2 Days in Kyoto, Japan
From 794 until 1868, the city of Kyoto was the imperial capital and is still considered the cultural capital of Japan. Kyoto is also known as “The City of a Thousand Shrines” and is home to 14 World Heritage Sites known as the Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. Kyoto is not all cobble stone streets and temples. In reality it is a huge city with a modern downtown area with a population of 1.5 million. After being in Japan for over two years, we finally got a chance to visit this wonderful city and spent 2 days in Kyoto. Kyoto is one of those cities that needs time to explore, you could spend a week here and still miss out on attractions and things to do.
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The city of Kyoto is located in the Prefecture of Kyoto. This area makes up a part of the Kansai Region on Honshu, Japan’s main island. Kyoto is so spread out that it is included in the Keihanshin metropolitan region which connects Kyoto to the cities of Osaka and Kobe.
Kyoto is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains. Due to its geography, Kyoto experiences hot and humid summers and cold winters.
Getting to Kyoto is fairly easy. There is no airport here, instead visitors usually fly into one of Osaka’s two airports – Kansai and Itami.
Trains run frequently between the two airports and JR Kyoto Station. We flew into the Kansai Airport in Osaka. From Kansai airport, domestic travelers can take a free bus shuttle from the domestic terminal to the Japanese Rail (JR) West Haruka. The Haruka Express takes around 75 minutes from Kansai Airport to Kyoto Station. Prices vary based on the train service but we paid around ¥2850. The Japan Rail Pass website has a lot more helpful information on transportation to Kyoto.
Getting Around Kyoto
When it comes to navigating and getting around Kyoto, there is no better way to explore the city then by taking public transit or renting bikes and cycling around the city. Kyoto is a complex city with historical temples, beautiful gardens, and modern shopping areas scattered throughout the city. The subway system in Kyoto is a useful means of transportation that can get you close to most of these attractions. Renting a bike through the Pippa bike service, is also a good way to leisurely explore the city at your own pace.
Kyoto Station and Taking the Subway
Kyoto Station is a massive train station centered in the city of Kyoto.
So far, Kyoto Station might be the most impressive station I’ve seen in Japan so far.
Kyoto has an extensive train network, so traveling around Kyoto is fairly easy. Kyoto even has an efficient subway system. Buses are another popular way of getting around Kyoto. Bus stations can be found throughout the city, even in front of most attractions.
The subway system in Kyoto is a bit ore complex then other cities. Honestly, I was a bit confused during my first visit to Kyoto. My second trip was a completely different experience, I managed to hop on the subway and get to most if not all attractions I had planned on visiting.
Once again, I recommend using the JapanTravel App to find stations, times, and fares.
To get to places like Arashiyama Monkey Park and the Bamboo Forest you might have to take a few different lines from Kyoto Station. Thankfully the JapanTravel App plans the trip out in great detail.
Pippa
A fun way to get around and see Kyoto was by bike. Jill booked our hotel and next to the hotel was this bike rental service named Pippa.
Pippa allows anyone to rent bicycles using the Pippa App. The app was quite simple to use. You can use the bike for 30 minutes or even rent it for a whole day or multiple days like we did.
The bikes have a locking mechanism on the back tire that can be opened via the app. There are designated Pippa parking spots scattered throughout the city. These spots can be found using the app.
The bikes were cruiser bikes, certainly not top of the line but they did the job. The bikes had a few gears and even a little basket up front.
Kyoto had amazing bike trails throughout the city. There were designated bike trails within the city and nature trails outside the city alongside the Katsura river.
2 Days in Kyoto
2 Days in Kyoto is just enough time to scratch the surface of the city. Obviously, one can spend a whole week or more here and not see it all. There are hundreds if not thousands of temples and shrines around Kyoto. If you are that guy that thinks if you’ve seen one temple then you’ve seen them all, then there is an abundance of nature surrounding Kyoto with fun outdoor activities.
We’ve been to Kyoto twice now and have probably done more then you can truly fit into two days.
The attractions and sites listed below are our recommendations for travelers when visiting Kyoto. Obviously, you don’t have to follow our itinerary to a “tee” but I do feel that many of these attractions are a “must see” when doing Kyoto. You might be staying in a different part of town and are closer to other historical landmarks and temples, feel free to mix and match or visit some of these sites and venture off and discover something new.
