Want to experience Japan's unique ancient culture? The millennium-old capital of Kyoto, located in the Kansai region, is the best choice! This city, rich in history and elegant atmosphere, allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and immerse yourself in traditional Japanese architecture and geisha culture. 

The previous article covered essential knowledge before visiting Kyoto, including travel options to Kyoto, must-try foods, and recommended attractions. This article will introduce Kyoto city transportation methods, a two-day itinerary plan, and souvenir recommendations! If you haven't read the previous article, click here to check it out!

Table of Contents

Kyoto City Transportation

A Two-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Cultural Exploration and Culinary Feast 
• Day 2: Perfect Blend of Nature and History

Souvenir Recommendations

Conclusion

 

Kyoto City Transportation

After arriving in Kyoto, there are several convenient transportation options available, making it easy to explore the city and surrounding areas.

1. Bus

Kyoto's city bus network is extensive and reaches almost all major attractions. Popular routes like 100, 101, 102, and 203 go to sites such as Kiyomizu Temple, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama. We recommend downloading the "Kyoto City Bus" app for real-time schedules.

2. Subway

Kyoto's subway has two lines: the Karasuma Line and the Tozai Line, connecting the city center and main sightseeing areas. The Karasuma Line provides easy access to Kyoto Station and Shijo Kawaramachi, while the Tozai Line leads to temples in the Higashiyama area and scenic spots in Arashiyama.
Tip: If you plan to frequently use public transportation, consider purchasing a "Kyoto Bus & Subway One-Day Pass" for unlimited rides, ideal for short-term visitors.

3. Bicycle Rental

For a flexible way to explore city streets, there are numerous bike rental stations around Kyoto Station and nearby subway stops. Kyoto's bike paths make it especially enjoyable to cycle around areas like Gion and the Kamo River, allowing a deeper experience of local life.

4. Charter Services

For groups with elderly or less-mobile members, or family and group trips, charter services eliminate the hassle of navigating and provide flexible itineraries, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.

A Two-Day Itinerary 

Day 1: Cultural Exploration and Culinary Feast

1. Kyoto Station

Image Source: google map

After arriving in Kyoto, explore Kyoto Station and its modern architecture, which includes shopping malls, food streets, and observation decks. Start your trip by taking the elevator to the top of Kyoto Station for a panoramic view from the "Skyway."

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⇣ Take the 206 or 100 bus from JR Kyoto Station to Gojo-zaka Station, then walk for about 10 minutes.

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2. Kiyomizu Temple

Image Source: google map

Next, head to the famous Kiyomizu Temple. Admire the view from the wooden Kiyomizu Stage, especially beautiful in autumn with surrounding red leaves, or visit Jishu Shrine to pray for love and relationships.

• Official Website: https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/

• Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City

• Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM (specific hours vary by season)

• Ticket prices: 500 yen for adults, 200 yen for elementary and junior high school students; 400 yen for adults and 200 yen for elementary and junior high school students at night.

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⇣ About a 15-minute walk from Kiyomizu Temple.

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3. Kyo-Ryori Manjiro

Image Source: google map

For lunch, savor authentic Kyoto cuisine at Kyo-Ryori Manjiro, which uses fresh, local ingredients that showcase the delicate flavors of Kyoto.

• Address: 518 Washio-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture (at the northern end of Nene-no-Michi, near Kodai-ji Temple)

• Opening Hours: Lunch 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM / Dinner 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM

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⇣ About a 1-minute walk from Kyo-Ryori Manjiro.

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4. Kodai-ji Temple

Image Source: google map

After lunch, visit Kodai-ji Temple. With its elegant gardens, it’s perfect for photos and a peaceful stroll.

• Official Website: https://www.kodaiji.com

• Address: 526 Kodaiji Shimogawara-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City

• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Night illumination hours vary by season)

• Ticket prices: 600 yen for adults, 250 yen for elementary and junior high school students.

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⇣ Walk about a 9-minute to Gion Station, then take Bus 203 to Ginkakuji-michi Station. From there, walk about 9 minutes.

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5. Ginkaku-ji

Image Source: google map

Then, visit Ginkaku-ji, a temple known for its simple aesthetic and natural surroundings. Walk the paths and take in the serene lake and stone landscapes.

• Official Website: https://www.shokoku-ji.jp/ginkakuji/

• Address: 2 Ginkakuji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City

• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

• Ticket Prices: 500 yen for high school students and older, 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students.

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⇣ Walk about a 4-minute to Ginkakuji-mae Station, then take Bus 32 to Shijo Takakura Station. From there, walk about 9 minutes.

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6. Tempura Sushi Kaisen Komefuku Shijo Karasuma

Image Source: google map

For dinner, head to Tempura Sushi Kaisen Komefuku Shijo Karasuma, where fresh and delicious tempura makes the perfect end to the day.

• Address: 1F, Miyako Securities Building, 658 Bandoya-cho, Higashi-no-Toin Street, Nishiki Koji, Shimogyoku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

• Opening Hours: Lunch 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM / Dinner: 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM

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⇣Walk about 11-minute walk from Tempura Sushi Kaisen Komefuku Shijo Karasuma.

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7. Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo

Image Source: google map

End the day by staying at the comfortable Mitsui Garden Hotel to prepare for the next day.

