Japan, Kyoto, Travel | 15 September 2024 | MIN READ
24 to 48 Hours in Kyoto, Japan: How a Day Trip Became an Unforgettable Overnight Adventure
3 days ago
What began as a simple day trip from Osaka transformed into an impromptu overnight adventure in the heart of Kyoto. After immersing myself in a day filled with ancient temples, serene shrines, and savoring some of the best gyoza I’ve ever tasted, I realized one day wasn’t enough to capture the essence of this historic city. On a whim, I hopped onto the Amex portal and secured a night at The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo. With the favorable exchange rate, ¥10,000 yen equated to around $67, making it an unbeatable blend of comfort and value.
Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or open to extending your stay, here’s an itinerary that gives you a taste of the magic of Kyoto in 24 to 48 hours. Oh yea, spoiler alert–BRING CASH!
Day 1: Exploring Kyoto’s Highlights
10:00 AM – Arrival in Kyoto via Shinkansen
We boarded the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Osaka, and in just under 15 minutes, we arrived at Kyoto Station. The efficiency of Japan’s bullet trains never ceases to amaze me. Stepping off the train, the city’s rich history and vibrant energy were palpable. Our first destination? Food at the famous Nishiki Market!
11:00 AM – Exploring Nishiki Market
Nicknamed “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” Nishiki Market is a food lover’s paradise. The narrow, five-block long shopping street is lined with over a hundred shops and restaurants. From fresh seafood and seasonal produce to traditional sweets and pickles, there’s something to tempt every palate. Side note: We went during the month of August which is extremely hot and humid there. We didn’t last long walking around in the heat and wanted to eat somewhere with air conditioning. We scoped out the stands for food we wanted to come back for later, including the SUGI Honey Shop for natural, locally sourced honey and delightful honey-infused treats.
1:00 PM – Lunch at Sengyo no Nikumabushi
At the other end of the market, we found a hole in the wall lunch spot. Located on the second floor, we noticed a line of locals going down the steps. That was our sign that this was going to be a good meal. We ventured into Sengyo no Nikumabushi, known for its mouth-watering beef dishes.
The signature Beef Mabushi did not disappoint—tender slices of beef over rice, seasoned to perfection, with a pot of broth you pour over the meat and rice. At about ¥1,600 ($11 USD), it was both hearty and affordable. The restaurant’s cozy ambiance and attentive service made this the perfect meal before our next stop: The iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine.
2:30 PM – Fushimi Inari Shrine
Known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, Fushimi Inari Shrine is a sight to behold. The color used for these gates are apparently believed to ward off evil spirits. These gates form a network of trails leading up the sacred Mount Inari, offering stunning vistas of Kyoto. I spent nearly two hours meandering through the pathways, soaking in the spiritual atmosphere and snapping photos at every turn. Our goal was to walk to the highest point, but it was so hot that day and our shirts were already dripping, so we opted to walk back down after the second stopping point. Insider tip: Wear comfortable shoes; the trails can be steep and uneven in places.
4:00 PM – Stroll Along the Kamo River
Needing a respite from the heat and mini hike through the shrine, we took a leisurely stroll along the Kamo River. The riverbanks are a serene escape within the city, perfect for people-watching, relaxing, or even enjoying a quick nap on the grassy banks. The gentle sound of flowing water and the sight of locals enjoying their afternoon added a peaceful interlude to the day.
5:30 PM – Fresh clothes at Zara Kyoto
Already having a feeling that one day wasn’t enough for us to soak in all Kyoto had to offer, we took a quick pit stop to Zara Kyoto to get a fresh set of clothes. Zara comes in clutch when you want to get stylish affordable clothes.
6:00 PM – Dinner at Chao Chao Sanjo Kiyamachi
After working up an appetite, we headed to Chao Chao Sanjo Kiyamachi, famed for its award-winning gyoza. These bite-sized dumplings are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, bursting with flavor. I opted for their gyoza set, a generous serving for around ¥1,200 (approximately $8 USD). The lively atmosphere and friendly staff made the experience even more enjoyable.
8:00 PM – Kyoto Tower at Night
As night fell, we made our way to Kyoto Tower, the tallest structure in the city. Illuminated against the night sky, the tower offers panoramic views from its observation deck. We just admired it from the outside, but for an entrance fee of around ¥800 ($5.50 USD), you can get a 360-degree view of Kyoto’s cityscape, with its blend of historic temples and modern architecture.
Gear Used
Overnight Stay: Embracing Spontaneity at The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
Captivated by Kyoto’s charm, I decided to extend our stay. Using my Amex Platinum card, I quickly booked a room at The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo, located in the heart of the city. The hotel offered modern amenities and exceptional service, making it a perfect choice for our unplanned overnight adventure.
