Kyoto 1-Night, 2-Day Itinerary

I recently went on a trip to Kyoto. It was raining, there were lots of people, and Kyoto has more slopes than I expected, so I got quite tired 🥱. That’s why I’m sharing a relaxed itinerary that doesn’t cram in too many activities. Day 1 ① Arrival around 8:00 AM Location: 📍612-0882 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Fushimi Ward, Fukakusa Yabunouchicho 68 Parking is free, and the security staff help guide you, making parking smooth. I arrived around 8:00 AM on a Saturday and barely managed to find a spot, so depending on the season, it’s better to arrive earlier or use public transportation! The area is vast and full of slopes, so I recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes 👢. ② Around 10:00 AM near Kyoto Station The hotel I stayed at is located near Kyoto Station, so I headed there early. If you park at the station building, it’s convenient as the hotel shares the same parking lot. Kyoto Station has shopping and dining options like Kyoto Porta and Isetan. For lunch, I went to Maedaya, a motsunabe (offal hot pot) restaurant in Porta. It was reasonably priced for lunch and quicker than other restaurants, which was great. ③ From 3:00 PM Location: 〒600-8216 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Shimogyo Ward, Karasuma-dori Shichijo-sagaru JR Kyoto Station Central Exit Depending on the plan, there’s an all-you-can-eat and drink lounge. The rooms offer great views of Kyoto Tower and the trains! Parking at the station building costs 2,000 yen for 24 hours. ④ Strolling around Kyoto Station The nighttime illuminations at Kyoto Station are beautiful! Be sure to take a walk and enjoy them. About a 5-minute walk from Kyoto Station is a ramen shop that’s been featured on TV. I went around 9:00 PM and waited about an hour, but the light flavor was delicious, so I recommend it! ⑤ Location: 〒605-0073 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Higashiyama Ward, Gionmachi Kitagawa 625 I parked at the Kyoto City Maruyama Parking Lot. It has a roof and restrooms, making it a perfect spot for exploring the Shijo area. [Weekdays] 1,500 yen for 12 hours from entry (repeatedly applicable). All day (0:00–24:00): 300 yen per 30 minutes. ⑥ (Yasaka Koshindo Temple) Location: 〒605-0828 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Higashiyama Ward, Kinencho 390 This colorful temple, known for its "Kukurizaru" (monkey-shaped charms), is within walking distance of Yasaka Shrine. Be sure to pray before taking photos. ⑦ Surrounding Area On the way from Yasaka Shrine to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, there are places where you can enjoy street food and beautiful scenery, so take your time exploring. ⑧ Location: 〒605-0862 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Higashiyama Ward, Kiyomizu 1-294 Admission Fee: Adults 500 yen, Middle/Elementary School Students 200 yen Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a must-visit in Kyoto. It gets very crowded, so be prepared.