Planning 2 days in Kyoto? This comprehensive Kyoto 2 day itinerary will help you make the most of your stay in Japan’s cultural heart. I’ve included top things to do, best places to stay, how to get around, and practical tips for an unforgettable visit. As a travelling parent, I’ve also included recommendations to help other parents visiting Kyoto with kids.
For first-time visitors to Japan, Kyoto is likely high on your list of must-see destinations—and for good reason. Kyoto is brimming with cultural and historic sights to explore. The city offers a striking contrast to the bustling modern cities of Tokyo and Osaka. From wandering through the red torii gates at Fushimi Inari, experiencing a traditional tea ceremony in the historic geisha (geiko) district of Gion, getting lost in the endless bamboo groves of Arashiyama, and marvelling at the majestic Kinkaku-Ji (Golden Pavillion).
I imagined Kyoto would be a lot smaller. I expected to step out of at Kyoto Station and be immediately surrounded by the historic charm and traditional neighbourhoods Kyoto is known for. Instead, the area surrounding Kyoto Station is just like any other large city in Japan. The chain stores and office buildings give no hint that you have set foot in a city home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites. You need to venture out of the centre to enjoy the historic sights. You also need to plan your stay carefully to make the most of your time in this incredible city.
With only 2 days in Kyoto, it’s essential to plan your itinerary wisely. The top attractions are spread around the outskirts of the city, and there are significant distances getting between some of the main sights. This Kyoto 2 day itinerary is designed to maximise your time and experience the best this incredible city.
In this Kyoto 2 day itinerary post
- Is Kyoto family friendly? My honest thoughts
- Where to stay in Kyoto
- 2 days in Kyoto: Day 1
- 2 days in Kyoto: Day 2
- Other things to do in Kyoto
- Getting to Kyoto
Is Kyoto family friendly? My honest thoughts
Kyoto is a must-see destination if you’re visiting Japan, including with kids. We had a fantastic time exploring Kyoto with our toddler and learning more about Japanese history and culture. I would highly recommend Kyoto with kids, but there some things to be aware of to make the most of your stay.
It is particularly important to plan out your days and logistics in Kyoto if you have a nap schedule to work around, or your little one can’t walk far. Kyoto isn’t a compact city where you can walk between sights. Kyoto also doesn’t have the extensive metro system of Osaka or Tokyo. Some spots rely on buses rather than trains, which can be more challenging with a stroller (but still doable).
We found it easier visiting smaller, walkable towns with our toddler (like Nara and Kanazawa). We also found the metro systems of Tokyo and Osaka easier to navigate than the transport system in Kyoto. But Kyoto’s public transport system is still far better than many cities I’ve visited outside of Japan.
In saying all of that, we had a fantastic time in Kyoto and I am so glad we visited with our toddler. We just needed to do a bit more planning to make the most of our time. I’ve included tips throughout this itinerary to help make travelling to Kyoto with young kids easier.
This Kyoto 2 day itinerary is quite full, designed with an active traveller in mind. You can follow this Kyoto 2 day itinerary with kids if they are at a stage where they can be out for most of each day. This itinerary could easily be spread over 2.5 – 3 days if you have the extra time.
Kyoto 2 day itinerary: Getting around Kyoto
I’ve written this Kyoto 2 day itinerary to minimise travel times where possible, but many of the main attractions sit around the outskirts of Kyoto. You will need to take both buses and trains to visit the main sights on this itinerary.
On day 1, you can take the train to Fushimi Inari Taisha and the Gion district. On day 2, you can train to Arashiyama and back into town to Pontocho Alley. There are no trains that will get you close to Kiyomizu-Dera on day 1, or Kinkaku-Ji (Golden Pavillion) on day 2. You will need to take a bus or taxi, or walk 20-25 minutes from the closest train station.
Trains in Kyoto
The train system is easy to use and runs similarly to other networks in Japan. Simply use a prepaid travel card (such as ICOCA or Suica). You can also buy individual tickets at the booths before each journey. We found prepaid travel cards much easier and saved us time buying tickets for each journey. Some lines are also covered by the JR Pass: We were able to use our JR Pass to get to Fushimi Inari Taisha and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Buses in Kyoto
There are a few things you should know if you’re taking the bus in Kyoto. Like the rest of Japan’s transport system, the buses run on time, so be sure to arrive early. Get on the bus using the back door and leave using the front door. Take a ticket from the machine by the back door when you get on, and pay the flat fee using the ticket machine as you leave through the front door.