The itinerary below follows how Jill and I spent our first two days in Kyoto. I’ve also included potential side trips that are worth visiting and a little bit off the beaten path.
Day 1
Fushimi Inari Taisha
The hotel we stayed at was located south of Kyoto Train Station. Fushimi Inari Taisha was the first shrine we visited while in Kyoto. To get here by bike, it took us around 20 minutes. Walking to the shrine from Kyoto Station will take anywhere from 30-45 minutes.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is most notable for its thousands of red/orange Torii Gates that wind through the trails behind the main shrine. Normally, this shrine would be packed with tourists but because of Covid-19 it was practically empty, meaning great photos!
Apparently there is a clan of aggressive monkeys that live around Fushimi Inari Taisha. The sign, said not to approach them and take photos. Although we did not see the monkeys this time around I don’t think I would be able to contain myself and not take photos if we saw them. If aggressive monkeys aren’t enough, there are dangerous boars in the area as well.
Kiyomizudera
One of the most famous temples in Kyoto if not all of Japan is Kiyomizudera. This is an old temple, dating back to the year 780. In 1994 this temple was added to UNESCO and because of this there is a small entrance fee of ¥400.
Kiyomizudera most notable feature is its size and the wooden platform that is 13 meters above the ground. This temple is also popular to visit during the autumn season as maple trees blanket the surrounding landscape.
Otowa waterfall is located near the base of Kiyomizudera. The waters from the waterfall diverge into three different streams. Visitors can stand beneath the waterfall and use the long wooden cups provided to collect and drink water.
Within walking distance from the Kiyomizudera is the Koyasu Pagoda, a three storied Pagoda. This location is adjacent from Kiyomizudera, so visitors can get excellent photos of Kiyomizudera and the surrounding temple complex.
Sanneizaka
Imagine a picture of Kyoto, Sanneizaka is most likely what popped up in your mind. This stone paved road leads to and from Kiyomizudera. This road is just picture perfect and is lined with traditional Japanese buildings and souvenir shops.
Walking around here, we stumbled upon the Yasaka-no-to Pagoda. Just based on the location and beauty of the area, this might be the most beautiful pagoda I’ve seen.
Nishiki Market, Shinkyogoku, and Teramachi-dori
After a visit to a few temples, why not take a break and grab some food and do some shopping? We visited the Nishiki Market in hopes of finding great street food! Unfortunately, for us this was more of a local market selling fresh produce and meats. Sure, there were a few stalls and restaurants offering food, but it wasn’t quite what we were looking for. Either way, it is still worth a stroll through the Nishiki Market, just to see what is being sold.
For a real food experience, we recommend walking around both the Shinkyogoku and Teramachi-dori. These are your typical arcade style covered streets found throughout Japanese cities. The streets offered everything from izakaya’s to fine dining. We weren’t overly hungry so we stopped at a small place called Mezopotamia Kebab House. They advertised Döner Kebab and those that know me know that I can’t pass up a döner. Usually I am disappointed in döner kebabs outside of Germany but this one actually tasted authentic.
Ginkaku-ji
After a nice lunch, we jumped back on our Pippa bike rentals and headed to the Ginkakji Temple. Another one of Kyoto’s world heritage sites, the Ginkakuji Temple was constructed in 1482. Ginkakuji is best known for the Silver Pavilion, moss covered garden, and the dry sand garden.
Okazaki Shrine
The last shrine and stop of a very busy day was to the Okazaki Shrine also known as the Rabbit Shrine. This is a very old shrine, dating back to the year 794. This shrine was built in dedication of Susano-no-mikoto and Kushinadahime-no-mikoto who are kami (kami are considered spirits or a sort of holy power related to the Shinto religion).
This shrine is often associated with childbirth since an empress gave birth here in the year 1178. Rabbits are known to produce offspring and have been considered servants of the kami at Okazaki Shrine. Today, there are hundreds of rabbit statues in varying sizes in and around the shrine.
Day 2
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
Interested in seeing the Japanese Macaque but don’t have time to go to destinations like Jigokundani Yaen-Koen (Snow Monkey Park)? Then I recommend a visit to Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama.
