Are you looking for a compact yet fun 1 Day Kyoto Itinerary?
Well, you are in the right place!
Hello there, I’m Sam. I love sharing practical tips and personal insights to help you explore Japan with confidence, discover hidden gems, and make your travel experience truly unforgettable!
Not gonna lie; having only one day to explore Kyoto will definitely put your travel planning skills to the test, especially if you are not familiar with the city’s layout or how to get around efficiently.
But worry not.
Whether you are a first-time traveller or making the most of a short visit, this article will help you enjoy the best Kyoto has to offer without feeling overwhelmed!
And most importantly, you can skip all the Kyoto travel research (I know, not fun) and just use this itinerary as your go-to guide for one amazing day in the city. 😉
Let’s get into it!
TLDR: Absolutely Fun 1 Day in Kyoto Itinerary
Morning:
- Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha
- Explore Tenryu-ji Temple
- Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
- Take an Instagrammable Shot at Togetsukyo Bridge
Afternoon:
- Visit Kinkakuji
- Have Lunch at Nishiki Market
- Explore Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Explore Bustling Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka Shopping Streets
Night:
- Wander around Gion District
- Soak in The Nostalgic Atmosphere at Pontocho Alley
- Chill along Kamo River
Let’s dive right in!
What to Do in Kyoto in 1 Day
Morning
Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari Taisha is definitely one of the iconic attractions in Kyoto.
Known for the thousands of vivid orange torii gates lining up a hiking trail to a smaller shrine up at the mountain, arriving at this Instagrammable shrine at around sunrise lets you enjoy quieter paths and cooler weather.
Early mornings also make for better photographs without getting photobombed, as the crowds can get dense from mid-morning onwards.
If you want to hike up to the summit for the stunning sunrise view (different season has different sunrise timing), make sure to allow 2 hours for a round trip.
Travel tip: I know you probably want to look cute in all your Instagrammable shots but truth be told, you might want to stick to casual hiking attire with non-slip comfy shoes to ensure a safe hike.
Since Fushimi Inari Shrine opens 24/7, I recommend you reach here latest by 6.30 am, or earlier if you want to hike or take endless photos while travelling is your fav hobby 😜
Getting There:
From Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line to Inari Station (about 5 minutes). Fushimi Inari Taisha is right outside the station.
Explore Tenryu-ji Temple
After visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha, then it’s time to travel to Arashiyama’s Tenryu-ji Temple, which is located on the west side of Kyoto.
One of the famous Zen temples in Kyoto, Tenryuji Temple was first built to dedicate it to Emperor Go-Daigo in 1339.
Over here, you get to see its main hall, drawing hall, and kitchen. You can also walk around its tranquil pond garden with Arashiyama Mountain being the backdrop.
Its garden is especially beautiful in the spring and autumn seasons, as cherry blossoms or vibrant autumn leaves transform the setting into a truly breathtaking scene.
Getting There:
From Fushimi Inari Station, take the JR Nara Line to Kyoto Station, then transfer to the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station. Walk about 10 minutes to reach Tenryu-ji.
Total travel time: at least 40 minutes
Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Also one of the top Kyoto bucket list ideas, visitors can wander along the path of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest to soak in the scenic view with the morning sunlight seeping through the bamboo sticks.
It is also best to visit this attraction site early morning to skip the crowd and have more space to yourself 😉
It will roughly take 15 to 20 minutes to walk the whole path, but you will likely want to pause for stunning photos along the way.
Travel tip: You can spend some time at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest first if you reach Arashiyama early before moving on to Tenryu-ji Temple. The temple will only open to the public at 8.30 am.
Getting There:
You can easily walk over to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest through one of the gates in Tenryu-ji Temple.
Take an Instagrammable Shot at Togetsukyo Bridge
The last stop in Arashiyama for your 1 day Kyoto itinerary would be Togetsukyo Bridge.
A popular site for filming, the wooden bridge offers a majestic view of the Katsura River and picturesque mountainside scenery.
It is especially photogenic in spring and autumn, but the views are nonetheless captivating year-round.
Getting There:
Exit the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and walk south along the main road for about 10 minutes. Togetsukyo Bridge is well-signposted and easy to reach from the bamboo forest.
Travel tip: You can get some light breakfast from konbini stores (Family Mart or 711) like onigiri before leaving Arashiyama to Kinkakuji, which is in the northwest of Kyoto.
More travel tips: Arashiyama has several hidden gems too, including the unique Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple. Check out my article on Kyoto’s hidden gems if you want to add some untouristy sites to your Kyoto 1 day itinerary!
