Kyoto on the ground: getting around and what to see

Once in Kyoto, think in neighbourhoods, not single sights: the east (Higashiyama and Gion), the north-west (Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama) and the south (Fushimi Inari). Each cluster fills half a day, and every major temple opens between 6:00 and 9:00. Mornings are everything here.

Getting around the city

Buses reach every temple but crawl in high season; the flat fare is 230 yen, paid with any IC card. Faster combos: the Karasuma and Tōzai subway lines, the JR Nara line for Fushimi Inari, and the Keihan line along the eastern sights. In the historic districts, walking beats everything: Kiyomizu-dera to Gion is a 30-minute stroll through preserved lanes.

Planning your first day

Start at Kiyomizu-dera at 6:00 when the terrace is empty, walk down through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, then cross into Gion before lunch. Keep the afternoon for the Nishiki market and the Kamo river banks, and finish back in Gion at dusk when the lanterns come on. The wider region is covered in our Kansai guide.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need in Kyoto?

Three full days cover the main clusters. Add a fourth for Arashiyama and Uji, or a half-day trip to Nara, 45 minutes away by JR.

Are temples open in the evening?

Most close between 16:30 and 17:30. Exceptions: Fushimi Inari (always open) and special night illuminations in spring and autumn.