Trying to decide how to spend just one day in Kyoto can seem like a challenge. With its countless temples, gardens, and historic districts, it’s easy to wonder if you can truly get a feel for the city in such a short amount of time.
We get it. And the answer is a definite yes! While you could easily spend weeks exploring every last temple and garden, you can absolutely have an incredible, memorable experience with a 1-day Kyoto itinerary—as long as you have a solid plan. The key is to focus your time effectively.
To help you do just that, this guide provides three of our most popular 1-day Kyoto itineraries. We’ll start with a very intense ‘see it all’ plan for those short on time, followed by two more relaxed routes focusing on the city’s classic highlights. We’ll also point you towards other options if you’ve seen these famous spots before or are looking for a different kind of Kyoto adventure.
The first route is our ambitious plan, guiding you through Kyoto’s top three landmark areas in one day. The second focuses on East Kyoto, which has some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The last itinerary explores West Kyoto, which has a blend of famous cultural sites and natural beauty.
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How to Choose Your Perfect Kyoto Day
Not sure which route to pick? No problem. Here’s a simple breakdown of the three days to help you choose what sounds best for your trip.
The Intense ‘See It All’ Day
Go for this one if you have only one day in Kyoto, possibly as a day trip from Osaka or even Tokyo, and you want to see all the absolute must-see spots. Be warned: this is a fast-paced, full-on day that requires an early start!
You’ll begin your morning in the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, then travel across town to walk through the thousands of red gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine.
You’ll finish the day on the east side, seeing Kiyomizu-dera Temple, exploring the old streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, and ending in the famous Geisha district, Gion.
The Iconic East Kyoto Day
Go for this one if it’s your first time in Kyoto and you want to hit all the famous spots. This is the classic Kyoto experience! You’ll start the day at Fushimi Inari Shrine, walking through the incredible path of thousands of bright red torii gates.
After that, you’ll head to the Kiyomizu-dera area to see the popular temple on the hillside before exploring the old-fashioned streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka.
You’ll end the day in Gion, Kyoto’s famous Geisha district, and can even check out Pontocho, a cool and narrow alleyway with a great atmosphere.
The Scenic West Kyoto Day
If you love the outdoors and want to mix some nature with your sightseeing, this is the route for you.
The day starts in the beautiful Arashiyama district, where you’ll get to walk through the famous bamboo groves and see historic temples.
Next up is a truly memorable stop: Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion. It’s a Zen temple, and its top two floors are literally covered in gold leaf.
You’ll finish with a trip to Nishiki Market, a super busy and fun food market that locals call “Kyoto’s Kitchen”. It’s the perfect spot to try some local snacks.
Itinerary 1: The Intense ‘See It All’ Day
This is the itinerary for travellers who are short on time but high on energy. It strings together the city’s most iconic sights from west to east. To make this work, you need to start early and be prepared for a lot of walking and travel between spots. It’s a challenging but very rewarding day if this is your only chance to see Kyoto.
Early Morning (8:00 – 10:00): Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Your day must start in Arashiyama to get ahead of the huge crowds that gather at the Bamboo Grove. Take the JR line to Saga-Arashiyama station and walk straight to the grove. An early start means you can experience it in relative peace.
Late Morning (11:00 – 13:00): Fushimi Inari Shrine
From Saga-Arashiyama, take the JR line across the city to Inari Station, which is right in front of Fushimi Inari Shrine. Your goal here is to experience the famous path of a thousand red torii gates.
You won’t have time for the full hike, but walk for at least 20-30 minutes up the path to escape the biggest crowds at the entrance. Grab a quick lunch from one of the food stalls near the shrine’s entrance before moving on.
Afternoon (14:00 – 17:00): Kiyomizu-dera & Old Streets
Take the train from Inari to Kiyomizu-Gojo Station, from where it’s about a 20-minute uphill walk to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. After visiting the temple and its famous wooden stage, make your way back down by walking through the historic, preserved streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. This area is full of traditional shops and is perfect for photos.
Evening (17:30 onwards): Gion District
The streets from Kiyomizu-dera lead you naturally towards the Gion district, Kyoto’s famous Geisha district. As evening sets in, the lanterns are lit and the area becomes very photogenic. This is a great place to explore, see the historic architecture, and perhaps spot a geiko or maiko.
Itinerary 2: The Iconic East Kyoto Day
This is the perfect plan if it’s your first time in Kyoto or you just want to see the city’s classic, famous sights. You’ll get some great photos, experience a bit of old-world Japan, and eat some good food, all while visiting three must-see areas.
