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    Things to do in Kyoto: temples, districts and easy rail day trips

    Kyoto rewards planning by geography rather than by ranking. Group the sights by district, use the JR lines your pass already covers, and you can see the city properly in three days.

    01

    Sights on the JR network

    • Fushimi Inari: 5 minutes from Kyoto station on the JR Nara line, free with a Japan Rail Pass.
    • Arashiyama bamboo grove and Tenryu-ji: JR Sagano line to Saga-Arashiyama, about 15 minutes, covered by the pass.
    • Tofuku-ji: one stop on the JR Nara line, spectacular in late November.
    • Kyoto Railway Museum: a short walk or bus from Kyoto station, good for a rainy afternoon.
    02

    Higashiyama on foot

    Start at Kiyomizu-dera early, then walk down Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka to Kodai-ji and Yasaka shrine, ending in Gion. It is roughly three hours at a slow pace and covers the city's most photographed streets without a single train ride.

    03

    North and west by bus or subway

    • Kinkaku-ji, the golden pavilion: bus from Kyoto station, not covered by the JR Pass.
    • Ryoan-ji rock garden: a short walk from Kinkaku-ji.
    • Nijo Castle: on the Tozai subway line, separate ticket.
    • Philosopher's Path and Ginkaku-ji: best combined with Nanzen-ji in one loop.
    04

    Food and evenings

    • Nishiki market for the mid morning walk, quieter before 11:00.
    • Pontocho alley for dinner along the Kamo river.
    • Kaiseki in a machiya townhouse, book weeks ahead.
    • Standing bars around Kyoto station for a cheap final night.
    05

    Day trips your pass covers

    • Nara: 45 minutes on the JR Nara line, deer and Todai-ji.
    • Osaka: 29 minutes on the JR Special Rapid, castle and Dotonbori.
    • Himeji Castle: about 1 hour by shinkansen, Japan's best surviving castle.
    • Kobe: about 30 minutes, harbour and beef.

    Frequently asked questions

    Quick answers to common questions.

    How many days do you need in Kyoto?

    Three full days covers the main districts comfortably, four if you add day trips to Nara or Himeji.

    Is the Japan Rail Pass useful inside Kyoto?

    Partly. It covers the JR Nara and Sagano lines to Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama, but not city buses or the subway.

    What is the best area to stay?

    Near Kyoto station for rail access, or Gion and Higashiyama if you want to walk to the temples.

    When is Kyoto least crowded?

    Late January and early February, and weekdays outside cherry blossom and autumn colour season.

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