Kyoto on a Budget: 3 Days of Temples and Tea

Discover Kyoto's hidden gems without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Kyoto, Japan on a limited budget can still offer incredible experiences. Visitors can explore the city's historic temples, gardens, and markets, many of which are free or low-cost. Budget-friendly accommodations and eating options are also available, including capsule hotels and delicious street food.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Temples and Shrines

  • Start the day with a breakfast at Cafe Bibliotic Hello! Savor the freshly brewed coffee and the Japanese-style breakfast.
  • Head to Kiyomizu-dera, a Buddhist temple and UNESCO World Heritage site, for gorgeous views and a traditional Japanese atmosphere.
  • Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, the head shrine of Inari, for the famous vermilion torii gates that symbolize prosperity.
  • Stroll around Gion district, the center of Kyoto's geisha culture, and experience a kyomai dance performance at Gion Corner.
  • Enjoy a delicious bowl of udon noodles at Omen, a traditional Kyoto noodle house.
Day 2

Samurai and Cherry Blossom Viewing

  • Rent kimono and walk through the Higashiyama district for a unique cultural experience.
  • Visit the Kyoto International Manga Museum and learn about Japan's comic culture.
  • Be a samurai for a day and take a sword fighting lesson at Samurai Kembu Theater.
  • Marvel at the cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park and visit the Yasaka Shrine.
  • Satisfy your hunger at Tenkaippin, a ramen restaurant that prides itself in its excellent soup.
Day 3

Green Tea and Tranquility

  • Start the day with a cup of matcha green tea and a Japanese sweet at Ippodo Tea Co. and learn about the tea culture.
  • Take a stroll in the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and be one with nature.
  • Visit the impressive Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and relax in its beautiful gardens.
  • Explore the Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, with its stunning shimmering gold leaf surface.
  • End your day with some delectable sushi at Genki Sushi, a conveyor belt sushi restaurant.
  • Accommodation Piece Hostel Sanjo
  • Piece Hostel Sanjo offers budget-friendly stays with clean and comfortable dormitories, private rooms, and shared spaces. The hostel is located near the bustling Sanjo-Kawaramachi area, with easy access to public transportation and numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops. Experience a friendly atmosphere and meet travelers from all over the world at Piece Hostel Sanjo.

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Kyoto by plane is to fly into Kansai International Airport, which is located approximately 100 kilometers from Kyoto. From there, you can take the JR Haruka Express train, which takes approximately 75 minutes and goes directly to Kyoto Station.

Car

If you are driving to Kyoto, the best option is to take the Meishin Expressway, which connects Osaka and Nagoya. The journey takes approximately 1 hour from Osaka and 2 hours from Nagoya.

Train

If you are already in Japan, the best way to get to Kyoto by train is to take the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo Station or Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes from Tokyo and 15 minutes from Shin-Osaka.

Boat

Although there is no direct boat to Kyoto, you can take a ferry from Osaka to the nearby town of Miyazu and then take a train or bus to Kyoto. Alternatively, you can take a cruise ship to Kobe or Osaka and then take a train or bus to Kyoto.

Bus

There are several bus companies that operate between major cities and Kyoto, including JR Bus and Keihan Bus. The journey time varies depending on the departure point, but it typically takes around 5-6 hours from Tokyo and 3 hours from Osaka.

Destination

Kyoto

Welcome to a city where ancient temples meet trendy cafes, where traditional geishas roam the streets alongside modern commuters, and where you can satisfy both your spiritual and shopping needs all in one place. Get ready to say konnichiwa to Kyoto!

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Type of trip

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