Tip: Given you only have 2 days in Kyoto, consider taking a taxi between Arashiyama and Kinkaku-Ji on day 2 of this itinerary. The drive should take about 25 minutes, but can take 60-80 minutes using public transport.
Allow at least 2 days in Kyoto
I would recommend allowing at least 2 full days to explore Kyoto, but you could easily spend a lot longer here. 3 days would allow you to do this itinerary at a more leisurely pace. Kyoto is also a good base for day trips to other cities, including Nara, Osaka, Kobe, and Uji.
Kyoto 2 day itinerary: Where to stay
It’s especially important to pick a good location if you only have 2 days in Kyoto so that you can make the most of your time exploring. For this Kyoto 2 day itinerary, I would recommend staying in the Higashiyama area if possible. Otherwise, central Kyoto is also a great option as long as you are close to a train station.
I found it difficult to pick an area to stay in Kyoto with a lively atmosphere and easy access to public transport. Many of the hotels that met our needs were more than a 10-minute walk to the nearest train line, and weren’t close to any of the sights that we wanted to visit.
Higashiyama
Higashiyama is the ideal area to stay for this Kyoto itinerary. It’s close to many of the sights, while also being close to public transport. Higashiyama is a relatively large area though and parts of it are hilly, so it pays to check out distances from public transport before booking. If you stay in central Higashiyama you will be able to walk back to your accommodation at the end of each day on this itinerary.
Accommodation options in Higashiyama:
- Hotel Granbell: mid-range, modern hotel offering a range of room options. Perfectly positioned walking distance to the sights in Gion while also being a 2-minute walk to the nearest train station.
- Hotei-an Holiday Rental: mid-range, traditional 2-bedroom home in South Higashiyama. Hotei-an is a 2-minute walk from the train but not walking distance to Gion or the other sights in Higashiyama.
- Hyatt Regency Kyoto: luxury accommodation in the heart of the Higashiyama area with cots available on request.
- Ritz-Carlton Kyoto: This luxury hotel is a 2-minute walk to public transport and quite close to Higashiyama attractions. They also have free cots available on request.
Other places to stay in Kyoto
There are plenty of other great places in central Kyoto that still work well with this Kyoto 2 day itinerary. While Higashiyama is the ideal area to stay if you have 2 days in Kyoto, I found there weren’t many budget or family-friendly options in Higashiyama.
The below options are all highly-rated and are less than a 10-minute walk from the nearest train station:
- Budget-friendly accommodation in central Kyoto:
- Family-friendly mid-range accommodation in central Kyoto:
- The General Kyoto (cots available on request)
- Mimaru Apartments Kyoto (free cots available on request).
Day 1: Kyoto 2 day itinerary
Day 1 of this itinerary starts with 2 iconic sights: Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kiyomizu-Dera. They are both must-see spots, which also means they can get really busy. Start your day early if you want to avoid the crowds.
A lot of the information we read before visiting said to get to Fushimi Inari at 6am if you want to visit when it’s quiet. But don’t stress if you aren’t an early riser! We weren’t able to get to Fushimi Inari until mid-morning when we visited Kyoto with our toddler in May. While the start of the torii gate path was packed, we didn’t find the crowds too bad overall at either Fushimi Inari or Kiyomizu-Dera.
Fushimi Inari Taisha (Torii Gate Shrine)
Allow 1.5 – 2 hours (or up to 3 hours if you are hiking the back trail)
Open 24 hours
Admission is free
Getting there: Take the train to Fushimi Inari Station (the shrine grounds are a 2-minute walk from the station)
Fushimi Inari Taisha Official Website
Start your 2 days in Kyoto with a visit to the Fushimi Inari Taisha. This shrine is famous for its thousands of torii gates that frame the winding paths up Mount Inari. Take your time wandering the trail. Look for the fox statues throughout the complex, seen as sacred messengers. The torii gates themselves are donated by individuals and companies, and the Japanese characters on the gates are the names of the donors.
If you keep following the track it will eventually take you all the way up Mount Inari. The full loop walk will take 2-3 hours, or walk as far as you like before returning back the way you came. The torii gates reduce as you get further up the path, but so do the crowds. When we visited, the first few hundred metres was packed with tourists but the crowds thinned out the further we got up the trail.
