Kyoto Day Guides
Kyoto is famous for its historic temples, traditional streets, and cultural experiences. This guide takes you through a full day of exploring Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizudera Temple, and Gion in the evening, covering the best sights, local food, and hidden gems.
Let’s start your adventure!
Train Line: JR Nara Line
Recommended Stop: Fushimi Inari Station (2 stops from Kyoto Station)
Alternative: Take the Keihan Main Line to Fushimi-Inari Station if staying near a Keihan station.
Start your morning early for the best experience. The iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine gets crowded by mid-morning, so arriving before 8:00 AM allows for a peaceful visit.
Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of Japan’s most famous shrines. It is known for its thousands of vermillion torii gates, which wind through the forested mountainside.
✔ Walk through the Senbon Torii (Thousand Torii Gates) trail.
✔ Visit the main shrine hall (Honden) and admire the sacred architecture.
✔ Climb to Yotsutsuji Intersection for a panoramic view of Kyoto.
✔ Explore small sub-shrines along the hiking path.
Traveler’s Tip: The full hiking loop to the summit takes about 2–3 hours, but you can turn back at any point if short on time. However, the higher up you go, the less people there are!
Take a break before heading to the next destination. Here are some great café options nearby:
Inari Saryo - Look across Mt. Inari and beautiful Japanese gardens while enjoying Japanese tea and sweet treats.
Fushimi Inari Sando Chaya - Traditional Japanese cafe selling tea and sweet sets, great for an authentic experience.
Vermillion Café (Vegan Friendly)– Stylish café with great coffee and matcha drinks.
Train Line: Keihan Main Line
Recommended Stop: Kiyomizu-Gojo Station (from Fushimi-Inari Station)
Walking Distance: 20 minutes uphill to Kiyomizudera Temple.
From the station, take a slow walk up Chawan-zaka (Teapot Lane), a charming street filled with shops selling Kyoto crafts, ceramics, and souvenirs.
Kiyomizudera is one of Kyoto’s most famous temples, known for its massive wooden stage overlooking the city.
✔ Stand on the wooden stage and admire the scenic view.
✔ Visit the Jishu Shrine, dedicated to love and matchmaking.
✔ Walk down to the Otowa Waterfall and drink from the sacred waters.
✔ Explore the temple’s beautiful pagodas and halls.
Traveler’s Tip: Kiyomizudera is especially beautiful in spring (cherry blossoms) and autumn (red maple leaves), but it is a must-see year-round.
After exploring Kiyomizudera, enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant. Here are some great options:
Otowa Saryo - Enjoy beautiful views while enjoying delcious Japanese food on their terrace.
Ninenzaka KAMANZA - A cheaper option may be this well known Japanese restaurant serving set meals. It can get busy so expect to wait or book a reservation in advance.
Cafe Vegan Terrace (Vegan Friendly) – Serves plant-based Japanese-style meals and desserts.
After lunch, take a stroll through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, two of Kyoto’s most scenic streets. These preserved streets are filled with historic wooden buildings, teahouses, and artisan shops.
✔ Browse traditional Kyoto souvenirs, like matcha, ceramics, and fans.
✔ Visit the famous Starbucks Kyoto Ninenzaka in a historic machiya (traditional townhouse).
✔ Stop by Yasaka Kōshindō Temple, known for its colorful wishing balls.
Walking Distance: 10 minutes from Ninenzaka Street.
Yasaka Shrine is one of Kyoto’s most important shrines, marking the entrance to the Gion district. Right next to it is Maruyama Park, a peaceful garden with koi ponds and cherry trees.
✔ Walk through the bright red torii gate into Yasaka Shrine.
✔ See the Lantern-lit Stage, especially beautiful in the evening.
✔ Relax in Maruyama Park, Kyoto’s oldest public park.
Gion is Kyoto’s historic geisha district, where you can see traditional wooden houses, teahouses, and maybe even a geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) walking to work.
✔ Walk along Hanamikoji Street, lined with traditional teahouses.
✔ Visit Shirakawa-dori, a quiet riverside street with beautiful scenery.
✔ Explore Gion Tatsumi Bridge, one of Kyoto’s most photogenic spots.
✔ Stop by Kennin-ji Temple, Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple.
Traveler’s Tip: Be respectful when taking photos—do not follow or disturb Geisha.
End the day with a delicious meal in Gion. Here are some great options:
Gion Karyo – Luxurious traditional kaiseki (multi-course meal) featuring local Kyoto flavors.
Gion Manzara - Obanzai dishes (traditional cuisine local to Kyoto) at reasonable prices.
Gion Soy Milk Ramen Uno Yokiko (Vegan/Gluten Free Friendly) - Well loved spot for those who want to experience Japanese foods with dietary restrictions.
After a full day of exploring Kyoto’s famous sights, delicious food, and traditional streets, head back to your hotel to recharge for the next day.
