How to spend 48 Hours in Kyoto

How to spend 48 Hours in Kyoto

With so much culture and history, Kyoto is a city that can’t be missed when travelling to Japan, even if you only have two days to spare! There’s so much to see and do in this beautiful city, so I’ve put together a list of some must-see sights to see in Kyoto below.

Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine KyotoFushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine Kyoto

Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine

One of Japan’s most iconic shrines, Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine is perhaps the most important shrine in Kyoto. Known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, there are a number of hiking trails that lead into the sacred Mount Inari. Whilst the hike to the summit and back takes 2 – 3 hours, the Yotsutsuji intersection is about half way up the mountain and offers some beautiful views of Kyoto.

Kinkaku-ji Temple (The Golden Pavilion)

Kinkaku-ji Temple (The Golden Pavilion)

One of the more famous temples throughout Japan, Kinkaku-ji Temple, otherwise known as the Golden Pavilion, is not to be missed. The top two floors of the temple are completely covered in gold leaf, which you can admire as you walk around the beautiful gardens surrounding the temple.

Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge KyotoArashiyama Kyoto Scenery

Arashiyama

Arashiyama is such a beautiful district to take a walk around, made even more stunning during the cherry blossom season. Be sure to walk across the historic Togetsukyo Bridge and take in the scenic views. Tenryu-ji Temple is also located in this district. Stop by before walking on to the famous bamboo grove (below).

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Located close to Tenryu-ji Temple, walking through the soaring bamboo grove is magical. Get here early to try and avoid the crowds. Be sure to walk right through to the end for more photo opportunities where the bamboo gets more dense and the crowds start to thin out.

Gion district KyotoGion district Kyoto

Gion

Take an evening walk through the heart of Kyoto into the Gion district, an area filled with shops, restaurants and teahouses. It’s also Kyoto’s most famous geisha district. There is so much to explore in Gion and lots of traditional architecture to see. Keep walking until you get to the Yasaka Shrine and the park surrounding it. This is a great spot to see cherry blossoms and pick up some food from the stalls just after the Shinto Shrine.

Yasaka Shrine Kyoto

Nijo Castle

Built in 1603 as the residence of the first shogun of the Edo Period, this samurai castle features the beautiful Ninomaru Palace as well as traditional Japanese landscape gardens. The entire castle grounds are surrounded by stone walls and moats.

Nino Castle Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera Temple 

Located on top of a hill that overlooks Kyoto, this historic temple is best known for its wooden stage, which juts out 13 metres above the below hillside. This provides some amazing views of Kyoto and the beautiful cherry blossom trees in the spring.

 

Tokyo City Guide Must See SightsArashiyama Kyoto JapanTokyo City Guide Must See SightsTokyo City Guide Must See SightsKyoto City Guide Must See Sights

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23 Comments

    • fromluxewithlove
      Author
      June 26, 2017 / 3:38 pm

      Thank you lovely! It’s such a beautiful place! x

    • fromluxewithlove
      Author
      June 26, 2017 / 4:17 pm

      Thanks Radi! It definiltey was! x

  1. June 19, 2017 / 12:09 pm

    Those photos are positively stunning! Always wanted to visit Japan as it truly does seem like quite the magical country. Hope you had lots of matcha while in Kyoto!

    -Didier
    http://www.didieryhc.com

    • fromluxewithlove
      Author
      June 26, 2017 / 4:17 pm

      Hehe I did! Japan is so amazing, you would love it! x

    • fromluxewithlove
      Author
      June 26, 2017 / 4:18 pm

      Thank you babe! I can’t wait to go back! xx

  2. June 19, 2017 / 10:18 pm

    Japanese architecture is so stunning! I can’t wait to explore this beautiful country one day and enjoy all of the beautiful sights it has to offer. I love the imagery you shared of the temple. What a stunning place indeed.

    Adrianna | http://mimamochi.com/

    • fromluxewithlove
      Author
      June 26, 2017 / 4:19 pm

      It definitely is! Thank you gorgeous! x

  3. June 20, 2017 / 1:09 am

    oh wow so amazing pictures, looked like such a nice trip !

    • fromluxewithlove
      Author
      June 26, 2017 / 4:19 pm

      Thank you gorgeous! It was! xx

  4. June 20, 2017 / 1:09 am

    oh wow so amazing pictures, looked like such a nice trip ! xx

  5. Siffat Haider
    June 20, 2017 / 1:50 am

    Tokyo looks like an absolute dream. I would love to go during cherry blossom season!
    xo
    Siffat
    http://icingandglitter.com

    • fromluxewithlove
      Author
      June 26, 2017 / 4:20 pm

      Cherry Blossom season was so stunning! xx

    • fromluxewithlove
      Author
      June 26, 2017 / 4:21 pm

      Thank you lovely! x

  6. June 22, 2017 / 2:34 pm

    I’m travelling here in a few months and seeing this post gets me so so excited!

    Love these photos, they’re absolutely stunning xx

    Imogen // http://www.faux-silk.com

    • fromluxewithlove
      Author
      June 26, 2017 / 4:23 pm

      Have the best time when you go! xx

  7. June 22, 2017 / 4:41 pm

    What a beautiful place! I love the picture with umbrella! it looks super cozy :)

    Jovita from Black Vanilla
    http://www.b-vanilla.com

    • fromluxewithlove
      Author
      June 26, 2017 / 4:23 pm

      I would go back any day, it’s beautiful! x

    • fromluxewithlove
      Author
      July 2, 2017 / 4:15 pm

      It’s such a beautiful place! X