Kyoto is an ancient capital boasting a thousand years of history and a world-renowned tourist city representing Japan. Surrounded by rich nature, it's dotted with famous sites including World Heritage sites, truly a concentration of Japanese beauty.
I spent two years in Kyoto during my graduate school days. Living a life blended into the streetscape of the ancient capital, I felt the profound charm of Kyoto firsthand.
My heart was cleansed by the solemn appearance of temples and shrines, healed by the natural beauty of the four seasons, and fascinated by traditional crafts shining with artisans' handiwork. Life in Kyoto was a series of discoveries.
However, Kyoto is a vast city. It might be quite difficult to efficiently tour within limited time. Especially in recent years, due to the global Kyoto boom, tourists are flooding in. To avoid crowds and achieve satisfying sightseeing, advance planning is essential.
So in this article, I'll introduce recommended model courses by theme that allow you to fully enjoy Kyoto in just half a day.
From the standard sightseeing route condensing Kyoto's charm to a course to feel nature, a tour of Uji, the home of tea, and a course to enjoy food culture, I've lined up diverse plans.
I've also packed useful information such as "be careful of temple opening hours" and "be mindful of bus congestion," which are iron rules of Kyoto sightseeing. I'll convey how to enjoy Kyoto deeply, incorporating my local perspective cultivated during my student days.
Whether it's your first trip to Kyoto or you're a repeater, you're sure to find new discoveries. If you have limited time or can't prioritize your sightseeing, please use this as a reference.
With this guide utilizing my experience in hand, please enjoy your Kyoto sightseeing!
If you are looking for Comprehensive Kyoto Guide, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy different areas of Kyoto as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
Table of Contents
・What's the Charm of Kyoto?
・Tips for a Half-Day Trip in Kyoto
・Model Course 1: Half-Day Trip to Enjoy History on Your First Visit to Kyoto
・Model Course 2: Half-Day Trip to Be Healed by Kyoto's Nature
・Model Course 3: Half-Day Trip to Enjoy History and Matcha in Uji
・Model Course 4: Half-Day Trip to Deeply Know Kyoto's Food Culture
・Other Recommended Spots in Kyoto City That Can Be Visited in Half a Day
・Recommended Tours for Half-Day Trips in Kyoto
What's the Charm of Kyoto?
The charm of Kyoto, one of Japan's leading tourist cities, is so diverse that it can't be fully expressed in words alone.
The presence as an ancient capital with over a thousand years of history, the dignity as the center of Japanese traditional culture and art, numerous temples and shrines registered as World Heritage sites, and natural landscapes showing beautiful expressions in each of the four seasons. All of these harmonize wonderfully to form the city of Kyoto.
The wonderful thing about the model courses introduced in this article is that you can fully savor Kyoto's charm even in a short half-day. By efficiently touring famous sites, you can experience the condensed charm of Kyoto.
Kyoto is also a treasure trove of gourmet food, including Japanese cuisine. Of course, you'll want to enjoy Kyoto with your taste buds on your Kyoto trip. I've prepared plans where you can enjoy food tours in the model courses.
However, in recent years, Kyoto has been criticized for overtourism due to its global popularity.
Especially the increase in foreign tourists is remarkable, and popular spots are always crowded. To realize a satisfying Kyoto trip even in such circumstances, the key is to tour efficiently referring to model courses.
Tips for a Half-Day Trip in Kyoto
Here, I'll introduce three travel tips from a local perspective of someone who actually lived in Kyoto.
Visit Temples and Shrines by 3 PM
Visiting temples and shrines is a must for Kyoto sightseeing. However, many temples and shrines close around 5 PM, so aim to visit by 3 PM.
Some places do light up during autumn foliage season and spring cherry blossom season, but it's wise to keep this 3 PM time in mind basically. Especially since there are temples and shrines with vast grounds, I recommend securing enough time for viewing.
Are City Buses Really Crowded?
It's true that Kyoto's buses are extremely crowded. During peak tourist seasons, even locals hesitate to ride city buses.
Long lines forming at bus stops and not being able to board buses even when they come... such scenes are everyday occurrences.
That's why for a half-day trip, it's crucial to make plans that avoid using buses as much as possible. It would be a shame if your precious Kyoto trip was ruined by waiting time for buses. The model courses introduced in this article are created considering such points.
You Can't Go Everywhere from Kyoto Station
Kyoto Station is convenient for access from other regions like Osaka and Tokyo. However, when considering it as a base for Kyoto sightseeing, it's actually not such a great location.
