Kyoto 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Central Kyoto

• Arrival and Check-in

  • Stay at the traditional Ryokan Inn, Gion Yanagiya or modern hotel, Cherrystay Kyoto.

• Morning

  • Breakfast at Aun Deli, offering a variety of Western and Japanese breakfast options.
  • Visit the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of Kyoto’s most famous temples, offering stunning views over Kyoto.
  • Explore the nearby Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka streets lined with traditional Machiya houses.

• Afternoon

  • Lunch at Obanzai Yakobetei, a restaurant specializing in Kyoto’s traditional home cooking, Obanzai.
  • Visit the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates.

• Evening

  • Dinner at Kikunoi, a traditional Kaiseki restaurant offering a multi-course meal featuring seasonal Kyoto ingredients.
  • Stroll through Gion district, possibly spotting a Geisha.

Day 2: Eastern Kyoto

• Morning

  • Breakfast at Yojiya Cafe, famous for its Matcha desserts and traditional Japanese sweets.
  • Visit the Katsura Imperial Villa and its beautiful gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Afternoon

  • Lunch at Izuju, offering traditional Kyoto cuisine in a modern setting.
  • Visit the Byodoin Temple, famous for its Phoenix Hall, depicted on the 10 yen coin.
  • Explore the nearby Uji City known for its green tea production.

• Evening

  • Dinner at Ajinoya Honten, a long-established restaurant serving vegetarian and vegan dishes using local seasonal ingredients.

Day 3: Western Kyoto

• Morning

  • Breakfast at Cafe Mugimayo, offering a variety of vegan options with a focus on organic and locally sourced ingredients.
  • Visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the nearby [Tenryu-ji Temple](http://tenryuji temple.com/english/).

• Afternoon

  • Lunch at Arashiyama Yoshimura Soba, famous for its soba noodles made fresh on the premises.
  • Take a scenic boat ride on the Hozu River to Omiya Bashi Bridge.

• Evening

  • Dinner at Pontocho Kaburenjo Sekiryuan, a traditional theater offering Maiko performances while you dine.

Things to Know:

1. Kyoto is very walkable, but consider using the Kyoto City Bus or the Kyoto Municipal Subway for longer journeys.
2. Kyoto can be quite busy with tourists, so it’s best to start your day early to avoid crowds.
3. Reservations are highly recommended for restaurants, especially those serving Kaiseki meals.
4. Tipping is not customary in Japan.
5. Always remove your shoes when entering a home or temple.
6. Dress respectfully when visiting temples and shrines, covering shoulders and knees.