One Day in Kyoto – Top Tourist Attractions you Must Visit in a Day

During your hectic Japan Itinerary, you may only have time for one day in Kyoto; it’s not enough, but here are the attractions you must visit on a day trip.

 

Download the PDF version of the top things to see in Kyoto – Japan!

 

One day in Kyoto, I can’t fathom why you’d want to have a single-day Kyoto tour, but in a world where we are rushed and continuously on the move, these things are hard to avoid during a hectic Japan trip.

My Kyoto Itinerary lasted four days. To be truthful, I wish it were longer, but I can tell you this: I logged around one hundred thousand steps on the old Fitbit because I didn’t want to miss a beat of all the things to do in Kyoto.

I saw many unique Kyoto attractions; most were mesmerising and inspiring to be near such history. It was apparent from the get-go that a Kyoto trip is highly recommended for all tourists visiting the country; it is a beautiful city.

It also made me realise why many travellers rush around the country to catch a glimpse of everything; this incredible country is one big tourist attraction after another.

If I had to spend one day in Kyoto, what would be the must-see attractions in such a short amount of time? This list is hard to do because, quite honestly, you will miss out on a fair bit if you don’t advance the Kyoto sightseeing tour further. However, I gave it my best shot for those crazy enough to be here for a single day.

 

Want to visit Kyoto and the many temples of the city? Book a hotel with Booking.com and save!

 

 

 

One Day in Kyoto – Top Tourist Attractions You Must Visit in a Day

In the vibrant city of Kyoto, it’s genuinely challenging to comprehend the reasons behind opting for a brief, single-day tour. However, in a world where time is a luxury and schedules are demanding, such expedited glimpses become somewhat inevitable, particularly in the whirlwind of a bustling trip across Japan.

 

Enjoy a Kyoto City Tour with Klook

Travel tour company Klook offers a fabulous Kyoto Day Tour Package. With this package, you can be picked up from Osaka or Kyoto and enjoy a scenic sightseeing Tour of Kyoto in a single day.

You’ll stop at plenty of the best landmarks and discover the famous ancient sites in Kyoto. You’ll see the best temples and shrines in the package, including Kiyomizudera, Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kinkakuji Temple. You’ll also visit Arashiyama and the renowned Bamboo Grove, meaning you will not miss any of the best bits during your brief Kyoto tour.

 

You can click here to check out the prices and conditions of a Kyoto Day Tour Package with Klook!

 

 

Transportation in Kyoto

Transport in Kyoto is well-organised and runs like clockwork. Additionally, it’s a great city for walking, with plenty of footpaths and crossing lights to help you get from point A to point B.

However, walking won’t be enough for your one-day tour in Kyoto, as the city is large and spread out. But don’t worry; you can easily catch affordable trains and buses using your ICOCA card, allowing you to reach most attractions quickly without spending too much money. And if all else fails, taxis are readily available, although they can be expensive.

 

Start the Kyoto Day Trip with Higashiyama District in Eastern Kyoto

The Higashiyama District comprises a whole line of Kyoto attractions, and the famous area attracts many tourists and locals for sightseeing.

It is an excellent area to try fabulous Japanese cuisines, drink your favourite tea from a fancy Japanese tea house and admire the many temples and shrines associated with the District.

Let’s examine the must-see attractions in the Higashiyama District of Eastern Kyoto to help you start your single-day Kyoto Itinerary on the right foot.

Yasaka Shrine: Yasaka Shrine is worth your attention and is the first place to start when visiting Eastern Kyoto. It has dazzling colours and impressive structures, and the culture is alive, with many people wandering around in their Kimono dresses, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

 

 

Kodai-Ji Temple: Constructed in 1606, the enchanting Kodai-Ji Temple is a sight to behold during your day trip to Kyoto. As you wander through the temple grounds, you’ll be captivated by the intricate details of the architecture, which beautifully complement the serene natural landscape that encircles the temple.

The temple’s delicate structures harmonise with the lush, mesmerising surroundings, creating a truly awe-inspiring experience for visitors.s.

Check out my main feature on the Kodai-Ji Temple with this link here!  

 

 

 

Ninenzaka: Ninenzaka is a famous street located in Kyoto, Japan. This charming thoroughfare is deeply immersed in Japanese culture and tradition and is lined with beautiful Japanese-style houses housing various retail outlets, traditional tea houses, and authentic restaurants.

As with any popular attraction in Kyoto, Ninenzaka is bustling with crowds who come to experience the area’s vibrant energy and soak in its cheerful atmosphere.

 

 

 

Kiyomizudera: Located in Kyoto, Kiyomizudera is a magnificent temple that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The name “Kiyomizudera” translates to “pure water.” It is renowned as one of the most visited temples in Kyoto. The temple’s architectural beauty and serene surroundings make it a captivating destination for tourists and locals alike.