However, I highly recommend bringing your own razors for shaving instead of relying on the hotel’s provided options. As a minority, using proper grooming tools is essential to prevent skin issues and injuries. Unfortunately, I didn’t have my own razor or an Andis T-Outliner, so I had to use the hotel’s razors. These were flimsy, cheap two-blade razors that led to a permanent scar on my forehead and significant bleeding while trying to do a line-up. This experience highlighted the importance of using quality grooming tools to ensure a safe and comfortable shaving routine, especially when traveling.
Since this was an unplanned trip, I was wearing the same outfit from walking around and had not brought any additional toiletries. This oversight compounded the inconvenience of dealing with inadequate shaving tools.
Despite this setback, the stay at The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo was a fantastic value at ¥15,000 (about $100 USD), especially considering the 5X points earned on the booking. The hotel’s proximity to major attractions made it an ideal base for exploring more of Kyoto, allowing us to easily visit temples, markets, and other cultural landmarks.
Day 2: Temples and Treats
10:00 AM – Kiyomizu-dera Temple
We set out to visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of Kyoto’s most celebrated temples. Perched on a hillside, the temple offers spectacular views of the city and is surrounded by beautiful cherry and maple trees. The main hall, with its wooden veranda jutting out over the hillside, is an architectural marvel. Admission is ¥400 (around $2.75 USD), and it’s advisable to arrive early to avoid the crowds.
12:30 PM – Souvenir Shopping
After leaving the temple, we stopped by the surrounding shops to pick up souvenirs. There are a lot of small vendors and food spots to check out, but be warned that it is extremely crowded with tourists. Also make sure to have plenty of cash since most of these shops don’t take credit cards. If you’re grabbing an uber like us, make sure to walk down until the crowds clear or else it’ll take forever for your uber to get to you.
1:30 PM – Lunch at Honke Owariya
For lunch, we checked out Honke Owariya, Kyoto’s oldest soba noodle shop, established over 500 years ago. The history alone is impressive, but the soba noodles are the real star—handmade and cooked to perfection. Prices start around ¥900 ($6 USD), making it an affordable dining experience.
3:00 PM – Back to Nishiki Market
Before departing Kyoto, we had to go back to the market to check out the stalls we scoped out from the day before. Our favorites were SUGI Honey Shop and matcha from Sawawa Japanese Matcha Sweets. Despite being super busy, the shop owners took time to explain the different grades of matcha and helped pick out the perfect ones to take home. To be honest I was naive to only think there was just one kind of matcha.
4:00 PM – Sweet Treats at Ice at 21:00
Before departing Kyoto, we stopped by Ice at 21:00, an aesthetic ice cream shop with fan favorite flavors and toppings like black sesame with warabi mochi. I indulged in a scoop of matcha green tea ice cream, a refreshing treat on a warm day. Prices are around ¥500 ($3.50 USD), and it’s a perfect way to end your Kyoto adventure. See their Instagram here and website here.
Kyoto, Japan
Tips, Tricks, and Logistics
- Transportation: Purchase a Kyoto City Bus & Kyoto Bus One-Day Pass for unlimited bus rides within the city for ¥600 (about $4 USD). It’s an economical way to navigate Kyoto’s attractions.
- Cultural Etiquette: When visiting shrines and temples, be respectful—follow local customs like cleansing your hands at purification fountains and refraining from photography in prohibited areas.
- Language: While English is not widely spoken, most signs are bilingual. Learning a few basic Japanese phrases can enhance your interactions with locals.
- Seasonal Highlights: If visiting in spring, don’t miss the cherry blossoms. In autumn, the fall foliage is breathtaking, particularly around temples like Tofuku-ji and Eikan-do.
- Bring Your Own Grooming Tools: Ensure you have quality razors and other toiletries to avoid skin injuries and discomfort.
Conclusion
Kyoto effortlessly transforms a fleeting day trip into a memorable overnight adventure, revealing layers of history, culture, and culinary delights that are From a planned day trip to an unplanned overnight stay, Kyoto proved to be a city that captivates and compels you to linger a little longer. Whether you’re on a tight itinerary or have the flexibility to extend your visit, this guide ensures you experience the best of Kyoto’s culture, cuisine, and charm.
Of course, it’s impossible to fully appreciate this beautiful city in just 24 hours. I highly recommend staying overnight to discover hidden gems and savor authentic local flavors that make Kyoto truly special. Embracing an extended visit allows you to immerse yourself more deeply in Kyoto’s timeless beauty and vibrant spirit, ensuring your adventure is both enriching and unforgettable.
So, pack your bags, embrace the spontaneity, and let Kyoto enchant you with its unique blend of tradition and modernity. And remember—while modern conveniences are plenty, bringing some cash ensures you’re ready to fully embrace all that this historic city has to offer.
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About Homson Travels
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