Kyoto in 48 hours
Kyoto was Japan's capital for over a thousand years and still holds some 1,600 temples, beautiful gardens and the traditional wooden streets of Gion. It is the place to slow down and see Japan's crafts, tea culture and seasons up close.
Best time to visit. Late March to early April for cherry blossom and mid to late November for autumn leaves; book far ahead for both.
Where to base yourself
- Higashiyama and Gion. Kiyomizu-dera, stone lanes and teahouses.
- Arashiyama. The bamboo grove, Tenryu-ji and the Oi River.
- Central Kyoto. Nishiki Market, department stores and easy transport.
- Northern Kyoto. Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji and quieter temples.
- Fushimi. The thousands of torii gates of Fushimi Inari and old sake breweries.
Two perfect days
Day one · Eastern hills
- Morning
- Fushimi Inari at sunrise
- Afternoon
- Kiyomizu-dera and the lanes of Higashiyama
- Evening
- Evening walk in Gion
Day two · West and north
- Morning
- Arashiyama bamboo grove before 8am
- Afternoon
- Tenryu-ji garden and a tofu lunch
- Evening
- Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion
Getting around
Buses cover most temples but get crowded; combine with trains and taxis. Kyoto Station is about 2 hours 15 minutes from Tokyo by shinkansen.
Local tips
- Start early; popular temples fill by mid-morning
- Don't photograph geiko and maiko without permission
- Luggage forwarding saves carrying cases on trains
- Many temples close around 5pm