Kyoto is home to numerous famous tourist spots, and while it might seem challenging to enjoy them all in one day, it is entirely possible with careful planning. Although many travelers choose to stay an average of 2.07 nights, allowing for a more relaxed exploration, even a one-day visit can provide a fulfilling experience of Kyoto’s charm.
In this guide, we will introduce a sightseeing plan to efficiently enjoy Kyoto within a limited timeframe. By following this route, you can experience historical landmarks, beautiful landscapes, and local culinary delights, ensuring a rich and rewarding Kyoto trip.
1.Must See! Kyoto 1 Day Itinerary
Kyoto boasts numerous famous tourist attractions. While it is challenging to enjoy all of Kyoto’s sights in just one day, it is not impossible. On average, travelers spend about 2.07 nights in Kyoto, with many opting for a 2-night stay. Here, we introduce a sightseeing plan that allows you to fully enjoy Kyoto in just one day.
1-1.【8:00 AM】 Arashiyama
Arashiyama, located on the western side of Kyoto, is a highly recommended tourist spot rich in natural beauty. Its name comes from the nearby Arashiyama mountain, which has an elevation of 382 meters. This area features the Togetsukyo Bridge with its beautiful wooden railings spanning the abundantly flowing Oi River, and it harmoniously combines pristine nature with historical structures such as Tenryu-ji Temple and Nonomiya Shrine.
One of the most famous attractions in Arashiyama is the Bamboo Grove Path. This path is flanked by tall bamboo that stretches for 400 meters on both sides. To reach Arashiyama by train, the Randen Arashiyama Station, Hankyu Arashiyama Station, and JR Saga-Arashiyama Station are convenient options. By bus, it takes about 45 minutes from JR Kyoto Station to the Arashiyama or Arashiyama Park bus stops.
1-2.【9:30 AM】Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
The next destination is Kinkaku-ji, a temple famous for its dazzling gold decoration. From Arashiyama, it takes about 20 minutes by train from Randen Arashiyama Station, followed by a 5-minute city bus ride to reach Kinkaku-ji.
Known as one of Kyoto’s most iconic spots, Kinkaku-ji’s official name is Rokuon-ji, named after the posthumous name of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate. Surrounding the Shariden (Golden Pavilion) is a pond called Kyoko-chi (Mirror Pond). On calm days, the reflection of Kinkaku-ji on the serene water surface is stunning, and you can enjoy different views of the temple throughout the seasons.
At Kinkaku-ji, be sure to check out Ryumon-no-taki (Dragon Gate Waterfall), which is based on the legend that carp become dragons by climbing waterfalls, and the 3-mat tea house Yuga-tei. Another highlight is Fudo-do, which enshrines the stone statue of Fudo Myoo, believed to have been created by Kobo Daishi.
1-3.【11:00 AM】Nishiki Market
As lunchtime approaches, it’s a good idea to head towards the Kyoto Station area. From Kinkaku-ji, it takes about 35 minutes by city bus to reach the vicinity of Kyoto Station.If you want to enjoy a Kyoto-style meal, it’s recommended to visit Nishiki Market, a representative market of Kyoto.
Nishiki Market is a traditional market with a history of over 400 years. The market is lined with many shops and stalls where you can savor a wide variety of Kyoto cuisine. One of the attractions is enjoying local dishes known as obanzai, which are traditional Kyoto-style home-cooked dishes. Nishiki Market is always bustling with locals and visitors alike, so it’s best to visit with some extra time to spare, even during the off-season.
Kyoto Nishiki Market Guide | Hours and Top 5 Recommended Foods
1-4.【1:00 PM】Kyoto Station
If you feel tired from the intense travel itinerary, it’s a good idea to return to Kyoto Station, a transportation hub, and take a break.Kyoto Station is not just a train station; it’s a complex facility that includes a department store, art museum, hotel, theater, restaurants, and foreign currency exchange, making it suitable for various purposes.
Near the ceiling of Kyoto Station, there is the Skyway, a walkway about 45 meters above ground and 147 meters long.The three observation points along the Skyway offer a panoramic view of Kyoto’s landmarks and distant mountains. It’s recommended to visit this walkway when you stop by Kyoto Station.
1-5.【2:00 PM】Fushimi Inari Taisha
A roughly 5-minute ride on the JR line will bring you to JR Inari Station. Fushimi Inari Taisha is right in front of the station, making it very accessible. This shrine is famous for its impressive Senbon Torii, a path lined with countless red torii gates, and it is the head shrine of the approximately 30,000 Inari shrines found throughout Japan. It is popular as a deity of business prosperity, household safety, and artistic improvement.
The numerous torii gates are offerings from people whose wishes have been granted, given in gratitude to the shrine. After passing through the Senbon Torii, you will reach the Oku-no-in (Inner Shrine) Worship Area, which is about a 15-minute walk. Reflect on your wishes as you pay your respects.
