Kyoto is full of so many beautiful historic buildings, scenic streets, amazing food, and fantastic photo ops, but what do you do if you only have 1 day in Kyoto?
If you’re like me, you want a taste of it all, but with the convenience of being able to explore nooks and crannies if you happen to stumble upon something cool. On my most recent visit, I was able to whittle down just the things I really love about Kyoto into 1 day of touring around by myself on foot! Here’s my recommended course for a day of food, history, fun and photo ops around the old capital of Japan
MORNING
Nishiki Market is a wonderful way to jump start your stomach for a day of adventure in Kyoto! It boasts five blocks of over a hundred stores and restaurants and is known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen.” This historic area has been in operation for over 700 years, and you can enjoy eating street foods like oysters, wagyu beef, sea urchin, crab, pickles, sweets and more, shop restaurant goods like knives and tea kettles, pick up unique souvenirs for friends back home, or enjoy a morning beer if that’s your vacay style while watching the tourist crowds meander through.
The delight of various foods on sticks. Many of these can be heated up on the grill after you order, and others are ready to eat as they are! 
Nishiki Market is narrow, but well worth the crowds. Going early in the morning will help you avoid a lot of the big tour groups! 
I scored some roast duck on a skewer and it was DELIGHTFUL. 
The shops make a big effort to use English, Korean, and Chinese on signs when they can. They’re very used to tourists so don’t be afraid to ask questions! 
There are a ton of great souvenir shops as well! Look at these tiny barrels of sake! 
Little custard buns that look like hedgehogs. How could you possibly resist? 
Licensed Snoopy collaboration going on when I visited in October! These are little mochi buns! 
You’ll find some more unique food items here, too like… grilled sparrow. Not for the faint of heart!
Shops open around 9:00 AM, so aim to arrive at either Shijo Station, Karasuma Station or Kawaramachi Station early so you can walk down and enjoy the freshest food of the day! Directions.
11AM-ish
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is hands-down my favorite temple in Kyoto. However, it’s also a LOT of other people’s favorite temples, so it can get ruthlessly crowded even on a weekday. With that in mind, zip straight here by foot, bus or taxi right after you get your breakkie in ya. It’s a bit of a trek, but on the way back, you will have PLENTY to see and do. Alternately, you could go here first, since it opens at wee hours of 6:00AM.
Kiyomizu-dera was founded in 780, and derives its name from the Otowa Waterfall that the temple was build around. The temple’s name literally means “Pure Water Temple.” Walking up to the temple you will see a steep array of stairs and beautiful orange gates. Don’t miss out on the insane dragon statue to the far right before you hit the entrance.
The autumnal view from Kiyomizu-dera. Photo courtesy of Kiyomizu-dera. 
The stairs to the entrance of Kiyomizu-dera. 
This intense metal dragon statue outside the gates. 
Drink the waters from the 3 famous waterfall spouts.. or don’t. It looks interesting enough in photos for me to not line up for it, personally. Photo courtesy of Kiyomizu-dera. 
Occasionally, they will have the temple open at night for special events. Check their website for more info. Photo courtesy of Kiyomizu-dera. 
A map of all the buildings to look at inside Kiyomizu-dera. Photo courtesy of Kiyomizu-dera.
The most iconic part of the temple is the enormous wooden stage that greets you in front of the main hall, which serves as a wonderful viewpoint to see the foliage of the hills around Kyoto. This is especially stunning to view the spring cherry blossoms, the autumn leaves, or the snow in deep winter.
The grounds are vast, and you could easily spend 2 hours taking wonderful photos, or waiting in line to drink from the sacred waterfalls. I have never had enough patience to drink from the holy waters.. because I also think it’s a little gross to share a cup with that many people, but you do you, readers! Make sure to check the (surprisingly very informative English) official website, as there are always special festivals, events, and nighttime viewings available throughout the year! Directions.
LUNCHTIME
Higashiyama District: After Kiyomizu-dera, could I interest you in a snack or beverage, or maybe even a beautiful sit down lunch with a view of Kyoto? You’ll probably have seen the many beautiful stairs around Kiyomizu-dera on your approach to the temple, but now’s your time to explore the heck out of the hundreds of shop and restaurants of the historic Higashiyama (Eastern Mountain) District!
The hills covered in stairs and preserved traditional storefronts is as picturesque as it is, well, crowded. Take a deep breath and summon all your patience to take your time and explore the shops and paths at your own leisure. It’s kind of impossible to get lost in these areas, so feel free to wander around and hunt for souvenirs, snacks and cute ice creams to your heart’s content. There are also a ton of kimono rental stores along these roads, if that’s something you’d like to try out! Visitors both Japanese and foreign love donning colorful kimono and taking picturesque photos as they tour the temples of Kyoto.
