One Day in Kyoto: First Timer’s Itinerary

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If you’re planning just one day in Kyoto, get ready for an adventure that will leave you craving more! Kyoto is a city that steals your heart and makes you want to return—trust me, I know from experience! During my trip to Japan, we spent two incredible days in this enchanting city, and honestly, I didn’t even feel like that was enough!

So, if you’re crunched for time, don’t worry—I’m just thrilled you’re getting a taste of Kyoto’s magic. It was hands down my favorite city we explored during our 10 days in Japan (though Mt. Fuji was a close second—visibility permitting, of course!).

This one-day itinerary will help you make the most of your limited time by sticking to a couple of areas, so you won’t waste precious moments traveling from place to place. I’ve included some of my favorite activities and sights that truly capture the essence of Kyoto!

Plus, at the end, I’ll share a few more options in case you find a little extra time or want to swap some things around. And if you do happen to squeeze in another day, be sure to check out my 2-day Kyoto itinerary for even more fun!

1-Day Kyoto Itinerary

Morning

Tea Ceremony

Start your day in Kyoto with a memorable tea ceremony experience in Gion. This area is a treasure trove of traditional streets, temples, and cultural delights! Trust me, participating in a tea ceremony while dressed in a beautiful kimono was one of the highlights of my trip! It felt like a peaceful moment that truly immersed us in Japanese culture.

I usually avoid recommending tours or activities with strict time slots when you’re short on time, but this is one experience I truly think you won’t want to miss!

Be sure to book your tea ceremony in advance (the 9 AM option is perfect!), as spots fill up quickly. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the area in your kimono afterward! Check out my Kyoto tea ceremony review for all the details on what to expect!

Higashiyama District

While you’re dressed in your kimono, explore the 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!

After this, head back to return your kimono if you wore it for photos in this area.

Afternoon

Lunch at Nishiki Market

When lunch rolls around, head over to Nishiki Market, often referred to as “Kyoto’s Kitchen.” This bustling marketplace is a feast for the senses, offering an amazing variety of street food, local delicacies, and fresh produce. Grab a bite of everything from savory skewers to sweet mochi. Don’t forget to try the famous yuba (tofu skin) for a truly local experience!

Exploring the Streets of Kyoto

Once you’ve experienced the market, I hope you’ve saved a little room for some more treats! While exploring Hanamikoji Street, 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, make your way 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!

Evening

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Of course, your 1-day Kyoto itinerary wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the magic of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine—one of the most iconic attractions in the area! This shrine is renowned for its stunning trail of vibrant red torii gates that wind up the mountain, creating a captivating pathway. It was a bit crowded at the base, but we discovered that the further we walked along the trail, the fewer people there were, allowing us to capture those perfect, crowd-free shots among the gates.

The trail leads you through lush forests and offers various scenic viewpoints along the way. Don’t forget to take your time and explore the smaller shrines tucked away between the larger gates. Each one has its own charm and significance, dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of rice, and the foxes that are believed to be its messengers.

We spent about an hour wandering through the gates, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and snapping photos (we didn’t get through all of the gates). If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike all the way to the summit, which takes about 2 hours and rewards you with stunning panoramic views of Kyoto. But even if you only make it partway up, visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine is an unforgettable highlight of any trip to Kyoto!

Dinner at Chojiro Kyoto Avanti

To cap off our day, we headed to Chojiro Kyoto Avanti, our favorite revolving sushi spot that we went to a few times during our 2 days in Kyoto! Just a stone’s throw from Kyoto Station, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a laid-back meal. We couldn’t resist grabbing a few plates of fresh nigiri and specialty rolls and ending with the mango trio dessert.

Where to Stay in Kyoto

If you’re planning to stay overnight during your one day in Kyoto, I can’t recommend staying near Kyoto Station enough! We stayed here, and it made everything so much easier. Being close to the station meant we were just a 5-minute train ride away from iconic spots like the Fushimi Inari Torii Gates, and we had easy access to other major attractions. Plus, having tons of restaurants, shops, and transport options right at your doorstep meant we spent less time commuting and more time exploring.

We stayed at Hotel Vischio Kyoto, only a quick 5-minute walk from the station, and it was hands-down one of my favorite hotels from the entire trip! Not only was it super affordable (around $120 per night), but the rooms were spacious and modern—honestly, one of the nicest we had. The hotel is beautiful, the location unbeatable, and it really made our short time in Kyoto so stress-free and easy!

For all accommodation options in Kyoto with pricing for your dates check here! Or check out my complete guide on where to stay in Kyoto for more recommendations.

Are you ready for an epic one day in Kyoto?!

Kyoto is a city you could easily spend weeks exploring, but even with just one day in Kyoto, you’ll get a taste of its magic! From the serene tea ceremony to wandering through iconic temples and those stunning Torii gates, your day will be packed with culture and unforgettable moments. I hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your time in Kyoto! And who knows, after this trip, maybe you’ll already be planning your return—because trust me, Kyoto has a way of pulling you back for more. Safe travels, and enjoy every second of your Kyoto adventure!

Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Japan blog posts:

Japan packing list

Things to know before traveling to Japan

2-day Tokyo itinerary