Your Honest Travel Guide for a First Visit to Kyoto

Kyoto is one of those places that’s always hyped in travel blogs, guidebooks, and glossy Instagram reels. And for good reason—it’s Japan’s old capital, packed with iconic temples, charming alleys, and centuries-old culture. But on our first visit, Kyoto also surprised us… in ways we didn’t expect.

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything we did on our two-day Kyoto itinerary—from famous sights like Fushimi Inari and Nishiki Market to unexpected lessons about street food, restaurant reservations, and Kyoto’s after-dark personality.

🏨 Where We Stayed in Kyoto

After two nights sleeping on tatami mats in a Buddhist temple in Koyasan, we were craving a real bed. We found the perfect stay right by the Kamo River—just across from the Gion district. Traditional vibes, easy access to public transport, walkable to nightlife and temples, and all at a fair price. A win.

🍣 Day 1: Food, Temples & Geisha Streets

We kicked things off with a seafood feast at Nishiki Market, a 400-year-old alley packed with over 100 food stalls. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” it’s the best place to snack on local specialties. We tried everything from baby octopus to massive oysters and creamy sea urchins. Even Kika, a seafood snob from Portugal, approved.

Then we jumped on a packed bus to Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district. Traffic was crazy, but at least the heat cooled off by the time we arrived.

We started at Yasaka Shrine, where we grabbed a shaved ice and people-watched in the heart of the old town. Spoiler: we saw a lot of “geishas,” but they were mostly tourists in rented kimonos.

We wandered past Hokan-ji Temple, with its iconic five-story pagoda, then hiked up to Kiyomizu-dera just in time for a perfect pink sunset over Kyoto.

As the crowds thinned after dark, we stumbled into a neighborhood full of traditional restaurants. It felt like a movie set—until we tried to get a table. Big Kyoto lesson: always make a dinner reservation. After a lot of polite laughter and rejection, we finally found a place to eat. And it was worth every awkward minute.

On the walk home, we passed along the Kamo River. Locals were sitting on the banks, sipping drinks, and chatting under the lantern glow. It wasn’t ancient Japan—but it felt genuinely modern and real. We knew we’d be back there the next night.

⛩️ Day 2: Fushimi Inari, Bamboo Crowds & Wagyu Heaven

We started early with a 20-minute cab ride to Fushimi Inari Shrine, hoping to beat the summer heat and the tourist rush. Even before 8 AM, it was already buzzing.

Fushimi Inari is one of Japan’s most iconic shrines, with thousands of bright red torii gates stretching over a 4-kilometer hike to the top of Mount Inari. It dates back over 1,300 years and is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and prosperity.

Most people stop after the first few gates (and photo ops), but if you keep going, the crowds thin and the magic sets in. It was peaceful, spiritual, and exhausting. We were drenched in sweat by the time we reached the top—but it ended up being our favorite spot in Kyoto.

After a shower break, we hopped on a train to Tenryu-ji Temple and the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. The temple gardens were stunning—one of the best examples of Japanese landscape design. The bamboo grove? Beautiful, but... crowded and surprisingly short. Still worth a look, but go early if you want that serene bamboo shot.

By this point, we were templed out. And hungry.

🥩 Final Night: Kyoto’s Wagyu & Bar Scene

We made our way back downtown and treated ourselves to a wagyu beef experience—trying different cuts and learning that Kobe beef isn’t actually Japan’s highest grade. We tasted Ohmi and Matsusaka beef too, both considered top-tier and incredibly flavorful.

To close out our Kyoto visit, we bar-hopped along the Kamo River. Fancy cocktails, tiny rock bars, and everything in between. Kyoto nightlife isn’t wild—but it’s wonderfully weird and full of character.

🚅 Leaving Kyoto – Next Stop: The Nakasendo Trail

The next morning, we boarded our first Shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagoya and continued our journey into the slower, scenic side of Japan along the Nakasendo Trail, an old samurai route through the Kiso Valley.

🤔 Kyoto FAQ – First Timer Questions Answered

Is Kyoto worth visiting?
Yes—but it depends on what you’re looking for. Kyoto is beautiful, historic, and full of iconic sights. But it can be crowded, expensive, and overwhelming in high season. Two days was enough for us to see the highlights and feel satisfied.

How many days should I spend in Kyoto?
2 to 3 days is ideal for most first-time visitors. You’ll be able to see the major attractions like Fushimi Inari, Gion, and Arashiyama without burning out.

What’s the best time to visit Kyoto?
Spring (for cherry blossoms) and autumn (for fall colors) are the most popular, but also the most crowded. Summer is hot, but mornings and evenings are manageable if you plan well.

Where should I stay in Kyoto?
Near Gion or along the Kamo River is a great choice—close to food, temples, and transport. Look for ryokan-style hotels for a traditional touch without the temple floor sleep.

Do I need to book restaurants in advance?
YES. Kyoto’s traditional restaurants are small and book up fast. Without a reservation, expect to be politely turned away (or laughed at gently, like we were).

What’s better: Kyoto or Tokyo?
They’re totally different vibes. Tokyo is fast-paced, futuristic, and overwhelming in the best way. Kyoto is traditional, beautiful, and slower—but with more tourist pressure. We say: do both.

🎥 Watch the Full Kyoto Episode on YouTube

🎒 Don’t forget to check out our previous episodes in Osaka and Koyasan for the full Japan series!

🇯🇵 2 Days in Kyoto – The Good, The Crowded, and The Delicious - Japan Blog 3