Things You Should Do When You Have 2 Days in Kyoto
If you are traveling to Japan and plan to take 2 days in Kyoto, then this itinerary of mine might be a big help so you can make the most out of your limited travel time.
Obviously, you won’t be able to explore every little corner of Kyoto, but I will help you hit up most of the must-see sights within 48 hours. I know this sounds ambitious, but just check out my itinerary below.
Day 1: Southern Higashiyama, Downtown, and Fushimi-Inari
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Begin your first day in Kyoto by visiting the city’s most popular temple, Kiyomizu-dera Temple. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been built on the hillside of Higashiyama. You can marvel at the nail-less wooden stage at the main hall. Yes, you heard it right! Japanese craftsmen were amazing enough to have built a stage without nails, they just did it by stacking wood upon wood.
Make sure that you also take a sip of mountain spring water from Otowa Waterfall which is said to bestow love, success, and longevity.
- Chion-in Temple
Next, head on to Chion-in Temple which is a large complex of great architecture, gardens, and curiosities perched in the hills of Higashiyama. You will even be greeted with the impressive entrance gate that looms at almost 25 meters in height. This temple has a lot to offer but I have to warn you, it needs a degree of strength and energy before you will be able to reach the temple’s main buildings as you will have to ascend a significant flight of stairs first.
- Shoren-in Temple
You will then pass the massive camphor trees in front of Shoren-in Temple. Come into the temple and enjoy a nice cup of green tea. It is a charming and quiet temple that radiates a deep feeling of tranquillity.
There are four gardens in Shoren-in Temple that are famous in Japan. Each garden is attributed to a various luminary of Japanese landscape architecture. The gardens are occasionally illuminated during the night, and on some days they are used as a setting for traditional koto (Japanese zither) concerts.
- Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine
Of course, 2 days in Kyoto will never be complete without dropping by the Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine. This is the most iconic treasure in Kyoto that honors the Shinto god, Inari or most commonly known as the god of rice.
The shrine can be found at the end of a flamed colored walkway composed of thousands of traditional torii gates. You will have to spend most of your time wandering through these trails that surround the network of an ornate shrine.
Day 2: Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Daitoku-ji
- Tenryu-ji Temple
For your second day, explore the superb Tenryu-ji Temple and make sure to see the sights of the inside of the main hall as well as the expansive stroll garden.
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Leave thru the north gate of Tenryu-ji Temple which will lead you to the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, one of the most photographed sights in Japan. Believe, the moment you will stand in the middle of those soaring stalks of bamboo, you will feel like you are being in another world.
- Okochi-Sanso Villa
Next, head on to Okochi-Sanso Villa, a garden and former residence of famous Japanese actor Denjirō Ōkōchi. It is without a doubt the nicest villa in Kyoto. Make sure that you hold onto the ticket they gave as it will get you a nice cup of green tea after your garden tour.
- Kinkaku-ji Temple
Kinkaku-ji Temple is probably the most popular temple in Japan. The main pavilion is covered in gold leaf and its golden reflection shimmers across the rippled surface of the pond is just an amazing sight to behold. Not even the thousands of tourist can ever detract from the temple’s undoubted splendor.
There are also a few places along the pond where you will find fortune bowls set up. So don’t miss the opportunity to try and toss a coin into the bowl to get your good luck. They believe that the larger the value of the coin you will toss, the large your fortune will be.
- Daitoku-ji Temple
Going to the Zen temple complex of Daitoku-ji located in northern Kyoto will allow you to discover temples within temples. This is a walled temple complex that has been popular for its historical associations as well as its several beautiful Zen gardens. You will actually find 22 sub-temples within the compound’s walls, though will only be able to access four of these on a regular basis.
Where to Stay in Kyoto?
Kyoto is packed with great accommodations, so here is a list of what I consider to be the best places to stay in this city.
- Hyatt Regency Kyoto. If you want something luxurious, then you will never go wrong with this hotel. They are at the top of their class for a reason.
- Toyoko Inn Kyoto Gojo-Karasuma. For savvy budget travelers, this inn delivers the comforts of a hotel but at a budget-friendly price.
- Backpacker’s Hostel Tour Club. This guesthouse is one of the most highly rated accommodations in Kyoto for being foreigner-friendly. It remains to be one of the best, thanks to the careful management and warm staff.
- Kyoto Hotel Okura. This is another classy hotel that is remarkably affordable. It has spacious and comfortable rooms that are elegantly furnished. It is also very quiet since it has heavy duty sound isolation.
- Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo. This remarkable budget hotel delivers excellent value for your money. I like its relatively large rooms that come in a modern and perfectly clean design with gorgeous décor. Its location is excellent too!
Final Thought
So there you have it, the best way to spend 2 days in Kyoto. What do you think? Did I miss anything about this itinerary? What makes you excited about going to Kyoto? I would love to hear from you, please leave a comment in the comment section below.
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