How I Spent 72 Hours in Kyoto, Japan [Where To Stay, Things To Do]

Kyoto, Japan, is known for its important and rich history and culture, stunning temples, traditional wooden houses, elegant tea ceremonies, and beautiful nature. Once the capital of Japan, it boasts over 1,500 Buddhist temples and shrines.

Although I have traveled to Kyoto several times, this was my wife’s first time. Still, I was excited to visit the city again after a few years, as it is truly a special place and one of my favorite places worldwide.

Although I had already visited most of Kyoto’s historic sites and tourist attractions before, there were also some new ones for me.

Here’s an in-depth look at how we spent 72 hours in Kyoto, Japan.

Arriving in Kyoto

Although a moderately sized city with over 1.5 million people, the city of Kyoto doesn’t have an airport. The closest airport to Kyoto is Osaka International Airport (ITM), also referred to as Itami Airport, which is about 36 kilometers (22 miles) away. However, Itami Airport only serves domestic flights within Japan.

Meanwhile, Osaka’s much larger airport, Kansai International Airport (KIX), serves both domestic and international flights, including flights from the U.S. Kansai Airport is farther from Kyoto than Itami Airport.

The easiest way to get from Kansai International Airport to Kyoto is via the JR Haruka Airport Express. The journey takes approximately 75 minutes and costs about ¥3,500 (about $23). If you have a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), you can take this train route without additional cost. Alternatively, you can take the Airport Limousine Bus, which costs ¥2,800 (about $18) and takes slightly longer.

From Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka, you can take the Tokaido-Sanyo Line directly to Kyoto Station. The journey takes about 40 minutes and costs ¥580 (about $4).

Hot Tip:

Also visiting Osaka? See how I spent 72 hours in Osaka, with tips on where to stay, what attractions to visit, and where to eat.

Where To Stay in Kyoto

Downtown Kyoto

Downtown Kyoto is home to hundreds of restaurants, shops, and bars. Nishiki Market, commonly known as “Kyoto’s pantry,” is in downtown Kyoto. It is also within walking distance of the city’s main sightseeing areas, southern Higashiyama and northern Higashiyama.

The area has some of Kyoto’s most luxurious hotels, including The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto; HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa; and The Chapter Kyoto, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. However, there are also less expensive hotels.

It is worth noting that the downtown Kyoto area can be extremely crowded, so if you don’t like crowds, it is better to check out other areas. The area is also quite modern and lacks the local Japanese traditional atmosphere Kyoto is most known for.

Southern Higashiyama and Gion

Higashiyama represents the essence of old Kyoto, capturing the traditional atmosphere that many envision when they think of the city. Southern Higashiyama is part of the area and is home to many of the city’s most impressive sights and restaurants. This is especially true in the Gion district of Higashiyama.

Some of Kyoto’s major tourist attractions, such as Sanjusangen-do Temple, the Kyoto National Museum, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kadai-ji Temple, and Yasaka Pagoda, are in the southern Higashiyama area.

Luxury hotels in this area include the Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, Park Hyatt Kyoto, The Westin Miyako Kyoto Hotel, and Hyatt Regency Kyoto.

Kyoto Station

Lastly, there is also the area around Kyoto Station, a major transport hub and shopping district filled with restaurants and nightlife venues. As with the rest of Kyoto, there are temples around Kyoto Station.

The Kyoto Station area is not exactly a sightseeing destination, but there is a good chance you’ll spend some time here, as it is generally the entry point to Kyoto. It is also where to catch most trains and buses for day trips to other parts of Japan, such as Osaka, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji.

Some hotels around Kyoto Station include the DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station, Hotel Granvia Kyoto, and Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo.

Day 1

After arriving in Kyoto from Osaka, we headed straight to our hotel to drop off our bags. Although there were several hotels I could have booked with points, we stayed in a more traditional Japanese hotel.

Since Kyoto is best experienced in sections, we spent our first day exploring some of the famous temples and sites in the northwestern part of the city.

