Nishiki Market
Market
This 400-meter-long covered market is packed with local food stalls. Try the fried tofu, octopus skewers, and matcha treats, but avoid the stalls right at the entrance and head toward the center.
4.3(51,147 reviews)
Tenryu-ji
Buddhist temple
This temple houses the oldest Zen garden in Kyoto, dating back to 1339. The garden is designed to look different from every angle, so it is best viewed from inside the temple.
4.4(16,273 reviews)
Hanamikoji Street
attraction
This is the main street of the Gion district and the historic neighborhood of the geishas. If you walk here between 5:00 and 7:00 PM, you might spot real geishas on their way to appointments.
4.0(407 reviews)
Ninenzaka
Tourist attraction
This 17th-century stone-paved street is lined with traditional shops selling ceramics, matcha, and local crafts. It offers an authentic atmosphere far from generic tourist markets.
4.5(10,978 reviews)
Sannenzaka
Tourist attraction
A charming, historic stone-paved street from the 17th century, filled with traditional shops selling local goods. It is a perfect spot to experience the old-world charm of Kyoto.
4.4(16,286 reviews)
Ryōan-ji
Buddhist temple
This temple is home to the world's most famous rock garden, featuring 15 rocks placed on perfectly raked white gravel. Visitors have been coming here for 500 years to contemplate its meaning.
4.5(11,028 reviews)
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Scenic spot
This iconic bamboo forest features stalks reaching 20 meters in height. It is best to visit before 8:00 AM to avoid the crowds and fully appreciate the surreal atmosphere.
4.3(21,733 reviews)
Gion
Neighborhood
This historic district is filled with small izakayas that serve kaiseki meals. It is a great place to experience traditional dining in an atmospheric setting.
Kinkaku-ji
Buddhist temple
Also known as the Golden Pavilion, this stunning temple is completely covered in gold leaf. It is recommended to arrive before 9:00 AM to enjoy the view.
4.5(67,166 reviews)
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Shinto shrine
This shrine features thousands of orange torii gates donated by Japanese companies that wind up the mountain for four kilometers. Visiting after 5:00 PM offers better light and fewer tourists.
4.6(87,063 reviews)
Kiyomizu-dera
Buddhist temple
This historic temple is built on a mountainside using only wood, without a single metal nail. From its main terrace, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Kyoto.
4.6(68,580 reviews)
Nijō Castle
Castle
This was the residence of the Tokugawa Shogun in Kyoto. The castle features unique wooden floors designed to creak with every step, serving as an ancient alarm system against intruders.
4.4(41,449 reviews)
3-day itinerary in Kyoto
12 places · by @scarlet-spruce
Saved from Instagram · @KIKO IGA