Some highlights of the Higashiyama District:
Starbucks, but Japanese Tea House-Style
Starbucks opened a coffeehouse among the hills of this area in a 100 year old renovated townhouse, which boasts tatami mats, private rooms, a lush private garden and retro Meiji-era decor. The outside is so subtle that many tourists miss it on first glance, but it’s definitely worth a peek inside even if you just want to grab a tea to go! Directions.
Yasaka Koshindo Temple: A colorful Insta-spot
This little temple sports thousands of small colorful balls that represent Kukurizaru, a monkey hanging from a string from all fours, that visitors write their dreams on and hang up in the hopes they’ll come true. Girls come here in droves to take photos of themselves in kimono in front of the piles of colorful balls, and hey, I think it’s pretty cute and totally worth a stop by. Yasaka Koshindo temple is tucked next to the more easily-spottable Yasaka Pagoda. Directions.
I wonder how these are all attached together? A string and a prayer? They’re very cute though! Please just don’t touch them when you visit! 
There are even more colored balls hanging behind this little statue near the temple offering area! 
The little temple is always teeming with photographers, but if you’re patient and wait your turn, you’ll get a spot to shoot!
Nichigetsuan
Eat while enjoying the view of the hills at this cute set-meal restaurant. For about ¥2,000, you can get a wonderfully arranged set course meal with all the fixings, including free refills on green tea. If you’ve never experienced a kaiseki (“Set-course”) meal before, you’re in for a treat. Usually kaiseki meals are much more expensive, but this restaurant caters towards tourists, and the lunch sets are a bit cheaper than dinner. The service is also a little more casual than the usual kaiseki restaurant, but the food is just as delicious. When I visited last time, I got perfect seat with a view of the top of Yasaka Pagoda while I scarfed down my multi-course set meal with relish. The wrinkly looking tofu is yabu, a specialty of Kyoto, so give it a try while you’re there!
First course! The wrinkly Yabu tofu and vegetables on the center top are meant to be heated up in the soy milk nabe to the top left. The top right item is chawamushi, a savory egg custard with a fish cake inside. 
My very scenic seat, looking out at the Yasaka Pagoda. 
It was so nice to sit and rest my legs while slowly enjoying my meal. I felt a little guilty when they gave me this nice 4 seat table even though I was by myself! 
Tiny tempura and roasted tofu on sticks came out soon after! 
You can spot this sign at the entrance to its alleyway as you are walking around Higshiyama. Set meals go for ¥2,000 to ¥6,000. 
Another sign that says “Kyoto Food, Nichigetsian” at the entrance. 
Some of the specials they had for the autumn season. Their entire menu has photos, so don’t worry about ordering! 
Both of these sets are ¥2,000. I chose the one on the bottom. 
The tiniest green tea jelly cube for dessert!
After your adventure through the Higashiyama District, you can also visit one of the many temples and monuments on this path as you make your way back downhill to the west, to take a load off in my favorite break area.
AFTERNOONSIES
Drink by the Kamogawa (AKA the Kamo River)
Okay, hear me out. This is not a hobo-living thing I’m trying to convince you of here. I’m inviting you to a fun, community driven pastime where you let loose with some beers and snacks from the nearby convenience store (or maybe you just want to eat those sweets you just bought from the souvenir store… for yourself) and chat with the locals. I like to stop at the Lawson’s near the river, stock up, and go down with friends to snack and watch the Japanese heron fly by… and the hawks. (If you have fish flavored chips, expect a curious visit from a feathered friend!) The view is beautiful all times of year, and you’re likely to strike up a conversation with some passerby as you relax. Every time I sit there, I ended up talking to a stranger or witnessing a funny scene. Last time, it was 2 Kyoto University students who had to get tourists to complete a survey, followed by a man who walks his Instagram-famous rabbit along the river for photo ops. I also once watched as a policeman held on to a rope held by his coworkers as he attempted to not fall int he river to fish out a tourist’s phone. The crowd went WILD when he finally got it. The best part of this place? It’s free to hang out, and it’s very close to the shopping district, so it’s perfect to take a break and relax for a bit before continuing your Kyoto adventure. Directions to the Lawson convenience store. The river is just in front of it (the area of the river between Sanjo Station and Gion-Shijo Station is the cutest in my opinion!)!
Locals and tourists sit at the banks of the river to chat, enjoy the ducks and take a load off their sore feet for a bit. 
The three of us have visited this river together since 2006, which is an insanely long time to keep going to the same place. Trust us, it’s great! (Left to right: My husband, myself, and my friend Nicky who still lives in Kyoto. We used to all work together at an English school back in the day!) 
This rabbit is famous, I swear. His Instagram is out of control. You can find him at instagram.com/kuma.goro! 
Only the finest snacks from the convenience store.
