Ideal 2 Day Kyoto Itinerary: What We’d Do With More Time

Kyoto is one of the most culturally rich cities I’ve ever visited. And when my daughter and I were planning our first trip to Japan, we had a hard choice to make: should we spend just one day in Kyoto or try to stretch it to two? In the end, we packed our schedule tight and chose one day, so we could pack more variety into our overall Japan itinerary given our limited time in the country.  But if we could do it again, this 2 day Kyoto itinerary is exactly what we’d do!

While trying to decide, we did a ton of research to figure out exactly what we’d do if we had two full days in Kyoto—and I held on to all of it!  This itinerary is built from that research and our personal experience.

If you’re still deciding whether to spend one or two days in Kyoto, also check out our One Day Kyoto Itinerary  But if you’re already set on two? I’ve got you covered right here.  👇🎊

Day 1 – Historic Highlights + Golden Views

This first day is packed with culture, history, and beauty—and it’s totally doable! Most of these stops are clustered in the southern and northern sections, so you’ll move logically from Fushimi Inari up toward Kinkaku-ji, with great meals and a few quiet moments in between. Plus a ‘choose your own adventure’ based on your interests!

Option A: Early Start – Fushimi Inari First (Arrive 7:00 AM)
Option B: Later Start – Breakfast First, Shrine by 9:00 AM

Either option works, but if you can, I recommend the early start to get the best Fushimi Inari Shrine experience.. The shrine is open 24 hours a day and always free to enter, which makes it one of the few places in Kyoto you can explore before breakfast.

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

📍 Inari Station (JR Nara Line) ⧫ 🕖 Best arrival time: 7:00 AM–8:00 AM ⧫ ⏱ Suggested time: 1.5 to 2 hours ⧫ 💰 Free entry, open 24 hours

This was our first stop when we visited Kyoto—and it’s hard to imagine a more memorable way to begin the day.

Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the most important and iconic Shinto shrines in all of Japan. It’s dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and prosperity, and the whole place has this quiet, spiritual feel—even with visitors around.

As you walk in, you will encounter these two guards of the shrine:

And you’ll see statues of foxes everywhere, which are considered Inari’s messengers.

When we were there, we even caught a traditional ceremony honoring some of the shrine’s benefactors—it felt like such a rare, real glimpse into old-world Japan.

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The Torii Gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine

Now,  you’ve probably heard about “torii gates” during your Japan research.  Well, in Fushimi Inari Shrine, there are more than 10,000 of them!  Torii gates are the bright red archways you walk through when entering a Shinto shrine ⛩️ —they’re meant to mark the shift into sacred space. 

So just imagine what it feels like to walk through allllll of these gates.  It’s incredible.

The gates stretch on for miles and wind into the forest behind the main shrine buildings.  Walking in that space felt like stepping into ancient times.  It’s beautiful, peaceful, and somehow buzzing with quiet energy at the same time.

At times the gates are way overhead, and in other places you can reach up and touch them.

It’ ‘s an incredible experience and worth doing – especially earlier in the day! It was already pretty hot and humid when we were there, so despite our best intentions, we couldn’t walk through all 10,000 gates.  😢  

But at least it felt like we did a lot!

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Most of the crowds arrive mid-morning, so if you get here early, you’ll be able to enjoy the torii trail in relative peace. If you’re arriving later, it’s still worth it—but you’ll want to set realistic expectations for how many gates you’ll get to walk through before it starts to feel too packed.

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🪵 Bonus: Fushimi Inari Bamboo Forest

Just past the main torii path, you’ll find a small bamboo grove along the trail.  It’s not super popular, so you’ll often find it being called the “secret bamboo forest.” 

It’s much smaller than Arashiyama’s famous bamboo forest (which I also include in this itinerary), but it’s quieter and less busy. Some visitors even prefer it because of how peaceful it feels.

You’ll get a sense of that hushed, peaceful calm without as many crowds.

🗺 How to Get There:
From Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line to Inari Station—just two stops and around 5 minutes. The shrine entrance is directly across the street when you exit the station.

Optional Stop (Early Start Only): Tofuku-ji Temple

📍 Tofukuji Station ⧫ 🕘 Open 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM ⧫ ⏱ Visit time: 45 mins to 1 hr

If you started early and are finished at Fushimi Inari by 8:30 or 9, make a quick detour to Tofuku-ji. It’s known for its Zen gardens and a series of bridges with incredible views. The maple trees here are especially famous in autumn, but the architecture and layout are stunning year-round.

🗺 Getting There:
From Fushimi Inari, it’s about a 20-minute walk north or a quick hop on the JR Nara Line one stop to Tofukuji Station.