About halfway up the mountain you will arrive at a steep set of stairs. It is at this point that the trail turns into a circular route and stops being stroller friendly. There are some food options and lovely views at this point, making it a great place to stop before continuing back down (or continuing on to do the rest of the trail).
Tip for parents with strollers: The first half of the Fushimi Inari trail is relatively stroller friendly. After about 30-45 minutes, you will reach a steep set of stairs that connects the main path with the back circuit. The back circuit has stairs and uneven tracks. I’d recommend a front pack if you’re looking to do the full track with your little one. But you might want to pick up your stroller before continuing on this Kyoto 2 day itinerary.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Allow 1 – 1.5 hours
Open: 6am – 6pm (6.30pm in July and August). Special night viewings available some weeks during summer, see the official website for more information.
Admission: Main hall 500 Y for adults, 200 Y for school children, and free for preschoolers.
Getting there: From Fushimi Inari, ride the train about 4 stops from Fushimi-Inari Station to Kiyomizu-Gojo Station (takes about 7 minutes). Kiyomizu-dera is a 25 minute uphill walk from the station. A taxi can be a good option if you’re travelling with kids. There are buses available but these will only reduce your walk time to about 15 minutes.
Kiyomizu-Dera Official Website
The next stop on your Kyoto 2 day itinerary is the hilltop temple complex: Kiyomizu-dera. Take your time making your way uphill through the temple grounds. Be sure to stop at the different halls and thousand stone Buddhas along the way. At the top of the hill you will reach the main hall, an incredible building constructed without a single nail. The main hall sits amongst the trees and provides breathtaking views over the city.
Walk through the main hall to the inner sanctuary, which truly feels like a tree house. From there, continue on the path down to the Otowa waterfall. While it is called a waterfall, you will see 3 small streams. These represent love, success, and longevity. You can drink from the streams, but you can only pick 2. Drinking from all 3 streams is seen as greedy!
Tips for visiting with strollers: The Kiyomizu-Dera grounds are stroller friendly. There’s an alternative route up to the main hall (rather than up the stairs through the other halls). Follow the path on the left from the entrance.
Atmospheric streets and pagoda views: Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka
Allow 1 – 3 hours to explore the streets, visit the stores, and have lunch.
Your next stops on your Kyoto 2 day itinerary are the atmospheric lanes of Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, and the surrounding streets. These winding hilly lanes are lined with perfect traditional buildings that are now home to stores selling everything from homewares to souvenirs. There are also plenty of options for lunch here, whether you are after a quick bite to eat, a long lunch, or a sweet treat.
Leave Kiyomizu-Dera through the Niomon Gate, and stroll along Matsubara Street. Take a right onto Sannenzaka and then right again onto Ninenzaka. Make sure to return back to Sannenzaka and continue down the hill. It is here you will get incredible views of the Hokan-Ji temple and Yasaka Pagoda framed by the traditional buildings that line the narrow streets.
Tips for visiting with a stroller: Most of these streets are stroller friendly, but they are hilly and there are stairs at the end of both Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. We still found it easier to take the stroller than a baby carrier for our toddler because of the distances covered. It also made it easier to pop into shops.
Gion Neighbourhood, Tea Ceremony, and Geisha (Geiko)
Allow 1-3 hours or more depending on what you want to do. A tea ceremony often takes around an hour, and walking tours are often around 2 hours.
Explore the wider Gion area: Kyoto’s traditional geisha entertainment district. There is plenty to see and do beyond Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. Get lost wandering the atmospheric streets and visit one of the many charming teahouses. We really enjoyed doing a Gion walking tour to learn more about the Gion district and the significance of different spots in the area.
Gion district
The Gion district is also the setting of the book Memoirs of a Geisha. While the movie was not filmed there, as it now looks too modern, the set was based on Kyoto. You will recognise many of the scenes from the movie, including the Tatsumi Bridge. Fans can also enjoy this Memoirs of a Geisha Private Walking Tour to learn more about the area and geisha (called geiko in Kyoto).
Other things to do in Gion
Gion is the perfect place to experience a traditional tea ceremony. This tea ceremony in a traditional tea house is a fantastic option (although it is not suitable for children under 7). If you’re wanting to wear a traditional kimono then Gion is also a perfect place to rent one.