One of the most cherished activities at Kiyomizudera is the opportunity to visit one of the waterfalls and partake in the tradition of touching the particular water. Water is believed to possess magical powers that bless those who contact it. This age-old tradition has drawn countless visitors seeking spiritual and physical well-being.

Visitors to Kiyomizudera can admire the temple’s stunning architectural design and panoramic views of Kyoto and participate in this unique ritual passed down through generations. This experience offers a sense of mystery and enchantment, adding an extra layer of significance to a visit to this remarkable site.

 

 

Move on Quickly to Kinkakuji Temple

When visiting Kyoto, it’s recommended that you take some time to visit Kinkakuji Temple. While spending a significant amount of time there is unnecessary, the temple is a must-see for tourists. The Golden Pavilion of the Kinkakuji Temple is truly a sight to behold, especially with the picturesque mountains in the background providing a stunning backdrop.

While the temple does not offer a wide array of activities, the opportunity to gaze at the incredible golden structure alone makes the price of admission worthwhile.

 

Enjoy an Arashiyama, Kinkakuji and Fushimi tour with Klook!

 

 

A trip to Arashiyama is compulsory.

Arashiyama is a gold mine for tourists, and any trip to Japan is not complete without a visit to this popular tourist spot, which is situated a little outside of Kyoto.

There are many attractions to visit, including temples, gardens, tea houses, a monkey park, and the world-famous Bamboo Grove walk, which is a real hit with visitors.

However, the enormous appeal of Arashiyama is its natural beauty; it’s gorgeous to walk through the breathtaking attractions and take in the surroundings and nature around you.

Main attractions to quickly squeeze in at Arashiyama:

 

The Bamboo Grove: Thousands of bamboo trees are lined up as far as the eye can see as you walk down the path through the middle of the Bamboo tree. It is a beautiful place, even with all the crowds hanging around.

 

 

Ten-Ryu Temple: The temple at Arashiyama is stunning, with its intricate architecture and serene surroundings. The abundance of natural beauty enveloping the temple creates a mesmerising backdrop, offering visitors a perfect opportunity to capture some genuinely picturesque moments.

 

 

Okochi Sanso Garden: Exploring Arashiyama offers a delightful experience with its stunning gardens, traditional Japanese architecture, and captivating panoramic views of Kyoto from the hills.

Although there is an admission fee to enter the garden, the experience is well worth it, especially when you visit the charming tea house and savour the delightful combination of green tea and sweet cake amidst the picturesque surroundings.

 

 

A quick stroll down Katsura River: Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Katsura River by walking along its picturesque riverside. Breathe in the tranquillity and marvel at the natural surroundings as you meander along the riverbank.

Afterwards, treat yourself to a delightful bowl of ramen at one of the charming riverside restaurants. Here, you can savour the local flavours while enjoying the calming view of the flowing river. If you’re up for more adventure, consider embarking on a scenic boat ride to appreciate the serene ambience of the Katsura River.

Before returning to the lively town centre, consider catching a train to explore the next major attraction on your Kyoto Day Trip. Utilise the convenient transportation options to seamlessly continue your journey of discovery and make the most of your time in this captivating city.

 

 

The Fushimi Inari Shrine

The last stop of the Kyoto places of interest during your one-day trip is the world-famous Fushimi Inari Shrine.

The main Shrine of the Fushimi is a stunning feature, with beautiful Japanese-decorated buildings in splendid bright colours. Amongst the large crowds, tourists gather for the best possible photo shoot.

Once you disperse from the crowds at the entrance’s main buildings, you go further into the Shrine until you reach the famous orange torii gates, the number one reason visitors visit the iconic attraction.

The Torii gates are meant to represent the staple of all holy Shinto sites, and the Fushimi Inari Shrine has thousands of them, which ultimately leads to a short hike through the bushlands as you follow the row of Torii Gates.

The length to hike through the Torii gates is approximately 2.4km. In the process, you’ll pass through grave sites and religious relics before walking down the hill and finding more incredible views that overlook Kyoto City. One final look over the region before you depart the city.

 

 

 

If time remains, explore the city area.

You would have exhausted all your energy before you finally head back by train to your hotel in Osaka or even Tokyo. Perhaps you are catching the overnight bus to another destination in Japan for another busy day tomorrow.

With that in mind, you may have a little extra time to explore the area near Kyoto Station and relax in a café for coffee, eat a delicious Japanese meal for dinner or unwind with a cold beer at a nearby bar.

I don’t know if the energy levels allow you to keep moving, but one thing is sure: Your one day in Kyoto would have been full of fond memories you’ll never forget.

I doubt you’ll be returning for a more extended stay someday.

 

Want to visit Kyoto and the many temples of the city? Book a hotel with Booking.com and save!