Kinkaku-ji

Our first stop in Kyoto was Kinkaku-ji (also known as the Golden Pavilion), a Zen Buddhist temple and one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. The temple is renowned for being covered in gold leaf and is surrounded by ponds and gardens.

Although it was originally built as a retirement villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the 14th century, Kinkaku-ji was later converted into a temple after Yoshimitsu’s death. Kinkaku-ji was built to embody the extravagant Kitayama culture that flourished among Kyoto’s affluent aristocracy during Yoshimitsu’s era.

The temple has burned down numerous times throughout its history, including twice during the Onin War and again more recently in 1950, when a monk set it on fire. The present structure was rebuilt in 1955.

Kinkaku-ji is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an admission fee of ¥500 ($3.50).

The temple is easily accessible from Kyoto Station by Kyoto City Bus 205, which takes approximately 40 minutes and costs ¥230 ($1.60). However, the buses are often packed throughout the day.

Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama

Next, we headed to Iwatayama Park, in Arashiyama, for 1 reason: to visit the Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama.

The park is home to over 100 Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys. These monkeys are native to Japan and are the same ones often photographed bathing in the hot springs during the winter.

After paying for the entry tickets, we hiked to the top of the mountain, which took about 20 minutes. The hike was not too difficult, and there was an occasional spot to rest if needed. There were also signboards with monkey-related facts.

Upon reaching the top, we quickly spotted more than 50 monkeys running around. Throughout the park, many signs remind visitors not to stare at or touch the monkeys, which are still wild animals.

Although I tried to avoid making eye contact, the monkeys seemed unbothered unless someone got too close, which several tourists did. This triggered panic among the monkeys, which made them become aggressive and start making loud sounds.

Tourists visiting the park could also feed the monkeys safely in an enclosed area. Park staff provided snacks such as apple slices and shelled peanuts for ¥100 (70 cents). No outside food was allowed in the park.

The monkeys snatched food right from your hand while hanging outside the caged area. It was a fun and unique experience, especially since I had never fed a monkey before!

From the top of the mountain, there were also spectacular views overlooking Kyoto. In the distance, I could see Kyoto Tower quite clearly (this picture was taken with a zoom lens on my Sony camera).

The Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama is open daily between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Entrance tickets cost ¥600 ($4.20). The park is 5 minutes from Hankyu Arashiyama Station and 15 minutes from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

After several hours at the Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, we visited Arashiyama’s other main attraction, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. If you’ve been planning a trip to Kyoto, odds are you have seen pictures of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, as it is one of the most photographed sights in the city.

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a mesmerizing natural wonder with towering bamboo stalks that sway with the wind.

While it may seem like just a narrow path surrounded by tall trees, the experience is much richer. Strolling through the bamboo grove always leaves a lasting impression of the city, capturing its beauty and tranquility.

During my last trip, I visited in the early morning and found it nearly impossible to capture a photo without random people in the frame, as the bamboo grove was extremely packed.

Although Kyoto attracts tourists year-round, we visited the bamboo forest closer to sunset, just before closing time. This was a great decision, as there were very few people around, which made the bamboo forest that much more enjoyable.

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a 10-minute walk from Saga-Arashiyama Station on the JR Sagano Line. The grove is open 24 hours a day, although some sections close around 6 p.m.

Day 2

After an amazing first day filled with temples and nature, we craved more. We woke up much earlier to explore the eastern side of Kyoto. Most notably, we walked around the Gion area, well-known as the “geisha district.”

Hōkan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda)

We started the day by visiting the Hōkan-ji Temple, also known as Yasaka Pagoda. It is a 46-meter-high (150-foot-high) 5-story Buddhist pagoda in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto and serves as an icon for the city.

Imperial Prince Shotoku originally built the temple, which dates back to the 15th century. The pagoda has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, with the current structure dating to 1440. It is Kyoto’s oldest tower.

