Yes, there are the high-rise buildings you’d expect in any modern city. But traces of its history are everywhere, from its ancient and beautiful shrines to its humble but delightful wooden houses.
With lantern-lit narrow alleys, tranquil Zen gardens and charming geisha districts to explore, this is a city of contrasts that you’ll fall in love with as soon as you arrive.
If you’re thinking of visiting Kyoto in 2 days, you may be wondering what are the “must see” sights and how to make the most of your time.
That’s why we’ve designed this 2 day Kyoto itinerary to make things easier!
In fact, it’s a big city with so many attractions that it’s impossible to visit them all in one weekend.
For that reason, we’ve picked the main highlights and recommended the best places to visit in order to get an idea of everything that makes this city so wonderful!
We’ve also recommended some great places to stay – ideas for every budget – and some dining options! To make the most of your two days in Kyoto, be sure to book your tours and activities well in advance.
Day 1
On your first of two days in Kyoto, you will visit the city’s many elegant temples, participate in a tea ceremony, marvel at the architecture of Nijo Castle, and stroll through the charming geisha district.
Morning
Start your day with a trip to Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. In fact, its top two floors are covered in real gold! One of Kyoto’s 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it was built in 1397 as the retirement home of a wealthy Shogun.
The glorious temple you see now is only a partial reconstruction of the original. But it’s still breathtaking, surrounded by ponds and with traditional teahouses and gardens.
Next, take a bus to the nearby Ginkaku-ji Temple. Also known as Ginkaku-ji, this temple is supposed to be a silver version of Kinkaku-ji. But it was never completed and – although beautiful – is just a rustic wooden structure.
Just a few minutes away is the entrance to the picturesque Philosopher’s Path, named after the philosopher Kitahiro Nishida, who is said to have walked this path every day.
It stretches for 2 kilometers along one side of the canal and is lined with cherry blossom trees. Popular with tourists, it also has many stores and cafes!
Planning your upcoming adventure? Take a bus trip! (It’s cheap!)
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Exit the park to the south and you’ll be near one of Kyoto’s most stunning temples, the Yongkando Zenrinji Temple. It is beautiful at any time of the year, but nowhere is it more beautiful than in autumn, surrounded by colorful trees.
In Japan, the tea ceremony is considered a spiritual process that allows guests to unplug from the cares of everyday life and focus on the simple act of drinking tea.
We recommend that you book this 45-minute tea ceremony experience, during which you will sit on a traditional Japanese floor mat called a tatami.
Your host is a licensed tea master from Urasenke, the largest tea ceremony school in Japan, and you will watch how the tea is prepared before making your own tea. You will also get to sample some traditional Japanese sweets.
At the end of the experience, there is a chance to see gorgeous locally made kimonos and woven textiles. For an additional fee, you can even choose to wear a kimono for the entire ceremony!
On the morning of the day you will head to Arashiyama, a unique area that is a mecca for visitors to Kyoto.
For this reason, we highly recommend booking your tour as your guide will make sure you see the best of everything in the time available.
This tour is one of our favorites and starts at Saga Arashiyama Station. From there, you can join your group and head to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, filled with over 30 meter tall bamboo nodules that gently sway as you pass by.
Then head to the private Okochi Sanso Garden, where you can enjoy matcha tea and traditional sweets from the teahouse.
Nearby is Tenryuji Temple, a group of old buildings with a tranquil Japanese garden and a koi pond filled with fish.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, head to Nishiki Market for a fascinating taste of local life (and a lunch)!
Located in the heart of Kyoto, this narrow market is five blocks long and contains over 100 stores and restaurants. It’s called “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” so you know exactly what to expect when you come here!
Founded in the early 14th century as a wholesale fish market, it now sells a variety of local delicacies, as well as quality knives and cookware.
There’s so much to sample, you’ll be busy for hours, including mouth-watering fresh sushi, traditional rice cakes, and – the star of the show – tako tamago!
Perhaps not to everyone’s taste, this is actually a small candied octopus stuffed and skewered with quail eggs. It’s probably one of the most bizarre street foods you’ll encounter anywhere, and totally unique in the market!
End the day with a walk or a cab ride to Higashiyama.
Very photogenic, it is a maze of narrow passageways, old wooden buildings and traditional storefronts that give you a glimpse of the city’s past.
Evening.
On your last night in Kyoto, head to Sindou-cho.
The Saito-cho alleyway – a long, dark sidewalk lined with lanterns – is known as the city’s most beautiful street. Surrounded by many amazing restaurants, you can enjoy dinner before taking a stroll.
Be sure to keep an eye out for the maiko and geisha who often walk the hutongs at night.
Is 2 days in Kyoto enough?
It’s easy to spend a week in the city and there’s more to see, but two days in Kyoto is enough to get a general idea of the culture, traditions and cuisine.
Be sure to allow 2 full days for this trip. If you arrive late in the day or leave early, then you will definitely need an extra night.
To get the most out of your 2 days in Kyoto, be sure to book your tour and activities in advance.
If you are considering a longer stay, please read our guide to find out how many days are enough in Kyoto.
