Lost in Kyoto? You’re not alone! I made the mistake of not planning well, which led to wasted hours on transport and missed opportunities. 😅 If you’re visiting Kyoto, here’s the 3 days ultimate guide to getting around efficiently so you don’t repeat my mistakes!

🔹 Many places are closer than they seem—you don’t always need a bus or train!

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🚶‍♂️ First What I Wish I Knew About Kyoto’s Transport

🔹 Buses can be slow during rush hour—avoid them when possible.

🔹 Kyoto has a subway, but it doesn’t reach many key spots—so plan for buses or taxis.

🔹 Taxis are not too expensive for short distances—great for saving time.

🔹 IC Cards (ICOCA, Suica, or Pasmo) make everything easier—no need for cash!

📍 The Best Kyoto 3-Day Itinerary (Maximize Time & Avoid Getting Lost!)

🚆 Day 1: Higashiyama & Gion (Mostly Walkable)

🛤️ Best Transport Pass: None needed, just use an IC Card for small train rides.

🚶 Walking Distance: ~5-6 km (Very walkable!)

✅ Morning:

• Fushimi Inari Shrine ⛩️ (Go early to avoid crowds)

📍 Transport: JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station → Inari Station (5 min, ¥150)

• Tofuku-ji Temple (Zen gardens & peaceful atmosphere)

🚶 Walk: 10 min from Fushimi Inari Shrine

• Kiyomizu-dera Temple (Incredible views & iconic Kyoto site)

🚋 Train Alternative: Keihan Main Line to Kiyomizu-Gojo Station (5 min, ¥160)

✅ Afternoon:

• Sanneizaka & Ninenzaka Streets (Traditional Kyoto streets + matcha snacks!)

🚶 Walk: 5 min from Kiyomizu-dera

• Yasaka Shrine & Maruyama Park 🌸 (Beautiful cherry blossoms in season)

🚶 Walk: 10 min

• Lunch at Nishiki Market 🍣🍡 (Try yuba, matcha, and fresh sushi!)

🚶 Walk: 10 min to Nishiki Market

• Gion District (Chance to spot a geisha)

🚶 Walk: 5 min

• Dinner at Pontocho Alley 🍶 (Beautiful riverside restaurants)

🎍 Day 2: Arashiyama & Relaxing Nature (Train-Heavy Day)Kyoto Travel Guide: How to Avoid Wasting Time & Get Around Easily 🚆✨

🛤️ Best Transport Pass: ICOCA IC Card for train + occasional bus.

🚶 Walking Distance: ~4-5 km

✅ Morning:

• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 🎋 (Get here early for photos!)

🚆 Train: JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station → Saga-Arashiyama Station (15 min, ¥240)

• Tenryu-ji Temple & Gardens (UNESCO site)

🚶 Walk: 5 min from Bamboo Grove

• Iwatayama Monkey Park 🐵 (Hike up for amazing Kyoto views!)

🚶 Walk: 15 min

✅ Afternoon:

• Togetsukyo Bridge & Scenic River Walk

• Sagano Romantic Train (Optional Scenic Ride) 🚂

📍 Train: Torokko Saga Station → Kameoka (25 min, ¥880)

• Lunch at Yudofu Sagano (Kyoto-style tofu hotpot 🍲)

✅ Evening:

• Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple (Hidden Gem! 1,200 stone statues)

🚌 Bus: Kyoto Bus #62 or #72 (10 min, ¥230)

• Return to Kyoto Station by JR Train 🚆

 Day 3: Golden Pavilion, Hidden Temples & Kyoto Food Tour

🛤️ Best Transport Pass: Kyoto City Bus & Subway Pass (¥1,100)

🚶 Walking Distance: ~5 km

✅ Morning:

• Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) ✨ (Go early for fewer crowds)

🚌 Bus: Kyoto City Bus #101 or #205 from Kyoto Station (35 min, ¥230)

• Ryoan-ji Temple (Zen rock garden)

🚶 Walk: 15 min from Kinkaku-ji

• Hirano Shrine (Hidden Gem! Quiet cherry blossom spot)

🚶 Walk: 10 min from Ryoan-ji

✅ Afternoon:

• Philosopher’s Path (Scenic cherry blossom walk)

🚇 Train: Keihan Main Line to Demachiyanagi Station → Walk 10 min

• Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) (Less crowded & peaceful)

🚶 Walk: 15 min

• Lunch at Kissa Semba 🍞 (Fluffy Kyoto-style pancakes)

✅ Evening:

• Nanzen-ji Temple & Hidden Aqueduct (Unique photo spot)

🚶 Walk: 15 min

• Kyoto Food Tour at Nishiki Market 🍣🍶 (Perfect final meal!)

🚇 Subway: Karasuma Line back to Kyoto Station (5 min)

🚆 Kyoto Transport Mistakes to Avoid (Learn From My ExperienceHidden Temples!)

❌ Don’t rely only on Google Maps for bus routes! Use the “Japan Travel by NAVITIME” app.

❌ Avoid buses during rush hour (8-9 AM, 5-7 PM). They get packed!

❌ Not all train stations are close to attractions. Check walking distances before heading out.

❌ Some places are much closer than they seem! Walking can be faster than taking a bus.

📌 Save This for Your Kyoto Trip!

📍 Best Passes: ICOCA IC Card + 1-Day Bus/Subway Pass (Day 3)

📍 Best Transport App: Japan Travel by NAVITIME 🚆

📍 Best Hidden Gems: Komyo-in Temple, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, Hirano Shrine

#KyotoTravel #JapanTrip #VisitKyoto #KyotoGuide #KyotoItinerary #Japan2024 #Wanderlust #KyotoTransport #KyotoFoodie

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