Kyoto Itinerary for 2 Days

Fushimi Inari Taisha (Fushimi Inari Shrine) is one of the most popular Shinto shrines in all of Kyoto. The shrine is famous for its endless arcades of thousands of vermilion torii gates along the 4km pathway up the sacred mountain Inari (233 meters). The head shrine of Inari represents approx. 40000 Inari shrines throughout Japan.

Address: 68 Fukakusa, Yabunouchi-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, 612-0882

Kiyomizu-dera or "Pure Water Temple" is one of the most famous and popular Buddhist temples in Japan. Kiyomizu-dera was founded in 778. The main hall with its wooden stage hovering 13 meters above ground is a masterpiece of Japanese temple architecture and a tourist hotspot. In 1994 the temple was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0862

Gion near the Yasaka Shrine is the largest and most popular Geisha district in Kyoto. The historical area with many traditional wooden teahouses and machiya houses stretches from the south side of Shijo Street to the north side of Hanamikoji Street. The number of Geisha in this area is the highest in Kyoto. Walk here in the early evening and enjoy the lantern-lit streets. The most beautiful spots are the Shirakawa Canal and the Hanamikoji Street.

Kinkaku-ji officially named Rokuonji Temple is a three-story building with a height of 12.5 meters. The two upper stories are completely covered in gold leaf. It is one of the most popular buildings in Japan and a perfect example of the construction style during the Muromachi period (1337 - 1573). A special photo highlight is to capture the reflection of the golden building in the water of the pond.

Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361

The park is one of the most famous cherry blossom spots in Kyoto. Especially the 12m tall and over 80 years old Shidarezakura (weeping cherry tree) is the main photo attraction during the cherry blossom season. I came here at night when the tree was illuminated. It was an unforgettable experience.

Address: 473 Maruyama-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0071

The origin of the Yasaka Shrine is dating back to the year 656. Yasaka-jinja became the headquarters of over 2000 sub-shrines all over Japan with the same name and Susanoo-no-Mikoto shrines. Every evening hundreds of lanterns (sponsored by local businesses) get lit and create a unique atmosphere. Most of the existing buildings at the shrine complex are from a reconstruction project in 1654 under the order of shogun Tokugawa Ietsuna (1641 - 1680).

Address: 625 Gion-machi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0073

The Pontocho Alley is one of my favorite streets in the city. It is located within the popular Kawaramachi shopping district in the heart of Kyoto along the Kamogawa River. The Edo-time atmosphere along this narrow alley is just outstandingly beautiful with many old traditional wooden buildings, tea houses, shops, bars, and amazing restaurants.

Arashiyama ("Storm Mountain") is a very popular district for locals and tourists especially during cherry blossom season (sakura) and autumn. The district located on the western outskirts of Kyoto is a nationally designated Historic Site. After your arrival, you will see the famous landmark the Togetsukyo Bridge ("Moon Crossing Bridge"). The whole district is full of interesting sightseeing spots

Address: Arashiyama Higashiichikawacho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 616-0002

Togetsukyo Bridge (literally "moon crossing bridge"), which spans the Katsura River, is one of the highlights and iconic landmarks within the beautiful Arashiyama district in Kyoto. When crossing the 155-meter long bridge enjoy the stunning scenery, especially during the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn leaves season.

Address: 1-5 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, 616-8384

The tall thick green moso bamboo stalks (5 to 10 m high) create a unique and mystic atmosphere. Narrow paths lead through this fairy-tale bamboo forest and offer the perfect picture opportunity on every corner. The early morning is the best time to come here.

Address: 6 Sagakamenoocho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, 616-8386

Tenryu-ji Temple has the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. It is the head temple of the Rinzai Zen Buddhism School. The outstanding feature of the temple complex is the Sogenchi Garden (Sogenchi Teien). It received the status of a Site of Special Historic and Scenic Importance by the Japanese government..

Address: 68 Susukinobaba-cho, Saga Tenryu-ji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, 616-8385

Enjoy a riverboat cruise from the city of Kameoka to the beautiful Arashiyama district in Kyoto. It takes you approx. 2 hours and you follow the river for a total length of 16 km. You will fall in love with the surrounding nature and the absolute highlight is when in autumn the leaves turn into an ocean of yellow, red, and orange.

Ryoan-ji (Peaceful Dragon Temple) in Kyoto belongs to the most famous Zen Temples in Japan. The reason for this status is its rock garden with 15 stones called Sekitei. In 1450 Hosokawa Katsumoto, a feudal lord, established the temple. The large Kyoyochi Pond at the temple grounds is also part of my best cherry blossom spots in Kyoto list.

Address: 13 Ryoanji Goryonoshitacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, 616-8001

The Nishiki Market is also called Kyoto's Kitchen. More than 100 small shops sell a huge variety of street food and kitchen items. The narrow shopping street is only five blocks long, but it's full of Japanese pickles (Tsukemono), sweets, ramen, sushi, yakitori, mochi, and much more. The market has a history of over 400 years and was founded in 1615. Come here and let your taste bubbles explode :)

Address: Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, 604-8055

I have visited Japan nearly every year since 2004. This is my collection of the 100 best moments in my favorite country. Enjoy the pictures and I hope you will start your own journey soon.
Find out more >

Reading books is a great source of inspiration for me. Check out my recommended list of books about the fascinating country Japan.
My Book recommendations >