Many of Kyoto's main tourist spots are scattered in places a bit far from Kyoto Station. For example, to go to the Higashiyama area including Kiyomizu Temple, it's convenient to use Hankyu Railway or Keihan Railway. I can't really recommend going directly from Kyoto Station.
That's why in this article, I advise on the optimal transportation methods for each model course. It's local wisdom for smooth Kyoto sightseeing, so please use it as a reference.
Model Course 1: Half-Day Trip to Enjoy History on Your First Visit to Kyoto
From here, I'll introduce specific model courses. The first one is a course where you can fully enjoy Kyoto's famous spots. I recommend this for first-time visitors to Kyoto.
Course Overview
・Hankyu Kawaramachi Station or Keihan Gion-Shijo Station → Kiyomizu Temple → Yasaka Shrine → Gion
・Time required: About 3 hours
・Transportation: Train, on foot
・Recommended season: All year round
Course Details
Head to Hankyu Kawaramachi Station or Keihan Gion-Shijo Station
When visiting Kyoto, let's start by checking the transportation access. If you're coming from the Osaka area, I recommend taking the limited express train on the Hankyu Kyoto Line from Umeda Station, or the limited express on the Keihan Railway from Yodoyabashi Station.
On the other hand, if you're departing from Kyoto Station, first take the Karasuma Subway Line to Shijo Station. From there, transfer to the Hankyu Railway and head to Kawaramachi Station.
Walk to Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Now, it's time for one of the highlights of Kyoto sightseeing, the path to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. It's about a 25-minute walk from the station to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The route not only spreads out with traditional townscapes but also allows you to enjoy shopping and food tasting, truly a Kyoto-like stroll course.
And then you arrive at Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The view looking down from the "stage" is truly breathtaking. When you see this view, you'll truly feel glad you came to Kyoto.
Website: https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/en/
If you are interested in Kiyomizu-dera Temple, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
sena kanda
Stroll Through the Majestic Yasaka Shrine
After fully enjoying Kiyomizu Temple, next is Yasaka Shrine. It's about a 20-minute walk from Kiyomizu Temple. The point is that it's easy to stop by on the way back to the station.
Yasaka Shrine has a solemn appearance no less than Kiyomizu Temple, and it's a spot I especially want to visit during cherry blossom season with Maruyama Park next to the shrine grounds. Also, from the grand staircase of the main gate, you can overlook the townscape of Gion. You should be able to fully enjoy the Kyoto-like scenery.
Website: https://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/en/
Stroll Through Gion and Pontocho
Gion, Kyoto's representative geisha district and one of Japan's representative historical scenic districts. Particularly famous within it is Pontocho with its beautiful stone pavement. The atmospheric street lined with high-class restaurants can be said to be a symbol of Kyoto-ness.
If you're lucky, you might see the figure of a maiko. However, note that photography is not allowed. Quietly burn that elegant figure into your eyes.
Website: https://www.ponto-chou.com/
If you are interested in Pontocho, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Pontocho as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
If you want to enjoy a meal in the Gion area, I also recommend the following tour that ranked 14th globally on TripAdvisor:
Click here for more details: Kyoto Night Foodie Tour
Model Course 2: Half-Day Trip to Be Healed by Kyoto's Nature
When you think of Kyoto, you might have a strong image of temples and shrines, but did you know it's also known for its natural beauty?
Among them, the Arashiyama area is popular as one of Kyoto's best scenic spots. Embraced by rich nature, it's packed with highlights including World Heritage temples and atmospheric bamboo groves.
In this second model course, we'll fully enjoy such Kyoto nature.
Course Overview
・Osaka Umeda Station or Hankyu Kawaramachi Station → Arashiyama → Tenryu-ji Temple → Sagano Torokko → Bamboo Grove
・Time required: About 4 hours
・Transportation: Train, on foot
・Recommended season: Summer, Autumn (fall foliage), Spring (cherry blossoms)
Course Details
Head to Arashiyama, Kyoto's Great Nature
The Hankyu Arashiyama Line is convenient for access to Arashiyama. If you're coming from Osaka, first take the Hankyu Kyoto Line from Umeda Station. If you're in Kyoto city, you can start from anywhere along the Hankyu line, like Kawaramachi Station or Karasuma Station. In either case, transfer to the Arashiyama Line at Katsura Station.
If you're staying around Kyoto Station, it's also an option to go to Saga-Arashiyama Station on the JR Sagano Line.
