one-day Itinerary to kyoto: how to skip the crowds if you only have 24 hours

About the author Sarah Si

Solo traveller, flight attendant, and tourism grad. Sarah has visited 75+ countries. She writes for women who are ready to stop putting their lives on hold and start showing up for themselves. Real experiences, honest opinions, and the reminder that going alone is always worth it.

Planning a one-day itinerary to Kyoto and wondering how to fit everything into just 24 hours? I get it, because one day is a bit of a squeeze. It’s not enough to see everything, but if that’s all you have, you can still experience some of the best of the city if you plan it right.

I visited Japan solo in September 2023 and again in March 2024 with my sister, and I completely fell in love with the country. Kyoto and Tokyo, to me, are the essence of Japanese culture. Two completely different cities. Tokyo feels modern, fast, and electric, while Kyoto is traditional, slower, and more authentic… and yes, a lot more crowded.

And I’m not going to sugarcoat it. The crowds in Kyoto can be overwhelming. If you’re not prepared, it can honestly take away from the experience. But once I figured out how to plan my days around it, waking up early, timing things properly, and avoiding certain areas at peak hours, Kyoto became one of my favourite places in Japan.

This 24 hours in Kyoto itinerary is exactly how I’d do it again. Smart timing, realistic expectations, and the places that are actually worth it when you only have one day.

So grab a matcha latte, lace up your trainers, and let’s make the most of your one day in Kyoto.

If you’re planning a bigger trip around Japan, start with my complete Japan travel page with itineraries, tips, and guides so you can map out your entire trip properly.

One-day in Kyoto itinerary quick overview (with times)

My itinerary follows a logical route from Fushimi Inari to central Kyoto to avoid backtracking and save time. Most sights are centred around one area, which makes this route efficient.

• 06:00 – 08:00: Fushimi Inari Shrine (sunrise, beat the crowds)
• 08:00 – 11:00: Kiyomizu-dera + Hokan-ji Temple + Sannenzaka
• 11:00 – 13:00: Nishiki Market (lunch + street food)
• 13:00 – 16:00: Kawaramachi (shopping + wandering)
• 17:00 – 18:00: Gion (evening walk + geisha district)
• 18:00 – 22:00: Food + drinks tour in Gion and Pontocho

1 day in Kyoto itinerary (hour by hour)

06:00 – 08:00: Fushimi Inari Shrine (go at sunrise)

Start your day early at Fushimi Inari. I’m not exaggerating when I say this is the only way to actually enjoy it.

This is one of the most famous spots in Japan, and by 10am it’s packed. Think queues, slow walking, and zero chance of getting that iconic photo without people in it.

I got there just after sunrise, and it made all the difference. There were already some people, but peaceful enough to actually take it in and walk through the red tori gates without feeling rushed.

Quick tip. Don’t stay near the first entrance sight of the red gates. Most people don’t go far, so the further you walk up, the quieter it gets. That’s how I got my iconic shots without people in it (no photoshop).

You can hike all the way to the top, but with only one day in Kyoto, I wouldn’t. Spend around 1.5 to 2 hours here, then move on.

08:00 – 11:00: Kiyomizu-dera, Hokan-ji + Sannenzaka

From Fushimi Inari, head to Kiyomizu-dera. For this specific route and being short on time, I took an Uber (around $10) and I’d do it again. Ubers are affordable in Kyoto and it saved me a lot of time, because public transport between these two sights would take too much time.

My Uber dropped me off close to Hokan-ji Temple, which matters when you only have 24 hours in Kyoto. Start there, because this little streets will get busy fast. If you want to take a proper photo with the pagoda in the background, get here first.

Around 09:00am, it will get crowded. Tour buses start rolling in around this time, so just expect it.

From Hokan-ji walk up to Kiyomizu-dera. This area is quite spacious, so even with crowds, it doesn’t feel as intense as Fushimi Inari. Start with Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka and make your way up to the temple grounds.

Kiyomizu-dera is fantastic. I loved the big dragon statues and the red of the temples. You can easily walk around the entire area for a few hours. Take into account some time to get back down, to the subway station.

11:00 – 13:00: Nishiki Market (lunch time)

By now, you’ll be ready for food, right? Head to Nishiki Market, which opens around 11am. You’ll be there right before the heaviest crowds at noon. It’s basically a food hall filled with Japanese street food, but a bit more elevated.

