Kyoto Day Guides
Kyoto is famous for its historic temples, traditional streets, and cultural experiences. This guide takes you through a full day of exploring Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizudera Temple, and Gion in the evening, covering the best sights, local food, and hidden gems.
Let’s start your adventure!
Train Line: JR Nara Line
Recommended Stop: Fushimi Inari Station (2 stops from Kyoto Station)
Alternative: Take the Keihan Main Line to Fushimi-Inari Station if staying near a Keihan station.
Start your morning early for the best experience. The iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine gets crowded by mid-morning, so arriving before 8:00 AM allows for a peaceful visit.
Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of Japan’s most famous shrines. It is known for its thousands of vermillion torii gates, which wind through the forested mountainside.
✔ Walk through the Senbon Torii (Thousand Torii Gates) trail.
✔ Visit the main shrine hall (Honden) and admire the sacred architecture.
✔ Climb to Yotsutsuji Intersection for a panoramic view of Kyoto.
✔ Explore small sub-shrines along the hiking path.
Traveler’s Tip: The full hiking loop to the summit takes about 2–3 hours, but you can turn back at any point if short on time.
Take a break before heading to the next destination. Here are some great café options nearby:
Vermillion Café – Stylish café with great coffee and matcha drinks.
Inoda Coffee Fushimi Inari – Classic Kyoto coffee shop with a nostalgic feel.
Veg Out Café (Vegan) – Riverside café with organic vegan options.
Train Line: Keihan Main Line
Recommended Stop: Kiyomizu-Gojo Station (from Fushimi-Inari Station)
Walking Distance: 20 minutes uphill to Kiyomizudera Temple.
From the station, take a slow walk up Chawan-zaka (Teapot Lane), a charming street filled with shops selling Kyoto crafts, ceramics, and souvenirs.
Kiyomizudera is one of Kyoto’s most famous temples, known for its massive wooden stage overlooking the city.
✔ Stand on the wooden stage and admire the scenic view.
✔ Visit the Jishu Shrine, dedicated to love and matchmaking.
✔ Walk down to the Otowa Waterfall and drink from the sacred waters.
✔ Explore the temple’s beautiful pagodas and halls.
Traveler’s Tip: Kiyomizudera is especially beautiful in spring (cherry blossoms) and autumn (red maple leaves), but it is a must-see year-round.
After exploring Kiyomizudera, enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant. Here are some great options:
Omen Kiyomizu – Handmade udon noodles in a flavorful broth.
Gion Tanto – Famous for Kyoto-style okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes).
Saryo Seihantei – Traditional Kyoto cuisine in a peaceful setting.
Mumokuteki Café (Vegan/Vegetarian) – Offers plant-based rice bowls and tofu dishes.
After lunch, take a stroll through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, two of Kyoto’s most scenic streets. These preserved streets are filled with historic wooden buildings, teahouses, and artisan shops.
✔ Browse traditional Kyoto souvenirs, like matcha, ceramics, and fans.
✔ Visit the famous Starbucks Kyoto Ninenzaka in a historic machiya (traditional townhouse).
✔ Stop by Yasaka Kōshindō Temple, known for its colorful wishing balls.
Walking Distance: 10 minutes from Ninenzaka Street.
Yasaka Shrine is one of Kyoto’s most important shrines, marking the entrance to the Gion district. Right next to it is Maruyama Park, a peaceful garden with koi ponds and cherry trees.
✔ Walk through the bright red torii gate into Yasaka Shrine.
✔ See the Lantern-lit Stage, especially beautiful in the evening.
✔ Relax in Maruyama Park, Kyoto’s oldest public park.
Gion is Kyoto’s historic geisha district, where you can see traditional wooden houses, teahouses, and maybe even a geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) walking to work.
✔ Walk along Hanamikoji Street, lined with traditional teahouses.
✔ Visit Shirakawa-dori, a quiet riverside street with beautiful scenery.
✔ Explore Gion Tatsumi Bridge, one of Kyoto’s most photogenic spots.
✔ Stop by Kennin-ji Temple, Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple.
Traveler’s Tip: Be respectful when taking photos—do not follow or disturb Geisha.
End the day with a delicious meal in Gion. Here are some great options:
Gion Karyo – Traditional Kyoto kaiseki (multi-course meal).
Giro Giro Hitoshina – Creative kaiseki with an open kitchen.
Ippudo Ramen – Famous tonkotsu ramen with deep umami flavors.
Ain Soph Journey (Vegan/Vegetarian) – Plant-based Kyoto-style meals.
After a full day of exploring Kyoto’s famous sights, delicious food, and traditional streets, head back to your hotel to rest.
