Kyoto 2 Day Itinerary – The Epic Guide You Need To Explore

Kyoto 2 day itinerary is not an easy feat, precisely because this gorgeous city has so many things to do, but accommodating most of them to make 2 days in Kyoto itinerary is undoubtedly possible.

In this post, you will find out exactly how to enjoy Kyoto in 2 days.

Did you know? Kyoto alone is home to Japan’s 17 UNESCO heritage sites.

It is home to some of the most photographed iconic structures, including the bright orange seemingly-endless Torri gates, glittering golden temple, enchanting neighbourhoods and mysterious-looking bamboo forests among others.

In this post you will find sample Kyoto itinerary ideas for one day, two days and more.

While it is not possible to fit all of the city’s attractions and experiences into a 2 day Kyoto itinerary, you can still make the best of your time in 48 hours.

You can cover most of the highlights in this Kyoto 2 day itinerary.

Make the most of your 2 days in Kyoto by starting your day early. 

The Japanese are early risers, and as such, you will notice that plenty of Kyoto attractions open up for tourists as early as 7 AM.

Recommended: 15 Ultimate Free Things to do in Kyoto

KYOTO 2 DAY ITINERARY

Kyoto was the former capital city of Japan for hundreds of years until the 19th century when Tokyo replaced.

Kyoto is still the cultural and historical capital of Japan. It was the powerhouse of the Imperial family that ruled from the early 8th century to the 19th century.

It was one of the wealthiest empires in Japan flourishing continuously and reaching its zenith under Tokugawa shogunate.

Like the rest of the country, WW II destroyed some of the parts of this history, but thankfully, most of them remain to give the travelers glimpses of rich culture, traditions and history.

Kyoto is one of the few unique cities in the world where the past and the present blissfully co-exist, and it feels like rolling between the present and the past times for travelers visiting the city for the first time.

KYOTO 2 DAY ITINERARY – A QUICK GLIMPSE

Before we get into the detailed Kyoto 2 day itinerary, below is a quick check so you can know what to cover.

DAY 1 KYOTO ITINERARY: Higashiyama, Fushimi Inari & Gion

DAY 2 KYOTO ITINERARY: Golden Pavillion, Arashiyama & Gion

DAY 1 OF 2 DAYS KYOTO ITINERARY

DAY 1 KYOTO ITINERARY: Higashiyama, Fushimi Inari & Gion

SOUTHERN HIGASHIYAMA

Among the must sees in Kyoto is the preserved district of Higashiyama that you should add to your Kyoto two day itinerary.

Start your day early around 6 or 7 AM if possible and head to Higashiyama district.

It is home to top things to do in Kyoto, including beautiful temples, shrines, and historic old streets. 

It is one of the protected old neighbourhoods in Japan known for its series of cobbled-stone streets lined with traditional buildings.

The area consists of many old shrines and temples, along with cafes and restaurants.

Start from Higashiyama station. Walk up to Sanjo-Dori street passing through Shorenin(one of the largest temples in Japan) and Chion-in(a 13th-century shrine)temples.

Next, check out Maruyama-Koen park and walk around a bit if you want. 

The other streets that you shouldn’t miss out are Ishibei-koji, Ninen-Zaka and Sannen-Zaka streets, all narrow streets lined with traditional buildings, where you will find a lot of people, including women wearing colourful kimonos. 

Continue walking until the end of Sannen-Zaka road, and you will find the famous Kiyomizu-Dera temple.

Located next to the Otowa Waterfalls, this is a UNESCO heritage site, and one of the top highlights of Kyoto.

Recommended: 40 Fabulous Things to do in Osaka in Japan

This ancient temple is known for the gorgeous views of Kyoto from the top, including the hills from a wooden stage located on the first floor of the main hall.

If you have just 24 hours, add Kiyomizu to your 1 day Kyoto itinerary for sure.

Due to its immense popularity, expect this place to be crowded.

The best time to get stunning views is during the Sakura season when the entire horizon looks lit with cherry blossoms, and also during the fall when the foliage adds to the charisma.