Located in the western outskirts of Kyoto is a unique park that offers visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal to wild Japanese Macaques.
Arashiyama Monkey Park is open all year. But visiting the park does involve a bit of a hike. Afterall, the park sites on top of Mt. Arashiyama. Once you arrive at the top, you will be greeted by several of the macaques. Visitors even have the chance to feed them.
For more information on visiting Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, I have a whole post on my visit here:
Visiting Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
Tenryu-ji (Temple)
Tenryuji is located in the Arashiyama district in Kyoto and is considered the most important temple in the district. Tenryuji is also listed as a heritage site and was built in 1339. Many of the original buildings in this temple complex have burnt down or were lost to wars. The garden on the backside of the temple has escaped both fires and war and remains original.
Like many of the heritage sites throughout Kyoto, there is a ¥500 fee to view the temple and gardens. Visitors can take the train to the Keifuku Arashiyama Station and the temple and bamboo forest are a short walk away.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Perhaps one of Kyoto’s most famous attractions is the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. This forest is located behind the Tenryuji Temple and is free of charge. Although a beautiful walk, the bamboo forest is relatively short. It took us about 20 minutes to walk from one end to the other. Again, we were lucky to visit here without any visitors, I feel this forest would be overwhelming during normal travel years.
Side Trip Option to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji and Otagi Nenbutsu-ji
Want to see a secret bamboo forest and temples that are a bit off the beaten path in Kyoto? Then I recommend visiting Adashino Nenbutsu-ji and Otagi Nenbutsu-ji.
Visitors can spend an entire day in Arashiyama and perhaps you will. If so, visiting these temples is a must.
About a 20 minute walk from Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is Adashino Nenbutsu-ji. This temple has 8,000 Buddha statues and a bamboo forest. Although not as large as Arashiyama’s Bamboo Forest, this one is just as impressive with hardly any tourists.
Less then a 10-minute walk from Adashino Nenbutsu-ji is Otagi Nenbutsu. This is one of the more unique temples in Kyoto. There are 1,200 Rakan stone statues within the temple grounds each with their own fun expression.
Interested in visiting more temples in Kyoto that are off the beaten path? I wrote a post on 5 Less-Known Temples in Kyoto.
Ninna-ji
Ninna-ji Temple, another world heritage site located in north-east Kyoto. The entrance to this temple complex is a gigantic gate. The complex was built in the year 888 and has a connection with the imperial family. On the grounds, there is a beautiful 5-storied pagoda and many other beautiful temples. Some grounds around the complex were blanketed in moss that had this beautiful green color. The pictures below are just rocks surrounded by the moss.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Temple)
Another popular attraction in Kyoto is the Kinkaku-ji Temple otherwise known as the Golden Temple. This Zen temple is three stories tall and the top two floors are covered completely in gold leaf. Kinkaku-ji Temple was created as a retirement villa for Ashikaga Yoshimitsu a former shogun (shoguns are military leaders). After Yoshimitsu died in 1408, his son turned the building from a villa to a Zen temple. The location of Kinkaku-ji is incredible as it sits behind a gorgeous pond with mountains in the background.
There is a trail around the temple and gardens. There are a few other smaller temples and structures along the trial. Along the trail is the Sekkatei Teahouse, which has been here since the Edo period. Since Covid-19, all teahouses we’ve seen have been closed, so we finally had a chance to experience a traditional teahouse. We were politely seated on the floor and were offered a small red bean-paste treat to accompany our matcha tea. I’m not a huge green tea person, but this one was actually very good. Kyoto prefecture is very famous for their green tea so it was nice to have tried proper green tea here. For the best of the best, head south of Kyoto city to a town named Uji.
Restaurants and Places to Eat
There are so many delicious restaurant options throughout Kyoto. You can’t try them all, so how do you choose what or where to eat? We run into this problem all the time, especially since both Jill and I are very indecisive. Usually we narrow down what we are in the mood for and see what’s around. This usually leads to amazing restaurant experiences. Below are the restaurants we ultimately decided on and trust me, they did not dissapoint!