Morning (10:00 – 12:00): Fushimi Inari Shrine
First up is Fushimi Inari Shrine, a place you’ve probably seen in pictures. It’s famous for having thousands of bright red torii gates that make a path up a hill. The shrine is for Inari, the Shinto god of rice.
Walking through the gates is a really cool experience. The entrance gets super busy with everyone trying to get photos, so here’s a tip: just keep walking for about 20 or 30 minutes.
The crowds get smaller the further you go, and you’ll find plenty of quiet spots for better pictures. If you’re up for it, you can hike the whole trail to the top and back, which takes around three hours.
Make sure you don’t miss anything when visiting this Japanese landmark. Read this before your visit:
Where to Eat Nearby
There are plenty of spots around the shrine for a drink or a snack before you move on.
Inari Saryo
A great place to relax with a cup of tea. They have a terrace with a garden view and a well-known Inari Parfait, which is a dessert topped with a mini torii gate and filled with matcha ice cream and other sweets.
Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM; Closed on Wednesdays
Kyozuan
For a different kind of treat, try the tofu ice cream here. It’s thick and healthy, and they also make a matcha version by adding lots of Uji matcha to the tofu base.
Address: 2-1 Fukakusa Kaidoagaru-cho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0805, Japan
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
Afternoon (12:30 – 16:30): Kiyomizu-dera & Old Streets
Next, head over to the eastern hills to see Kiyomizu-dera Temple. It’s a popular temple built on the side of a hill, and its big wooden stage has a great view of the city.
After you’ve seen the temple, you can explore the old streets nearby. You’ll walk down Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, which are streets for pedestrians only. They are lined with old-style traditional buildings that have been turned into small shops and tea spots. It’s a great area to just slow down, look for souvenirs, and get a feel for old Kyoto.
We have the perfect game plan for exploring Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka:
What to Do Nearby
There are other cool places to check out nearby that are easy to walk to.
Yasaka Shrine
This historic Shinto shrine is in the Gion district and is known for its cool old buildings and paths lit by lanterns.
Address: 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073, Japan
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours; it’s free to enter.
Maruyama Park
This public park is right next to Yasaka Shrine and is a great spot to take a break. It has walking paths and ponds and is especially popular when the cherry blossoms are out.
Address: Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0071, Japan
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours; it’s free to enter.
Evening (17:00 – 19:00): Gion & Pontocho
As it gets later, head into Gion, Kyoto’s Geisha district. This area has a really traditional feel, especially at night when the lanterns are lit. If you’re lucky, you might even see a geiko (Kyoto’s word for geisha) or maiko (apprentice geisha) heading to an appointment.
Step Into Japanese Traditions
There’s more to Japan than sightseeing. Imagine seeing an actual geisha performance (instead of jist gawking at them on the streets of Gion!), learning the secrets of Japanese cooking, or trying your hand at a traditional craft. These are the moments that bring your Japan trip to life — and we can help you book them with ease.
→ Find Cultural Experiences for Your Japan Trip
To finish your day, go for a walk down Pontocho. It’s a narrow alley full of restaurants and bars that has a great feel to it in the evening, making it a perfect spot to find dinner.
Itinerary 3: The Scenic West Kyoto Day
If you love a mix of beautiful nature and classic temples, this is the itinerary for you. This plan takes you to the western part of the city, starting in the Arashiyama district before heading to one of Kyoto’s most famous temples and finishing at a huge food market.
Morning (9:00 – 11:30): Arashiyama’s Sights
Your day begins in the Arashiyama district, an area on the edge of Kyoto known for its natural beauty and interesting temples.
First, head to Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple. It’s a Buddhist temple known for its collection of over 1,200 stone statues of rakan, who were disciples of Buddha. What makes them special is that they all have unique and whimsical designs, with humorous and expressive faces. It’s a really fun place to explore.
Address: 2-5 Sagatoriimoto Fukatanicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8439, Japan
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM daily
Otagi Nenbutsuji is definitely one of Kyoto’s lesser-know gems. Learn why it is a must-visit:
After that, it’s time for one of Kyoto’s most famous spots, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
This area gets very, very crowded later in the day, so it’s a good idea to visit earlier. For another area with bamboo that is much quieter, you can visit the nearby Adashino Nenbutsuji temple.
Next, you’ll visit Tenryu-ji, a historic Zen Buddhist temple in Arashiyama. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is well known for its beautiful garden that offers great views of the surrounding mountains.