Many people also prefer watching the sunset views from here waiting until the night sets.

Opening hours of Kiyomizu – 6 AM to 6 PM; Entry fees – 400 Yen

NORTHERN HIGASHIYAMA

By now, you will have a rumbling stomach, so find a restaurant and grab your lunch.

Next up, head to explore the northern areas of Higashiyama by taking a train(Tozai) to Keage station. Alternatively, you can board Kyoto city bus(5) and get down at Eikando-Michi.

Walk to Nanzen-Ji Temple, which is one of the prettiest temples in Kyoto.

If you want to restrict your temple visits to just some of them, this one should be on your list.

The temple complex is vast, with a big gate at the entrance, which is the most massive wooden gate in Japan, towering at 24 meters height. 

Surrounded by a vast park, the complex comprises of Leaping Tiger Zen garden and many smaller shrines.

From the second floor, you can get beautiful views of the city.

Opening hours: 9 AM to 5 PM; Entry fees – 500 Yen

PHILOSOPHER’S PATH

Next up is Tetsugaku-no-Michi street, famously called the Philosopher’s path, running parallel to a central canal.

This street, lined with rows of cherry blossoms trees, turns into a hotspot for tourists during cherry blossoms season.

It takes about 30 minutes to walk the entire path. It is one of the places to visit in Kyoto in April that you should not miss at all!

The journey covering the Philosopher’s path and Nanzen-Ji will take about 3 to 4 hours or more.

GINKAKU JI – SILVER PAVILLION

Next, head to the Silver Pavillion or Ginkaku-Ji, one of the top attractions of Kyoto.

This 13th-century temple is located amidst a pond, surrounded by a lovely garden comprising of flowering trees and white stones. 

Although named Silver Pavillion, Ginkaku-Ji has never been embedded with silver.

Opening hours: 8:30 AM to 5 PM; Entry fees – 500 Yen

FUSHIMI INARI TAISHA TEMPLE

Next stop is the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, one of the most visited attractions in Japan, and one of the free things to do in Kyoto.

It is crowded throughout the day, so it is best to go there in the evening before sunset. 

If you have just one day in Kyoto, make sure to add to this because this is definetly one of the best highlights of Kyoto.

One of Kyoto must sees that should be added to your one day trip Kyoto itinerary too, if you have less time.

Keep this 2 day Kyoto itinerary on schedule by taking the train from Kyoto station to JR Inari Station, and from there, you will find directions to the temple.

What makes Fushimi Inari special are the rows of thousands of bright coloured Torii gates that keep going all the way to the top of the hill.

It takes about 4 or 5 hours to explore Fushimi Inari in-depth, leisurely enjoying the different hiking trails and stops leading to the top. 

Most people just go up for a while or return after taking a few pictures of the Torii gates.

If you are short on time, opt for this Fushimi Inari guided tour which take on shorter trails to the top from where you can enjoy the panoramic views of Kyoto.

If you have more than two days in Kyoto, I’d suggest you explore either the south or north Higayshima and keep the other for the next day.

May be Silver Pavillion, the Philosopher’s path and Fushimi Inari on one day, and the rest on another day. 

This first-day itinerary might be packed if you love taking it slowly. In that case, skip a few of the temples and cover the top attractions.

Opening hours: 24/7; Tickets: Free

GION DISTRICT

It will be dusk, so head straight to Gion, which is famous as Geisha district.

The area is known for ancient streets with traditional houses, shops and restaurants, which used to be where the Geisha lived.

Even now, you can spot them at work(Please don’t draw their attention, and keep distance).

The best way to enjoy Gion is to take a guided walking tour where a local expert will take you back in time with her/his narrative of the history of these streets. 

If you have less time, you can add a walk-in this district in the evening to your 1 day in Kyoto itinerary before you leave the city.

Visit the Shimbashi street in Gion, walk up to the end of Hanamikoji passing through Yasaka Shrine. If you go south, you can also come across Kodai-Ji Temple.