1-6.【4:30 PM】Higashiyama District
A roughly 5-minute ride on the Keihan Electric Railway or a 6-minute city bus ride from Fushimi Inari Shrine will bring you to the Higashiyama district. This area preserves traditional Japanese townscapes and is home to historic temples and shrines, tea houses lining Hanami-koji Street, and a variety of eateries and cafes, offering a nostalgic Kyoto atmosphere as if you’ve stepped back in time.
Higashiyama is particularly famous for its cherry blossoms. During the cherry blossom season, tourists from around the world flock to see the picturesque townscapes adorned with cherry blossoms. It’s recommended to include this area in your itinerary during the morning or evening hours for the best experience.
1-7.【5:30 PM】Kiyomizu-dera
Kiyomizu-dera, built on the hillside of Otowa Mountain, is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical significance. Set in a lush environment, this temple offers beautiful seasonal scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in the fall.
The temple grounds are home to numerous buildings designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. Upon entering the grounds, you will immediately see the vivid vermilion Niomon Gate and the 31-meter-tall three-story pagoda, both of which are Important Cultural Properties. The main hall, famous for its Kiyomizu Stage, stands with a majestic presence deserving of its National Treasure status.
Proceeding to the inner sanctuary, you will encounter Otowa Waterfall. Sourced from the springs of Otowa Mountain, this waterfall has been believed to grant longevity and blessings. It is considered the origin of Kiyomizu-dera and enshrines Fudo Myoo.
1-8.【7:00 PM】Gion
In the evening, it is recommended to take a stroll around the Gion district, where you can experience a different side of Kyoto compared to the daytime. From Kiyomizu-dera, Gion is about a 20-minute city bus ride away. Head back to the Niomon Gate and descend Kiyomizu-zaka until you reach the “Kiyomizu-michi” bus stop. Board the bus and get off at “Gion.”
Yasaka Shrine, a symbol of Gion, was founded over a thousand years ago and has been deeply revered by the powerful figures of the times. Within the shrine grounds is Utsukushigozensha Shrine, known for its blessings in beauty and romance. Be sure to try the “Beauty Water” from the spring in front of the shrine.
One of the charming areas near Yasaka Shrine is Gion Shirakawa, located past Hanamikoji Street. This area, with its beautiful stone steps along the Shirakawa River, is designated as a traditional preservation district. In spring, the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms bloom spectacularly, allowing you to enjoy the collaboration of traditional buildings and cherry blossoms.
2.Tips for Efficiently Touring Kyoto
To efficiently tour Kyoto, there are a few key points to keep in mind:
| Utilize City Buses |
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| The best way to tour Kyoto is by using city buses, as many of Kyoto’s attractions are scattered around the central Kyoto Station. The Kyoto City Transportation Bureau offers the Bus One-Day Pass, which allows unlimited rides on both city buses and Kyoto buses throughout the day. This pass is particularly attractive for its convenience and cost-effectiveness. |
| Master the Subway |
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| For efficient travel within Kyoto, it’s highly recommended to make good use of the subway system. Kyoto’s subway has two lines: the Tozai Line and the Karasuma Line. These lines cover the city’s east-west and north-south axes, respectively. Upon arriving at Kyoto Station via the Shinkansen or JR lines, it’s convenient to start your journey with the Karasuma Line, which quickly connects you to key areas of the city. |
| Explore Specific Areas on Foot |
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| Walking is an excellent way to explore Kyoto and get to know the city intimately. Due to its popularity, buses and subways in Kyoto can often be crowded, leading to delays and reduced sightseeing efficiency. To avoid this, decide on specific areas you want to visit and explore them on foot. This method not only allows for a more flexible schedule but also lets you discover hidden gems and enjoy the city’s ambiance more thoroughly. |
To efficiently tour Kyoto while avoiding the crowds at famous tourist spots, consider visiting lesser-known locations. This approach allows you to fully immerse yourself in the unique charm and atmosphere of Kyoto that you won’t find at more popular sites.
First Time in Kyoto: Tips for a Memorable Visit – Japan Travel
Conclusion
Sightseeing in Kyoto in a single day is challenging, but with careful planning, you can have a fulfilling experience. By efficiently visiting Arashiyama’s natural landscapes, the historic and beautiful Kinkaku-ji, the local food culture at Nishiki Market, the thousand torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha, and the historical significance and seasonal beauty of Kiyomizu-dera, you can fully enjoy the charm of Kyoto.
Utilize city buses and the subway to ensure smooth travel, and make the most of your limited time by absorbing the essence of Kyoto. By appreciating the beauty and historical context of these attractions, you can create lasting memories of your time in Kyoto.
*This article is based on information available as of July 2024.