However, the terminus of the Hankyu Arashiyama Line, Arashiyama Station, is right next to Togetsukyo Bridge. Being able to see this bridge, which could be called a symbol of Kyoto sightseeing, immediately upon getting off is a unique charm of Hankyu.
I especially recommend the autumn foliage season. The contrast between Togetsukyo Bridge and the autumn foliage of the mountains spreading behind it during this season is truly a spectacular view.
If you are interested in Arashiyama, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Arashiyama as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
If you want to enjoy Arashiyama's nature more efficiently, I also recommend this Magical Trip tour:
Click here for more details: Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Garden Half-Day Walking Tour
To Tenryu-ji Temple
One of the highlights of Arashiyama sightseeing is Tenryu-ji Temple. It's a venerable temple built in the 1300s and was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1994.
The vast grounds are packed with highlights including a dry landscape garden. No matter what season you visit, you're sure to be captivated by its beauty.
As I stroll through the garden, I feel like I forget the daily hustle and bustle, and my heart is being cleansed. It's one of my favorite temples in Kyoto.
Website: https://www.tenryuji.com/en/
Enjoy Breathtaking Views on the Torokko
The Torokko train connecting Arashiyama and Kameoka. If you're fully enjoying Arashiyama's nature, this is an activity you absolutely can't miss.
Especially during the autumn foliage season, the autumn leaves of the mountains spreading outside the train are like a painting. You should be able to have an experience that cleanses your heart just by riding.
The fare is 880 yen one-way for adults and 440 yen for children. You can buy tickets on-site, but during popular seasons, there can be long lines. I recommend booking online in advance.
However, as a note of caution, remember that tickets become invalid if you're late. Let's depart with plenty of time.
In this course, we enjoy about an hour of Torokko travel round trip. Don't forget to purchase round-trip tickets.
Website: https://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/en/
Stroll Through the Bamboo Grove on the Way Back
After returning from the Torokko train, lastly, head to the Bamboo Grove path, which could be called the symbol of Arashiyama.
This bamboo grove is famous for being photogenic. Please enjoy taking photos to your heart's content in the fantastical atmosphere.
You should be able to spend luxurious time feeling Arashiyama's nature with your whole body while leisurely strolling through the bamboo grove.
Model Course 3: Half-Day Trip to Enjoy History and Matcha in Uji
Uji, located south of Kyoto, has been a land where tea cultivation has flourished since ancient times. Especially matcha is known to have originated in Uji. In this model course, you can enjoy history and matcha simultaneously in Uji.
This is a plan I'd like to recommend not only to matcha lovers but also to those interested in Japanese history and culture.
Course Overview
・JR or Keihan Uji Station → Byodoin Temple → Ujigami Shrine → Nakamura Tokichi Main Store
・Time required: About 3 hours
・Transportation: Train, on foot
・Recommended season: All year round
Course Details
Head to JR or Keihan Uji Station
First, let's confirm how to access Uji. From Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line and get off at Uji Station.
On the other hand, if you're coming from the Osaka area, I recommend the Keihan Railway. First, go to Yodoyabashi Station on the Midosuji Subway Line, then transfer to a limited express or express train on the Keihan Main Line. Transfer to the Uji Line at Chushojima Station and you'll arrive at Uji Station.
If you're staying in the Gion area, please use the Keihan Railway as well.
Visit Byodoin Temple
About a 10-minute walk from Uji Station, first head to Byodoin Temple. Speaking of Byodoin Temple, it's that scenery that everyone who has come to Japan has seen at least once. Yes, it's the place depicted on the back of the 10 yen coin.
This building, designated as a World Heritage site, can be said to be a treasure conveying the beauty of history to the present day. I can't help but feel Kyoto's sense of beauty transcending time in its elegant appearance.
The garden is also a point not to be missed. The pond showing expressions for each of the four seasons is very beautiful, especially the views during autumn foliage and spring cherry blossom seasons are spectacular.
Website: https://www.byodoin.or.jp/en/
Head to the Hidden Spot, Ujikami Shrine
Source: Wikipedia
After Byodoin Temple, next is Ujikami Shrine. Although not as well-known as Byodoin Temple, it's actually a venerable shrine registered as a World Heritage site.
Compared to Byodoin Temple, there are fewer tourists, and it has a quiet and sacred atmosphere. It's truly a place worthy of being called a hidden gem.
This shrine is said to be the oldest shrine architecture in Japan. I'm always involuntarily impressed by its historical depth, said to have been built in the 10th century.
