A two-day itinerary only allows to visit a very limited number of sightseeing spots in Kyoto. The city boasts an exceptional quantity and variety of sites of cultural, artistic and historical value. If you visit Japan for the first time, even if just for a week, we suggest you devote to Kyoto at least 3 days.
In order to organise an efficient and satisfactory visit to the city, it is of utmost importance that you choose the destinations taking into account travel time and distances.
A very reasonable choice for a two-day stay in Kyoto is to allocate one full day for visiting Higashiyama district and one day for visiting Arashiyama area, Fushimi Inari Taisha sanctuary and Kinkaku-Ji temple.
This itinerary focuses on Kyoto's cultural heritage. It poses no challenges as to getting around and reaching destinations.
Classic sightseeing itinerary
Itinerary: Higashiyama, Kinkaku-Ji, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama
The following can be considered a classic itinerary. It covers Kyoto's main sights focusing on the city's cultural heritage.
In order to make the most of the scarce 48 hours in Kyoto, we suggest that you start your visits not later than 7:00 am. After 6.00 pm you will have plenty of time to wander through the city centre and the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Day 1
Itinerary |
9:00 – 9:45
Ginkaku-Ji
Visit to Ginkaku-Ji temple (Silver Pavilion)
Address: Kyoto, Sakyo-ku, Ginkakuji-cho 2
Opening hours: 9:00-16:30, no closing days
Admission: 500 yen
9:45 – 12:00
Philosopher's Path
Short walk along the Philosopher's Path
Lunch break
12:00 – 13:00
Nanzen-Ji
Visit to Nanzen-Ji temple
Address: Kyoto, Sakyo-ku, Nanzen-Ji Fukuchi-cho 86
Opening hours: 9:00-16:30
Closing days: December 28 to 31
Admission: 500 yen
13:00 – 13:30
Keage Incline
13:30 – 14:30
Maruyama Park and Yasaka Shrine
Visit to Maruyama Park and Yasaka Shrine
Address: Kyoto, Higashiyama-ku, Gion-cho Kitagawa 625
Opening times: always
Admission: free
14:30 – 15:30
Kodai-Ji
Visit to Kodai-Ji temple
Address: Kyoto, Higashiyama-ku, Shimogawara-cho 526
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00, no closing days
Admission: 600 yen
15:30 – 16:00
Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka
Walk to Kiyomizu-dera
16:00 – 17:30
Kiyomizu-dera
Visit to Kiyomizu-dera temple
Address: Kyoto, Higashiyama-ku, Kiyomizu 1-chome 294
Opening hours: 6:00-18:00, no closing days
Admission: 500 yen
How to get around
This itinerary entails long but beautiful walks. Tourist buses offer a comfortable and inexpensive alternative.
The leg between Nanzen-Ji temple and Maruyama Park is relatively long as it would require a 35-45 minute walk.
From Kyoto Station you can reach Ginkaku-Ji temple by bus cost: 230 yen, travel time: approximately 45 minutes). From Kiyomizu-dera temple you can reach on foot Gion and Pontocho in less than half an hour.
During peak seasons traffic jams are frequent.
Variants
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You can include visits to other temples such as Heian Shrine, Eikan-do, Chion-In and Shoren-In temple.
Day 2
Itinerary |
9:00 – 10:00
Kinkaku-Ji
Visit to Kinkaku-Ji temple (Golden Pavilion)
Address: Kyoto, Kita-ku, Kinkakuji-cho 1
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00, no closing days
Admission: 500 yen
10:00 – 11:00
Transfer by train or taxi
11:00 – 15:30
Arashiyama
Visit to Arashiyama area (western Kyoto, Ukyo District)
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Togetsu-Kyo bridge
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Iwatayama Park
Lunch break
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Tenryu-Ji temple (admission: 600 yen)
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Arashiyama bamboo grove
You may also want to visit a few small temples in the western area such as:
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Jojakko-Ji (admission: 500 yen)
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Nison-In (admission: 500 yen)
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Gio-Ji (admission: 300 yen)
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Daikaku-Ji (admission: 500 yen)
15:30 – 16:15
Transfer by train
16:15 – 18:00
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine
Address: Kyoto, Fushimi-ku, Fukakusa Yabunouchi-cho 68
Opening times: always
Admission: free
How to get around
This itinerary requires relatively long transfers. You can get around by bus and train. Taxis offer a more comfortable option.
Related articles:
Kyoto 2,5 day itinerary (suggested itineraries; morning and evening arrival)
Kyoto 3-day itinerary (Sakyo, Higashiyama, Kita, Ukyo, Nakagyo, Fushimi)
