Perfect itinerary for 24 hours in Kyoto, Japan
Our home base was in Osaka, so we decided to take a day trip to Kyoto. If you have the JR Pass, it is technically ‘free’ to get there from Osaka.
Kyoto has a very different feel than Osaka. Known for its beautiful temples, shrines, art, pottery, and many other traditional crafts. There is quite a bit to explore and see!
Kyoto is a super busy tourist destination, so if you’re planning to take a day trip, get there early!
Kiyomizu-Dera Temple: The Main Hall in Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, which stands on the cliff of Mt. Otowa, is a stunning wooden structure reconstructed in 1633. The principal image of Kiyomizu, the statue of the Eleven-headed Thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva is enshrined in the inner section of the Hall. This main hall was constructed using traditional Japanese methods. In order to see the main hall you have to pay an admission fee, you can opt to go the other way and not pay. In our opinion, it was not worth it to pay the admission fee (400 yen), but you can walk around the back of the temple and enjoy the rest of what this area has to offer.
1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862
Grab a coffee at here coffee - a cute coffee shop on the kiyomizu-dera street. We got the single-origin americano and it was delicious!
Chome-226 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0862
Yasaka Kōshin-dō (Kongō-ji) Temple - walk your way up to this shrine. Small but full of color and character! A cute little stop along the way!
390 Kinencho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0828
Grab a treat at Maeda Coffee - this coffee shop has been here since 1971! There are a few locations in the city of Kyoto, You can get away from most crowds here. Some food tours do stop here, but for the most part, it will not be crazy busy.
236 Hashibenkeicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8151
Shijō Street - will be crowded due to the street running straight through the city of Kyoto, but if you want to see local goods and food stalls, as well as the famous Yasaka Shrine, be sure to walk this street.
Grab a tea at the Ippodo Tea Room - One of our favorite places in Kyoto! In a traditional-style building, at first glance, it is a gift shop that sells to-go teas and packets of tea, but further inside is the Ippodo Tea Room. You can order various teas and with the tea, you will get a complimentary dessert that matches the tea you have ordered. The atmosphere was so peaceful, and the tea was exceptional.
604-0915 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Tokiwagicho, 52
* we did not add any particular lunch or dinner spots here, due to the restaurants that we loved being reservation only and there are plenty of restaurants to stop and grab a quick bite at. Feel free to stop by any place that fancies your taste buds!