Website: https://www.ujikamijinja.jp/
Enjoy Matcha Sweets at Nakamura Tokichi Main Store
After exploring history, let's savor matcha, which is indispensable when talking about Uji. We're heading to Nakamura Tokichi Main Store, a long-established tea shop in Uji.
Please fully taste the traditional flavor that has been preserved since its founding here. Not only tea but also sweets using matcha are exquisite. Particularly popular are the rich matcha ice cream and matcha parfait.
You can enjoy them in the store without a reservation, but you might have to wait a bit, so I recommend visiting with plenty of time. Let's conclude the end of the trip with this ultimate matcha experience.
<Store Information>
Address: Ichiban-10 Uji, Kyoto 611-0021
Closed: None
Phone: 077-422-7800
Hours: 10 AM–5:30 PM, 10 AM–4 PM(Wednesdays)
Website: https://global.tokichi.jp/
If you are interested in Uji, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Uji as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
Model Course 4: Half-Day Trip to Deeply Know Kyoto's Food Culture
When you think of Kyoto, you think of gourmet food. It's particularly famous worldwide as the home of Japanese cuisine. This model course allows you to fully savor such Kyoto food culture.
Visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine, touring Fushimi's sake breweries, and food tasting at Nishiki Market. It's a plan where Kyoto's unique food experiences are condensed.
Course Overview
・Fushimi Inari Station or Inari Station → Fushimi Inari Shrine → Fushimi Sake Brewery → Nishiki Market
・Time required: About 3 hours
・Transportation: Train, on foot
・Recommended season: All year round
Course Details
Head to Fushimi Inari Shrine by JR or Keihan
First, let's head to Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of Kyoto's representative tourist spots. If you're coming from Kyoto Station, get off at Inari Station on the JR Nara Line. On the other hand, if you're coming from the Osaka area or Gion area, Fushimi Inari Station on the Keihan Railway is convenient.
The sight of red torii gates lining up is truly a symbol of Kyoto. It's also popular as a photogenic spot that's sure to look good on social media.
Also, the tunnel of torii gates continuing to the mountain top is like a hiking course. However, it becomes a full-fledged mountain climb, so I recommend visiting in comfortable walking shoes.
Website: https://inari.jp/en/
For those who want to thoroughly enjoy Fushimi Inari Shrine, I also recommend the tour below. It's a special experience tour offered by Magical Trip that guides you from a local's perspective.
Click here for more details: Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour
Learn About Fushimi's Sake
After Fushimi Inari Shrine, go back one station on the Keihan Railway to Chushojima Station. About a 10-minute walk from there is the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, a sake brewery in Fushimi.
Fushimi has long been known as a land famous for sake. Among them, this Gekkeikan is a long-established sake brewery with over 400 years of history.
At the museum, you can not only learn about the sake manufacturing process but there's also a tasting corner. You can actually taste various brands of sake.
You can visit without a reservation, but during busy times, admission may be restricted. It's safer to make an online reservation in advance.
Website: https://www.gekkeikan.co.jp/english/museum/
If you are interested in Fushimi, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Fushimi as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
Enjoy Food Tasting in Kyoto's Kitchen
Lastly, enjoy food tasting at Nishiki Market, Kyoto's kitchen. This market has over 400 years of history.
Due to its deep history, it's full of delicious things. I particularly recommend the following two stores:
・Recommended Street Food 1: Fuka
Their "nama-fu" steamed buns made from wheat flour are popular. At about 200 yen per piece, they're reasonably priced and perfect for food tasting.
<Store Information>
Address: 534-1 Kikuya-cho, Nishikikoji-Sakaimachi Sumi, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-8127
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 075-221-4533
Hours: 10 AM–5:30 PM
Website: http://www.fuka-kyoto.jp/
・Recommended Street Food 2: Kyo Tanba
Their specialty is "Yaki-pon," a sweet that uses chestnuts as they are. It's nice that you can enjoy purchased products with tea in the store. You can also try samples, so please give them a taste.
<Store Information>
Address: 208 Kajiyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-8052
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 075-212-1190
Hours: 10 AM–6 PM
Website: https://kyotanba.co.jp/
If you want to fully enjoy Nishiki Market, I also recommend the following tour from Magical Trip:
Click here for more details: Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour
If you are interested in Nishiki Market, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Nishiki Market as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
Other Recommended Spots in Kyoto City That Can Be Visited in Half a Day
I didn't include these in the four model courses introduced in this article, but I'll introduce other spots in Kyoto that can be visited in half a day. Please visit if you have extra time.