You must try:

• wagyu and kobe beef skewers
• fresh sushi and oysters
• gyoza
• roasted chestnuts

I loved the wagyu skewers and roasted chestnuts. Simple, but so good. It does get crowded, especially around 1pm, so expect queues if you want to sit down somewhere.

If you want something sweet, I really loved 2D Tearoom BAW for waffles and coffee.

13:00 – 16:00: Kawaramachi (shopping + wandering)

After lunch, walk around Kawaramachi and the surrounding streets like Shinkyogoku, not far from Nishiki Market.

This is a good area for shopping, souvenirs, little snacks and maybe a matcha. I stumbled across a mini pig café. Not something I planned, but it was a fun, quick 15-minute stop. The little piggies are cute.

This part of the day is a bit more flexible, after an early morning. Walk around, as this area has a lot of great shops. Then head back to your hotel for a short break and get ready for the evening.

17:00 – 19:00: Gion (afternoon walk)

Head to Gion in the late afternoon. This is when the area really comes to life. The lights start to come on, and it just has a completely different vibe compared to the daytime.

This is also the area where you might spot a geisha. However, if you do spot a geisha, be respectful. Don’t follow them or take photos. I’ve seen how tourists behave here, and it’s not great. If you really want to take a photo, always ask.

It’s a residential area, so respect the locals. Don’t go into any of the private streets and respect the signs when it says “no photos’. Don’t be an asshole.

Quickly stop by Yasui Kompiragū Shrine if you have time. This statue is said to remove bad energy. You write a wish and then crawl through the statue two times, like I’m doing in the photo.

19:00 – 22:00: Gion + Pontocho night food tour (or dinner in Kyoto)

If you want to make your one day in Kyoto really memorable, book a Gion + Pontocho night walking and food tour.

This is honestly one of the best ways to experience Kyoto in the evening. You’ll explore both Gion and Pontocho, try around 13 different dishes, and learn about Japanese food culture from a local guide.

It’s also a great option if you’re travelling solo and want to meet other travellers without it feeling forced. I love doing food tours.

If you don’t want to do a tour, and explore the dinner options by yourself, I got you:

• Engine Ramen Kyoto: Their ramen is so good. Nothing hits the spot quite like a steaming, spicy bowl after a long day of exploring. We queued for about 30 minutes, but the process was smooth and well-organised.

• Chao Chao Gyoza Sanjo: They serve some of the best gyoza in Kyoto. I had such a great experience eating here. The staff are super friendly, the vibe is relaxed, and the service is fast.

Is one day in Kyoto enough?

Short answer? No. But if that’s all you’ve got, do it.

One day in Kyoto is a squeeze, and I’m not going to pretend otherwise. You’re not going to see everything, and you definitely won’t experience the city at a slow, relaxed pace.

If you can, I highly recommend staying at least two full days in Kyoto with one night. That gives you the chance to explore early in the morning, slow down in the afternoon, and actually enjoy the atmosphere instead of rushing from one place to the next.

That said, I also get it. Not everyone has the time, and if you only have 24 hours in Kyoto, this itinerary works. You’ll hit the highlights, experience the traditional side of Japan, and still get a feel for what makes Kyoto so special.

Start early. I’m talking sunrise early. Kyoto gets busy fast. Tour buses start arriving around 10am, and after that, the crowds are just part of the experience.

How to get around Kyoto in one day (fastest way)

If you only have one day in Kyoto, how you get around actually matters a lot. You don’t want to waste time figuring things out or walking unnecessary distances.

The easiest options are using public transport (with a digital Suica card), an occasional Uber and lots of walking. Kyoto’s public transport is reliable, but it’s not as extensive as Tokyo. Some places still require a 10–15 minute walk from the nearest station and you need to take several line to get somewhere.

I used a mix of subway + walking, and for certain routes, I took an Uber to save time. Honestly, I’d do that again. When you only have 24 hours in Kyoto, convenience wins.

If you’re comfortable cycling, renting a bike is also a great option. You’ll see loads of people doing it, and it gives you more flexibility. Maybe I’m biased as a Dutch person, but exploring a city by bike just works. Just make sure you park in designated areas.

I’ve written an in-depth post on how to use public transport in Japan.

How to beat the crowds in Kyoto (realistically)

I’m going to be honest with you, you’re not going to avoid the crowds in Kyoto completely in 24 hours. It’s one of the most visited cities in Japan for a reason.

