How to Spend 2 Days in Kyoto?Kyoto is a beautiful and historic city in Japan that attracts thousands of visitors from around the world. While two days may not seem like enough time to explore everything this city has to offer, it is still possible to make the most of your visit and have an enjoyable time. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or already familiar with the area, here is a guide to spending two days in Kyoto.

Day One: Explore the Old Town

Start your two days in Kyoto by drawing inspiration from two thousand years of history. The ancient capital of Japan is renowned for its traditional wooden town houses, historical temples and pagodas, and picturesque gardens.Begin the day by visiting two of Kyoto’s most iconic attractions: Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera. Both are Buddhist temples that feature stunning architectural designs, beautiful gardens, and are outstanding examples of traditional Japanese culture. If you have more time, spend a few hours wandering through the charming streets of Gion, where you can spot geisha on their way to appointments.

Day Two: Visit the Museums and Enjoy Japanese Food

On day two, explore the rest of Kyoto by visiting some of the numerous museums. The Kyoto International Manga Museum is a great option for manga fans, while the Museum of Kyoto at Kyoto University has exhibits ranging from ancient history to modern art. These are both excellent places to learn more about the culture and history of the city. For lunch, don’t miss the chance to sample some of the delicious Japanese cuisine on offer at Izusasa, a restaurant serving up Kyoto-style home cooked dishes in a warm atmosphere. For dinner, head to Gion and try a traditional kaiseki dinner at one of the area’s ryotei, or traditional restaurants. After dinner, take an evening stroll along Philosopher’s Path, a stone path that winds along a canal lined with cherry trees – perfect for contemplation or just watching the sun go down over Kyoto. Overall, there are so many amazing things to see and experience in Kyoto that it is hard to condense it into just two days – but with some advanced planning, you can make sure you capture the essence of this ancient city. From Buddhist temples and geisha spotting to delicious food and discovering great museums, spending two days in Kyoto is sure to give you plenty of lifelong memories.

An Insider’s Guide on How to Spend 2 Days in Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is a vibrant city that is known for its centuries-old temples, stunning gardens, and ancient traditions. The city is a perfect blend of modernity and antiquity, and it is one of the most popular destinations in Japan. If you only have two days to explore Kyoto, this insider’s guide will help you discover some of the city’s most enchanting attractions, delicious dining spots, and unique cultural experiences.

Day 1

Morning

Start your first day in Kyoto by visiting the Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. This temple is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and is known for its picturesque gold leaf facade. The surrounding gardens are equally stunning and offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto’s city streets.

After exploring the Kinkaku-ji Temple, make your way to the Ryoan-ji Temple. This temple is home to one of the most famous Zen rock gardens in Japan. Take some time to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and contemplate the seemingly random placement of the rocks.

Afternoon

For lunch, head to Nishiki Market, also known as Kyoto’s kitchen. This market offers a wide range of traditional Japanese foods and snacks. From sushi to grilled octopus, you are sure to find something that will tantalize your taste buds.

After you have satisfied your hunger at Nishiki Market, spend the afternoon exploring Higashiyama, Kyoto’s most charming district. This area is home to some of the city’s most beautiful temples, including the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which offers a stunning view of Kyoto’s skyline.

Evening

For dinner, head to Gion, Kyoto’s traditional entertainment district. Here, you can experience a true taste of Japan by dining in one of the city’s many izakayas or traditional Japanese pubs. After dinner, take a stroll through the lantern-lit streets of Gion and try to catch a glimpse of a geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) on their way to a teahouse.

Day 2

Morning

Start your second day in Kyoto by visiting the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. This shrine is famous for its thousands of torii gates, which stretch up the mountainside. The hike to the top takes around two hours, but the stunning views of Kyoto from the summit make it worth the effort.

Afternoon

For lunch, head to the Arashiyama district. This area is famous for its bamboo groves, which make for a stunning backdrop for a picnic lunch. After lunch, explore the Tenryu-ji Temple and its surrounding gardens. This area is also home to the Togetsukyo Bridge, which offers a picturesque view of the Hozu River.

Evening

End your trip to Kyoto in style by enjoying a traditional Kaiseki dinner. This multi-course meal is an essential part of Japanese culture and is a must-try when visiting Kyoto. Many of the city’s top restaurants offer Kaiseki dinners, but be sure to make a reservation in advance.

If you have some time to spare before your flight home, head to the Fushimi Sake District and try some of Kyoto’s famous sake. This area is home to some of the oldest distilleries in Japan and offers a unique glimpse into the country’s drinking culture.

Kyoto is one of the most enchanting cities in Japan, and two days is just enough time to get a glimpse of its rich history, unique traditions, and stunning landscapes. With this insider’s guide, you are sure to make the most of your trip to Kyoto.