Late Morning: Head Toward Gion for a Stroll

📍 Gion-Shijo Station / Sanjo Station ⧫ 🕦 Arrive by 10:30 or 11:00 AM ⧫ ⏱ Time: 1 to 1.5 hours

From the south end of Kyoto, head toward the historic heart of the city. Gion is Kyoto’s famed geisha district, full of narrow stone lanes, old wooden buildings, and small tea houses. Even without spotting a geiko or maiko (trained and apprentice geisha), the area feels like walking into a different century.

Wander Hanami-koji Street, visit Yasaka Shrine, or explore the quieter Shirakawa Canal area. It’s especially charming before lunch when it’s not too crowded.

Note that Hanami-koji Street is one of the only streets in the Gion district that is open to tourists. Most of the area is forbidden in order to protect it from over tourism and to allow the traditional culture (including the Geisha culture) to remain intact. 

When you visit this area, please (please, PLEASE! 🙏) be respectful of the locals.

🗺 Getting There:
From Tofuku-ji or Inari, take the Keihan Main Line to Gion-Shijo Station—a ride of about 20 minutes.  Alternately, you can get a taxi or Uber for a 10 minute ride. 

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Concentrating More time in the Gion District

If the famous geisha district of Gion is one of the things you’re most excited to see during your Kyoto visit, then I recommend pausing the itinerary here to do this Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour.

It’s the perfect way to experience a side of Kyoto most visitors never truly see. You’ll explore the quiet, lantern-lit streets of Gion while learning the real stories behind geisha culture—not just the myths. It’s equal parts atmospheric and eye-opening, and a great way to end your day with a deeper connection to the city.

Walk the historic streets of Gion and uncover the real stories behind Kyoto’s geisha culture—far beyond what most tourists ever hear.
💞Learn more and book the tour HERE. 💞

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Lunch Options Near Gion 🥢

🕛 12:30–1:30 PM ⧫ ⏱ Time: 45 mins–1 hour

After exploring the shrines and shops of Gion, it’s the perfect time to refuel. Here are three excellent lunch spots within easy walking or driving distance:

1. Honke Owariya – Historic Soba Noodles

📍 322 Niōmontsukinukechō, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto

One of Kyoto’s oldest restaurants (dating back to 1465), Honke Owariya serves handmade soba in a peaceful, traditional setting. It’s simple, authentic, and full of Kyoto flavor—no frills, just deeply satisfying food.

Why go: A cultural experience on a plate, perfect for soaking in Kyoto’s history.

2. Gion Shizuka – Japanese Small Plates & Sake

📍 371-2 Kiyomotocho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 

Tucked near Gion-Shijo Station, this relaxed spot offers seasonal dishes and small plates. It’s a laid-back way to sample a bit of everything—and the bonus is it’s only about a 10 minute walk from Yasaka Shrine.

Why go: Cozy vibe, flexible portions, and local flavor without the crowds.

3. Uno Yukiko – Soy Milk Ramen

📍 40 Kameicho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 

At about 8 minutes walk away from Yasaka Shrine, this is another super-convenient option.  It’s comfort food that’s casual, quick, and perfect for teens (or anyone craving noodles).

Why go: Easy, comforting, and totally satisfying. Ideal for picky eaters or ramen lovers.

Choose Your Own Adventure: After Lunch Options (1:00–2:30 PM)

Once you’ve wrapped up lunch, you’ve got time to add one more experience before heading to Kinkaku-ji. Depending on your mood, here are two great but very different options:

Late Afternoon: Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

📍 Kita-ku, Kyoto ⧫ 🕒 Arrive by 3:30–4:00 PM ⧫ ⏱ Time: 1 to 1.5 hours

I saved the Golden Pavilion for the Golden Hour (see what I did there?? 👀 😀).  You’ll get to see the stunning the golden leaf of this Buddhist temple gleaming in the softer late afternoon sun.

Even though we were getting tired by this point in the day, visiting Kinkaku-ji still felt special. It didn’t feel chaotic like some of the earlier stops—it was actually pretty peaceful, especially as the light started to change in the late afternoon.

The golden reflection in the water really is as beautiful as the pictures (maybe even better), and I loved how the whole path around the temple encourages you to slow down a bit.

It was also one of the few places where we didn’t feel rushed. We got to walk the loop, pause for photos, and just take it all in. There’s something really calming about the symmetry of the gardens and the stillness of the water.

And if you’ve got teens with you—it’s photogenic in a way they’ll definitely appreciate. We ended up with some of our favorite pictures from the whole trip here.

