Kyoto and Nara offer a perfect mix of history, culture, and amazing Japanese cuisine. This 3-day itinerary covers the best sights in both cities while including food recommendations for every meal and transportation details to make your journey smooth.
Day 1: Discovering Historic Kyoto – Arashiyama & Central Kyoto
Breakfast: Traditional Japanese Breakfast at Nishiki Market
- Where: Nishiki Market, Kyoto
- What to Eat: Tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet), Yuba (tofu skin), and fresh seafood.
- Getting There: Take the Kyoto Subway Karasuma Line to Shijo Station, then walk 5 minutes.
Morning Activity: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Togetsukyo Bridge
- Wander through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove for breathtaking scenery.
- Visit Togetsukyo Bridge and enjoy views of the Katsura River.
Lunch: Yudofu (Tofu Hot Pot) in Arashiyama
- Where: Shoraian (Arashiyama)
- What to Eat: Kyoto-style Yudofu (tofu hot pot) and seasonal vegetables.
- Getting There: Walk from Bamboo Forest (10 minutes).
Afternoon Activity: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Visit the Golden Pavilion, one of Kyoto’s most iconic sights.
- Getting There: Take the JR Sagano Line from Saga-Arashiyama Station to Enmachi Station, then take a bus to Kinkaku-ji.
Dinner: Kyoto-style Kaiseki at Kikunoi
- Where: Kikunoi (Gion area)
- What to Eat: Multi-course Kaiseki meal with seasonal Kyoto delicacies.
- Getting There: Take a bus or taxi from Kinkaku-ji to Gion.
Day 2: Exploring Eastern Kyoto – Fushimi Inari & Higashiyama
Breakfast: Matcha & Pastries at a Traditional Tea House
- Where: Tsujiri, Gion
- What to Eat: Matcha latte, matcha parfait, and traditional Japanese sweets.
- Getting There: Take the Keihan Main Line to Gion-Shijo Station.
Morning Activity: Fushimi Inari Shrine & Tofuku-ji Temple
- Walk through the thousands of torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine.
- Visit Tofuku-ji Temple, famous for its Zen gardens.
- Getting There: Take the JR Nara Line to Inari Station.
Lunch: Ramen at Ichiran Kyoto
- Where: Ichiran Ramen, Kawaramachi
- What to Eat: Tonkotsu ramen with personalized broth strength.
- Getting There: Take the Keihan Main Line to Kawaramachi Station.
Afternoon Activity: Kiyomizu-dera & Ninenzaka Street
- Visit Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto’s most beautiful temples.
- Explore Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka streets for souvenirs and snacks.
Dinner: Kyoto Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) at Hiro
- Where: Hiro Yakiniku, Pontocho
- What to Eat: Premium Wagyu beef grilled at your table.
- Getting There: Walk from Kiyomizu-dera to Kiyomizu-Gojo Station, then take the Keihan Line to Sanjo Station.
Day 3: Day Trip to Nara & Uji – Temples, Deer & Green Tea
Breakfast: Kyoto-style Onigiri at Musubi Kyoto
- Where: Musubi Kyoto, Kyoto Station
- What to Eat: Handcrafted rice balls with fillings like salmon and umeboshi.
- Getting There: Walk to Kyoto Station.
Morning Activity: Nara Park & Todai-ji Temple
- Feed the friendly deer at Nara Park.
- Visit Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha.
- Getting There: Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Nara Station.
Lunch: Nara’s Local Specialties at Kamameshi Shizuka
- Where: Kamameshi Shizuka, Nara
- What to Eat: Kamameshi (seasoned rice with toppings) and Kakinoha-zushi (persimmon leaf sushi).
- Getting There: Walk from Nara Park (5 minutes).
Afternoon Activity: Uji – The Heart of Matcha
- Explore Byodo-in Temple, featured on the 10-yen coin.
- Enjoy a matcha experience at one of Uji’s traditional tea houses.
- Getting There: Take the JR Nara Line from Nara to Uji Station.
Dinner: Unagi (Grilled Eel) at Nakamura Tokichi
- Where: Nakamura Tokichi, Uji
- What to Eat: Grilled unagi over rice and matcha-infused desserts.
- Getting There: Walk from Uji Station (5 minutes), then take the JR Nara Line back to Kyoto.
Final Thoughts
This 3-day Kyoto & Nara itinerary provides a mix of historical sites, scenic views, and authentic Japanese cuisine. Using the efficient JR and subway networks, you can explore these beautiful cities seamlessly.
Pro Tips for Transportation
- Get a Japan Rail Pass if you’re traveling from Tokyo or other regions.
- Use an ICOCA Card for easy payment on trains and buses.
- Avoid peak hours (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM) for a smoother ride.
Enjoy your time in Kyoto & Nara, and don’t forget to indulge in Kyoto’s traditional flavors and Nara’s unique specialties!
