What to Do in Your First 24 Hours in Kyoto: Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

I can’t think of a better introduction to Japan than spending at least one day in Kyoto. After visiting the former Japanese imperial capital on my second trip to Japan, it quickly became one of my favorite travel destinations in the world.

Walking around the city, I unearthed mysterious temples & shrines hidden in misty forests. I sipped matcha in traditional teahouses, clinging to cobbled streets and perched on the riverside. And I gobbled down some of the tastiest food I tasted in Japan in historical entertainment & restaurant districts like the Gion District and Nishiki Market.

I won’t lie: limiting yourself to just 24 hours in Kyoto won’t give you much time to uncover all the complexities of the Japanese cultural capital. But it’s a start.

Let me help you plan your travel with this complete 1-day Kyoto itinerary, including my recommendations for what to see & do, where to eat & drink, and where to stay…

My tips for where to go in Kyoto in one day

As much as I’d love to tell you that a quick layover in Kyoto is enough time to experience the city, it’s not. In this travel plan, we’re only going to brush the surface. (And I do mean we’ll barely brush the surface.)

I’ve never visited a city with such a sheer number of things to see as Kyoto. There are over 1,600 temples and 400 shrines in Kyoto alone! On top of that, its attractions and activities are spread over a large geographic area.

Nevertheless, let’s get started planning your day…

Soak up the early morning vibes at Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Embrace your jet lag to pull yourself out of bed to catch the calm of Kiyomizu-dera Temple before the mega crowds descend.

Perched on a hillside overlooking Higashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera was one of the finest corners I stumbled upon while exploring Kyoto. And I can hardly recommend a more fantastic introduction to this fascinating city.

Even in a city that’s not short on charms, Kiyomizu-dera is among the most magnificent temples in Kyoto. It’s impossible not to find inspiration on the main temple’s balcony. Supported by 13-metre-high columns, the terrace delivered a stunning panorama of Kyoto. It’s one of the finest I’ve witnessed in the city.

Visit the main temple and the three secondary halls: Amida-do, Okuno-in, and Shaka-do. The stage of Okuno-in delivers a fantastic vantage point to capture the temple against a city backdrop. Be sure to also explore the over 200 stone statues surrounding Shaka-do.

After you’re done exploring the temple grounds, I’d recommend slinking down to see Otowa Waterfall plunging into the streams below. Join the locals and take a small sip of the water. It’s supposedly endowed with special healing abilities!

If your travel schedule allows, try to visit Kiyomizu-dera in spring or autumn. These seasons are two of the best times of the year to visit Kyoto.

In spring, you’ll witness an eruption of cherry blossoms around the temple. In the fall, you’ll get to watch the autumn colors envelop Kyoto from above.

Wander around Maruyama Park

From Kiyomizu-dera, descend into the hilly streets of Higashiyama Ward, one of the city’s most interesting neighborhoods. Venture north towards Maruyama Park. Beelined, it’ll only take about 20 minutes to walk here, but I’d recommend taking your time to wander.

Walking through Higashiyama, I drifted past tons of traditional shops, restaurants, cafés, and teahouses. Its atmospheric setting was everything I expected in an old Japanese city!

Planned your trip to Kyoto in spring? On my visit, I learned from locals that Maruyama Park is one of the most popular spots for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in the city.

Keep on the lookout for the unmistakable weeping cherry tree (shidarezakura) at the centre. As you stroll, you’ll also spot hundreds of cherry trees and maples scattered throughout the park. In between, take time to admire the park’s Japanese gardens, stone paths, ponds, bridges, and temples.

While wandering around Maruyama Park, don’t miss out on Yasaka Shrine. The shrine sits on the park’s western fringes, bordering the city.

Yasaka Shrine dates back over a millennium. From the number of locals I saw praying here, it seemed to be one of the most popular shrines in Kyoto.

Catching a glimpse of the temple, I was captivated by its two-story vermillion entrance torii (gate). I also spotted hundreds of paper lanterns around the shrine, sponsored by local worshippers seeking a dash of good fortune.

Hungry for a Japanese snack? I’d recommend walking over to Shijo-Dori to grab a quick bite before continuing to the next stop on our itinerary. Shijo-Dori is one of the city’s most famous food streets, with plenty of options to savor famous Kyoto dishes like classic tempura, sushi, ramen, and katsu curry.

