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Welcome to your Kyoto Girls’ Getaway: 3-Day Culture Fun Itinerary! Our trip was all about soaking up the local culture rather than ticking off traditional sightseeing spots. We made new friends at one of Asia’s top 50 bars, enjoyed delicious meals at cozy family-run places like Keyaki Cafe, and used Kyoto as a great base for day trips. You see, Hiroshima is a must-visit and super doable in 1-day from Kyoto, and Osaka is just a quick 30-minute train ride away. Dive into this itinerary for a fun, relaxed, and truly local experience in Kyoto!
Check out my Latina’s Guide to the 5 Best Cities in Japan for a complete look at my trip!
Kyoto Girls’ Getaway: 3-Day Culture Fun Itinerary Table Of Contents
Book Your Kyoto Girl Getaway
 Flight |  Stay |  Do |  Drive |
| Skyscanner | Booking | Viator | QEEQ |
Welcome to your ultimate 3-day Kyoto girls’ getaway! Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, indulge in delicious food, or enjoy some quality time with friends, this itinerary has you covered.
Kyoto was just one of the many unforgettable stops during our 2-week Girls’ Getaway: visiting Japan and South Korea trip. Download my full itinerary to plan your visit – Sushi & Sake Japan & South Korea Itinerary
Kyoto Observations: The Perfect Blend of Tradition and Modernity
Kyoto, often regarded as the “first child” of Japan, is a city where ancient traditions meet vibrant modern life. Discover the different pockets of Kyoto, where bohemian vibes coexist with age-old traditions.
3-Day Kyoto Itinerary: Must-See Experiences
Make the most of your three days in Kyoto with these unforgettable experiences:
- Osaka Day Trip: Explore Osaka’s vibrant food scene with a half-day tour of the Shinsekai district and enjoy an Omakase lunch at the Michelin-rated Sushidokoro Kurosugi. For an overnight stay, consider Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda for its modern amenities and convenient location.
- Hiroshima Day Trip: Gain deep insights into Hiroshima’s history with a private tour covering Miyajima Island, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the Peace Memorial Museum and the A-Bomb Dome. Don’t miss savoring Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki at a local eatery.
- Kimono Tea Ceremony: Immerse yourself in Japanese tradition with a kimono tea ceremony, where you’ll enjoy dressing up and learning about the art of matcha preparation in a picturesque setting.
- Geisha Mai Dance Performance: Experience the elegance of a Geisha Mai dance at the Gion Kagai Art Museum, offering a captivating glimpse into the world of Geishas.
For a detailed guide on these activities and more, click here to read the full Kyoto’s Top 4 Itinerary for First-Timers article.
Kyoto Eats & Drinks: Top Spots for Food and Cocktails
Kyoto is brimming with amazing food experiences, from popular spots to hidden gems. Here are my top recommendations:
- Keyaki Cafe けやき: A must-visit for delicious curry rice and muffins.
- Wife & Husband: Perfect for coffee and honey cheese toast.
- Wajoryomen Sugari: Known for some of the best ramen in town.
- Creek Cross: Great for tasty omurice, especially if Kichi Kichi is full.
- Bee’s Knees: An excellent speakeasy cocktail bar.
For a richer experience, try a tea ceremony in a kimono, join a bar crawl, or take a sweets cooking class.
Read the full Kyoto Grub and Sip Guide article for all the details and more food-related activities to enjoy in Kyoto!
Must-Know Japanese Phrases for Your Kyoto Trip
Get ready to impress locals like I did with these essential Japanese phrases. These words will be your best friend and show your effort to be polite to Japanese people and their culture. Kyoto as the first child would be very proud.
| Sumimasen | Excuse Me / Sorry (If you’re going to learn anything, let it be this one phrase! Use this for getting people’s attention when ordering food, moving past people and don’t be afraid to say it loudly, especially in a noisy restaurant!) |
| Arigatou Gozaimasu | The polite way to say thank you |
| Ohio Gozaimasu | Good Morning |
| Konnichiwa | Good Afternoon |
| Konbanwa | Good Evening |
| Kanpai | Cheers |
Kyoto Etiquette Rules: Do’s and Don’ts
Respect the local customs with these essential etiquette tips. From using the escalators correctly to knowing when and where to eat, these tips will help you navigate Kyoto like a local.
| Escalator Etiquette: | Stand on the correct side; left for those not in a rush, right for those moving up. |
| No Eating or Drinking While Walking: | A big no-no in Kyoto but across Japan too. |
| Eating on Trains: | Allowed only on bullet trains. |
Practical Tips for a Smooth Kyoto Trip
Prepare for your trip with these handy tips that will save you time and hassle. From managing your cash to navigating Kyoto’s massive train stations, these suggestions will make your journey seamless.
| Before Arriving To Japan: | To ensure you have a smooth transition through immigration when arriving to Japan, register your details in the Visit Japan Website. You will receive a QR code which you can the share with the immigration and customs officers upon arrival. |
| Cash is King: | Bring cash before you arrive. ATMs usually require a minimum withdrawal of 10,000 yen. |
| eSIM: | A must for staying connected. I grabbed my Japan eSIM via Klook |
| Suica Card: | Add it to your mobile wallet on arrival. A one-time 1,000 yen load gets you started, and you can then top up with any amount you need. |
| Station Navigation: | Stations are huge with multiple exits, allowing 20 minutes to find your platform. |
| Lockers: | Convenient storage lockers may be found using Radical Locker Storage but they are also available at stations. |
| Tax Refund: | Take advantage of duty-free shopping by claiming your 10% refund at the time of purchase (for purchases over 5,500 yen). |
Getting Around Kyoto: Transportation Options
Whether you’re taking the bus, hopping on the metro, or calling an Uber, here’s what you need to know.
| Kyoto Bus: | Flat fee, paid in cash at the end of your ride. |
| Uber: | Available in Kyoto and very helpful when we wanted to get back to the ryokan before curfew. |
| Metro: | Efficient and easy to use, especially if you have s suica card which helps you easily tap in and out. |
Your key to effortless travel in Japan? A JR Pass – order yours before you leave home!
Where to Stay in Kyoto: Best Accommodation Options
For an authentic Kyoto experience, Yadoya Kikokuso is a must-visit. This family-run ryokan offers traditional charm and warm, personal service. While you’ll need to book specific times for the onsen and return to the ryokan by 11pm, these unique aspects only add to the experience. The serene koi garden is a perfect place to unwind before a day of exploring or to end on a high note. With its cozy atmosphere and genuine hospitality, Kikokuso is a place I’ll happily return to on any future visit to Kyoto.
Check availability at Yadoya Kikokuso or find the perfect place to stay in Kyoto, whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel or a cozy boutique experience at Booking.com.
Useful Google Maps For Kyoto
You can certainly benefit from saving this Tourist Japan Google map for your Kyoto Girls’ Getaway: 3-Day Culture Fun Itinerary. It will be useful for both Kyoto and other cities in Japan. It includes sights, must-try restaurants, cocktail bars, etc. It’s the perfect free tool for your visit to Japan including other cities like Tokyo.
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