Kyoto in One Day: How to See All The Best Attractions of Kyoto?

Kyoto in One Day: How to See All The Best Attractions of Kyoto?
Kyoto is a city known for its beautiful temples, gardens, and traditional culture. With so many attractions to see, it can be overwhelming to plan a visit to Kyoto, especially if you have limited time. Here’s a guide on how to see all the best attractions of Kyoto in one day.

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Start early

To make the most of your day in Kyoto, start early. Most attractions in Kyoto open early in the morning, and by starting early, you can avoid the crowds and have more time to explore the city. Aim to arrive at your first attraction by 8:30 or 9:00 am.

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of the most popular attractions in Kyoto and is known for its thousands of torii gates. The shrine is open 24 hours a day, so visiting it early in the morning is a good idea to avoid crowds. It's also a great way to start your day with a light hike and breathtaking views of the city.

Explore Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera is another must-visit attraction in Kyoto. The temple is known for its wooden stage that juts out over the hillside and provides stunning views of the city. The temple opens at 9:00 am, and it's best to arrive early to avoid the crowds. After exploring the temple, take a stroll through the charming streets of the Higashiyama district if time permits.

Visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)

Regarded as one of the top things to do in Kyoto, visiting the Golden Pavilion will certainly add lasting memories to your time here. Known for its stunning golden exterior, the temple opens at 9:00 am. After exploring the temple, take a stroll through the beautiful gardens that surround it.

Have lunch in Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market is a bustling market that is known for its fresh seafood, pickles, and other local delicacies. It's a great place to have lunch and experience the local food culture of Kyoto. The market is open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Visit the Ryoan-ji Temple

The Ryoan-ji Temple is known for its Zen rock garden, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple opens at 8:00 am, and it's best to visit it early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Explore Arashiyama
Arashiyama is a district in western Kyoto that is known for its bamboo forest, temples, and scenic views. Take a stroll through the bamboo forest, visit the Tenryu-ji Temple, and take a scenic boat ride on the Hozu River.
Visit the Fushimi Sake District
If you have some time left in the evening, head to the Fushimi Sake District. The district is known for its sake breweries, and you can take a sake tour and learn about the process of making sake. You can also try some local sake and enjoy a traditional Japanese meal.
Visit the Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. The castle opens at 8:45 am, and it's best to visit it early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Take a stroll through the castle's beautiful gardens and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Explore Gion District
Gion District is the most famous geisha district in Kyoto and is known for its traditional architecture, teahouses, and shops. Take a stroll through the narrow streets and try to spot a geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) walking to their appointments.
Visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace
The Kyoto Imperial Palace was the residence of the Emperor of Japan until 1868 and is now open to the public. The palace opens at 9:00 am, and consider visiting here during opening hours in order to avoid the crowds.
Though it is a challenge to explore all the aforementioned destinations in a day, to increase the possibility of covering the maximum amount of destinations make sure that you book your stay at a centrally located hotel the likes of Park Hotel Kyoto - a subsidiary of Park Hotel Group. Also remember to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, bring a water bottle and sunscreen, and have fun exploring the sights and sounds of Kyoto.