Gion is home to park grounds, temples, and shrines. We enjoyed visiting Maruyama Park and the Yasaka Shrine (not to be confused with the Yasaka Pagoda) when we were in Gion.
Good to know: You might have seen headlines that Gion is closed to tourists, but that is simply not true. Some small private streets in Gion are not open to the public and are blocked off. This is to respect the privacy of the owners and geisha (geiko) working in the area. It is also prohibited to take photos of geisha and there are some areas where photos are prohibited. All of the main streets are still open in Gion and it is still a fantastic area to visit.
Gion Corner Show
Performance is about 1 hour (arrive 10-15 minutes early to be seated).
Open: Performances are at 6pm and 7pm, 7 days a week (or Tuesday – Friday from December to March).
Admission: 5,500 Y for adults, 3,300 Y for children, and free for children under 6 years.
Gion Corner Show Tickets
The perfect way to end your first day in Kyoto is with a show at Gion Corner. This is a showcase of 7 traditional Japanese performing arts combined into an hour long performance. You will see a geisha (geiko) dance, tea ceremony, Japanese theatre, and kyogen comedy.
The Gion Corner was a great way to see a range of traditional Japanese performances in a short time. Children are also welcome. I wouldn’t have wanted to attempt to take my toddler to a traditional tea ceremony or dance, so this was a perfect option for us.
Day 2: Kyoto 2 day itinerary
Arashiyama: Bamboo grove and riverside walk
Allow 1-2 hours. Allow more time if you are visiting Tenryu-Ji, hiring a rowboat, or stopping for a meal
Entry to the bamboo forest is free and it is open 24/7
Getting there: From Kyoto Station, take the San-In line 20 minutes to Saga-Arashiyama Station. The bamboo grove is a flat 12-minute walk from the station.
On your second day in Kyoto, venture to the picturesque haven of Arashiyama. The area is famous for the towering bamboo groves, but is also a beautiful district situated along the river. The area has plenty of picturesque streets to explore, as well as plenty of places to eat and pick up souvenirs.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Head to the Arashiyama bamboo groves first – one of the most iconic spots in Kyoto. This serene forest of bamboo stretches about a kilometre and is simply magical, with the light filtering through the dense trees as they bend in the breeze. You also visit Tenryu-ji Temple and Zen Garden while you are here after 8.30am when it opens. The temple grounds back on to the bamboo forest path.
Other things to do in Arashiyama
From the bamboo forest, continue through Arashiyama Park down to the river. Walking along the river is incredibly peaceful and quiet compared to the bamboo forest. We had planned to hire a rowboat, but unfortunately the boat hire was closed due to ude to heavy rain the day before.
You can enjoy an early lunch at one of the many eateries in Arashiyama or enjoy a picnic on one of the bench seats by the river. Many of the restaurants are quite traditional. We chose to pack a picnic lunch for our toddler to have by the river, and then we enjoyed lunch at a nearby restaurant.
If you are close to Arashiyama Station, then consider a visit to the ‘kimono forest’. This is a short path out the back of the station with pillars adorned with different kimono fabrics. Our toddler enjoyed roaming freely down the path while we admired the kimono.
Tip to avoid crowds: Arrive early if possible and walk the whole path (don’t stay by the entrance). Like Fushimi Inari Taisha, we were told that you need to arrive at the bamboo forest at 6am. We arrived mid-morning with our toddler and found that some parts of the forest were packed, while other parts were surprisingly quiet.
Arashiyama Monkey Park
Allow 1-1.5 hours
Open: 9am – 4pm 7 days
Admission: 600 yen for adults, 300 yen for children 4-15 years, children under 4 are free
Getting there: Cross Togetsukyo Bridge from the main part of Arashiyama and then it’s a 2 minute walk back along the river to the entrance. Once inside, be prepared for a 20-minute uphill walk inside the park to see the macaques.
Arashiyama Iwatayama Monkey Park Official Website
Many people who visit Japan want to see Japanese macaques during their stay. While some venture to Nagano to see the snow monkeys bathing in the natural onsen, the Arashiyama Monkey Park is a great way to see Japanese macaques in a semi-wild habitat during your time in Kyoto.
The monkey park is a ‘reverse zoo’ with visitors in a cage while the macaques roam on the outside. You can choose to stay inside the cage or wander around the outside, but it is important to follow the signs and exercise caution around the monkeys.