🗺 Getting There:
From Gion, take the Karasuma Line to Kitaoji Station, then grab a quick 10-minute taxi to the temple. Altogether, it’s about a 30–40 minute journey. You can also take the bus, but taxis are more efficient for this leg.

Learn more about the temple’s history here.

Dinner in Kyoto

🕠 5:30–7:00 PM

After Kinkaku-ji, head back toward Gion or Kyoto Station for dinner. Two solid options:

• Tempura Endo Yasaka – Refined, relaxed take on Kyoto’s tempura tradition—perfect if you’re looking for something special without feeling too formal.

• Gion Katana – Yakitori and premium grilled beef in a cozy, casual, family-friendly setting that’s perfect for ending a full sightseeing day.

Both offer a peaceful setting to reflect on the day—and recharge before Day 2.

Hotel Recommendations

Kyoto is massive – nearly 320 square miles! That was a bit of a surprise for me. For this two day itinerary, I recommend staying in the Arashiyama area in order to make the early start I recommend easier.

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And if you want to stay somewhere that’s beautiful, peaceful, and right in the heart of Arashiyama, MUNI KYOTO is it.

You’re steps away from the river and bamboo forest, with sleek rooms, on-site dining, and that quiet, understated luxury Kyoto does so well. It’s a perfect base if you want nature, comfort, and walkable access to some of the city’s most iconic sights.

💞 Check availability at MUNI KYOTO and book here 💞

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Looking for other hotel options, check out this map of the Arashiyama area of Kyoto.

Day 2 – Nature, Culture, and Hands-On Experiences

This second day is all about embracing Kyoto’s peaceful side early, then diving into local flavors and unique experiences in the afternoon. It starts with an early escape to nature, followed by flexible options depending on your pace and interest.

Early Morning: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest 🌿

📍 Arashiyama, western Kyoto ⧫ 🕓 Open 24 hours – arrive by 6:30–7:00 AM (ideally) ⧫ ⏱ Suggested time: 1–1.5 hours ⧫ 💰 Free entry

If you can stand an early wake-up call, this is the time to go. The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of the most photographed spots in Kyoto—and also one of the busiest. But in the early morning, before the tourists arrive in droves, it feels almost sacred.

We visited this area later in the day on our own trip, and while it was still gorgeous, I couldn’t help wishing we’d come earlier. It was crowded. 

Still, with the towering green stalks swaying quietly overhead, and the soft morning light filters through in a way that’s hard to describe, we found it beautiful and surreal.  For me, it was one of those moments when I felt truly thankful to be able to experience other parts of the world.

🗺 How to Get There:
If you’re starting from Kyoto Station, take the JR San-In Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station (~15 minutes), then it’s a short 15-minute walk to the forest entrance.

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This is a good moment for quiet reflection or a slow walk with your camera. If you go later in the day, it’ll still be beautiful—but expect a much bigger crowd.

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Tenryu-ji Temple

📍 Next to Bamboo Grove ⧫ 🕣 Open 8:30 AM–5:30 PM ⧫ ⏱ Time: 40 minutes to 1 hour ⧫ 💰 Entry: ¥500 for the temple, additional for garden

Just a few steps from the bamboo grove, Tenryu-ji is one of those spots that feels both peaceful and awe-inspiring at the same time. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Kyoto’s most important temples.

But what really makes it special is the garden.

This is a garden lover’s dream. It’s beautifully layered, with a big reflective pond, landscaped hills, and tree-lined paths that somehow feel like they’ve always been there.

When we visited, we were coming off the energy of Fushimi Inari, and Tenryu-ji hit totally differently. Everything felt slower, softer, more intentional. The inside of the temple is really minimal, but that’s kind of the point—it pulls your focus to the garden outside.

And the views? Absolutely worth lingering over.

Even if you’re not a “temple person,” this one’s an easy yes—especially if you appreciate beautiful outdoor spaces.

🗺 How to Get There:
The temple is directly connected to the north exit of the Bamboo Forest. Follow signs from the bamboo path and enter through the garden gate.

Iwatayama Monkey Park 🐒

📍 Across the Katsura River ⧫ 🕘 Open 9:00 AM–4:30 PM ⧫ ⏱ Time: 1–1.5 hours (includes uphill hike) ⧫ 💰 Entry: ¥550

If you’ve got the energy and don’t mind a hike, cross the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge and head uphill to the monkey park. You’ll find around 120 wild Japanese macaques roaming freely—and the views of Kyoto from the top are spectacular.

My own teen wasn’t into this idea, so we skipped it, but I know plenty of families love it.