DAY 2 OF 2 DAY KYOTO ITINERARY

Now check out your second day of Kyoto 2 day itinerary. 

DAY 2 KYOTO ITINERARY: Golden Pavillion, Arashiyama & Gion

GOLDEN PAVILLION – KINKAKUJI TEMPLE

Start your day early and head to the gorgeous Kinkaku-Ji temple, famous as Golden Pavillion. Surrounded by a large, serene pond and a vast expanse of a beautiful garden, it is one of the most visited attractions in Japan and one of the icons of the country.

If you only want to visit few-selected temples in Kyoto or even in Japan, add this for sure as it is one of the must see Kyoto attractions, whether you are planning a 1 day itinerary in Kyoto or a 4 day Kyoto itinerary!

This UNESCO-heritage site was constructed in the early 13th century by a Muromachi shogunate. It was a luxurious villa that belonged to a wealthy Shogun merchant Ashikaga Yoshimitsu who came here for retreats from time to time.

After his death, it was converted into a beautiful temple by his son. The most notable characteristic of Kinkaku-Ji is its huge stunning gold-plated roof that glimmers in sunshine.

You will need about 2 hours or maybe less depending on the crowd, which will be minimal early in the morning hopefully.

Stroll along with the beautiful gardens, which circles up to a top platform, which offers gorgeous bird views of Kyoto skyline.

How to get there: You can take any Kyoto City Bus 101, 102, 204, 205 if you start from Kyoto Station, and get down at Kinkakuji Michi bus stop. You can also take Bus 59 from Sanjo-Keihan to the Kinkakuji-Mae Stop.

Opening hours: 9 AM to 5 PM; Entry fees: 400 YEN

EXPLORE ARASHIYAMA

After visiting Kinkaku-Ji, next head to Arashiyama prefecture if you plant to visit Kyoto in 2 days, which is home to Kyoto’s famous attractions. Home to beautiful shrines, Bamboo forests and Zen gardens, Arashiyama is a must in your Kyoto 2 day itinerary.

It is packed with tourists, of course. So if you prefer enjoying a private tour or small-group tour, I recommend this Arashiyama tour where a local guide will walk you through the attractions in the most comfortable way, and this also includes a traditional lunch comprising Kyoto-cuisine.

Note that if you are planning for an one day Kyoto itinerary, you might have to skip Arashiyama if you want to explore other places in the city itself.

Getting to Arashiyama

From Kinkaku-Ji temple to Arashiyama – You have first to take bus 205 from Kinkakuji-Michi to Nishinokyo-Enmachi. Then change for bus 93 to Arashiyama. If you have a bus pass(not the city pass), you can cover this journey with it. 

If you want to take the tram, first take bus 205 from Kinkakuji-Michi to Kitano. At Kitano, board the tram line Keifuku Randen to Arashiyama, changing trams at Katabiranotsuji. 

From Kyoto station to Arashiyama – You can take trains offered by private rail companies Keifuku railways and Hankyu railways. They don’t accept JR passes. You can take these trains on any line that passes centrally through Kyoto.

TOGETSUKYO BRIDGE

Togetsukyo is the iconic bridge in Arashiyama. You will pass through it at least once while you are here!

The bridge is one of the top places for travelers for Instagram shots, which is no surprise as you will notice how lovely the views are.

From Arashiyama’s Keifuku train station’s exit, take a left, and you will reach the bridge in a few minutes by walk.

MONKEY PARK IWATAYAMA

Next head further to Arashiyama Monkey Park crossing and start climbing the steps at Ichitani-jinja, where you will find Torri gates.

Home to over 100 famous snow monkeys(yes the same species that you see in the hot springs in Yudanka), its excellent location is one of the reasons to visit this park. 

The uphill climb is worth it as you can witness a splendid view of the town from the top. You will pass through a lovely garden which gets with cherry blossoms if you are here during Sakura season or with vibrant foliage during autumn.

Opens from 9 AM to 4 PM. Ticket – 550 Yen for adults

TENRYUJI TEMPLE

The most visited attraction in Arashiyama is the Tenryuji Temple, which is a UNESCO site. Surrounded by a beautiful Zen garden and lake.