• Address: 707-1 Myodenji-cho, Nishinotoin-dori Shijo-sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City

 

Day 2: Perfect Blend of Nature and History

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⇣ From the hotel, walk for about 6 minutes to Hankyu Shijo Karasuma Station, take the Hankyu Kyoto Main Line to Katsura Station, and transfer to the Hankyu Arashiyama Line to get off at Arashiyama Station.

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1. Arashiyama

Image Source: google map

In the morning, head to Arashiyama for its scenic bamboo grove. Renting a bike is recommended to explore the area and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

• Address: Arashiyama, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City

• Opening Hours: Open all day; different attractions have varying opening times

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⇣ From Hankyu Arashiyama Station Front, take Bus 28 to Arashiyama Tenryuji Front, then walk about 1 minute.

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2. Tenryu-ji Temple

Image Source: google map

Visit Tenryu-ji, known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture that captivate photographers all year round.

• Official Website: https://www.tenryuji.com/cn/

• Address: 68, Saganoyama Baba-cho, Sagaku, Kyoto City

• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

• Ticket Prices:

  • Garden visit (Sōgen Pond, Hyakuhan-en): 500 yen for high school students and older, 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students.
  • Additional fees: 300 yen for each extra visit to the Main Hall, Study Hall, and Treasure Hall; 500 yen for visiting the Dharma Hall (Unryū-zu).

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⇣ Walk about 5 minutes to the Arashiyama Station on the Arashiyama Electric Railway (Keifuku Electric Railroad), take the North Kyoto Line to Ryoan-ji Station, and then walk for about 7 minutes.

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3. Ryoan-ji Temple

Image Source: google map

Next, stop by Ryoan-ji Temple to see its famous Zen rock garden and find inner peace.

• Official Website: http://www.ryoanji.jp/top.html

• Address: 13 Goryo Shitamachi, Ryoan-ji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (8:30 AM - 4:30 PM from December to February)

• Ticket Prices: Adults 600 yen, High School Students 500 yen, Junior High and Elementary School Students 300 yen.

4. Tofu Restaurant Saigen-in

Image Source: google map

Seigen-in is a rare restaurant that allows you to dine inside a World Heritage Site. For lunch, you can enjoy local specialty yudofu (tofu hot pot) at Tofu Restaurant Saigen-in, experiencing the healthy cuisine of Kyoto.

• Address: Inside Ryoan-ji, 13 Ryoan-ji Goryonoshita-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

• Opening Hours: 11:00AM -3:00 PM

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⇣ Walk about 1 minute to Ryoan-ji Mae Station, then take bus 59 to Kinkaku-ji Michi Station and walk about 2 minutes.

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5. Kinkaku-ji

Image Source: google map

Kinkaku-ji is a must-visit iconic building in Kyoto. This temple, covered in gold leaf, beautifully reflects in the surrounding lakes, creating a spectacular and dreamlike scene. 

• Official Website:https://www.shokoku-ji.jp/en/kinkakuji/

• Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto City

• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

• Admission Fee: 400 yen for adults, 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students.

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⇣Walk about 3 minutes to Kinkaku-ji Michi Station, then take bus 12 to Shijo Takakura Station and walk about 3 minutes.

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6. Nishiki Market

Image Source: google map

For the final stop in Kyoto, head to Nishiki Market, where you can enjoy local snacks and pick up unique Kyoto souvenirs like matcha sweets and traditional ceramics.

• Address: Nishiki Market, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, Nishiki Koji Street

• Opening Hours: The operating hours of market stalls vary, but most are open from approximately 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Souvenir Recommendations

1. Yatsuhashi 

Yatsuhashi is the most representative traditional sweet of Kyoto, made from ingredients like cinnamon and glutinous rice flour. It has a soft, chewy texture and a sweet flavor. In addition to the traditional cinnamon flavor, there are various options available, including matcha and strawberry.

2. Uji Matcha Powder

The Uji area of Kyoto is the birthplace of matcha. Bringing home a can of local Uji matcha powder allows you to easily make matcha tea or matcha desserts.

3. Kiyomizu Ware

Kiyomizu ware is a type of Kyoto pottery with a history of over a hundred years, known for its delicate craftsmanship and elegant design.

4. Kyoto Lanterns and Handmade Crafts

Kyoto lanterns, handcrafted from bamboo and washi paper, are exquisite and lightweight, capturing the essence of Kyoto. Other craft items like fans and wind chimes are also great choices for those who appreciate art and culture.

5. Ready-to-Eat Snacks from Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market offers many snacks perfect for taking away, such as grilled squid chips, pickles, and fried beans. With beautiful packaging and a variety of flavors, they make it easy to share the tastes of Kyoto with family and friends.

Conclusion

After reading this, are you eager to embark on a spontaneous trip to Kyoto? However, transportation often poses challenges for many people. If you don't want to deal with crowds and aren't comfortable driving abroad, what should you do?

Orange Cat Charter offers professional customized car services that not only help you easily plan your travel itinerary but also provide a comfortable travel experience. You can fully enjoy each moment of your journey without worrying about transportation!

Contact our LINE customer service now for one-on-one consultation with a dedicated specialist!

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Day tour itinerary for experiencing traditional kimono in Kyoto