If you only have two days to visit Kyoto, where should you go? What are the must-try restaurants? Where can you rent a kimono? These are common questions many people have when visiting Kyoto for the first time. However, with so many amazing places to explore, it can be challenging to create the most efficient itinerary to make the most of your time in this beautiful city.
Today's article will guide you to the most iconic places to visit in Kyoto, highlight some of the best dining spots in these areas, and, of course, help you find the best places to rent a beautiful kimono at an affordable price. Let’s get started!
- Day 1:
- Rent a Kimono
Kyoto has been known as Japan's kimono factory since ancient times, so it's understandable that there are dozens of kimono sales and rental shops across the streets of this city, with all kinds of styles. as well as price. Today I will suggest to you an extremely famous Kimono rental store chain in Kyoto with many beautiful designs and extremely affordable prices: Okamoto chain of stores.
With a history of over 190 years, this chain of stores has locations at famous spots in Kyoto, such as Kiyomizu Temple, Thousand Pillar Pagoda, and Gion Old Town, making it convenient for you to rent a kimono without having to travel far. The store offers kimonos and yukatas for men, women, and children. The rental price (from 9am to 6pm) ranges from 2,980 JPY to 7,980 JPY, which is approximately 500k VND to 1 million VND.
You can preview the kimono models and prices for each type by following this link:
https://www.okamoto-kimono.com/kimono/
To avoid waiting, it's recommended to book in advance on the store's website (no prepayment required, just register your name). The website is user-friendly, with multiple language options for international visitors. The kimono fitting process takes about 30-45 minutes, so it's best to book from 9am to give yourself plenty of time for photos!
Link to pre-book an appointment here:
https://www.okamoto-kimono.com/reserve/form/
The Kimono set shown in the photo above costs around 6,500 JPY, which is approximately 1.1 million VND, and includes the kimono set along with a hair styling option. This price is quite reasonable compared to many other stores.
Address of the Kiyomizu branch: https://goo.gl/maps/coJxmUnTxpMdeQZ3A
2. Kyomizu Temple
Address: https://goo.gl/maps/GbszVAUG4pGARJhy8
Kiyomizu is located just about 2km from Kyoto Station. If you're traveling alone, you can take bus number 206 from in front of the station and get off at the Kyomizu Michi stop. If you're in a group of 2-4 people, it's better to take a taxi to save time waiting in line for the bus (which takes about 40 minutes per trip), and the fare is only slightly more expensive—around 900 JPY to 1,000 JPY.
When visiting Kyoto, a trip to Kiyomizu is a must. Built in 778, this Buddhist temple has become a symbol of the city and is listed among the top 20 World Cultural Heritage sites by UNESCO.
This temple is situated on Otowa Mountain, with a slope lined with shops selling souvenirs, food, and kimono rental stores on both sides of the road. Let’s take a look at a few of these shops before heading up to the temple!
And finally, our temple is located at the top of the slope.
Although it is a Buddhist temple, outside the main hall, you'll also find Shinto shrines (Jinja), characterized by their vibrant red color.
After passing through the gate and climbing a few stairs, you'll encounter a temple where most visitors stop to pray. Many also purchase lucky wooden plaques to write down their wishes and hang them up here.
Most of the temples here feature red tones, so it's recommended to choose kimono colors that stand out, avoiding hot tones that might blend in with the surroundings.
In addition to the main hall being a Buddhist temple, Kiyomizu is also famous for Jishu Jinja, one of the most well-known love shrines in the Kansai area :v. Unfortunately, it is currently closed for repairs.
After passing through these temples, we'll reach the ticket purchasing area to enter the temple. The entrance ticket costs 600 JPY, which is approximately 100k VND for adults.
The legendary photography view that everyone who visits Kyoto must capture: v
There is a rather unusual legend about this temple from the Edo period. It is said that if a person survives a 13-meter jump from the main platform to the ground, their wish will come true. What’s even more remarkable is that, during the Edo period, there were 234 recorded jumps, with up to 85% of jumpers surviving. Naturally, this practice was later strictly prohibited.
Here are some beautiful photo angles at the temple that you definitely shouldn’t miss:
To capture this angle, you'll need a camera with a long focal length lens or a phone with zoom functionality.
Similar to this photo, we can capture images with effects that are invisible to the naked eye.
- What to eat when coming to Kyomizu?
Today, we’ll explore the eateries along the historic streets of Sannenzaka (三年坂) and Ninenzaka (二年坂). Let’s begin our journey at Sannenzaka!
+ Itoken x Sou・Sou (a Japanese-style candy store)
Address: https://goo.gl/maps/L11HJFbifhiE1Fs69
The shop is famous for its colorful marshmallow skewers, which are also incredibly cute in shape :v. They taste quite similar to mochi, but aren’t overly sweet. I’d rate them 9/10.
