9 Amazing Highlights for your Kyoto 2-day Itinerary: A Perfect Family Guide
The City of Temples
In March 2020, we had planned a grand two week trip to Japan, but the world changed and our plans were cancelled as lockdowns began. Fast forward three years to May 2023, and we finally touched down in the Land of the Rising Sun. This time, our experience was different: we were accompanied by our 1.5 year old daughter. This was our first long vacation as a family of three, and we were naturally curious about how we would manage. If you are interested in our tips and tricks for visiting Japan, read the blog here.
After exploring Tokyo and beyond, we arrived in Kyoto. This city offered a peaceful vibe that was a much needed change after the bustle of Tokyo and the history of Hiroshima. We spent two incredible days here, and these are the 9 highlights of our journey.
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Arriving in Kyoto
- Via Train & Bus: As a central pillar of the Tokaido Shinkansen line, Kyoto offers rapid connections to Tokyo, Osaka, and Hiroshima. Whether you prefer the speed of the Bullet Train or the savings of a long-distance highway bus, you can compare schedules and book your tickets through 12Go Asia here.
- Via Flight: Kyoto is served by two nearby airports: Kansai International (KIX) for global arrivals and Itami (ITM) for domestic routes. Both hubs offer direct train and bus transfers that reach Kyoto in about 50–75 minutes. To find the best fares into the Kansai region, search and book here.
Planning Your Kyoto Trip
- Where to Stay: Finding the right base is key for families. Book a hotel here.
- Connectivity: Stay connected as soon as you land with a local eSIM. We recommend:
- Airalo for budget-friendly and basic plans. Get your Airalo eSIM here.
- Yesim for unlimited data needs. Get your Yesim eSIM here.
- Getting Around:
- Taxis & Private Transfers Secure a reliable, fixed-price ride with professional drivers. Avoid the airport queues by booking in advance. Book your taxi/transfer here.
- Car Rentals Enjoy the freedom of the open road. Compare the best rates from top brands to find your perfect vehicle here.
- Public Transport Travel like a local and save money. Skip the station lines by securing your train and bus tickets here.
Day 1: Ancient Traditions and Iconic Temples
Ichimonjiya Wasuke
We began our exploration at Ichimonjiya Wasuke, a traditional confectionery shop with a history spanning over 1000 years. It is currently run by the 25th generation of the same family. We were unsure if we would enjoy the specialized grilled mochi, but we fell in love with it immediately. The combination of the mochi and the Japanese tea was perfect. Sitting in the cafe and watching the mochi being prepared is a recommended experience for everyone.
Kinkakuji Temple
Our next stop was the Golden Pavilion, Kinkakuji Temple. The entrance ticket was ¥400. Even with the rain, it remained a major tourist destination where we spent over an hour. This Zen temple is breathtaking, with its stunning golden architecture set against a scenic backdrop. It is truly a sight to behold.
Pro-tip: If you would prefer a guided tour of all major locations in Kyoto, secure your ticket below.
Ryoanji Temple
We then moved to Ryoanji Temple, another Zen site but with a completely different atmosphere. Entry was ¥650, and we stayed for about 90 minutes. While the architecture is beautiful, the star of the show is the world famous rock garden. Exploring the humbling interior and the peaceful garden was a deeply grounding experience.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
We ended our first day at Kiyomizu-dera. Tickets were ¥400, and we spent 90 minutes exploring. This was the busiest temple of the day, but it was also our favorite. The vibrant colors and elegant architecture make it stand out. It felt like we saved the best for last before heading back for food and rest.
Day 2: Nature and Gastronomy
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
We started at the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Entrance is free, and we spent an hour wandering through. It was a lovely change of scenery from the temples. Although it was packed with tourists, the forest remains well preserved and provides an epic, relaxing backdrop for a morning walk.
Nishiki Market
Our last major stop was Nishiki Market. This place is a food heaven with stalls offering everything from fresh seafood to preserved delicacies. We loved walking through the market and sampling snacks from various stalls.
Top Halal Eats in Kyoto
Arash’s Kitchen
- 🥘Cuisine: Authentic Persian & Indian
- ⭐ Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
- 🌙 Halal Status: 100% Halal (Certified)
- 🌐 Website: arashskitchen.com
- 💰 Budget: ¥1,200–¥4,500 per person
For Halal Persian and Indian food, this is a great choice. We ordered delivery to our hotel, including the Arash Kebab Set and Mutton Curry. The food arrived warm, on time, and tasted excellent.
SamaSama Indonesian Restaurant
- 🥘Cuisine: Authentic Indonesian
- ⭐ Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 🌙 Halal Status: 100% Halal (Certified)
- 📸 Socials: Instagram
- 💰 Budget: ¥1,200–¥3,500 per person
This small restaurant serves delicious Halal Indonesian food. We recommend making a reservation in advance. Our favorites were the Chicken Satay and Nasi Goreng. It was one of our most cherished dining experiences of the trip.
Halal Ramen Ayam Ya Karasuma
- 🥘Cuisine: Authentic Halal Chicken Ramen
- ⭐ Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 🌙 Halal Status: 100% Halal (Certified)
- 📸 Socials: Instagram
- 💰 Budget: ¥1,000–¥2,000 per person
This 100% Halal ramen shop is a gem. There was a queue, but it moved fast. We had the Spicy Miso Ramen, and it was divine. The flavor was incredible, even with the heat. It is a definite recommendation for spicy ramen fans.
Final Remarks
From Kyoto, we returned to Tokyo completing our circular journey. It felt bittersweet as the trip came to an end. Kyoto left a lasting impression on us with its peaceful atmosphere and cultural depth.
Enjoyed reading about our exploration of Kyoto? We’d be happy to build a personalized itinerary just for you! Head over to our Custom-Plans page to get started.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kyoto easy to navigate with a toddler?
Yes, though we recommend a mix of walking and public transport. Be prepared for some gravel paths at temples.
Are the temples expensive?
Most entrance fees range between ¥400 and ¥700, which we found very reasonable for the experience provided.
How do I get from Kyoto to Tokyo?
The Shinkansen (bullet train) is the most efficient way. The Hikari train is a great option, especially if you are using a JR Pass.