You can either just visit the garden or buy your tickets for both the garden and the temple. I’d recommend you to head to the garden unless you are interested in checking out another shrine. 

How to reach Tenryuji – It is located on the main street a little ahead of Keifuku Arashiyama station. 

Opening hours: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM; Ticket details – 500 Yen

ARASHIYAMA BAMBOO FOREST

Next head to one of the top places for Instagram shots in Kyoto, the Bamboo forest in Arashiyama. It is almost always crowded unless you are there early morning, thanks to its over-popularity.

You can walk from within the Tenryuji temple garden to directly arrive at the forest. To do so, follow the signs and walk straight ahead from the garden.

The main highlight of the forest is the narrow street flanked by tall Bamboo groves, which is the picture spot. From there you can go to a few places within the forest, including a few shrines and temples.

I went to Kameyama-Koen park, which was surprisingly free of all tourists. It is a relief as this park is beautiful, with amazing views of the town. 

SAGA TORIIMOTO STREET

One of the most preserved streets in Kyoto is Saga Toriimoto, consisting of cobbled stone surrounded by traditional, wooden houses from the Meiji era. It feels like travelling back in time as you pass through these buildings, all maintained very well. 

You will also find many eateries and cafes, so if you are hungry by now, grab something here and explore. You can walk up to the Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple on a hill.

This former burialground is a unique place where you will find hundreds of stone statues of the Buddha on the ground placed to commemorate the departed. The view from the temple top is also charming. 

After you are out of the Bamboo Park, walk south to explore more ancient shrines.

Check out the temples of Jojakkoji,  Gioji temple and Nisonin

The best way to reach these temples is to take a walk because you will get to see the suburbs of Arashiyama with no tourists for yourself.

Beautiful gardens surround the Jojakkoji temple, walk around and enjoy the foliage. On the way, you can stop by at Gioji and Nisonin, both ancient shrines, with Gioji housing a lovely moss garden.

Below are some recommended tours of Arashiyama

KYOTO 2 DAY ITINERARY – IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME

It is fantastic if you can do more than 2 day Kyoto itinerary. If you have 3 days in Kyoto, it will give you enough time to spread the above itinerary slowly, or you can add more activities and places from the ones below.

If you visit Kyoto in 3 days, you can leisurely explore many attractions, including a full day in Arashiyama probably. Also, you can maybe take some day trips from Kyoto using JR pass if you have 3 days in kyoto.

Here are some ideas for your Kyoto 3 day itinerary:

KYOTO IMPERIAL PALACE PARK

One of the best free things to do in Kyoto is visiting the Imperial Palace Park. The Palatial building was the royal residence of the Imperial family of the country until the 19th century.

It is not open to the public, but you should definitely check out the elaborate, beautifully curated garden, which transcends to another level during the bloom season and in autumn, perfect for adding to your 3 days in Kyoto itinerary.

Opening hours: 24/7; Entry fees – Free

How to reach the park – You can get down at Imadegawa Station and take a walk from there. Also, from Kyoto Station you can the Karasuma subway to Imadegawa.

NIJO CASTLE

One of the magnificent castles in Japan is Nijo in Kyoto, which belongs to the Edo dynasty, which is perfect to add to your 3 day Kyoto itinerary.

This vast palace is the symbol of the status of the Ieyasu Shogun warlords who were prominent during this period. 

You will get a glimpse of their history, ways of life, wars and traditional weapons that are fascinating.

Also, check out the intricate wall paintings and sculptures on display. It is undoubtedly recommended to add this if you have 3 or 4 days in Kyoto.

Opening hours: 9 AM to 5 PM; Ticket details – 500 Yen

How to get there: You can take the Tozai subway line or Kyoto line to Nijo Castle. Roku buses also stop at the castle.

NISHIKI STREET MARKET

Nishiki is not another market in Japan. This street market is at least 400 years old and is one of the oldest food markets in the world. If you are wondering what to do in Kyoto in 3 days, you should add a visit to this market to your itinerary.

