2-Day Kyoto Itinerary: First Timer’s Guide

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If you’re planning a trip to Japan, trust me—you don’t want to miss Kyoto! During our 10 days in Japan, our 2 days in Kyoto absolutely stole my heart (it probably would’ve been tied with Mt. Fuji, but sadly, we didn’t have visibility!). There’s just something about Kyoto that feels like stepping back in time. Sure, other cities had touches of “old Japan,” but in Kyoto, the entire atmosphere, the architecture, the temples—it all feels like you’ve been transported to a different era. From ancient temples to serene gardens and stunning traditional streets, Kyoto is truly the beating heart of Japan’s history and culture.

In this 2-day Kyoto itinerary, I’ll take you through the highlights, must-see spots, and even a few hidden gems. Whether you’re a history lover, a foodie, or someone who just wants to soak up the beauty of Japan’s past, I have no doubt that you’re going to fall in love with this city just like I did!

2-Day Kyoto Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kyoto and Start Exploring

Afternoon

Lunch

After arriving in Kyoto (most likely by train from Osaka), it’s time to dive into the city! For us, our first stop was lunch—conveyor belt sushi at Chojiro Kyoto Avanti! This spot was so convenient, located right across the street from our hotel, and it was so good we ended up eating there multiple times during our trip! It’s quick, delicious, and a fun experience if you’ve never done conveyor belt sushi before.

Tea Ceremony

Once you’re full and ready to explore, head over to Higashiyama Ward and Gion District. This area is perfect for wandering, with its traditional streets, temples, and the famous tea ceremony and kimono experience. Seriously, this was one of the highlights of our trip! We learned so much about Japanese culture while getting dressed up in beautiful kimonos, and participating in a traditional tea ceremony felt like such a special, peaceful moment that really immersed us into the culture.

Be sure to book this tour in advance, because it does book up! They have 9 AM and 2 PM slots, we went with the 2 PM.

Evening: Traditional Teahouses, Shijo-Dori Shopping, & Cocktails

Exploring the streets of Kyoto

After your tea ceremony, take a stroll down Hanamikoji Street, where you’ll find rows of long-established teahouses and traditional restaurants. It’s like stepping back in time! We couldn’t resist stopping by Patisserie Gion Sakai for some matcha and dessert—the pastries were not only beautiful but tasted amazing too.

Afterward, head to Shijo-Dori Street, a great spot for souvenir shopping and window browsing. Whether you’re looking for matcha treats or some cute chopsticks, there’s plenty to choose from. I definitely ended up with more goodies than I expected!

If you’re up for a fun night out, we checked out Frontier Bar Kyoto. It had a really intimate vibe and great cocktails featuring Japanese gin and whiskey. Highly recommend stopping by for a drink! We also did a karaoke room for an hour which was more fun than I ever could’ve imagined.

For dinner, make your way to Misono Kyoto Store, the birthplace of teppanyaki steak. It’s a fun dining experience where your food is cooked right in front of you on an iron griddle—both delicious and a bit of a show!

But try not to overdo it—tomorrow is going to be a big day and starts early!

Day 2: Arashiyama, Monkeys, and Fire Ramen Fun

Morning

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Rise and shine! Kick off the day by heading to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. We went around 8:30 AM, but the earlier, the better. There were already a handful of people when we arrived!

It took us about 45 minutes from Kyoto Station (train + walk). While some say the Bamboo Grove is overrated, I personally thought it was a unique and peaceful spot. Plus, it’s super close to our next adventure!

If you’re looking for a quieter alternative, Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple is just under 10 minutes away and has its own bamboo forest—way less crowded, but still gorgeous.

Coffee Break

If you’re like us, after soaking in the bamboo magic, you will be starving and in major need of coffee. Ueshima Coffee House in Kyoto Saga Arashiyama was our breakfast savior! I had no idea what I was eating (some kind of ham and cheese bread), but let me tell you—Japanese bread is on another level. So fluffy, thick, and amazing! And the coffee? Chef’s kiss.

Arashiyama Monkey Park

Next up: Arashiyama Monkey Park. This was easily one of the coolest experiences in Kyoto! The park is home to around 120 snow monkeys (aka Japanese Macaques), and they are beyond adorable—especially the babies!

The hike to the top took about 30 minutes, but the views and the monkeys made it so worth it. You can even buy treats to feed them through a little enclosed area. Watching them grab food from your hand is too cute for words!

