Street

Arashiyama Shopping Street is lined with various shops, including souvenir shops, confectioneries, restaurants, and craft stores. Kyoto’s unique sweets and matcha products are especially popular, and you can enjoy them on the spot or buy them as souvenirs to take with you.

The charm of Arashiyama Shopping Street lies in its atmosphere. The shops, many of which are housed in renovated old townhouses or designed in traditional Japanese architecture, make the street itself a sightseeing spot. By just walking down the street, you can deeply feel the ambiance of a traditional Japanese shopping street.

Restaurants along the river offer meals with views of Togetsukyo Bridge and the Katsura River.

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Conclusion

The plan introduced here divides the days into central Kyoto and the Arashiyama area, minimizing travel time. However, it’s physically demanding as it involves visiting many tourist spots consecutively, making itimportant to manage your health and plan carefully to avoid overexertion.

Ideally, staying for three or more days would allow for a more leisurely tour of Kyoto. Feel free to adjust the plan flexibly according to your and your family’s interests.

*This article is based on information available as of August 2024.