3 Days in Kyoto

📍 Here’s a well-balanced **3-day Kyoto itinerary** that covers iconic temples, cultural experiences, and hidden gems while optimizing time and avoiding crowds, based on insights from multiple travel experts .

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### **Day 1: Eastern Kyoto – Temples & Tradition**
**Theme:** Spiritual heritage and historic streets.

#### **Morning: Fushimi Inari Taisha**
- **Arrive by 7:00 AM** to beat crowds at the famous torii gates .
- Hike the trails (2–3 hours) for serene views; descend via quieter paths .
- *Tip:* Try street food like *inarizushi* (sweet tofu pouches) at stalls near the shrine .

#### **Late Morning: Kiyomizu-dera Temple**
- Walk from Fushimi Inari (20-min taxi) or take the Keihan Line.
- Visit the wooden stage and Otowa Waterfall (three streams for luck) .
- Explore **Sannen-zaka** and **Ninenzaka**, preserved streets with tea houses .

#### **Afternoon: Higashiyama District**
- **Yasaka Shrine**: Free entry; lanterns light up beautifully at night .
- **Kodai-ji Temple**: Zen gardens and bamboo groves (¥600 entry) .
- **Philosopher’s Path**: Stroll along the canal (best in cherry blossom season) .

#### **Evening: Gion**
- **Dinner**: Try *kaiseki* (multi-course meal) or *gyoza* at Chao Chao Sanjo .
- **Geisha spotting**: Hanamikoji Street at dusk (no photography) .

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### **Day 2: Western Kyoto – Nature & Zen**
**Theme:** Bamboo forests and golden temples.

#### **Morning: Arashiyama**
- **Bamboo Grove**: Arrive by 7:30 AM for photos without crowds .
- **Tenryu-ji Temple**: UNESCO site with stunning gardens (¥500 entry) .
- **Monkey Park**: Hike up for city views and macaques (¥550) .

#### **Afternoon: Kinkaku-ji & Ryoan-ji**
- **Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)**: Visit by 9:00 AM to avoid tour groups .
- **Ryoan-ji’s Rock Garden**: Meditate at this Zen masterpiece (¥500) .

#### **Evening: Nishiki Market & Pontocho**
- **Nishiki Market**: Try *tako-tamago* (octopus with egg) before 6:00 PM .
- **Pontocho Alley**: Lantern-lit dining by the river .

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### **Day 3: Central Kyoto – History & Modern Flair**
**Theme:** Imperial legacy and local flavors.

#### **Morning: Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle**
- **Kyoto Imperial Palace**: Free entry; book a guided tour for history insights .
- **Nijo Castle**: "Nightingale floors" that chirp to deter intruders (¥800) .

#### **Afternoon: Downtown Kyoto**
- **Nishiki Market Revisit**: Pick up matcha treats or knives at Aritsugu .
- **Coffee Break**: % Arabica (Higashiyama) or WEEKENDERS COFFEE .

#### **Evening: Optional Night Adventure**
- **Fushimi Inari at Night**: Fewer crowds, mystical atmosphere .
- **Rooftop Bar K36**: Cocktails with views of Yasaka Pagoda .

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### **Key Tips for Your Trip**
1. **Transport**: Use buses/taxis for efficiency; consider a Kyoto City Bus Pass .
2. **Timing**: Arrive early (7:00–8:00 AM) at major sites .
3. **Food Reservations**: Book *kaiseki* or tempura meals in advance .