2 days · Kyoto itinerary

Kyoto in 2 Days: The Ideal Itinerary

Two days in Kyoto lets you balance the great temples with culture and a Nara day trip. This 2-day Kyoto itinerary covers the east on day one and the west (or Nara) on day two — with the top-rated tours to book.

At a glance

1Day 1: Fushimi Inari & Higashiyama
2Tea ceremony & Gion
3Day 2: Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji
4Nara day trip option

Day 1: east Kyoto

Walk Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera, enjoy a tea ceremony in kimono, and end with an evening Gion geisha stroll.

Day 2: west Kyoto or Nara

See the Golden Pavilion and the Arashiyama bamboo grove, or take an easy day trip to Nara’s deer and Great Buddha.

Evening: Pontocho

Dine in the lantern-lit Pontocho alley by the river, a Kyoto highlight.

Book the experiences in this itinerary

Top-rated tours for exactly what this plan recommends in Kyoto — prices per person.

Kyoto

Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Hidden Hike (Private)

Private Tea Ceremony and Sake Tasting in Kyoto Samurai House

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Family Bike Tour ( Infants & Kids )

Perfect Nara Park Half-Day Bus Tour with English Speaking Guide

1 and a Half Kyoto Premium Sushi Class near Fushimi Inari Shrine

Kyoto Private Tea Ceremony with Tea Master at Home

Private Kyoto Morning Tour: Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama & Monkey

Kyoto Private Car Tours - Optional Nara or Osaka Add-Ons

5.0(74)·8–9 hours

from$205/ person

via Viator

Kyoto in 2 days — FAQ

Is 2 days enough for Kyoto?

Two days covers the major temples and culture — Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, the Golden Pavilion, Arashiyama and Gion — with the option of a Nara day trip.

What should I not miss in 2 days in Kyoto?

Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, the Golden Pavilion, the Arashiyama bamboo grove, a tea ceremony and a Gion geisha walk.

Should I add a Nara day trip to a 2-day Kyoto trip?

If temples are your focus, spend both days in Kyoto; if you want variety, Nara’s deer and Great Buddha make a delightful, easy half- or full-day trip.