A Timeless Weekend in Kyoto: 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1 blends ease, exploration, and small moments of surprise.

Morning

Start with an egg salad sandwich for breakfast from 7-Eleven in Tokyo before taking a morning train to Kyoto. Make sure to send any large baggage ahead to your Kyoto hotel through one of the many luggage transfer companies.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon wandering through Gion and along Shijō-dori, popping into shops, sampling unique candy from Candy Show Time, and pausing for a matcha at Maccha House.

Vintage lovers will want to carve out time for stores like Brand Off, Kindal, and 2nd Street, followed by a few unhurried hours at Nishiki Market, where the food stalls are endless and the souvenirs feel genuinely special.

Evening

As evening approaches, head to Sherry Bar Venga, a true hidden gem with the warmest bartender and a quietly magical atmosphere—I once watched a bride and groom celebrate here with their parents after their ceremony.

End the night with dinner at Mankichi for truly incredible unagi, or join the line at the ever-popular Maruman for sushi. After dinner, be sure to stop by Ice at 21:00 for dessert—we tried the Chestnut Mont Blanc and the Pistachio, and they ended up being two of our favorite desserts in Japan.

Day 2 is an early start, but it’s one of the most rewarding days in Kyoto.

Morning

Begin as early as possible and plan transportation in advance—getting around the city can take longer than expected, and while taxis or Ubers are often the fastest option, they can be pricey at peak times (they’re usually worth it first thing in the morning).

Head straight to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to experience it at its quietest, then continue on to Tenryū-ji, a UNESCO-listed Zen temple directly connected to the grove and known for its serene garden and elegant simplicity.

Afterward, grab a casual breakfast at Onigiri Rama and stop by Kumonocha Café for their stylish cloud-shaped matcha treats before continuing on to Kinkaku-ji, the iconic Golden Pavilion, whose gold-leaf exterior reflects beautifully over a still pond.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, make your way to Fushimi Inari Taisha to wander beneath the famous vermilion torii gates—there’s no need to complete the full hike to feel the magic.

End the day at Ginkaku-ji, whose quiet gardens and understated beauty offer a calming contrast and a thoughtful close to the day.

Evening

For dinner, choose between Odai Sushi, an unforgettable experience served in the chef’s own home, so beloved that some travelers say they’ve returned to Japan just to dine with him again, or keep things more central with Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu Teramachi Kyogoku, a reliable favorite for perfectly crisp, tender beef cutlets.

After dinner, end the night with a drink at Bar Wasuremono, an intimate, thoughtfully designed space that feels tucked away from the rest of the city and makes for a quietly memorable final stop.

Enjoy a slow morning, grab breakfast and a matcha, and head back to Tokyo via the Shinkansen train.

• Pro tip: Make sure to book seat E on the train for views of Mt. Fuji, weather permitting. Book ahead of time if you want to make sure an E seat is available!