Afternoon

Fire Ramen

By now, I hope you’ve worked up an appetite because next on the list is Menbaka Fire Ramen! This place is a total blast—the staff is fun, the ramen is fantastic, and, yes, they set your ramen on fire right in front of you. You can even hang your phone to record the whole fiery spectacle. Seriously, such a fun experience!

Nijo Castle

After lunch, it’s time for some history at Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in the 17th century, the castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is a perfect way to dive into Kyoto’s rich past. The “nightingale floors” that chirp as you walk through them were a unique feature to prevent intruders back in the day.

Admission to the castle is 800 yen, which is roughly $6.

Higashiyama District

Next, head back over to the beautiful Higashiyama District, one of my favorite areas in Kyoto. It’s full of temples, shrines, and those classic scenic views that give you a true feel for old Japan.

We made a quick stop at Yasaka Shrine and took in the stunning sight of Hokan-ji Temple, also known as Yasaka Pagoda. The whole area feels like stepping back in time! While exploring, we grabbed some matcha at Gong cha (turns out it’s a chain, and they even have one in Tampa!). Their brown sugar iced matcha latte was seriously life-changing.

From there, don’t miss the breathtaking Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Perched on a hill, this iconic temple offers panoramic views of Kyoto. The wooden stage juts out from the main hall, making it one of the most photographed spots in the city.

Evening

Fushimi Inari Shrine

After a full day of exploring, we were absolutely wiped out. But knowing the forecast called for rain the next morning, we powered through and headed to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine—one of the most famous landmarks in Japan. The trail of vibrant red torii gates is mesmerizing. We went around sunset and it was a bit crowded, but the further you walk, the fewer people there are, so you can get those perfect, crowd-free shots.

If you’re too tired, or if the morning weather looks clear, you could save Fushimi Inari for the next day. Afterward, we called it a night with a final meal at Chojiro Kyoto Avanti, our favorite revolving sushi spot. Fresh, delicious, and exactly what we needed to wrap up the day.

Getting Around Kyoto

Kyoto’s public transportation system makes getting around the city super easy! Trains, subways, and buses are the most popular ways to navigate, and you’ll likely end up using a combination of all three. This was actually the first place on our trip where we took a bus (and we had to a few times), which turned out to be surprisingly easy and convenient.

One thing that makes everything smoother is having a Suica card—a prepaid IC card you can load with money to tap on and off trains, subways, and buses. If you have an iPhone you just add it to your wallet. It’s so handy because it works across different types of transportation, meaning no more scrambling for exact change! Just tap your card, and you’re good to go.

Where to Stay in Kyoto

For a short 2 days in Kyoto, I highly recommend staying near Kyoto Station. That’s where we stayed, and it was super convenient for getting around the city. Being near the station meant we were just a quick 5-minute train ride away from iconic spots like the Fushimi Inari Torii Gates and had easy access to other attractions. Plus, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and transportation options at your doorstep, it’s a great base for exploring the city without wasting time on long commutes.

We stayed at Hotel Vischio Kyoto, just a 5-minute walk from the station, and it was one of my favorite hotels from the entire trip! Not only was it super affordable (around $120 per night), but the room was also one of the nicest we had. The hotel itself is beautiful, with modern amenities, and the location just can’t be beaten—it made our short time in Kyoto stress-free and easy.

That said, if I ever go back, I’d love to stay near the Higashiyama District. I really fell in love with that area during our visit. It’s such a beautiful, historic part of Kyoto with so much charm and a real “old Japan” feel. The Terrace Kiyomizu Kyoto has amazing reviews, and its proximity to temples like Kiyomizu-dera and the Yasaka Shrine makes it an ideal spot for soaking in Kyoto’s cultural vibe.

But, for a first-time visit, staying near Kyoto Station is definitely the smart move—you can always explore different areas later!

For all accomodation options in Kyoto with pricing for your dates check here!

Are you ready for an amazing 2 days in Kyoto?!

Honestly, two days in Kyoto felt like a whirlwind. There’s so much to see and do here! I left wishing we had 3-4 days to fully enjoy the city without rushing. If your trip allows for it, definitely consider extending your time in Kyoto. But if you only have two days, this 2- day Kyoto itinerary packs in a solid mix of culture, food, and fun!