But you can make it a lot more manageable if you’re strategic.

The biggest mistake people make is starting their day too late. By 10am, tour buses from Osaka start arriving, and that’s when places like Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera get packed.

Here’s what actually works:

• Start at sunrise
  This is non-negotiable if you want any kind of peaceful experience
• Do the most popular spots first
  Fushimi Inari early is completely different from midday
• Accept that midday will be busy
  Places like Sannenzaka and Nishiki Market will be crowded, just go with it
• Use evenings to your advantage
  Gion in the evening feels much calmer and more atmospheric
• Don’t linger too long in one place
  With only one day in Kyoto, keep moving
• Book at least 1 night in Kyoto
  Preferably the night before, so you can start your day at sunrise in Kyoto.

Kyoto is busy, and that’s just part of it. Once you accept that and plan around it instead of fighting it, the experience becomes so much better.

Where to stay in Kyoto for the best location

If you’re staying in Kyoto, just for a quick night’s sleep (which I highly recommend doing, preferably the night before), Iocation matters.

You don’t want to spend your limited time commuting across the city, so staying somewhere central will make your itinerary a lot smoother.

The best area to stay is between Gion and Nishiki Market or close to Gion-Shijo Station. That way, you’re within walking distance of multiple stops on this itinerary and surrounded by restaurants and shops.

Hotel The Celestine Kyoto

Hotel the Celestine is one of my favourite stays in Kyoto. It’s located in Gion, which means you’re right in one of the most beautiful and traditional parts of the city. Kiyomizu-dera is about a 15-minute walk, and Gion-Shijo Station is nearby.

Hotel Forza Shijo

If you want something more budget-friendly, hotel Forza Shijo is a great option. It’s right in downtown Kyoto, about a 7-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station, so getting around is easy. The rooms are comfortable, and it has everything you need without overpaying.

If you’re into something more unique, check out these fantastic boutique hotels in Kyoto.

What to skip in Kyoto if you only have one day

If you only have one day in Kyoto, you need to be a bit ruthless with your time. You simply can’t see everything, and trying to do too much will just make the day feel rushed.

Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Temple) is the first to go.

It’s beautiful, but it’s also a bit out of the way compared to everything else on this itinerary. And once you’re there, it’s more of a quick walk-through rather than a place where you spend real time exploring.

Compared to places like Fushimi Inari or the streets around Kiyomizu-dera, it just doesn’t have the same depth of experience.

I would also skip Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. I know it looks incredible in photos, but in reality, it’s a pretty small section and it gets extremely crowded. On top of that, it’s across the city, which doesn’t make sense when you only have 24 hours in Kyoto.

Is Kyoto as a day trip from Osaka worth it?

Yes, it’s easy. But you need to plan it properly. Kyoto is only about 20 minutes from Osaka by train, which makes it one of the easiest day trips in Japan. You can take an early train in the morning.

That said, it will be a long and busy day.

• Take the earliest train possible
• Start your day straight at Fushimi Inari
• Accept the crowds

You can spend the entire day in Kyoto and take an evening train back to Osaka. However, I’d rather do it the other way around. Stay in Kyoto and do a day trip to Osaka instead. It’s about preferences and which city speaks to you the most.

FAQs about spending one day in Kyoto

Make the most of your one day in Kyoto

One day in Kyoto is a bit of a squeeze, but now you know exactly how to do it without wasting time or feeling completely overwhelmed.

Personally, Kyoto wasn’t love at first sight for me because of the crowds. But once I figured out how to navigate it properly, it quickly became one of my favourite places in Japan.

Your first trip to Kyoto might feel a bit chaotic, but it could also be the moment you realise how much you actually love travelling solo.

What to read next for your Kyoto adventure?

• The Ultimate 2-Day Itinerary To Kyoto For First-Time Travellers
• Don’t Miss These Fantastic Boutique Hotels in Kyoto for A Unique Trip
• The Ultimate Solo Female Travel Guide To Kyoto

Planning the rest of your trip? Start with my Japan travel page with itineraries, tips, and planning advice so you can map out your entire route with confidence.

Don’t forget to check out the crowd congestion from the Kyoto City Tourism website before you go. Also check out this guide on manners and etiquette in Japan.

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  6 best Boutique Hotels in Kyoto for Solo Female Travellers Who Want Style + Safety

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