For classic udon, take a short hike over to Omen – Shijo Ponto-cho. Their specialty features a flavorful dashi broth made with kelp and bonito from Hokkaido. Top your udon with a variety of delicious condiments like sweet and spicy roasted burdock, sesame seeds, green onions, and ginger.

Admire the beautiful grounds of Nanzen-ji Temple

Let’s continue yur day wandering through the gardens and temples of Maruyama Park. As I walked north of the park, I spotted temples like Chion-in and Shoren-in.

As you walk past Chion-in, marvel at the massive Sanmon Gate. It’s Japan’s largest wooden temple gate, measuring a whopping 24 meters tall and 50 meters wide.

At Shoren-in, keep on the lookout for its five ancient camphor trees. The trees were planted by priest Shinran in the 12th century and are now designated as natural monuments.

When you’ve had your fill, make your way to Nanzen-ji Temple. Nestled in the forested hills of Higashiyama, this lovely temple was one of my favorites in central Kyoto.

At a languid pace, visiting this Zen Buddhist temple complex could while away several hours. Exploring the grounds, I sifted through its beautiful temples, stone paths, and rock and pond gardens. Every corner delivered yet another surprise!

Nanzen-ji isn’t your run-of-the-mill Kyoto temple. Legend has it that the complex had a ghastly past. In its former days as an imperial villa, it was supposedly plagued by poltergeists. That is, until a brave Zen priest exorcised the spirits through meditation.

After the exorcism, the Emperor was hooked. He converted on the spot to Zen Buddhism, along with converting the complex into a Buddhist temple.

Walking the temple grounds at Nanzen-ji is free. Expect to pay to enter the individual halls and temples of the complex. (In my opinion, it’s well worth the small fee.)

Take a lovely stroll along the Philosopher’s Walk

From Nanzen-ji, it’s a short 5- to 10-minute walk north to the Philosopher’s Walk. This path is one of Kyoto’s most famous walking routes, and one of the most beautiful urban walks I took on my trip to Japan. The short stretch runs about two kilometers alongside a canal.

The Philosopher’s Walk is named in tribute to Japanese philosopher Nishida Kitaro. The well-liked professor walked the path daily from 1910 to 1928 to clear his head on his commute to Kyoto University.

(It’s speculated that Nishida may well have discovered his famed theory of pure, direct experience on his walks here!)

As lovely as the route is at any time of year, the Philosopher’s Walk is at its finest in spring, when it becomes one of Kyoto’s most popular hanami spots. The path is lined with hundreds of cherry trees. Captured in full bloom, it’s a transcendent experience!

Once you find the path, follow it north. Soon, you’ll stumble upon one of my favorite things to see & do in Kyoto: Ginkaku-ji.

Admire the beauty of Ginkaku-ji

If there’s one thing that everyone knows about Kyoto, it’s that the city is jam-packed with temples. With only one day in Kyoto, though, you’re limited on how many you’ll be able to fit in.

Fortunately, I’ve got at least one more in the works.

Ginkaku-ji, translated as Silver Pavilion, is one temple I would not recommend missing while visiting Kyoto. The temple’s history dates back to the late 15th century. Ginkaku-ji was built by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, serving as a counterweight to the impressive Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).

Although its gilded brother, in my opinion, is the handsomer of the two, Ginkaku-ji is still impressive. It’s a reasonable consolation prize for time-crunched travellers, who can’t fit the farther-flung Kinkaku-ji into their plans.

The highlight of the complex is capturing the beautiful vistas of the surprisingly silverless main Silver Pavilion. Walking around Ginkaku-ji, I also spotted a handful of smaller buildings amid ponds and gardens.

On your visit, I’d recommend checking out the sand garden, known as the Sea of Silver Sand. Combine it with a visit to the moss garden—punctuated with ponds, islands, bridges, and streams—to admire the intricacies of ancient Japanese landscape architecture.

Try to spot geisha in the Gion District

From Ginkaku-ji, walk to the corner of Imadegawa-dori and Shirakawa-dori to catch a bus to Gion-Shijo Station.

Around the station, you’ll find yourself in the Gion District, Kyoto’s old entertainment district. After visiting this district multiple times during my few days here, it’s an area that, I promise, will mystify even the most hardened travelers.

