Day 1: Arrive in Kyoto, explore the station area, and enjoy city views.
not mentioned
not mentioned
afternoon
1.5 hours
1
Arrival and Transfer to Kyoto
Take the Haruka Express from KIX to Kyoto Station. Use the ICOCA & Haruka discount ticket.
Arrive at KIX airport and take the express train.
¥1600 for the Haruka ticket
Tips: not mentioned
evening
2.5 hours
2
Kyoto Station Exploration & Dinner
The station is a destination in itself, with a Skyway and multiple floors.
Explore the modern station and have ramen for dinner.
Approx. ¥1000 for ramen
Tips: The Skyway offers great free views of the station interior and Kyoto Tower.
evening
1 hour
3
Kyoto Tower
Located directly across from Kyoto Station.
Get a panoramic night view of the city.
not mentioned
Tips: Best visited at night for the city lights.
Day 2: Visit iconic shrines, historic streets, and the famous geisha district.
not mentioned
not mentioned
morning
2-3 hours
1
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Inari Station (5-minute ride).
Hike through thousands of vibrant red torii gates.
Approx. ¥150 one way if not using a pass
Tips: Go very early in the morning (before 8 AM) to avoid large crowds.
afternoon
3-4 hours
2
Kiyomizu-dera & Higashiyama District
Take Bus 100 or 206 to Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi bus stop, followed by a 10-minute uphill walk.
Visit the famous temple and walk the preserved historic streets.
not mentioned
Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for walking the steep streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka.
evening
2 hours
3
Gion District
Walk from the Higashiyama area or take a short bus ride.
Stroll through Kyoto's most famous geisha district.
not mentioned
Tips: Be respectful and do not stop geiko or maiko for photos. Also explore the nearby Pontocho Alley.
Day 3: See the bamboo grove, a golden temple, and Kyoto's kitchen.
not mentioned
not mentioned
morning
3 hours
1
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji Temple
Take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station (15-minute ride).
Walk through the serene bamboo forest and visit a World Heritage temple.
not mentioned
Tips: Visit early to experience the grove with fewer people.
afternoon
1 hour
2
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Take a direct bus like number 101 or 205 from Kyoto Station, or transfer from Arashiyama.
Admire the iconic Zen temple covered in gold leaf.
not mentioned
Tips: The view across the pond is the classic photo spot.
late afternoon
1.5 hours
3
Nishiki Market
Take a bus to Shijo Karasuma or the Karasuma Subway Line to Shijo Station.
Explore 'Kyoto's Kitchen' and sample various local foods.
Varies based on food purchased
Tips: Go before 5 PM as many stalls start to close around then.
Day 1: Arrive in Kyoto, explore the station area, and enjoy city views.
not mentioned
not mentioned
afternoon
1.5 hours
1
Arrival and Transfer to Kyoto
Take the Haruka Express from KIX to Kyoto Station. Use the ICOCA & Haruka discount ticket.
Arrive at KIX airport and take the express train.
¥1600 for the Haruka ticket
Tips: not mentioned
evening
2.5 hours
2
Kyoto Station Exploration & Dinner
The station is a destination in itself, with a Skyway and multiple floors.
Explore the modern station and have ramen for dinner.
Approx. ¥1000 for ramen
Tips: The Skyway offers great free views of the station interior and Kyoto Tower.
evening
1 hour
3
Kyoto Tower
Located directly across from Kyoto Station.
Get a panoramic night view of the city.
not mentioned
Tips: Best visited at night for the city lights.
Day 2: Visit iconic shrines, historic streets, and the famous geisha district.
not mentioned
not mentioned
morning
2-3 hours
1
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Inari Station (5-minute ride).
Hike through thousands of vibrant red torii gates.
Approx. ¥150 one way if not using a pass
Tips: Go very early in the morning (before 8 AM) to avoid large crowds.
afternoon
3-4 hours
2
Kiyomizu-dera & Higashiyama District
Take Bus 100 or 206 to Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi bus stop, followed by a 10-minute uphill walk.
Visit the famous temple and walk the preserved historic streets.
not mentioned
Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for walking the steep streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka.
evening
2 hours
3
Gion District
Walk from the Higashiyama area or take a short bus ride.
Stroll through Kyoto's most famous geisha district.
not mentioned
Tips: Be respectful and do not stop geiko or maiko for photos. Also explore the nearby Pontocho Alley.
Day 3: See the bamboo grove, a golden temple, and Kyoto's kitchen.
not mentioned
not mentioned
morning
3 hours
1
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji Temple
Take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station (15-minute ride).
Walk through the serene bamboo forest and visit a World Heritage temple.
not mentioned
Tips: Visit early to experience the grove with fewer people.
afternoon
1 hour
2
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Take a direct bus like number 101 or 205 from Kyoto Station, or transfer from Arashiyama.
Admire the iconic Zen temple covered in gold leaf.
not mentioned
Tips: The view across the pond is the classic photo spot.
late afternoon
1.5 hours
3
Nishiki Market
Take a bus to Shijo Karasuma or the Karasuma Subway Line to Shijo Station.
Explore 'Kyoto's Kitchen' and sample various local foods.
Varies based on food purchased
Tips: Go before 5 PM as many stalls start to close around then.
