3 days in Kyoto
Seventeen World Heritage sites and a thousand quiet gardens. A 3-day plan.
Japan's capital for over a thousand years, Kyoto is a city of temples, moss gardens and wooden machiya townhouses. Rise early and you will have the most famous places almost to yourself.
Day by day
Day 1: Eastern temples
Arrive at Kiyomizu-dera early, walk the Higashiyama lanes, follow the Philosopher's Path to Ginkaku-ji and see Gion at dusk.
Day 2: Arashiyama and the Golden Pavilion
Walk the bamboo grove at sunrise, visit Tenryū-ji, see Kinkaku-ji in the afternoon and graze Nishiki Market.
Day 3: Fushimi Inari and Nara
Hike through Fushimi Inari's torii gates early, then take the train to Nara's temples and deer.
Make it work
- Best months: Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov. See the season calendar.
- Book ahead: the most popular sights and restaurants, especially in peak season.
- Where to eat along the way: Nishiki Market, Omen, Kikunoi.
- Getting around: Buses reach most temples but crowd easily; combine them with the subway and private railways.
Short on time, or staying longer?
With less time, keep the first days and skip the day trip. With more, add a slower day for a neighbourhood from our best areas to stay, or choose more from the full list of things to do.
Opening days and times change, and some sights close one day a week. Check before you go. Last reviewed October 2026.