Like elsewhere in Higashiyama, the Gion District hearkens back to the spirit of old Japan. From the first moment I stepped into Gion, I was enamored with the traditional wooden Japanese architecture lining the district’s atmospheric streets. Inside, the buildings hide traditional restaurants, houses, and teahouses.

The area’s most popular stretch runs along Hanamikoji-dori south of Shijo-dori to Kennin-ji Temple. Walking along this street, I drifted past well-preserved machiya houses, high-end restaurants, and exclusive teahouses.

My official advice, though? You’d do just as well, though, letting Gion District unfold as you wander aimlessly.

Whatever you do, don’t leave Gion without checking out Shirakawa-minami-dori. Much like the Philosopher’s Walk, Shirakawa-minami-dori is fringed by weeping cherry trees and shines most during hanami season.

Even at other times of the year, the street still forms a beguiling scene. As I strolled along Shirakawa-minami-dori on my late-spring visit, I loved marveling at the lush riverside greenery mixed with traditional wooden architecture.

(I was hardly surprised to learn during my trip that many locals dub Shirakawa-minami-dori the most beautiful street in Kyoto!)

Despite all its outward beauty, the Gion District is most famous for its geisha. While most travelers dream of spotting geisha rustling through the alleyways, you’re unlikely to see one in action.

Not at least without dropping down (more than) a few yen.

The full geisha entertainment experience doesn’t come cheap. Or easy. You’ll often need an introduction from a well-to-do local to even get the opportunity.

Far more common for travelers is to opt for a traditional maiko experience. Maiko (geisha in training) are perfect hostesses for lunch or dinner. They’re masters at entertaining guests with traditional Japanese performances and light-hearted conversation.

Not interested in paying extra for a more intimate maiko experience? Head to Gion Corner on Hanamikoji-dori for one of the nightly cultural shows.

Sure, it’s kitschy and touristy. But it’ll give you an excellent introduction to Japanese culture. It covers everything from tea ceremonies to traditional dramatic arts and dancing.

Nishiki Market

Whatever you do, don’t leave Kyoto without indulging in a meal at Nishiki Market. Only about 15 minutes on foot from the Gion District, Nishiki Market was one of the coolest places I found to eat in Kyoto.

In the market, I found everything from ramen and fresh seafood to matcha-infused desserts and tempura. Local favorites here include tako (octopus with quail egg), yuba (sashimi tofu), tsukemono (pickled vegetables), hamo (Japanese pike conger eel), and donburi (bowl meal).

Browse through the selection of snacks. Follow your nose and the longest queues to find the tastiest food that Nishiki Market has to offer.

Still haven’t worked up an appetite after an action-packed 24 hours in Kyoto? Pick up some unique souvenirs here for your friends & family back home. (Might I suggest some poorly translated English stationery?)

If street food isn’t your thing, exit Nishiki Market early to stroll along nearby Shijo-dori or Kiyamachi-dori. Along these streets, you’ll find some of the most popular restaurants in Kyoto to end your evening.

Need some ideas? Fill your belly with the delicious gyoza at Chao Chao – Sanjo Kiyamachi or juicy yakiniku at Kyoto Yakiniku HIRO Kiyamachi. Or seek out Kyoto’s haute gastronomic specialty, kaiseki, at a local restaurant along the Kamo River like Kikunoi Roan.

Where to stay with 24 hours in Kyoto

As the former imperial capital is one of the biggest and most popular cities in Japan for tourists, it’s no surprise that deciding where to stay in Kyoto is a bit of a challenge.

Accommodations in Kyoto are spread out and plentiful, but compared to cities I’ve visited elsewhere in Asia, it can get pricey.

I’d recommend staying close to the city center to make the most of your Kyoto itinerary. Here are a few of  my favorite hotels for a quick trip…

More 1-day Kyoto itinerary ideas

• Need more temples in your life? Jam in Kinkaku-ji, the most iconic and impressive temple in Kyoto. It lies about 45 minutes from Nishiki Market by public transportation.
• All templed out? Skip out on Ginkaku-ji and find your way to Nijo Castle. It’s about 30 minutes away on foot from Nishiki Market.
• Want to escape the city? If you’ve got extra time, hop onto Kyoto’s public transportation to slip into the suburbs. Visit the town of Arashiyama to take in the otherworldly Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Arashiyama Monkey Park.