The area around the pagoda is lined with Kyoto’s famous machi-nami (rowhouses), featuring narrow alleyways surrounded by traditional wooden buildings. Many of these have been converted into souvenir shops, adding to the charm of the surroundings.

The Yasaka Pagoda is a 5-minute walk from the Higashiyama-Yasui and Kiyomizu-Michi bus stops. It is open daily between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Entrance tickets are ¥400 ($2.75). However, walking the streets around the pagoda is free, which is what we did.

Maruyama Park

Next, we headed to Maruyama Park, Kyoto’s most popular and often crowded destination for cherry blossom viewing when the trees are in full bloom (typically in the first half of April).

Even though it wasn’t cherry blossom season, we wanted to enjoy the natural beauty of the park. Spanning 24 acres, Maruyama Park features winding walking paths, lush greenery, and several serene ponds. It’s a popular spot for picnics and leisurely strolls.

The park also features several teahouses, traditional Japanese gardens, and Japanese restaurants, making it a year-round tourist attraction.

According to the Japanese government, Maruyama Park is a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty.

Although I enjoyed the numerous temples in Kyoto, I found Maruyama Park to be the perfect rest stop.

Maruyama Park is less than a 10-minute walk from Yasaka Shrine.

Ryōzen Kannon Temple

Next, we headed to Ryōzen Kannon Temple, a relatively modern Buddhist temple. It was built in 1955 by Hirosuke Ishikawa as a memorial to commemorate those who died in World War II. Since it had been just 10 years since the end of World War II, the memories of war were still fresh in the minds of many Japanese citizens.

The temple is noted for the 24-meter-tall (79-foot-tall) statue dedicated to Kannon, the Japanese Buddhist goddess of mercy, which can be seen from many parts of eastern Kyoto.

Unlike many traditional Japanese temples, the Ryōzen Kannon Temple blends elements of Buddhist architecture with modern design, creating a distinctive atmosphere that distinguishes it from other religious landmarks in Kyoto.

Beneath the statue is a shrine with images and statues of several Buddhist deities. There are also memorial tablets dedicated to the 2 million Japanese who died in World War II. The temple has become an important symbol of reconciliation and a reminder of the costs of war and conflict.

Ryōzen Kannon Temple is open between 8:40 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Admission tickets are ¥300 ($2) and include incense sticks.

Yasaka Shrine

Next, we headed to Yasaka Shrine, also known as Yasaka Jinja, another temple in the area and one of Kyoto’s most famous Shinto shrines. Built over 1,350 years ago, the shrine is dedicated to the deity Susanoo, the Japanese god of storms and the sea.

Yasaka Shrine is known for its many vibrant red gates and lanterns, which are surrounded by tall trees and traditional Japanese gardens. It is also known for its summer festival, the Gion Matsuri, a monthlong July celebration featuring parades and traditional performances.

The shrine features several buildings, including a main sanctuary that serves as the prayer hall. It is covered with hundreds of lanterns.

Yasaka Shrine is open 24 hours a day and has no admission fees. It is easily accessible via Kyoto City Bus 206, which stops at the Gion bus stop.

Alternatively, you can reach it by getting off at Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Line or Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line.

Heian Shrine

Although we had already visited several temples, 1 major one remained in the area: Heian Shrine. The Heian Shrine has a relatively short history, dating back to 1895. It was built on the 1,100th anniversary of Kyoto’s founding as the capital. Heian is the former name of Kyoto.

The shrine is dedicated to the spirits of the first and last emperors who reigned from the city of Kyoto: Emperor Kanmu, who ruled from 737 to 806, and Emperor Komei, who ruled from 1831 to 1867.

The shrine features a massive 24-meter torii gate, which marks the entrance.

The shrine grounds are quite expansive and include a partial replica of the original imperial palace from the Heian period. It also features a traditional garden, which we didn’t enter because of the admission fee, which was ¥600 ($4.20).

