Credit: Jennifer on Flickr
Let’s say you’re in Japan for only a week and you want to cover as many cities as you can before you have to go back to reality.. First up on your list is Kyoto and you only have 3 days to experience everything the city has to offer!
Credit: giphy
Now, don’t go crying in a corner! Anything is possible if you have the right resources
We’ve put together a 3D2N itinerary that’ll cover all, if not most, of the top tourist hotspots just for YOU!
P.S. Don’t forget to download the HHWT Travel Planner app, available on Google Play for Android and App Store for iOS, to plan your trip to Kyoto 
Day 1 – Downtown Kyoto Leisure
A city known for its serene temples and graceful geishas, Kyoto is the perfect place for you to experience and assimilate into the local culture.
Details on Nijo Castle
Credit: Albert
- Visit Nijo castle. A voice guidance system is available. (1-2 hours)
- Have a meal at Biotei – it’s not a halal establishment, but it serves vegetarian food, with vegan options on request. Or another option is Ganko Kyoto Sanjo Honten, with Muslim friendly menus
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- Check out Nishiki Market before it closes at 5.30pm (1 hour)
Gion, Kyoto
Credit: Hansel and Regrettal
- Make your way to the little alleyways of Gion, and keep an eye out for the lovely maikos and geishas. If there are out and about, they are usually on an assignment and would not have time to stop and pose for photos. So make sure your camera trigger finger is fast, and remember to be respectful. (2-3 hours)
- A great way to understand their customs more is to go on a Gion night walking tour!
- Slurp on some delicious miso ramen in Naritaya, Gion. Prayer space available.
Day 2 – Exploring Eastern Kyoto
Rich in history and grace, we recommend taking a look at 5 Ways You Can Experience Kyoto like a Japanese for a more immersive experience. Additionally, don’t leave Kyoto without trying halal Kaiseki!
View of Kyoto from Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Credit: bobthemagicdragon
- Arrive early in Kiyomizu-dera Temple to avoid the crowd
- Feed your tummy with Kyoto’s famous yodofu (simmered tofu in water) at Kiyomizu Junsei Okabeya.
- Stroll down to the shopping streets of Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka, where Kyoto style houses are in abundance
Credit: Carlos Donderis
- Pay a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine.
- Drop by Maruyama Park during cherry blossom season!
- Head towards the other side of the city for Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji.
Path of the Philosopher
Credit: nate2b
- Reminisce your travel in Japan so far on the Path of the Philosopher
Day 3 – The Last Day in Kyoto
- Start early in Arashiyama, in Tenryu-ji Temple
Arashimaya’s Bamboo Grove… imagine that it’s you there.
Credit: Martyn White
- Take your mindful moments in its famous Bamboo Grove
- Take a short trip south to see snow monkeys at the Monkey Park Iwatayama
- Go over to Kyoto Station for some retail therapy
- Refuel with amazing chicken-broth ramen at Ayam-ya, near Kyoto Station
With this itinerary, we hope that you’ll be able to cover as much of Kyoto as you can! If you have any recommendations or suggestions on how to improve this short itinerary, do let us know in the comments below
P.S. Don’t forget to download the HHWT Travel Planner app, available on Google Play for Android and App Store for iOS, to plan your trip to Kyoto