Afternoon
Visit Kinkakuji
Your 1 day Kyoto itinerary will not be complete without a trip to one of the major highlights in Kyoto; Kinkakuji!
Also known as the Golden Pavilion, Kinkakuji is a stunning Zen temple with an impressive architectural structure where parts of the temple are covered in gold leaf.
The building is beautifully reflected in the surrounding pond, making it among the top photogenic sites in the city.
Aside from having a lovely garden, you can also find a traditional teahouse and shrine within Kinkakuji’s temple grounds.
Getting There:
It will take more than 60 minutes to get from Arashiyama to Kinkakuji using public transportation. So the best, time-saving way to get between these 2 points is via a 20-minute taxi ride for about 2000 yen (US$14).
Have Lunch at Nishiki Market
And it’s time for lunch!
One of the best places to sample local cuisine while also crossing your Kyoto bucket list is Nishiki Market.
Dubbed Kyoto’s Kitchen, this narrow yet lively market offers a wide range of food-related produce and products such as fresh seafood, specialty food, and cookware.
You can try many food samples for free too, such as tofu skin, tsukemono pickles, mochi, and more!
If you need a fuller meal, you can stop by any of the small restaurants within Nishiki Market that serve set lunches with Kyoto-style sushi or tempura.
Suggestion: Try to reach Nishiki Market by 12.30pm and buffer 1 hour for meal time/sample tasting.
Travel tip: If time permits, you can join any of these highly rated food tours in Kyoto to learn more about the local food culture and taste different types of dishes!
Getting There:
From Kinkakuji, take bus number 204 or 205 back toward the city centre. Get off at Shijo-Karasuma and walk east for about 5 minutes to reach Nishiki Market’s main entrance.
Total travel duration: At least 40 minutes (depending on the traffic)
Explore Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Once you are done with your lunch, then it is time to head over to east Kyoto to explore Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Set on a hillside in the eastern Higashiyama district, Kiyomizu-dera Temple is famous for its vast wooden terrace, which offers stunning views of Kyoto.
This 1200-year-old temple is especially crowded during autumn and spring for the lovely cherry blossom and autumn foliage scenery.
The huge temple complex is also home to the main hall, several pagodas, and the Otawa Waterfall, where visitors catch and drink the water streams for good fortune and luck.
Getting There:
From Nishiki Market, take a direct bus (number 206) from Shijo-Kawaramachi to Kiyomizu-michi, with a 10-minute walk uphill to the entrance.
Total travel duration: 30 to 40 minutes
Explore Bustling Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka Shopping Streets
Other must-visit sites in Higashiyama are Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka.
Filled with traditional machiya houses, tea shops, craft boutiques, and confectionery stores, these two picturesque pedestrian streets are a favourite spot for photographs.
Travel tip: You can rent a kimono set from any of the rental stores and stroll through the lively streets for an immersive Kyoto experience 😉
Getting There:
From the exit of Kiyomizu-dera, simply walk down the main path to reach Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka.
You can explore at your own pace as you head towards the Gion district.
Night
Wander around Gion District
No trip to Kyoto is complete without exploring the iconic Gion District, the city’s most famous geisha neighbourhood.
And one of the popular streets in Gion that you need to include in your Kyoto 1 day itinerary is Hanamikoji Street.
Lined with traditional wooden houses and quaint shops, strolling along the streets will feel as though you are stepping back in time.
If you are lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a maiko (apprentice geisha) making her way to their appointments.
Travel tip: There is currently a ban preventing tourists from entering the private alleyways in Gion, so please be mindful and stick to the main streets when exploring the district!
Getting There:
Take the Kyoto City Bus #206 from Kiyomizu-michi bus stop and get off at the Gion bus stop. Hanamikoji Street is just a 2–3 minute walk south along Shijo-dori.
Total travel time: 15 to 20 minutes.
Soak in The Nostalgic Atmosphere at Pontocho Alley
Another enchanting photo spot to include in your Kyoto itinerary is Pontocho Alley.
In the evening, the glowing lanterns softly illuminate the alley, offering a nostalgic ambience reminiscent of old Kyoto.
The narrow alley is also lined with small restaurants and bars ranging from Michelin-starred kaiseki spots to tiny yakitori stands, making it a prime location for dinner or drinking for both locals and tourists.
Pontocho is especially popular for its riverside dining in summer, where some establishments offer open-air “kawadoko” decks with dazzling river views.
Getting There:
From Gion, Pontocho is just across the Kamo River.
Walk west on Shijo-dori and cross Shijo Bridge; the alley entrance is immediate to your right by the riverbank.
Chill along Kamo River
If you are looking for a free activity to do before heading back to your hotel, you can consider chilling along the Kamo River bank.