You will walk through over 150 different shops, some of which are as old as the market itself. Initially, fresh seafood produce, vegetables, fruits and meat were prominently sold in Nishiki.

The best way to explore Nishiki is to take this guided food tour of Nishiki market, where you can taste the best of this place recommended by a local expert.

Now you will find all sorts of unique things found only in Japan. From green tea to specialized seafood delicacies to cute, funny and bizarre souvenirs, all kinds of alcohol, you can find a lot to shop and window-shop!

It is one of the recommended places to eat in Kyoto as you will get a taste a wide variety of street food, especially seafood and desserts.

So don’t be surprised if you see a lot of tourists in the evening and around lunch. Also, don’t forget to visit Tsunoki Shuho, a 200+ liquor store specializing in Sakes.

Opening hours: 9 AM to 6 PM(Closed on Sunday); Entry – Free

How to get to Nishiki: It is at a walking distance from Kawaramachi and Shijo stations.

EIKANDO ZENRINJI

One of the most visited temples in Kyoto is Eikando, which is a hotspot for viewing the beautiful fall colours, thanks to the colourful trees in the garden surrounding the temple. 

The stone bridge and the lovely Hojo Pond are two famous spots that get crowded with people wanting to capture the riot of colours. You can also get to the top of the temple and gets a stunning bird view of the same.

It is one of Kyoto attractions worth adding if you can do on your Kyoto two day itinerary or if you have more than 2 days.

Opening hours: 9 AM to 5 PM; Entry fees – 500 Yen

How to get there: You can combine your trip with Nanzen-Ji temple as both are closley located. The same train and bus routes will also stop at Eikan-do.

PONTOCHO ALLEY

If you want to feel more Japanese ambiance, head to Ponto Cho, which is one of my favourite neighborhoods. Pontocho is one of the attractions that’s a must see in Kyoto in 2 days.

Narrow streets are lined with compact and pretty traditional buildings, and on either side, these houses and shops are decorated with bright lanterns, which feels like walking through a Japanese anime movie. 

The best time to be here is at night, and as you walk through the maze of these corridors, you will fall in love with Kyoto and Japan again!

How to get there: The best way to enjoy this alley is by joining this guided walking tour(includes food!), which is a great way to learn about the secrets and the past of these streets.

TOEI KYOTO STUDIO PARK

Toei Kyoto studio park is one of the fabulous attractions to add in your Kyto itinerary if you have time, especially if you love dressing up.

It is a theme park where you will find the villages and towns from the Edo period. 

You can dress up as Samurais and take pictures while strolling. It is one of the fun things to do in Kyoto for sure.

Opening hours – 9 AM to 5 PM; Entry fees – 1600 Yen

KYOTO STATION

Well, you will likely have stepped into Kyoto station, but if you have time, take out to explore this place, which is more than a station. It houses a large shopping center comprising of plenty of restaurants and cafes. Another addition for spending 3 perfect days in Kyoto is by exploring this mammoth station.

The architecture of Kyoto station is stunning, and the best way to admire is from the top, where you also have an observation deck on the 15th floor.

From here you can witness 360-degree views of the city.

Opening hours: 24/7; Entry fee: Free 

KYOTO TOWER

If you are looking for more additions to the Kyoto itinerary 3 days, you can’t miss this tallest structure and an iconic landmark of Kyoto! Kyoto tower is beautiful to visit at night, when you can see magnificent views of the city’s skyline from the observation deck, which is at least 100 meters high!

Opening hours: 9 AM to 8:30 PM; Entry fees: 800 Yen(viewing platform)

How to reach – It is at a walking distance from Karasuma central gate of Kyoto station.

KYOTO ITINERARY – FAQs

How many days to spend in Kyoto?

If you have more time and it is possible, I’d highly recommend you to spend at least 3 days in Kyoto or more, but anything less than 2 days in Kyoto will not do any justice.

If you are wondering how many days in Kyoto that depends on your preferences, but 2 or 3 days in Kyoto would be sufficient.

