Travel to Kyoto: what to do in 3 days?
Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and the residence of the Emperor, Kyoto was one of the highlights of my first trip around Japan.
Steeped in imperial and religious tradition, the city immediately strikes you with its timeless atmosphere as soon as you arrive. Its location is also strategic for anyone planning a broader itinerary — thanks to excellent Shinkansen connections to southern Japan, the west, and of course, Tokyo.
If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto, know that the city is not just about ryokans and temples — it’s also full of nightlife, and Onsen!
What to see in Kyoto in 3 days
I visited Kyoto twice, about three years apart, and I can confidently say that three full days — if well planned — are enough to experience the city. Of course, it all depends on how much time you have and what kind of visit you want to make. Personally, there are many spots away from the main tourist areas that are absolutely worth mentioning, if only to escape the constant crowds that fill the city.
If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto and it’s your first time visiting Japan, you can’t skip the city’s most famous landmarks. But I’ll also share a few lesser-known gems that will leave you speechless.
Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Zen Temple located in the northern area of Kyoto, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s one of the city’s most visited landmarks and is almost always crowded with tourists.
Kiyomizu-dera, in my opinion one of the most beautiful and impressive temples in Japan — also a UNESCO World Heritage Site — stands majestically overlooking the city.
Fushimi Inari, the Shinto shrine of Fushimi Inari, is probably the most photographed site in Kyoto. Located in the southern part of the city, it’s world-famous for its trail leading up Mount Inari, lined with hundreds of red torii gates. Along the way, you can stop at scenic spots to admire small prayer areas with typical Shinto altars and architecture.
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Higashiyama, on the other hand, is a historic district near the Kiyomizu-dera Temple — one of the best places to soak up the atmosphere of traditional Kyoto. The nearby Gion district, surrounded by wooden houses and small artisan shops, offers a similar charm. If you’re lucky, you might even spot Geishas at sunset walking through the narrow alleys. As you head down from Higashiyama toward the river, Gion stretches out to the right.
Nishiki Market is definitely a place that fascinates anyone visiting Japan for the first time — and it was the same for me. I had some of the best sashimi of my life there, and the mochi you’ll find are simply unmatched. In my opinion, it’s one of the best spots to try fresh sushi and sashimi at a reasonable price. Lately, however — like many other places — it has become a popular tourist destination thanks to social media, and truth be told, there are better spots in Kyoto for food lovers.
Hidden gems in Kyoto
If you’re looking for some hidden gems away from the tourist crowds, these spots are definitely worth adding to your 3-day Kyoto itinerary. They’re quieter, lesser-known places where you can truly relax and experience the authentic, sacred atmosphere of the city.
Adashino NenbutsujiIl Temple
Adashino Temple is a complex located in the northwest part of the city, near the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. It’s a bit inconvenient to reach from the city center — you’ll need to take a subway and then a bus — but it’s absolutely worth the trip. In the same area, you can also visit Seiryōji Temple (Saga Shakadō), which I’ll mention later on.
Adashino is a place of pure silence, surrounded by nature. It features an ancient cemetery that gives the temple’s architecture a truly unique character. There’s also a small bamboo grove that can easily replace a visit to the much more crowded Arashiyama.
Seiryōji temple (Saga Shakadō)
Seiryōji Temple (Saga Shakadō) is a true oasis of peace. On the road leading to Adashino, it’s definitely a stop worth making. This impressive Buddhist complex is well worth the small entrance fee — not only to see the interior, but especially to explore its beautiful garden.
Kyoto has only two subway lines, but the city’s area is far from small. The Karasuma Line runs from south to north, while the Tozai Line crosses it from west to east. You’ll most likely arrive at Kyoto Station by Shinkansen, and from there you can take the Karasuma Line to reach the city center and then continue to your hotel. We used the Suica card (like in most parts of Japan), conveniently added to the wallet on our phones — super easy to recharge via credit card or, in our case, Apple Pay.
Buses, on the other hand, are extremely common, frequent, and useful for reaching destinations not covered by the subway or regional trains. To get to Adashino, for example, you’ll need to take the subway first and then transfer to a bus heading toward the city’s northwest area.
Also important are the regional Keihan and Nara railway lines, used respectively to reach Fushimi Inari and Nara. Both pass through the city and can easily be used with your IC card.
Buses, on the other hand, are very frequent and widely used, helping you reach destinations not served by the subway or regional trains. To get to Adashino, for example, you’ll take the subway and then transfer to a bus heading to the northwest part of the city.
The regional Keihan and Nara railway lines are also very important, used respectively to reach Fushimi Inari and Nara. They run through the city, and you can easily use your IC card on them.
Food in Kyoto, 2025 update!
Since our hotel didn’t include breakfast, on both mornings we looked for places serving coffee or a Western-style breakfast — and I have to say, Kyoto surprised us here too! We stayed at the Daiwa Roynet Hotel on the Karasuma Line, Shijo station — excellent for its central location, cleanliness, and friendly staff.
We had breakfast at these two spots:
- The Bridge: a Western-style bakery with cappuccinos and truly well-made cakes.
- Dunstan Roastery: a small corner of paradise run by a friendly Japanese barista, serving only coffee and cappuccinos — no food. The quality is amazing, though unfortunately everything is served in plastic.
- Gyu-Kaku at Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi: offers various all-you-can-eat Yakiniku meat menus. Prices range from €28 to €40 per person, depending on the cut and quality of the meat you choose.
- Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera Kyoto: a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant where different types of nigiri and maki are served on plates of different colors, indicating the quality of the fish. The price per person, leaving full, is around €35 including a drink.