Teramachi Kyogoku & Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcade
After an hour or two of hanging by the river, you will probably have just enough energy to pop over to the huge covered shopping arcades for some more adventures in souvenirs, clothing, cat-themed items, donuts and everything else Kyoto has to offer! Sanjo street (near the Lawson’s I pointed out above) runs right into the Teramachi Kyogoku shopping arcade, which you may recognize from this morning’s Nishiki Market run. You can spend hours in the shops here, and especially if the weather turns suddenly rough, it’s a good place to escape to since all the streets in the shopping district here have roofs. Directions to the Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine, but really, you can enter the shopping arcade from any of the streets branching off the main roads.
Gion
Alternately, you may want to head to the historic Gion district. Noted as the most famous geisha district in Japan, you can watch as they make their way to their jobs in the early evening in this beautifully maintained street. This is also the area where the finest restaurants in Kyoto are located… and some of the priciest. I prefer dining in Pontocho, but the quality is similar in either place!
*Please remember it is incredibly rude to stop or grab a geisha or maiko on their way to work for photos. Additionally, as of October 25,2019, it is illegal to take photos on the SIDE STREETS of the Gion district. The main area is fine, but if you are caught taking pics of private side streets, you will be fined ¥10,000 (~$100USD). There are security cameras everywhere so don’t take a chance on this and please be respectful!
EVENING (oh no, my feet are gone)
Pontocho
By about 5PM, your body will probably feel like it’s ready to die and float to I’ve-already-walked-20,000-steps-today-and-I-think-my-feet-are-going-to-fall-off heaven. My absolute favorite spot to have dinner in Kyoto is the beautifully lit Pontocho alleyway. This 2 block area has tons of restaurants and bars perfect for exploring as the sun begins to set.
In the warmer months, the restaurants on the river-facing side of the alley have patios erected on high stilts that you can dine at. Peruse the menus hanging on the outside of storefronts (lots of places have photo menus, which is handy!) to decide your price range for the night. There are also lots of bars that you can pop in for a drink and make friends with in a jiffy. Be sure to look for “open” signs or tell tale hanging menus on the outside of bars and restaurants before entering. There are a few private establishments along this alley, but they won’t have those things hanging out front.
Mimasuya
Tucked away in Pontocho, this wonderful multi level restaurant specialized in traditional kaiseki, which is a selection of chef’s dishes served in several courses. If you missed on on kaiseki earlier, nows your chance! You can also order a la cart if you wish also. There is an English menu available as well. Directions (not to be confused with the sister restaurant “Mimasuya Italiano Pontocho” down the street!).
The recently remodeled exterior has the restaurant name in romanized letters for easy location! 
Boiled shrimp with a sweet rolled egg shaped like a gourd, mushrooms compressed into a small cube, a slice of grilled pheasant, and a side of yellow tail and tuna sashimi. 
Roast chicken with seasonal vegetables 
A mini potato salad and a mashed starch vegetable in a thick fish sauce. 
Compressed fish sushi and poached vegetables with a side of red miso. 
An autumnal treat of vanilla ice cream with a small slice of pound cake covered with red bean and a small sweet plum.
Drinks!
After dinner, poke around town a bit more and enjoy some of the fun bar experiences for locals and tourists alike in Kyoto!
- Hello Dolly: Pontocho area
You wouldn’t be able to tell from the name, but this bar serves cocktails with precision and flair, with black tie bartenders, a heavy carved wooden bar, and a beautiful view of the river from the window. There is also live jazz on the weekend. That’s right: JAZZ.. and NOT country music. Directions.
- Yanagi Koji TAKA: Teramachi Kyogoku area
Open from 1PM to 1030PM, this small standing bar specializes in sake and delicious yakitori. I stopped in by myself for a wee nip that turned into a long nip… but was able to meet the wonderful staff and talk to some other guests. I even met a woman who lives in SoCal! Highly recommended is the sake tasting course! Directions.
- Sour: Termachi Kyogoku area
This cute standing bar specializes in chu-hi cocktails filled to the brim with freshly chopped fruits. Directions.
Yanagi Koji TAKA: The sake tasting sheet is in both Japanese and English! 
Yanagi Koji TAKA: The menus are magnetized to the walls, and the small appetizers they have here are delicious. 
Yanagi Koji TAKA: I can’t resist grilled chicken liver and cartilage. 
Yanagi Koji TAKA: The outside of the little standing bar. 
Hello Dolly: Jazz, whiskey and expertly crafted cocktails inside! 
Hello Dolly: That bar top, though! 
Sour: Cute fruit drinks at this little standing bar near the shopping arcade!
Kyoto is enormous and absolutely can’t ALL be done in 1 day, but I hope my best-of hits helps you to make a plan for yourself that’s just perfect! Of course, I love the beauty of the Golden Temple Kinkakuji, the weird and scary antics of the monkeys in Arashiyama, and the thrill of a morning boat ride through the mountains of Kyoto, but that will all have to wait for another day and another post!
What parts of Japan are you most interested in hearing about next? Let me know in the comments!
Chubby Bunny Travels 