+ Kumo no Cha – 雲ノ茶 .
Address: https://goo.gl/maps/r8ZtqheSXxnDob7F9
True to the shop’s name, the star dishes here are Matcha treats and the cloud-shaped matcha cake (Kumo – 雲). I highly recommend visiting this restaurant, not only for its unique, traditional architecture but also for its amazing food. Let’s explore together!
And here’s the shop’s most famous combo. The matcha comes with a bit of cream on top, which helps balance out the bitterness of the tea. The cloud-shaped cake is sweet with a refreshing matcha filling inside. I’d rate this combo 10/10. Make sure to try it when you visit the shop!
Don't forget to check in on this street before heading to Ninenzaka. It’s beautiful and quite famous, so it’s usually crowded. If you want the perfect photo, try to visit early in the morning or late at night, when the shops are closed—this street will practically be all yours :v
+ Starbucks coffee
Address: https://goo.gl/maps/EQ96QEK6kiPv4gNj6
Starbucks' version of 'family entry' :v Located on Ninenzaka Street, this shop blends the traditional style of the ancient capital, offering plenty of check-in spots both inside and outside. Let’s take a look at some pictures from here!
+ Donguri Kyowakoku (Ghibli Store)
Address: https://goo.gl/maps/g6Wuh8b36w2BGDq2A
A must-visit store for anime fans in general, and Ghibli Studio film lovers in particular. The shop offers a variety of souvenirs featuring characters from Ghibli movies, including Totoro, Mei, Chihiro, No Face, Yubaba, and more.
Right at the entrance, a friendly Totoro is waiting to take pictures with you 😀
And finally, don't forget to check in at the famous Ninenzaka street just outside the store!
+ Issunbousi Ramen (一寸法師)
Address: https://goo.gl/maps/gR32EHuEz3AuyzxU8
A very unique ramen restaurant, as it has only 10 seats arranged around the chef's cooking area, allowing you to observe the chef as they prepare each dish. To order, you’ll need to purchase a ticket from the automatic vending machine outside the door and then hand it to the chef.
We can choose both the ingredients and the broth for our ramen bowl, allowing each person to customize it to their own taste.
And even more special, the shop is open from 11am, and closed after selling all 100 bowls ! So remember to arrange your time so you don't miss it.
3. Hokanji – symbol of Kyoto.
The final stop in the Kiyomizu temple area, and undoubtedly the most iconic, is the Yasaka-no-to tower, also known as Hokanji (法観寺)—a symbol that everyone associates with Kyoto.
Address: https://goo.gl/maps/er3z17msxbs8G49fA
There are many beautiful corners here, with the predominant colors being brown and yellow. So once again, make sure to choose bright-colored clothes to stand out and complement the scenery!
This is also a popular spot for couples to take photos, including wedding photos, due to its romantic and picturesque setting.
Just like the two locations mentioned earlier, the best time for photos here is between 6-8am or 8-10pm, if possible.
4. Yasaka Shrine.
Address: https://goo.gl/maps/99L2PbTuncjCMrew9
Located just about 600 meters from Hokanji, you can easily walk between these two locations. If you prefer not to walk, you can take bus number 206 (2 stops) or a taxi, which will cost around 600-800 JPY.
Yasaka Shrine, also known as Gion Shrine, is a Shinto shrine established in 656 BC. The main deity worshiped here is Susano, revered as a god capable of warding off all disasters.
Additionally, this shrine is widely known as a popular spot to pray for love, both in Kyoto and throughout Japan.
Within the grounds of Yasaka Shrine, there are also many smaller shrines, each dedicated to a different deity.
The shrine also features a famous photo spot at the entrance, offering a view of Gion Street right behind it.
5. Hanamikoji Street
Address: https://goo.gl/maps/d7JKEp9nriQ5WcCW9
A street lined with traditional houses, old kimono shops, and even a Geisha district. Photography is prohibited in this area, and you may be fined if caught taking photos. Please be mindful when visiting.
6. Shopping at Gion and Shijo-Dori streets.
Address: https://goo.gl/maps/nuhaSHjtfRRLYUWv8
From the Yasaka Shrine gate, walk straight onto Gion Street, where both sides are lined with eateries and souvenir shops, offering plenty of options for tourists to explore and shop.
Separating the two streets of Gion, Shijo-Dori, is the Kamo River, a famous spot where 'dog rice' is often sold to passersby 😀. Every evening, both sides of the river are filled with couples, who come here to enjoy the cool breeze and share their thoughts :v
Shijo-Dori Street is a haven for fashion lovers, lined with shopping stores similar to Osaka's Namba, making it a perfect spot for a shopping spree.