A popular spot among locals to relax after dark, you can take this chance to mingle with them or just enjoy quiet moments by the gently flowing water.
Getting There:
Once you exit Pontocho Alley, you are just steps from the river.
4 Useful Tips for First-Time Travellers to Kyoto
1. Start Your Day Early (Like, Sunrise Early)
Since you only have 24 hours or less to explore Kyoto, I recommend you start your day early to get to all your must-visit Kyoto spots!
Also, the popular attraction sites in Kyoto can be crowded really fast, and getting to these places early you will have:
- less photobombed photos
- a more peaceful experience
- extra time for extra stops (if possible) later
So if you can, hit your first stop by 6 or 7 am (no joke).
I know this sounds way too early but sometimes you can’t have the best of both worlds without sacrificing a little sleep 😉
2. Choose Your Must-Sees and Skip the Rest
With only one day in Kyoto, you can’t expect to visit all the attraction sites and that’s totally okay.
My advice is to pick 2 to 3 main attractions that really excite you (like temples, gardens, or neighbourhoods) and focus your time there.
Cause rushing around to “tick boxes” leads to burnout and total FOMO!
Like in my recent trip to Kyoto, skipping Kiyomizudera Temple, Nanzenji Temple, Nishiki Market, and Pontocho Alley were non-negotiable.
So I spent 1 day exploring Higashiyama and Gion districts only as this arrangement gave me more time to soak in the experience ✨
3. Wear Comfortable Shoes and Attire!
Kyoto involves a lot of walking (like 20K steps/day that kind of lot), and often it involves slopes, stairs, and huge cobblestones.
And at the end of the trip, you will thank yourself for choosing basic comfy sneakers like this 👇 over anything stylish-but-painful pair.
Travel tip: I shared some of my travel Kyoto stories in this Japan summer packing list article about the importance of wearing the correct gear for specific activities in Kyoto or travel in general. Make sure to read it 😉
4. Eat Local But Make Reservations First
It is undeniable that Kyoto is overcrowded with both local and international tourists.
Aside from wanting to visit every Instagrammable spot in Kyoto, chances are everyone also wants to get to the popular restaurants or try out the viral food popularised by social media.
So if there is somewhere you are dying to try, check for reservations at least 1.5 months in advance or arrive at opening time.
True story: My sister and her husband really wanted to try a popular restaurant in Gion, but they couldn’t get a table on their preferred date because it was fully booked for an entire month! 😵
FAQ: 1 Day in Kyoto Itinerary
Is one day in Kyoto enough?
Honestly, no. There are just too much of important and iconic attraction sites in Kyoto to cover within a day. So if you have only one day to explore Kyoto, I suggest focusing on one area per half-day so you don’t waste time just to travel between points.
What is a good amount of time to spend in Kyoto?
Minimum 2 days, or better yet 3 to 4 full days. This allows you to experience the city’s many beautiful highlights like Kinkakuji, Kiyomizudera Temple, Gion, and others at a comfortable pace. Also, you will have ample time for a day trip to nearby towns or cities like Uji, Ine, or Nara.
Are buses free in Kyoto?
No. As of the time of writing, the standard flat fare for most city buses in Kyoto is 230 yen for adults and 120 yen for children per ride within the city centre, regardless of where you alight.
What to do in Kyoto after 6 pm?
There are so many things to do in Kyoto at night, including:
wander around Gion,
sing karaoke,
watch dazzling nighttime temple illumination,
enjoy the city’s panoramic view at Kyoto Tower, and more!
Final Thoughts: Kyoto Itinerary 1 Day
In short, you can still explore Kyoto and visit some of the popular attractions sites within 1 day.
From the iconic golden shimmer of Kinkakuji and the lovely bamboo groves of Arashiyama to the enchanting streets of Gion and the breathtaking views at Kiyomizu-dera, each stop offers a unique glimpse into Kyoto’s rich heritage.
While you won’t be able to see everything, a well-planned day allows you to make the best of your day, even if it is only a 24-hour stay in the city.
So if you are planning your 1 day Kyoto itinerary soon, make sure to bookmark this article for easy reference.
Have fun! 😉
Sam Lee, founder of Sam Lee Travel, is a seasoned traveler with over 10 years of experience exploring various Asian countries. Having lived in Singapore for almost a decade, Sam has developed a deep understanding of the culture, customs, and attractions in the region.
With a passion for outdoor travel adventures and water sports, Sam has helped over 25K readers per month plan their trips around Asia, including off-the-beaten-path destinations, offering helpful travel tips and unfiltered personal travel experience.