We visited the Ichitani-Munakata Shrine at the entrance to the monkey park, but we didn’t go inside as I was pregnant. I’m including the monkey park in this Kyoto 2 day itinerary as I know it is an essential stop for many travellers and families visiting Kyoto. It’s also easy to add on to your time in Arashiyama, being a short walk from the other spots.
Tip for visiting with kids: There is a 20-minute uphill walk once you get inside the monkey park, including some stairs.
Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavillion
Allow 1-2 hours
Open: 9am – 5pm 7 days
Admission: 500 yen for adults, 300 yen for school children, free for children under 5 years
Kinkaku-Ji Official Website
Getting there: Using public transport, the journey from Arashiyama takes at least an hour including a train and a bus, or 50 minutes including 2 trains and a 20 minute walk. A taxi is a great alternative if you’re short on time (it takes about 25 minutes). The Kinkaku-Ji Official Website has detailed options for getting there.
After exploring Arashiyama, make your way to Kinkaku-ji Temple. The famed Golden Pavilion is known for its top two floors covered completely in gold leaf. This UNESCO World Heritage site was originally built as the residence of a shogun, but was later converted to a temple. Kinkaku-ji sits by Kyoko-Chi pond, providing a perfect reflection on a still day.
The temple grounds include meticulously manicured gardens and other buildings, including a couple of teahouses.
Other than the teahouses, there are no food options inside the temple complex. There are restaurants and combinis near the entrance if you need to get something to eat after your visit.
Tips for visiting with a stroller: Most of the complex and gardens can be visited with a stroller. There are parts of the complex that have stairs, but you can follow the wheelchair accessible route and still see most of the grounds.
Evening in Pontocho Alley
End your Kyoto 2 day itinerary with an evening at Pontocho Alley. This narrow, enchanting alley runs parallel to the Kamo river and is home to many restaurants and bars. You can easily spend an evening here enjoying Japanese cuisine and hospitality. Many of the venues on the east side of Pontocho Alley have decks that look over the river.
You can enjoy Pontocho Alley even if you are travelling with kids. There are lots of casual dining options, including some of the spots overlooking the river. Pontocho Alley also has a park with a basic playground about half way down the lane.
There are walking food tours that you can do along Pontocho Alley. This casual Pontoncho evening food tour is highly rated and includes 5 different food stops.
Kyoto 2 day itinerary: Other things to do in Kyoto
There are plenty of other things to do if you have more than 2 days in Kyoto. I’ve put together some top recommendations below:
- Enjoy fresh seafood and street eats at Nishiki Market. A guided food tour is a great way to sample a range of local foods and learn more about Kyoto’s culinary heritage.
- Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence and gardens of the imperial family.
- Walk along the Philosopher’s Path, a beautiful trail running alongside a canal. Enjoy the beautiful nearby temples of Ginkaku-ji Temple and Honen-in Temple.
- Visit Tofukuji Temple and the oldest zen gate in Japan.
- There are several highly-rated museums in downtown Kyoto, including the Kyoto International Manga Museum, and the Samurai Ninja Museum Kyoto.
- Visit Nijo Castle, the former shogun residence.
- Take a day trip to see the magical deer in Nara. You can check out my one day in Nara guide with a full itinerary and practical tips.
- Kyoto is also a great base to other neighbouring cities, including Osaka, Kobe, and Uji, as well as the mountain village of Kibune.
Getting to Kyoto
If you’re following my Japan Itinerary: Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors, you’ll be arriving in Kyoto from Tokyo or Hakone.
- Tokyo to Kyoto: Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station. The journey takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
- Hakone to Kyoto: Take the Shinkansen from Odawara Station to Kyoto Station. The journey takes around 2 hours.
If you are flying into Kyoto from overseas, you will land at Kansai International Airport near Osaka. The quickest option to get to Kyoto is the JR Haruka Limited Express. This takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes to get to Kyoto Station. The JR Rapid service trains take about 1 hour and 40 minutes to get to Kyoto Station.
This concludes my Kyoto 2 day itinerary. I hope this blog has inspired you to visit Kyoto and helped you plan the perfect Kyoto 2 day itinerary. If you’re travelling with kids, I also hope this takes away some of the stress of travelling to Kyoto with kids.
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