- What to eat in Gion?
Kyoto is famous for its Matcha specialties, so I highly recommend trying matcha-based dishes here. Today, I'll introduce one of the most popular shops in the area, Maccha House.
Address: https://goo.gl/maps/uNR31YrDsQisZAzdA
The store has two floors, and while the space is a bit small, the food and drinks are delicious, which is why there’s always a long line outside. The waiting time is usually around 15-20 minutes. Today, I ordered Tiramisu covered in matcha and matcha red bean ice cream.
In addition, Gion is home to many traditional ramen shops, each offering its own unique flavors that are definitely worth trying. Here is one of those ramen spots:
Ichiryu Manbai
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Hr5GucwU8RU8wmJg9
The queuing time is about 10-15 minutes, and during this time, you can browse the menu placed outside the restaurant to choose your meal.
There are two types of ramen broth to choose from: the traditional shoyu ramen (on the right) and the traditional ramen with a less salty broth (I recommend giving this one a try).
- Day 2:
- Arashiyama (嵐山)
Arashiyama is a mountainous area on the outskirts of Kyoto, renowned for its stunning scenery throughout the four seasons. It is especially famous for its bamboo forest and the 'kimono forest'.
This is a vast forest with straight rows of bamboo, beautifully lit on both sides. Within this area, there are also several temples and pagodas for tourists to explore.
You can rent a rickshaw to fully enjoy the beautiful scenery here. Inside the bamboo forest, there is also a designated area for rickshaws, allowing you to take photos without worrying about crowds disrupting your shot.
Not only is it known for its mountains and forests, but this place is also famous for the banks of the Katsura River. You can rent a boat to explore the river on your own, or hire someone to row and guide you while you admire the scenery. The best time to visit is during the red leaf season (around October-November), when the landscape is especially stunning.
Address to rent a boat: https://goo.gl/maps/qzcmZKHBRXuCMr5L9
- What to eat in Arashiyama?
+ Arashiyama Miffy Sakura Kitchen
Address: https://goo.gl/maps/uFhUCqjt75Wvemtt8
Miffy Rabbit's bakery and souvenir shop is definitely a must-visit when you're in Japan.
+ Matcha ice cream.
Matcha ice cream is ubiquitous in Kyoto, especially in Arashiyama, and it's a must-try, particularly during the hot summer months.
+ % Arabica Coffee.
Address: https://goo.gl/maps/14C7CXf9CKJUXfVY7
This is the second % Arabica store in Japan (the first one is near Kiyomizu Temple), primarily offering takeout, yet many people are still willing to wait in line to enjoy it. It's almost a symbol of being in Kyoto when you check in with a cup of their coffee :v
+ eX cafe Kyoto Arashiyama.
Address: https://goo.gl/maps/cwmaAnYGuwpeKkrY9
I highly recommend this café when you visit Arashiyama. The food and drinks here are quite diverse, and you can check out the menu at the link above. The shop's standout dishes are grilled mochi and matcha-based items.
The restaurant’s space is also very spacious, designed in traditional Japanese style, featuring Tatami seating and a bonsai garden next to it, adding to the serene atmosphere.
2. Fushimi Inari-taisha
Address: https://goo.gl/maps/U5VncbQWna6VyugL8
You can visit Fushimi Inari Station or Inari Station, both of which feature many torii gates in the style of a temple, adding to the unique atmosphere of the area.
Also known as the Thousand Torii Temple, this shrine is the main temple of all Inari shrines in Japan. It is dedicated to Inari, the god of good harvests and prosperous business.
The temple is called the Thousand Torii Temple because to reach it, you must pass through 1,000 torii gates, spanning about 4 kilometers along a steep path with many steps.
3. Nishiki Market
Address: https://goo.gl/maps/VSZ3B8VyFoa2qiBu8
The market, with a 400-year history in Kyoto, offers a wide variety of items, with most of the shops focused on selling food to tourists.
The famous Taiyaki fish cake shop is a must-try when you visit here.
- Nishiki-Tenmangu Shrine
Address: https://goo.gl/maps/L6ibthGGKk4KKgmN9
Located right in front of the entrance to Nishiki Market, this Shinto shrine is over 1,000 years old.
4. Kyoto Tower
Address: https://goo.gl/maps/E4PexkQkojdYzsus9
Our 2-day Kyoto tour will end at Kyoto Tower, the tallest structure in the city and an iconic observation tower.
Thank you for reading through to the end of the article! I hope this guide makes it easier for you to plan a trip to one of the most beautiful and peaceful cities in Japan—Kyoto.
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Who is that pretty girl in Kimono. 😛
Nice photo taken.