🗺 How to Get There:
From Tenryu-ji, cross the Togetsukyo Bridge (~10 minutes), then hike 20–30 minutes uphill to the viewing platform.

🛶 Katsura River Boat Ride

📍 Katsura River, Arashiyama ⧫ 🕘 Ideal time: 11:00 AM ⧫ ⏱ Duration: ~30–45 minutes ⧫ 💰 Approx ¥2,500–3,500 per person

After the hike up to Iwatayama Monkey Park, treat yourself to a relaxing boat ride along the Katsura River. It’s a serene, scenic break—think calm water, mountain views, and the soft sound of oars. It’s low-effort but feels like a real reward after the trek (plus teens often enjoy the novelty).

You’ll glide right past rickshaw tour routes and can disembark near a scenic cafe to refuel before heading to lunch.

🗺 Getting there: Return to the base via the same monkey trail, walk downhill to the river (~10 min), and hop on your boat ride.

Nishiki Market

📍 Downtown Kyoto (Nakagyo Ward) ⧫ 🕛 Best time: 12:00–1:30 PM ⧫ ⏱ Time: 1 to 1.5 hours

If you’ve got food on your mind (and really, when don’t you?), Nishiki Market is the spot. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” this narrow, five-block area is packed with vendors selling everything from fresh seafood and traditional snacks to desserts and quirky treats you’ll only find in Japan.

What surprised me most was how much variety there was. You can absolutely go bold here—grilled octopus on a stick, sweet tamagoyaki (egg omelets),  pickled everything—but it’s also surprisingly friendly for picky eaters. We saw tons of easy wins: skewered meats, fresh fruit, mochi, matcha ice cream, even rice balls with nothing scary inside.

It’s a fun place to build your own lunch as you go, especially if you’ve got teens or travel buddies who like to eat different things. You don’t need a reservation, you don’t need to commit to one sit-down spot, and the sampling-sized bites make it low-pressure to try something new.

Just bring cash—and maybe a little patience. It can get crowded, but that’s part of the energy.

🗺 How to Get There:
After the hiking to the monkeys, I recommend taking a taxi to your next stop.  It’s more or less the same amount of time as doing public transportation (about 30 minutes), but much more convenient and comfortable.  Plus you’ll know for sure you have a seat!

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🍜 Alternative Option: Make Your Own Ramen

📍 Ramen Factory Kyoto ⧫ 🕒 Start times: 1:00 PM–5:00 PM ⧫ ⏱ Time: 1.5–2 hours ⧫ 💰 Book in advance

If wandering crowded markets isn’t your thing—or you want something a little more hands-on—this ramen-making class is a super fun way to spend your midday. 

At the Ramen Factory Kyoto, you’ll go step-by-step through making your own ramen bowl completely from scratch—noodles, broth, toppings, everything. It’s beginner-friendly, interactive, and a big hit with both kids and adults. If you’re traveling with teens, this is the kind of activity that gets everyone involved without it feeling like “another museum stop.”

You’ll leave full, a little proud of yourself, and with a solid understanding of what goes into one of Japan’s most iconic dishes.

💞 Reserve your spot for the ramen-making class here and turn lunch into a memory. 💞

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Kyoto International Manga Museum

📍 Karasuma-Oike Station ⧫ 🕒 Open 10:00 AM–5:00 PM ⧫ ⏱ Time: 1–1.5 hours ⧫ 💰 Entry: ¥900

Great for comic book-lovers of all ages. Browse thousands of manga volumes (in Japanese and English), check out exhibits, or just relax in the museum’s reading areas. Especially fun if you’re winding down after ramen class.

🍵 Traditional Matcha Tea Ceremony

📍 Maikoya Kyoto, near Karasuma Oike Station ⧫ 🕓 Start time: 4:00 PM or later ⧫ ⏱ Time: 45–90 minutes ⧫ 💰 From ¥2,000–3,000 (kimono option available)

This is one of those slower moments that makes a trip feel extra special. After the buzz of the manga museum, a tea ceremony offers the perfect reset—quiet, intentional, and deeply tied to Japanese culture. You’ll learn the etiquette, sip handcrafted matcha, and enjoy delicate sweets in a traditional setting.

If you want to take it up a notch, they offer the option to wear a kimono too, which turns the experience into a full-on photo-worthy cultural memory. Totally worth it for travelers who want to slow down and feel fully present.

💞 Book your Traditional Matcha Tea Ceremony experience here! 💞

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🚶‍♀️ Want Help Navigating It All? Consider a Private Walking Tour

If all the transit changes, timing, and planning feels like a lot—or you just want to make the most of your time without the guesswork—this private walking tour is a great option.

We personally love doing private tours when we travel.