Kinkaku-ji Temple
Kinkaku-ji Temple with its impressive golden exterior. Built in 1397, it's one of Kyoto's representative famous sites.
The highlight is the historical building covered in gold leaf. Its reflection in the pond is truly a spectacular view.
For access, it's convenient to take bus number 205 from Kyoto Station or Kawaramachi and get off at "Kinkakuji-michi." However, as there's no transportation method other than the bus, be prepared to spend 2-3 hours including viewing and round trip. Still, it remains an indispensable famous site for Kyoto sightseeing.
Website: https://www.shokoku-ji.jp/en/kinkakuji/
If you are interested in Kinkaku-ji Temple, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
sena kanda
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, about a 15-minute walk from Kinkaku-ji Temple. It's known as a shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning.
Please stroll around the grounds while heading towards the main building after passing through the gate. It's also famous as a plum blossom spot, and you can enjoy beautiful plum blossoms in February-March.
However, you can fully enjoy the shrine even outside the plum blossom season. Whenever you visit, you're sure to be moved by its majestic appearance.
Website: https://kitanotenmangu.or.jp/en/
Ichijoji Neighborhood
Ichijoji, known as Kyoto's fierce battleground for ramen. About 20 ramen shops are lined up in this entire area.
The charm is that you can enjoy various types of ramen from long-established shops to new stores. I recommend enjoying authentic ramen during breaks in your Kyoto sightseeing.
To get to Ichijoji, transfer from Keihan Railway's Demachiyanagi Station to the Eizan Electric Railway and get off at Ichijoji Station. If you're a ramen lover, please make a visit.
If you are interested in Ichijoji, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Ichijoji as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
Recommended Tours for Half-Day Trips in Kyoto
Finally, I'll introduce recommended tours where you can enjoy Kyoto in half a day, including those I've already mentioned.
Tours to Feel Kyoto's History
"Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Garden Half-Day Walking Tour" by Magical Trip
This is a popular Magical Trip tour where you can experience Kyoto's history and nature simultaneously. You'll tour famous sites in the Arashiyama area while listening to guide explanations.
It's a plan where you can fully enjoy Arashiyama's charm, including Tenryu-ji Temple's garden and the bamboo grove path. With Kyoto local cuisine lunch included, the price is reasonable at about $105 per person.
The time required is 5 hours. I recommend this tour for those interested in history and those who want to fully enjoy nature.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Garden Half-Day Walking Tour
"Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour" by Magical Trip
For those who want to explore Fushimi Inari Shrine more deeply, I recommend this. It's a tour that ranked 3rd overall in TripAdvisor's Japan activity ranking.
You'll delve into the charm of Fushimi Inari while walking a hiking route known only to locals. The time required is 3 hours. The price is attractive at about $58 per person, which is reasonable.
If you want to thoroughly enjoy Fushimi Inari, please check it out.
Click here for more details: Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour
Tours to Fully Enjoy Kyoto's Food
"Kyoto Night Foodie Tour" by Magical Trip
If you want to enjoy Kyoto's gourmet food, I recommend this tour. It's a popular plan that ranked 14th in TripAdvisor's world night tour ranking.
The charm is that you can taste Kyoto's traditional cuisine while strolling through Gion and Pontocho. You'll also visit stores with strong local color that are difficult for foreign tourists to enter on their own.
The price is about $133 per person including meal costs. If you want to spend a slightly luxurious night in Kyoto, why not try this experience?
Click here for more details: Kyoto Night Foodie Tour
"Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour" by Magical Trip
If you want to savor Nishiki Market, Kyoto's kitchen, more deeply, I recommend this tour. It's about a 3-hour food tasting tour offered by Magical Trip.
Starting with a stroll through Gion, you'll enjoy food tasting at Nishiki Market. With brunch included at a restaurant in the market, the price is reasonable at about $45 per person.
It's a tour where you can experience the charm of Nishiki Market through food. If you want to fully enjoy Kyoto gourmet, please check it out.
Click here for more details: Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour
In this article, I've introduced recommended model courses, spots, and tours for half-day trips in Kyoto.
Kyoto has so many sights that you might get lost about where to sightsee. But if you refer to the plans introduced in this article, you should be able to fully enjoy Kyoto's charm even in a short time.
Kyoto, where I spent my student years. Please enjoy your Kyoto sightseeing with this guide in hand, which I created drawing on those experiences.
I hope this guide will be helpful in making your Kyoto trip even more wonderful!