Address: 68 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8385, Japan
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM daily
One of our expert local guides in Kyoto also recommends another route to explore Arashiyama with lesser crowds. Check it out here:
Afternoon (11:30 – 15:00): The Golden Pavilion
Before you leave Arashiyama, make sure to walk across the Togetsukyo Bridge, a famous landmark that goes over the Hozu River.
From there, it’s time to travel to your next stop: Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion Temple. A taxi is the fastest way to get there, taking about 15 minutes, while public transport can take around 45-50 minutes.
This is a stunning Zen Buddhist temple, and it gets its name from the fact that its top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf.
Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
There is so much to love about Kinkaku-ji. Make sure you don’t miss any lovely detail by reading our guide before your visit:
Late Afternoon (15:15 – 17:00): Nishiki Market
To finish your day, you’ll head to Nishiki Market, a busy and lively food market often called “Kyoto’s Kitchen”. It’s a long, narrow street with over a hundred stalls selling everything from fresh seafood to local snacks and cooking ingredients. It’s also a perfect place for souvenir shopping!
Address: Nishikikoji-dori, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8054, Japan
Opening Hours: Generally 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, but hours vary by stall.
As fellow foodies, we at Flip love Nishiki Market. Discover our favorite snacks and more at our guide to Kyoto’s Kitchen:
What to Try at Nishiki Market
There’s a ton of great street food to try here. Here are a few recommendations:
Kofukudo Nishiki
This is a great place to try traditional Japanese sweets, which are sold from just one piece. The fu manju (a soft, fluffy bun wrapped in a bamboo leaf) is a popular choice.
Address: 405-2 Komeyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8125, Japan
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Closed on Wednesdays
Torisei
This stall is from a shop that has specialised in chicken for over 100 years. A new popular item is the “Da Ji Pai,” which is a Taiwanese fried chicken that is bigger than the palm of your hand.
Address: 480 Izutsuyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8121, Japan
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM; Closed on Wednesdays
Houkyuuan
This shop sells handmade fish paste products ground with a stone mortar. The most popular items are the cheese tempura and the jaga batter tempura (potato and butter).
Address: 400 Komeyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8125, Japan
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily
Looking for a Different Side of Kyoto?
While the East and West routes cover the iconic highlights, Kyoto has much more to offer for those with specific interests. If you’re looking for a day tailored to culture or nature, we have full, expertly planned itineraries ready for you.
For a day of culture: The Kyoto Culture Day
This plan gets you away from the biggest crowds and shows you more of the city’s arts and history. You’ll check out the Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design, visit Shimogamo Shrine (a UNESCO heritage site), and even try a special ‘water oracle’ to get your fortune told.
For a day in nature: The Kyoto Nature Day
This itinerary takes you out of the city and into the northern mountains. You’ll visit Kifune Shrine, which is for the god of water, go for a hike to the historic Kurama-dera Temple, and finish with a soak in a natural hot spring that has great views.
You can find these full-day plans in our online store. We also have more detailed versions of the East and West Kyoto itineraries from this post, plus lots of other 1-day plans for cities all over Japan.
→ Explore All Our Kyoto & Japan Itineraries
Kyoto 1-Day Itinerary FAQs
What is the best way to get around Kyoto in one day?
A combination of public transport and walking is most efficient.
• Bus & Subway: Use a 1-Day Pass for the best value. Buses go directly to most temples.
• Trains (JR): The fastest option for reaching sites like Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama.
• Walking: Essential for exploring historic districts like Gion and Higashiyama.
Is one day in Kyoto enough to see everything?
No, it’s impossible to see everything Kyoto has to offer. However, one day is enough to have a fantastic experience. You can choose to see the top three iconic sights on a very fast-paced “Intense Day” trip, or you can explore one or two areas more deeply at a relaxed pace with our East or West itineraries. The key is to focus on quality over quantity.
What is the best time of year to visit Kyoto?
• Spring (Mar-Apr): For stunning cherry blossoms, but expect large crowds.
• Autumn (Oct-Nov): For spectacular autumn colours with pleasant weather. Also very popular.
• Summer (Jun-Aug): Fewer crowds and vibrant festivals, but can be hot and humid.
• Winter (Dec-Feb): The quietest and most budget-friendly season, with a chance of snow.
Want more details about the best time to visit Japan? Read this:
Can I use an IC card (like Suica or Pasmo) in Kyoto?
Absolutely. IC cards from other regions of Japan work on Kyoto’s subways, JR trains, and buses, making travel seamless.
Learn more about transportation in Japan:
Do I need cash in Kyoto?
Yes. While cards are widely accepted, many smaller food stalls, local shops, and temple entrance fees are cash only. It is essential to carry some yen with you.