There’s something so nice about being able to tailor the experience to exactly what you want to see, ask questions on the fly, and not feel like you’re rushing to keep up with a big group. You get to move at your own pace, skip the things you’re less interested in, and go deeper on the places that really catch your attention.

Plus, a local guide can help you navigate the trickier parts of Kyoto—whether that’s getting around the crowds at popular sites or knowing where to go for a quiet moment in between stops. They also tend to share details and context that make the places you visit feel more meaningful.

💞 Book your private Kyoto walking tour here if you want a a more guided experience that’s totally your own. 💞

This would be a great swap-in for either morning or afternoon if you want less planning and more storytelling.

Teen-Friendly Kyoto Swap-Outs 🎒

If you’re traveling with a teen (or just want to keep things light and interactive), these stops can easily be swapped into your 2 day Kyoto itinerary depending on your child’s interests and energy level.

These aren’t just “kid” activities—they’re fun, immersive, and offer a break from temples and shrines without feeling out of place in a cultural city like Kyoto.

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Pokémon Center Kyoto

📍 Takashimaya Department Store, Downtown Kyoto ⧫ 🕙 Open 10:00 AM–8:00 PM ⧫ ⏱ Time: 30 mins–1 hour ⧫ 💰 Free entry – budget for souvenirs

Whether or not your teen is still deep in the Pokémon fandom, this place has serious “cool factor.” Located inside the Takashimaya department store, it’s packed with exclusive merchandise, giant plushies, and themed displays unique to Kyoto.

Themed Pikachu in traditional Japanese attire? Yes, please.

🗺 Easily combined with: Nishiki Market or downtown dinner plans.

Samurai & Ninja Museum Kyoto

📍 Central Kyoto, near Nishiki Market ⧫ 🕙 Open 10:30 AM–8:00 PM ⧫ ⏱ Time: 1–1.5 hours ⧫ 💰 Entry: varies by experience

Offers hands-on swordplay, armor try-ons, and basic ninja training. This is a smaller, interactive museum that works best as a bonus stop—especially for families with younger teens or preteens looking for something different.

🗺 Easy detour if you’re already downtown after Nishiki Market.

Kyoto International Manga Museum and Monkey Park Iwatayama 🐒 (described above)

Smart Travel Tips for Kyoto

These are the details that helped us make the most of our visit.

Skip the Crowds (When You Can)

Kyoto gets busy, especially during cherry blossom season (March–April) and fall foliage (October–November). But even in less crowded months like June (when we went), the top attractions can fill up fast. Go to high-traffic spots like Fushimi Inari and the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest first thing in the morning.

Use Taxis When Timing Matters

Public transportation in Kyoto is sophisticated and always on time(!), but some routes require transfers or long waits. If you’re short on time, grab a taxi—they’re everywhere and easy to flag down.

We found this especially helpful when getting across town to Kinkaku-ji or after a long day of walking.

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Download Google Translate (or another translation app) ahead of time. Some drivers had it already, but it was super helpful when they didn’t.

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Wear Comfortable Shoes

Even if you’re taking taxis and trains, you’ll still do a ton of walking. Many of Kyoto’s top attractions are best explored on foot—temple gardens, shrine trails, bamboo paths—so good shoes are non-negotiable.

Bring a Refillable Water Bottle

Kyoto sits in a basin, which means it can get extra hot and humid. We were sweltering during our June trip. Having water on hand was a lifesaver, especially in outdoor areas with few shaded spots.

Side note: we also absolutely needed electric fans! June in Kyoto is no joke!

Consider a Multi-Day Transit Pass

If you’re staying longer or plan to use Kyoto’s subways and buses often, the Kyoto City Bus & Subway One-Day Pass or Kansai Railway Pass might save you money.

But for a 2-day visit with a tight itinerary, I think taxis are probably worth the extra cost for time saved for most people.

Want a Deep Dive?

Read our full list of Things to Know Before Visiting Japan—especially if it’s your first time.

What We’d Do If We Had Two Days in Kyoto

If you’re lucky enough to have two days in Kyoto, don’t waste them figuring it out as you go. Book your hotel, lock in a few experiences, and build your days around what matters most to you—whether that’s temples, hands-on food experiences, or something your teen will actually look forward to.

💞 Start by reserving a spot at the Ramen Factory Kyoto or consider hiring a guide through this Private Walking Tour to take the pressure off. Make your base near Arashiyama so you can start early and keep things simple. 💞

Kyoto’s the kind of place that rewards a little planning. Use this itinerary, adjust it to your pace, and give yourself time to actually enjoy being there. You’ll be glad you did!