Kyoto Day Guides
by Trip To Japan
How to Spend Your First Day in Kyoto After Traveling from Tokyo
Kyoto is one of Japan’s most beautiful cities, known for its ancient temples, stunning gardens, and traditional streets. If you’re traveling from Tokyo, this guide will help you make the most of your first day in Kyoto.
Let’s explore a perfect itinerary for your arrival!
Take a Train from Tokyo to Kyoto
Kyoto is about 2.5 hours from Tokyo by bullet train (Shinkansen).
Best Train Options:
Nozomi Shinkansen – The fastest train (about 2 hours, 20 minutes).
Hikari Shinkansen – Slightly slower (about 2 hours, 40 minutes), covered by the JR Pass.
Kodama Shinkansen – The slowest but cheaper option.
Departure Station: Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station.
Arrival Station: Kyoto Station.
Traveler’s Tip: Book your Shinkansen tickets in advance to get a reserved seat.
Arrive in Kyoto and Drop Off Your Luggage
Once you arrive at Kyoto Station, drop off your luggage at:
Your Hotel (if early check-in is available).
Coin Lockers at Kyoto Station (for small luggage).
Luggage Storage Services inside the station.
Explore Fushimi Inari Shrine
Travel Time: 5 minutes by JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Inari Station.
Entrance Fee: Free
Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks, known for its thousands of red torii gates.
What to Do:
✔ Walk through the stunning torii gate pathway.
✔ Visit the main shrine and smaller shrines along the way.
✔ Hike to the viewpoint (about 30–40 minutes) for a beautiful Kyoto city view.
Coffee Break in Fushimi Inari Area
After exploring, take a short coffee break at a local café.
Recommended Cafés:
Vermillion Café – A stylish café near the shrine with great coffee and matcha lattes.
Inari Café – Serves light snacks and traditional sweets.
Hyssop Kyoto (Vegan-Friendly) – A peaceful café offering plant-based drinks and desserts.
Visit Tofukuji Temple
Walking Distance: 10 minutes from Fushimi Inari Shrine
Entrance Fee: ¥500 (for the garden)
Tofukuji is a beautiful Zen temple famous for its scenic gardens and wooden bridges.
What to See:
✔ The Hojo Garden, with its stunning Zen rock design.
✔ The Tsutenkyo Bridge, offering beautiful seasonal views.
✔ The Sanmon Gate is one of Japan’s oldest Zen gates.
Lunch in Southern Kyoto
After Tofukuji, enjoy a delicious Kyoto-style lunch.
Recommended Restaurants:
Katsukura – Specializes in Kyoto-style tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlets).
Ramen Towzen (Vegan-Friendly) – A great spot for plant-based Kyoto ramen.
Matsuba – A historic restaurant serving Kyoto’s famous herring soba.
Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Travel Time: 15 minutes by taxi or 20 minutes by bus from Tofukuji.
Entrance Fee: ¥400
Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto’s most famous temples, offering a stunning panoramic view of the city.
What to Do:
✔ Walk through the temple’s famous wooden stage, built without nails.
✔ Visit the Otowa waterfall and drink the sacred water for good luck.
✔ Explore the Jishu Shrine, dedicated to love and relationships.
Walk Through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka Streets
Walking Distance: 5 minutes from Kiyomizu-dera.
These two historic streets are full of charming shops, tea houses, and local treats.
What to Do:
✔ Try Kyoto’s famous yatsuhashi (cinnamon rice crackers).
✔ Shop for handmade ceramics, kimonos, and souvenirs.
✔ Stop by Starbucks Kyoto Ninenzaka, located inside a traditional machiya house.
Take a Break at a Kyoto Tea House
After walking through the historic streets, relax at a traditional tea house.
Recommended Tea Houses:
Ippodo Tea – A historic shop serving high-quality matcha and green tea.
Saryo Tsujiri (Vegan-Friendly Options) – Famous for matcha parfaits and desserts.
Chakabuki House – Offers tea-tasting experiences.
Visit Gion, Kyoto’s Famous Geisha District
Travel Time: 15 minutes by taxi or bus from Kiyomizu-dera.
Gion is Kyoto’s traditional entertainment district, where you may spot geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha).
What to Do in Gion:
✔ Walk through Hanamikoji Street, lined with old wooden tea houses.
✔ Visit Yasaka Shrine, a famous shrine in the heart of Gion.
✔ Explore Shirakawa Alley, a picturesque canal-side street.
Dinner in Kyoto
End your day with a delicious Kyoto-style dinner.
Recommended Restaurants:
Gion Karyo – Serves Kyoto’s famous kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal).
Menya Inoichi – A highly rated ramen shop with light, flavorful broth.
Veg Out Kyoto (Vegan-Friendly) – Offers plant-based meals with a river view.
Return to Your Hotel
After dinner, head back to your hotel to rest for the night.
