Day 1 — Kyoto's Face: From Kiyomizu-dera to Gion's Lanes on Foot — Kyoto

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Day 1 — Kyoto's Face: From Kiyomizu-dera to Gion's Lanes on Foot

3D2N Day 1

5 stops · 3D2N Day 1

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Last checked 6/20261 sources

My Trip

The core district where first-timers feel 'ah, this is Kyoto.' Starting at Kiyomizu-dera, you descend the old Sannenzaka–Ninenzaka lanes to Yasaka Shrine, Gion, and Pontocho — nearly all on foot, the most efficient route. Kiyomizu opens at 6 a.m., so an early start makes both the photos and the feel overwhelmingly better.

3D2N Day 15 stopsEst. budget 55,000 KRW

Itinerary

1
Kiyomizu-dera Temple清水寺
Higashiyama · Temple · View · 90 min stay
The view of Kyoto's cityscape from the main hall's Kiyomizu stage is overwhelming. Right after the 6 a.m. opening you can have the stage to yourself, crowd-free — ideal as the first stop.
이른 아침(6시 개문)
Walk 5 min
2
Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka三年坂・二年坂
Higashiyama · Street · Shopping · 60 min stay
A traditional wooden shopping street. The downhill old lane you descend naturally from Kiyomizu, packed with matcha ice cream, souvenirs, and even the tatami-floored Starbucks at Ninenzaka — the most quintessentially Kyoto alley.
오전
Walk 15 min
3
Yasaka Shrine八坂神社
Gion · Shrine · 30 min stay
Gion's guardian shrine. Its orange tower gate is the symbol, and admission is free. In spring it pairs well with the cherry blossoms of Maruyama Park just behind.
Walk 5 min
4
Gion Hanamikoji Street祇園花見小路
Gion · Street · 40 min stay
The teahouse street at the heart of Kyoto's geisha (geiko) culture. At dusk the lantern-lit chaya street is most atmospheric. Mind the private-property and photo etiquette.
해질녘
Walk 15 min
5
Pontocho Alley先斗町
Kawaramachi · Street food · Izakaya · 90 min stay
A narrow Kamo-riverside alley packed with old izakaya and skewer shops. In summer the river terraces (noryo-yuka) make it the perfect finishing point of the Higashiyama line for dinner.
저녁