Vie De France – One of our favorite bakeries in Japan is Vie De France. This bakery is often found in or near train stations. If I am not mistaken, we ate here for breakfast daily. I love Japanese pastries because they have a good mix of savory and sweet pastries. In the mood for a flaky crossant? Or how about a cinnamon roll? Or maybe you just want a toast with an egg in the middle. You can find all that and more at places like Vie De France. The nice thing to is that many items rotate from a day to day basis. So if you really like something it might not be there the next day, so eat up!
Okonomiyaki Machiya – We are always in the mood for okonomiyaki. Okonomiyaki Machiya is a great restaurant located at Kyoto Station. If you are curious what okonomiyaki is, I wrote about it in length in my Dining in Japan post and my Hiroshima City post. This restaurant prepared traditional Hiroshima style okonomiyaki and it was delicious. We ordered the regular and seafood okonomiyaki. Our tip, always add cheese, it is just that much better!
Nandattei Ramen – Have you ever had curry ramen? Me neither! But Nandattei Ramen specialized in curry ramen and it was delightful. This restaurant was kind of hard to find as it was in a back alley way and the restaurant was on the smaller side (restaurant coordinates: 35.0038766, 135.7673514). The ramen consisted of a curry broth, medium thick ramen noodles, and Chashu (pork belly). I would definitely come back here and highly recommend it.
Shinpuku Saikan – Kyoto is known for their shoyu (soy sauce) broth ramen. A friend of mine recommended Shinpuku Saikan and it did not disappoint. This small ramen shop opens for dinner at 5:00pm. We arrived punctually at 5pm and there was already a line out the door. The queue did not take but 15 minutes before we were seated. We ordered the famous shoyu ramen and fried rice cooked in soy sauce. This place does not skimp on their portions as broth spewed from the bowls. Both the ramen and fried rice here were well worth standing in line for!
Chojiya – Located in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto adjacent from Arashiyama Station is Chojiya. We stopped here for lunch. This restaurant specialized in soba and rice bowls. I had Katsudon here which is a pork cutlet and egg dish and Jill had a rice bowl with seaweed and mixed vegetables. Portions wise, the dishes were perfect for lunch.
Cremia and Matcha Ice Cream at Arashiyama Station – Cremia is a “premium” soft served ice cream found all over Japan. I’ve had it many times and can confirm that it’s the best soft serve I’ve ever had. What makes this ice cream even better is the cone. The cone is called langue de chat, which to me tastes like a sugar cookie. Jill tried matcha soft serve here and really enjoyed it, she said, “the flavor tasted just like matcha tea.”
Pokémon manhole Lids
There are a total of 5 Pokémon manhole lids in Kyoto and we caught them all! I’m not a big Pokémon fan, sure I used to love Pokémon stadium on the N64, but that is about it. But it’s so much fun to go around cities in Japan searching for these manhole covers. Usually the Pokémon lids are placed in rural parts of the city and are meant to get visitors out exploring discovering new areas. We use the Poke Lids website to find the Pokémon lids. This site is great as it lists the regions throughout Japan the manhole covers are found along with the coordinates of the locations.
Here are the 5 Pokémon Lids we found in Kyoto.
2 Days in Kyoto - So Much More to See and Do
There is a reason Kyoto is one of Japan’s most popular destinations. Kyoto was authentic and simply beautiful. We’ve been meaning to visit Kyoto but just never had the chance to until recently. In a way it was nice to visit Kyoto during the Covid-19 pandemic. Normally where there would be crowds of tourists it was just us. It felt like we had the city to ourselves. On the other hand, many attractions and restaurants we planned on visiting were closed because the pandemic. Either way, we’ll be going back to Kyoto hopefully sooner then later.
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8 Comments
Joey
Thanks for sharing these great tips, will definitely visit some of them when I get to Kyoto 😊 The Golden Temple, Bamboo Forest, and Poke Lids sound like the best to me! Will also need to look into Pippa Bikes and some of the restaurants. Great you guys had so much fun and that it wasn’t crowded ☺
zimminaround
Thanks for the comment! There is so much more to see in Kyoto, I wish I had another day or two. I’m sure you will discover new stuff when you go and can give me additional recommendations. Kyoto is just one of those cities that everyone needs to visit at least once.
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