1 Day Kyoto Itinerary
The Ultimate 1 Day Kyoto Itinerary! Kyoto is a must when in Japan. To me this is what I always envisioned and dreamed Japan would be like. It is a more traditional Japan in the best way- you will see gorgeous Japanese architecture, artfully made sushi, Geishas walking through lantern lit streets, bamboo forests and gardens that will take your breath away.
I think Kyoto was the most beautiful part of Japan we went to, it was the scenes you see in magazines and post cards that make you put Japan on your list in the first place.
We stayed in Kyoto one full day and I would stay longer if at all possible. It will be worth it!
Getting to Kyoto:
Take JR train from Kyoto Station- JR Sagama/San in Line to Saga-Arashiyama Stationo
What to do for 1 Day in Kyoto?
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest (or Grove depending who you ask)- This is one of the top destinations in Kyoto and with good reason! You will read in other blogs to get there at the crack of dawn for the perfect instagram pic. We are not morning people and were still able to get good pics even with all the tourists. But again, sleep outweighs all else for us. Like most of Kyoto it is just so very peaceful walking through bamboo stalks that seem to grow up into the sky. This is nothing like it. Make this your first stop.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari Taisha– This is the shrine with thousands of orange gates over arching the trails. The shrine is dedicated to the God of Rice, Inari. The Trails will lead to the sacred forest of Inari. The mountain trails are supposed to be a beautiful hike. We unfortunately did not make it there but all I have heard is rave reviews. I would add more time to Kyoto so you don’t have to skip any of the wonders Kyoto brings.
Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion– You can not skip either the golden or the Silver Pavilion. They are both gorgeous- if I had to pick a favorite it would be the Golden Pavilion- this is the pic we have on our homepage and at our home because we want to transport back here whenever we can. There is a 400 yen entrance and it’s absolutely worth it.
Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion)
Ginkakuji (Silver Paviolion) -I loved the Silver Pavilion and it is an absolute must. It has the most beautiful gardens, dry sand gardens, and stunning moss garden. And take the walk up the hill to the Silver Pavilion on your own rather than taking an uber straight there. We loved the local shops and food stops along the way and the scenery was beautiful. I was enchanted by the beauty of the Silver Pavilion and the trails all around it were just gorgeous as well.
The Gion District
You may have read about the Gion District and the famous Geishas sightings here. We were able to see multiple Geishas and we were obsessed. There is something magical about seeing a geisha walk in the Gion District- what bucket lists are made of for sure. As we had to remind ourselves as well, Geishas are people and above all it is important to treat them with respect. We tried our best to control our excitement and take a picture from afar and called it a day.
Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle-This was another stop we unfortunately missed and will be on our list on our next visit, hopefully this year. There is a10 dollar entrance fee.
Nishiki Market (Kyoto’s Kitchen)
This is a must if you are as market obsessed as we are. You will love the local shops and eats all around you. Take the time to wander and find your favorite spots.
Kyoto Sushi- Try the Sushi, all of it
Sushi in Japan is wonderful everywhere we went but sushi in Kyoto in the Gion District was an experience on its own. I felt like I was having one of those profound travel experiences you wish for while in a country like Japan. Maybe it’s mystic or even the mystery of it that makes this such a memorable experience.
Kyoto will put a spell on you. I’m convinced you will be talking about your next trip there before you depart like we were. Kyoto is a city in particular I recommend to people all the time- I am sure everyone who visits is just as enchanted by it as we were.
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Japan in 2 Weeks, Nago Travel Guide, and Nago Pineapple Park, and Kyoto Travel Guide for more tips and tricks for your Japan Travel Planning needs!
Happy Travels!