Kyoto Itinerary Template
Make the most of Kyoto in autumn
From Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera to Kinkaku-ji and Arashiyama, this 3-day model course covers the highlights of Kyoto. Duplicate it, change the dates and spots, and your own Kyoto itinerary is ready.
Recommended for
Tokyo Station → Kyoto Station
Shinkansen Nozomi 217 Car 8
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Stroll through the thousand torii gates
Lunch (near Kyoto Station)
Enjoy local Kyoto cuisine for lunch Budget: ¥1,000-2,000
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Panoramic view of Kyoto from the famous wooden stage Autumn illumination (17:30-21:00)
Dinner (Gion)
Kyoto-style kaiseki dinner in Gion Budget: ¥3,000-5,000
Hotel check-in
Hotel near Kyoto Station
Breakfast (hotel)
Buffet breakfast at the hotel
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Admire the shining golden pavilion
Lunch (Arashiyama)
Yudofu (hot tofu) lunch in Arashiyama Budget: ¥1,500-2,500
Arashiyama walk
Stroll across Togetsukyo Bridge and through the bamboo grove A famous spot for autumn colors
Cafe break
Relax at a stylish cafe in Arashiyama Enjoy some matcha sweets
Dinner (Kawaramachi)
Kushikatsu and okonomiyaki in Kawaramachi Budget: ¥3,000
Breakfast (hotel)
Buffet breakfast at the hotel
Check out
Check out of the hotel Leave your luggage
Nijo Castle
Former Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa shoguns Famous for its "nightingale floors"
Lunch (Nishiki Market)
Snack your way through Kyoto's kitchen Sample local specialties
Souvenirs at Kyoto Station
Shop at Isetan or Kyoto Tower Sando Yatsuhashi, matcha sweets, and more
Kyoto Station → Tokyo Station
Shinkansen Nozomi 238 Car 8
About this itinerary
This 3-day Kyoto itinerary visits Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kiyomizu-dera on day 1, Kinkaku-ji and Arashiyama (Togetsukyo Bridge and the bamboo grove) on day 2, and Nijo Castle and Nishiki Market on day 3. Based around a hotel near Kyoto Station, the route is ordered to keep travel time down, so even first-time visitors can cover the classic spots efficiently.
Each stop includes a rough visit time, and the shinkansen ride from Tokyo Station is already filled in. Seasonal highlights such as the evening illumination at Kiyomizu-dera are noted too, so you can use it for the autumn foliage or spring cherry-blossom season just by changing the dates.
The template is only a starting point. Swap in the spots you want to visit — such as Ginkaku-ji, the Kifune and Kurama area, or Uji — and adjust the timing to build your own Kyoto itinerary and schedule freely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is the Kyoto itinerary template free to use?
A. Yes, it's completely free and no account is required. Itineraries you create from this template can be edited, shared, and saved as a PDF on the free plan.
Q. What spots does this 3-day model course cover?
A. Day 1 covers Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kiyomizu-dera, day 2 Kinkaku-ji and Arashiyama (Togetsukyo Bridge and the bamboo grove), and day 3 Nijo Castle and Nishiki Market. It assumes a hotel stay near Kyoto Station and is ordered for easy travel.
Q. Can I change the spots and schedule?
A. Of course — the template is just a starting point. Swap in spots like Ginkaku-ji or the Kifune and Kurama area and adjust the timing to fit your own Kyoto trip.
Q. Can I use it during the autumn or cherry-blossom season?
A. Yes. Seasonal notes such as the Kiyomizu-dera evening illumination are included. During busy periods it helps to visit the popular spots first thing in the morning, and you can use it for the spring cherry-blossom season just by changing the dates.
Q. How do I get around to each spot from Kyoto Station?
A. The template includes the shinkansen from Tokyo and the main transfers. Getting around Kyoto is easiest with a mix of bus, subway, and taxi, so jot down the transport you plan to use in each plan's notes for a smoother trip.
Q. Can I change the 3 days to a shorter or longer trip?
A. Yes, you can freely add or remove days. For a 2-day trip, drop day 3; for a 4-day trip, add a day for Uji or the Fushimi sake breweries.
Q. Can I create and share it using only my phone?
A. Yes. Everything from creating and editing to sharing the URL works entirely on your phone. Send the URL to friends or family and they can view the Kyoto itinerary without installing an app or signing up. You can also save or print it as a PDF.
3 easy steps
Check the 3-day Kyoto model course in the preview above
Tap "Create with this template" and enter a title and start date
The itinerary is duplicated as-is — just swap the spots and times to fit your own trip