Kyoto in 3 Days: Interactive Map
Every stop plotted on the map. Click markers for details, follow the colored routes.
Eastern Kyoto — Temples & Geisha District
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Start early before crowds. Wooden stage with panoramic city views. Explore Jishu Shrine for love fortunes.
Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka
Descend through preserved historic lanes. Machiya houses, tea shops, pottery stores. Great for photos when empty.
Kodai-ji Temple
Zen temple with beautiful raked sand garden and bamboo grove. Often overlooked by tourists.
Maruyama Park + Yasaka Shrine
Kyoto's most famous park. Iconic weeping cherry tree. Free shrine always open.
Lunch in Gion
Try affordable kaiseki lunch box or udon at side-street restaurants. Avoid Hanamikoji (tourist prices).
Explore Gion District
Hanamikoji Street, Shirakawa Canal, machiya architecture. Walk slowly, soak the atmosphere.
Geiko Spotting on Hanamikoji
Position yourself between Shijo and Hanamikoji intersection. Geiko/maiko pass here heading to evening appointments.
Dinner on Pontocho Alley
Lantern-lit alley along Kamo River. Atmospheric restaurants from affordable to exclusive. Summer: riverside terraces.
Northern Kyoto — Gold, Rocks & Bamboo
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Arrive at opening for best photos. Gold-covered temple reflected in Mirror Pond. One of Kyoto's most iconic views.
Ryoan-ji Rock Garden
Japan's most famous zen rock garden. 15 stones arranged so you can never see all 15 at once. Contemplative and mysterious.
Ninna-ji Temple
UNESCO site with late-blooming Omuro cherry trees (spring). Beautiful palace buildings and five-story pagoda.
Lunch in Arashiyama
Try Sagano-yu bathhouse cafe or handmade soba at Yoshimura overlooking Togetsukyo Bridge.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Walk through towering bamboo stalks. The sound of bamboo in wind is one of Japan's "100 Soundscapes."
Tenryu-ji Temple
UNESCO site with finest garden in Arashiyama. "Borrowed scenery" uses mountains as backdrop.
Togetsukyo Bridge + River Walk
Iconic "Moon Crossing Bridge." Walk along the Katsura River. Boat rides available in season.
Iwatayama Monkey Park
20-min hike to see 120+ wild macaques with panoramic Kyoto views. Feed monkeys from inside a cage.
Central Kyoto — Sunrise, Markets & Castle
Fushimi Inari Sunrise Hike
The single best decision of your trip. Thousands of vermillion torii gates almost entirely empty. See our 5AM Guide.
Breakfast near Fushimi
Local konbini or neighborhood cafe. Try onigiri and canned coffee — the Japanese breakfast of champions.
Fushimi Sake District
Walk to Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum. Tour sake breweries, taste different varieties. Beautiful old warehouses.
Nishiki Market
"Kyoto's Kitchen" — 400-year-old market with 100+ stalls. Graze your way through: pickles, tofu, seafood, matcha sweets.
Nijo Castle
UNESCO site. Famous chirping "nightingale floors" that warn of intruders. Beautiful gardens and painted screens.
Kyoto Imperial Palace Park
Free guided tours (English available). Massive park perfect for a restful afternoon walk.
Kyoto Tower Observation
100m tower near station. 360-degree city views. Best visited before sunset for day-to-night transition.
Farewell Dinner at Kyoto Station
Ramen Koji (10th floor) for one last bowl. Or splurge on kaiseki. Pick up souvenirs at Isetan department store.
