Kyoto Sightseeing Course in 1 Day
Shinobu"What should I see when I come to Kyoto?”
If this is you, here is a one-day sightseeing plan that allows you to efficiently visit Kyoto's representative spots.
This itinerary is designed so that you can enjoy Kyoto's history, nature, food, cityscape, and culture from morning to night.
It is also perfect for first timers to Kyoto.
Now, let's start your unforgettable trip!
Contents
- 9:00 - 10:00 Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
- 10:30 - 11:30 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 12:00 - 13:00 Lunch in Gion
- 13:30 - 14:30 Ninja Experience Cafe
- 15:00 - 17:00 Ginkakuji Temple and Philosopher's Path
- 18:00 - 19:30 Dinner at Pontocho
- 19:30 - 21:00 Hanamikoji Street in Gion and Yasaka Shrine Light-up
- Transportation Tips
- Summary
1. 9:00 - 10:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Access: 5 minutes from Kyoto Station by JR Nara Line
Start your one-day sightseeing tour of Kyoto at the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.
It is conveniently only a 1-minute walk from “Inari Station” on the JR Nara Line.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is famous for its “Senbon-torii,” a series of red gates.
By visiting in the quiet morning hours, you can avoid the crowds and enjoy the mystical atmosphere as you slowly walk under the torii gates.
The red gate overwhelming the road is truly a sight to behold and a spot where one can experience the beauty of Japanese culture.
Here, you can take your time to enjoy the sacred air and take pictures as well as worshipping.
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Official Website
For more information, visit our article Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - a beautiful Kyoto power spot with 1,000 torii gates
2. 10:30 - 12:00 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Access: 30 minutes by bus from Fushimi Inari
Next stop is Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of the most famous tourist attractions in Kyoto.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a symbol of Kyoto, with its beautiful garden and magnificent stage spread over a vast area.
Especially famous here is the view from the large stage known as “Kiyomizu no Butai” (stage of Kiyomizu).
The wooden stage is built to overhang the mountainside and offers a spectacular view of the city of Kyoto.
The surrounding area of Ninenzaka and San-nenzaka, where the streets of Kyoto's good old days continue, is also a highlight.
It is also a great place to buy souvenirs and enjoy a light meal.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple Official Website
For more information, visit our article Kiyomizudera Temple: Kyoto's best tourist spot for sceneries
3. 12:00 - 13:00 Lunch at Gion
Access: 10 minutes on foot from Kiyomizu Temple
Lunch is a time to savor Kyoto's representative gourmet foods.
In the Gion area, there are many restaurants where you can enjoy Kyoto cuisine and traditional Japanese dishes.
A stroll through the streets of Gion at lunchtime and a moment to savor the delicious cuisine unique to Kyoto is one of the pleasures of the trip.
4. 13:30 - 14:30 Ninja Experience Cafe
Access: about a few minutes walk after lunch at Gion
After lunch, stop by the Ninja Experience Cafe Kyoto Gion for a unique experience that will bring you closer to Japanese culture.
Here, you can transform into a ninja and have your picture taken, or try your hand at shuriken throwing and ninja training.
The Ninja Experience Café is a place where visitors can familiarize themselves with Japanese history and culture while adding a little playfulness to their sightseeing experience.
It is recommended for families, as it can be enjoyed by adults and children alike.
Ninja Experience Cafe Official Website
5. 15:00 - 17:00 Ginkakuji Temple and Philosopher's Path
Access: 30 minutes by taxi or bus from Gion
In the afternoon, we will enjoy Ginkakuji Temple and its surrounding area.
Ginkakuji Temple is a World Heritage-listed Zen Buddhist temple with a serene and beautiful garden and buildings.
After visiting Ginkakuji, take a walk along the “Tetsugaku-no-michi” (Philosopher's Path) on foot.
This path was named after the Japanese philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who used to take a walk and think about things.
While walking along the quiet path, you can enjoy the soothing time of nature in each of the four seasons.
Ginkakuji Official Website
6. 18:00 - 19:30 Dinner at Pontocho
Access: 25 minutes by taxi or bus from Ginkakuji Temple
At Pontocho, you can enjoy “kawayuka cuisine,” which is famous as a summer tradition in Kyoto.
Kawayuka are terrace seats set up along the river, where you can dine in the cool breeze while listening to the babbling stream of the river.
Pontocho is lined with many restaurants that offer kawadoko cuisine, where you can enjoy beautiful dishes made with seasonal ingredients.
Enjoy Kyoto's unique cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere while watching the cool river flow.
Travel Japan - The Official Japan Guide: Pontocho
7. 19:30 - 21:00 Hanamikoji in Gion and Yasaka Shrine Light-up
Access: 5 minute walk from Pontocho
To end the day, take a stroll through Gion at night.
Yasaka Shrine, lit up with lights, is a fantastically beautiful sight.
The surrounding streets are also illuminated by lanterns, creating an elegant scene.
While walking along Hanamikoji, if you are lucky, you may meet a maiko (apprentice geisha).
Let's end the day's sightseeing while enjoying the night atmosphere of Kyoto to the fullest.
8. Transportation Tips
Getting around Kyoto is convenient by bus and taxi.
Taking a taxi, especially between tourist attractions, is an efficient and time-efficient way to get around.
You can also purchase a one-day pass or ICOCA (IC card) at a station to make smooth use of the transportation system.
In Kyoto, where tourist attractions are spread out, the key is to plan your trip wisely.
For more information on ICOCA
9. Summary
To fully enjoy the charms of Kyoto in a single day, it is important to visit tourist attractions efficiently while enjoying cultural experiences and gastronomic delights at various locations.
This itinerary is recommended for first-timers to Kyoto, as it allows you to spend a full day enjoying the beauty of traditional Japanese temples and shrines, as well as the unique culture of Kyoto.
Although we could not include it in this course due to time constraints, there are many other famous spots in Kyoto, such as Kinkakuji Temple, Arashiyama, and Nishiki Market.
If you have more time, we recommend staying in Kyoto for one more day to visit these places.
You will be sure to enjoy all that Kyoto has to offer.
What are we?
We run Ninja Experience Cafe in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, Japan.
Here you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture through experiencing ninja training.
Both adults and children are welcome to try their hand at defeating the ninja master inside the cafe.
The cafe is an indoor interactive zone, so it can be enjoyed even on rainy days.
If you are thinking "I want to be a real ninja too!” or interested in becoming a real ninja, please visit us.
Reservations can be made here.
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