How To Make The Most Of Your Time In Kyoto

Let’s be real here, Japan is confusing to plan by yourself.

It involves fast travel. And if you don’t get each city just right, you’ll miss things off your bucket list.

Kyoto was one spot we found tricky to coordinate. We wasted SO much time zigzagging across the city.

So, here’s a list of Kyoto’s top spots in order of proximity:

Kyoto’s Top Spots In Order Of Proximity

FUSHIMI DISTRICT

Fushimi Inari Shrine - 15 minutes by train from Kyoto Station, this is where you’ll find the iconic red torii gates

MINAMI

Toji Temple - a 12-minute train ride from Fushimi Inari, you can wander around Toji temple, home to Kyoto’s tallest pagoda

NAKAGYO

Nijo Castle - take a 15-minute train ride and you’ll hit beautiful Nijo Castle

Nishiki Market - from Nijo Castle, you can walk 20 minutes to the market. Go hungry, aim for lunch time

HIGASHIYAMA

Gion - it’s a 15-minute walk from the market to Kyoto’s famous geisha district. Early evening has the best feel to it

Sannenzaka and Nenenzaka - 15 mins walk from Gion, you’ll find the cute cobbled streets packed with tea houses, by far our favorite Kyoto spot

Yasaka Pagoda - another 5-minute walk from Sannenzaka and you’ll hit the iconic five-story pagoda. This is your photo spot

Kiyomizu-dera Temple - from Yasaka Pagoda, it’s a 10-minute uphill walk to the temple, especially beautiful in cherry blossom season

KITA

Kinkaku-ji Temple - take a 30-minute train ride from Kyoto Station to the Golden Pavilion

UKYO

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest - a 25-minute train ride further on brings you to the famous bamboo grove. You’ll want to allocate 1-2 hours here

Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple - it’s a 10 min walk from the forest to this temple. It has a small, uncrowded bamboo forest similar to Arashiyama

NAKAGYO

Pontocho Alley - a 20-minute walk from Gion or a quick train ride, it’s an awesome spot after dark! A narrow alley packed with cozy bars and restaurants

This is best split into 2 or 3 days. But if you have less time, Higashiyama and Nakagyo are 2 unmissable districts!

Heading to Tokyo, Osaka or Kanazawa? Check our top tips on ways to make the most of your time in each of these cities!