Can you do Kyoto in a day? Well, many people do a 1 day trip in Kyoto from Osaka, which is also doable, but as you can see from this post, it means that you can choose only a few from this huge list of attractions and things to do. Also, 1 day sightseeing in Kyoto is more feasible if you are visiting during the shoulder season(more on that below)

Are 2 days in Kyoto enough? Sure, this Kyoto 2 day itinerary will not give you sufficient time to enjoy in one of the cafes, leisurely check out the restaurants, or get in more in-depth, including many day trips from Kyoto like visiting Nara.

Still, you can cover almost all of the attractions on your Kyoto bucket list if you explore Kyoto in 2 days. Thanks to Kyoto Raku sightseeing buses which offer loop routes, you can conveniently cover most of Kyoto in 2 days.

What is the best time to visit Kyoto?

It is possible to visit Japan throughout the year, and in every season, you get to experience the country differently following this Kyoto 2 day itinerary. The best time to visit Kyoto depends on your budget and the weather you would prefer.

Spring(March to May) is one of the most popular seasons for visiting Kyoto for the famous Sakura or cherry blossoms, which transform the entire country, and is one of the best best time to travel to Kyoto.

Summer(May -June) – The pleasant weather of summer and holidays make these months ideal.

Both these times are extremely popular for tourists, so expect to shell more money on everything – food, stay and getting around. 

Also, the Japanese have a lot of national holidays during these months, and viewing Sakura or Cherry blossoms is very popular among them, so all the places will be crowded by the locals too.

The first week of May is Golden Week, a week of a complete holiday in Japan. You will find local families picnicking in the gardens and parks.

Note that this may not be the best period for a quick 1 day trip to Kyoto from Osaka as you will spend most of your time making through the crowds and queues.

Autumn(September – November) – Fall is also a great time to visit Kyoto. It is neither very crowded or expensive like the other two seasons but isn’t free of tourists either. 

If you are planning your 2 day Kyoto itinerary on a budget, then I’d suggest you visit just before spring in late January or February or at the start of autumn in October or in November for gorgeous fall colours.

Kyoto in the winter is different and nice too – fewer tourists and cold weather all around, with some places getting decorated by snow. Not many know that there are many places to visit in kyoto in January too, which is one of the lowest months.

The prices during these months are relatively lower, plus the crowds are fewer, which will make you enjoy your Kyoto trip better.

What is the best location to stay in Kyoto?

Kyoto is enormous, and getting around will take time. So if you have just 2 days in Kyoto, it is better to stay close to the city centre.

The best places to stay in Kyoto can be found in southern Higashiyama or Gion, two popular neighbourhoods for travelers arriving in Kyoto.

If you are looking for cheap hostels, check WeBase Kyoto or Utsuwa Designed Hostel

Guesthouses – I’d recommend Guest House Oumi and Kyoto Compass Guest House, which offer excellent accommodation for the price with all the amenities.

If you are looking for traditional Japanese Ryokan, then I’d suggest Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei and Yadoya Kikokuso. Both are centrally located and have fantastic reviews.

You can find more hostels, guesthouses, and hotels in Kyoto here. There are often deals available on them, so go ahead and secure your place.

How to get to Kyoto?

There are many ways of traveling to Kyoto depending on your budget and time.

Flights

Osaka is the nearest airport to Kyoto, which has two airports – Osaka International Airport(ITM)(only domestic) and Kansai International Airport(KIX), which also connects to other cities in Japan through domestic flights. If you book well in advance, you can get surprisingly low prices, especially if you are looking during the off-season.

From the airport, there are many options to reach Kyoto. With Japan Rail Pass, you can directly travel from Osaka to Kyoto by the JR Haruka airport express for free, and it takes just 1.5 hours to reach Kyoto. 

If you don’t have a pass, you can directly buy tickets for this train at the counter, which is around 3500 Yen.

Alternatively, you can take KIX airport limousine buses, which are cheaper and also stop at various places in the town. You can book these buses at a great price here, choose your time and drop point a while booking.

