PLACES TO VISIT in KYOTO – MY FAVORITE CITY OF JAPAN
Kyoto is the most populous city in Japan, although it is a popular place to visit.
This is because Kyoto has all the amenities you would find in a more prominent place. Still, it also offers a wide array of cultural and historical entities that are uniquely Japanese.
Kyoto is my favorite Japanese City, and this itinerary highlights the best places to see in Kyoto so you can make the most out of your time there.
Kyoto Itinerary
Day 1 in Kyoto
Coffee House is the perfect place to get you ready for Kyoto.
It is located north of Nijo Castle. The owner is an older Japanese gentleman with a Ph.D. in coffee making.
He made me a delicious brew I enjoyed in his shop before moving on to my day. He was passionate about his craft, which is evident in his delightful taste.
Nijo Castle
You can enjoy the surrounding architecture and gardens from Nijo Castle while you wait for the caffeine to kick in.
The state designated the castle as a “Historic Monument of Ancient Kyoto,” and it is used for official visitors to attend state-sponsored events.
Whether you are an official guest or not, it is possible to explore the area and view the many fortifications and gates, towers, and the Ninomaru palace.
Take the time to visit Kyoto’s temples in the morning.
These sights are famous and best seen at dawn with very few people.
Kinkaku-Ji: The Golden Pavilion
The Kinkaku–Ji or Ginkaku–Ji are located across the City. It is recommended to see them both on different days.
- Fun fact: These temples are among Kyoto’s 17 UNESCO World Heritage-listed shrines and temples.
You are located on the Ninomaru Palace side of the City, so I recommend starting with Kinkaku Ji.
Kinkaku-Ji’s gold leaf covers Kinkaku, thus the name “the golden pavilion.”
The temple grounds have exceptionally well-tended gardens, emphasizing the Zen-like atmosphere.
Ginkaku-Ji, The Silver Pavilion
You have two options: move on to GinkakuJi temple in the other direction or save it for day 2.
Although the Ginkakuji temple inspired it, it was not plated with silver. A long, silver cone instead surrounds it in its garden. The walls are unpainted.
Ginkaku-Ji, a Zen temple with a beautiful view and traditional Japanese sand gardens, is called Ginkaku-Ji.
The Philosopher’s Path
The Philosopher’s Path is to be noticed.
It is approximately two kilometers long and starts at Ginkaku-Ji. It is a stone walkway that follows the canal, lined with cherry trees.
Named after a Japanese philosopher, this route was used to practice meditation along the way to Kyoto University.
Tourists flock to this path to view the famous Kyoto Cherry Blossoms during April.
Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market is the next stop. It has everything from matcha ice cream to a variety of seafood dishes, Japanese souvenirs, and high-end apparel.
Ramen is a ubiquitous dish in Japan, and it can be found almost anywhere.
There are many good ramen restaurants, but I can only recommend Kyoto Gion Raman Muraji. Also, in the Gion District.
It is well-priced, offers a great atmosphere, and has top-quality ramen.
The Kiyomizu–Dera temple is located in the Gion district.
Kiyomizu-Dera
The Kiyomizu-Dera, a Buddhist temple with spectacular views over Kyoto’s entire City, and its collection of gardens and brightly colored buildings make it an ideal backdrop for photographers.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is extremely popular, especially in November when the site hosts special evening illuminations (an additional ticket fee).
You can see the temple up to a point for free, but further access will require a ticket.
Geishas from Kyoto
You may be lucky enough to see geishas struggling around Gion during their daily training.
If you spot one, several people may be trying to take photos of them (often while they chase them). This can cause quite a stir.
Instead, ask them if they are ok with you taking their picture. Unauthorized photography can result in a fine.
It is best to admire their professionalism and not take the camera with me.
Day 2 in Kyoto
The tranquil atmosphere and bamboo-tree-lined pathways of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, western Kyoto, make this area unique.
Bamboo Forest – Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
A bamboo forest is a unique place in Kyoto.
The Arashiyama bamboo Grove is tranquil, peaceful, and idyllic. It is best to visit it after sunrise.
This is the perfect spot to relax after a hectic day in Tokyo or after arriving in Japan.
This is a short route that runs through Kyoto’s western region. It is easily accessible via the San-in Line train, which takes you from Kyoto station to Saga-Arashiyama Station.
The trains leave a little later than usual after sunrise, so it is best to take a taxi from Arashiyama (if possible) to capture a picture without too many people.
Taxis from Kyoto station to the area will cost you approximately 30,000 Yen (30 USD), which is a reasonable price for such a beautiful place.
Fushimi-Inari Taisha shrine
The Fushimi-Inari Shrine, well-known for its more than 1000 orange tori gates and other attractions, should be on every Japanese traveler’s top list.
The Fushimi–Inari Taisha shrine is a must-see in Kyoto. It is known for its multitude of orange tori gates that line its entire path to the summit of Inari Mountain.
This shrine is open every day of the week, and admission is free. It is best to visit it at sunrise, just like the other temples of Kyoto.
You can see the Japanese characters on the back of the gates so you can return down the mountain.
This was my favorite place in Kyoto.
Day Trips to Kyoto
Other attractions around Kyoto that can be reached by train in under an hour are:
Himeji Castle
Himeji is home to the most beautiful castle. The Himeji castle was never damaged by war or natural disasters.
Have you ever thought, “Is there any castle on the planet that has not been destroyed by natural/manmade catastrophes and has not been attacked in war?”
It doesn’t matter if this is something you have ever thought about, but the castle does exist in Himeji.
Himeji Castle is, therefore, the most preserved and new castle in the country.