Heian Shrine can be reached by Kyoto City Bus 5 from Kyoto Station. Alternatively, you can take the subway to Higashiyama Station, which is a 10-minute walk from the shrine.

Day 3

After a day of exploring several shrines, we felt temple-fatigued. We wanted this last day to be more relaxing, so we visited more modern attractions in Kyoto.

Face House

We started the day by visiting the Face House, a place I had always wanted to see. Built in the 1970s by Japanese architect Yamashita Kazumasa, the Face House showcases traditional Japanese architecture while incorporating contemporary design.

Though it was completely different from everything else we had seen in Kyoto, it was exciting to visit the Face House finally, even if we couldn’t go inside (it had served as home to an art studio and then a store, but seemed to be inaccessible on our visit). It was unique compared to nearly any other home in the world, and I absolutely loved it.

Fushimi Inari Taisha 

Next, we visited Fushimi Inari Taisha, arguably Kyoto’s — and perhaps even Japan’s — most famous and recognizable landmark. Fushimi Inari Taisha is an iconic Shinto shrine famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that wind up sacred Mount Inari.

Built in the eighth century, the shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Japanese god of rice and agriculture. It is also known and is known for its hundreds of statues of foxes, which are considered messengers.

The trails are lined with approximately 10,000 gates leading to the mountain’s summit, which takes about 2 hours to hike.

Since it was quite hot, we skipped the trek, especially since I had already done it on my first trip to Japan.

Fushimi Inari Taisha is easily accessed from Kyoto Station. From Kyoto Station, you can take the JR Nara Line to Inari Station. Alternatively, you can take the Keihan Line to Fushimi Inari Station, which is about a 7-minute walk from the shrine.

Kyoto Tower

Lastly, we went to the Kyoto Tower for the observation deck. The 100-meter (328-foot) observation deck is the highest in the city and provides panoramic views of the city.

The observation deck offered free telescopes to view many of the city’s historical sites. However, I had my camera (with a telephoto lens) with me to take pictures of famous temples and shrines from far away.

I captured this picture of Ryōzen Kannon Temple and Hōkan-ji Temple (both of which we’d visited the day prior) in the distance.

You could also see several trains arriving and departing from Kyoto Station. Every few minutes, a Shinkansen bullet train would zoom out of the station, adding to the lively scene.

What We Ate in Kyoto

Like my time in Tokyo and Osaka, much of what we ate was either street food or random restaurants with an enticing menu. Here’s a look at some foods we ate in Kyoto.

1. Ramen

Since ramen is my wife’s favorite food, we spent a lot of time at ramen restaurants. Fortunately, there are numerous ramen restaurants across Kyoto (and much of Japan). Additionally, ramen is relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to restaurants across the U.S. Typically, we could get a ramen bowl for around ¥1,000 (about $7).

2. Sushi

While ramen is my wife’s favorite food, sushi is mine. As expected, you can find a sushi bar or restaurant quite easily. Although sushi can be expensive, we opted to eat at cost-effective conveyor chains — most notably Sushiro and Kura Sushi.

At these chains, you can choose any plates from the conveyor belt or use a tablet to order something specific. You pay based on your chosen plate color, with different colors indicating different price points.

3. Konbini

Konbini, or Japanese convenience stores, are one-stop shops on almost every street in major cities across Japan. The most popular Konbini are 7-Eleven, Lawson, and Family Mart.

While convenience store food may not sound particularly appealing, it’s actually quite the opposite. That’s because convenience stores in Japan are vastly different from those in other countries. You can actually find some delicious, fresh food here.

At konbini, we primarily ate onigiri (the triangular Japanese rice balls and seafood wrapped in nori), bento boxes, soba (buckwheat noodles), gyudon (beef rice bowls), and kushikatsu (fried meat skewers).

Final Thoughts

Despite having visited Kyoto several times in the past, I love the city. It is filled with an endless number of shrines and temples, and it has such a fascinating history.

Kyoto just has so much to offer, and I cannot wait to visit the city again in the near future.