By Train

Excellent trains connection make it possible for a quick one day tour Kyoto from Osaka or even planning a day trip from Kyoto to Tokyo or vice versa.

Train from Tokyo to Kyoto – The bullet train or the high-speed Shinkansen is one of the best experiences in Japan that you shouldn’t miss.

There are a few bullet trains that run from Tokyo to Kyoto every day, and you should try it. It takes about 2.5 hours to complete the trip.

JR Pass will cover Hikari train journey at no additional cost to you. It is one of the benefits of JR pass. The ticket cost of a bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto varies from 13000 to 15000 Yen for an unreserved seat if you want to buy at the counter. There are other trains as well from Tokyo to Kyoto if you’re going to try a cheaper one.

Train From Osaka to Kyoto – There is high-speed Shinkansen which will take you to Kyoto from Osaka in less than 15 minutes! It is worth taking this train is you got a Japan Rail Pass. Go for other JR Kyoto trains if you want a cheaper ride, which will take about 30 minutes costing around 500 Yen.

How to get around Kyoto?

The best way to get around Kyoto is by buses. There are metro and local trains, but both are time-consuming, while the bus connectivity is excellent. The Raku sightseeing buses specially cater to tourists.

Buses 100, 101 and 102 run in both directions in loops(clockwise and counterclockwise) stopping at all popular attractions in Kyoto. It costs 230 Yen which is a flat rate. For specific routes, Japan Rail Pass Holders can hop on to JR buses for free.

You can sign up for guided Kyoto tours for making the best use of your time and money. As these are led by locals, you will get to experience the city more closely. 

Should I buy Kyoto Pass?

Whether you are spending 2 days in Kyoto or more, I’d highly recommend you to take one of the Kyoto passes as they are highly economical and convenient to travel in Kyoto. You can buy them at Kyoto station.

Even if you have planned a one day trip in Kyoto, I recommend you buying 1 day Kyoto pass as they will come in handy.

All Day Kyoto City Bus Pass – For 500 Yen, you have unlimited access across all the routes on all buses in Kyoto. Not valid for Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama. Ideal as Kyoto tourist 2 day pass.

1 Day & 2 Days Kyoto Sightseeing Bus + Subway Pass – Unlimited use of all buses and subways in Tokyo. 1 Day – 1200 Yen; 2 Days – 2000 Yen – Available for one day Kyoto pass

Surutto Kansai Miyako Card – This is pay as you use the card, which can be recharged for 1000, 2000, 300 & 5000 Yen. You can use all subway lines, all buses and alsoHankyu and Keihan lines.

If you don’t want to go for these passes, buy an IC card and use them as you go. You can also use other cards like PASMO, TOICA or SUICA if you are arriving from another city.

Recommended – If you are short on time but still want to get a glimpse of Kyoto, signing up for Kyoto day tours is the best way to go. Most 1 day tours in Kyoto are reasonable and have excellent reviews too, with easy online booking and cancellation options.

What to know before you go to Kyoto?

• Geisha are people at work and not something on display for tourists. So keep your distance if you want to observe them. Do not approach them or maiko(their apprentices) for photos as they don’t encourage the same.
• Note that some places are off the limits for photography, and you may be fined. Make a note of the same.
• Cash is extensively used for most transactions in Japan even today, and it is the same in Kyoto. So make sure to keep enough money with you all the time.
• Respect the traditions and rules while exploring the city. It is required to remove your shoes and socks while visiting temples.

KYOTO 2 DAYS ITINERARY MAP

Below is the map you need for Kyoto 2 day itinerary.

MORE JAPAN TRAVEL INSPIRATION

If you have more time in Japan, I’d highly recommend these fabulous places that you should include along with your Kyoto two day itinerary:

• Nara Day Trip Itinerary – Lovely Deer City of Japan
• Kanazawa – A complete guide to all the things to do
• 45 Awesome Things to do in Osaka
• A complete guide to Nagoya

It’s wrap up time! Hope you will make the most of your trip with this Kyoto itinerary 2 days.

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