Kyoto in spring is in full bloom with cherry blossoms, perfect for creating memories during graduation trips or spring breaks.
This time, we’ll introduce a recommended 1 night 2 days model plan for spring 2025!
Note: This plan involves a bit more travel distance. It’s designed for those who want to see the must-visit spots while in Kyoto.
Day 1: Enjoy Classic Sightseeing and Gourmet Food
10:00 Arrive at Kyoto Station Light Breakfast
(Source: TOKK)
First, upon arriving at Kyoto Station, it’s recommended to enjoy Shizuya’s “Carne” as a snack before lunch!
With its simple yet addictive taste, fluffy German-style French bread, and Shizuya’s original margarine, it’s a perfect combination that has been loved by Kyoto locals for a long time.
The closest store to Kyoto Station is located inside the Asty Road at Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit.
There are no seats so you can’t eat inside the store, but there’s a rest area inside Kyoto Station building.
Why not start your trip by enjoying the takeout “Carne” while overlooking the city of Kyoto?
Travel time: Kyoto Station to Kiyomizu-dera area: About 17 minutes by car, about 30 minutes by public transport
11:00 Kiyomizu-dera Sannenzaka-Ninenzaka Stroll
(Source: Otowayama Kiyomizu-dera)
Head to Kiyomizu-dera, a representative tourist spot in Kyoto.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery while walking through the cherry blossom-filled grounds.
Afterwards, stroll through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, enjoying Japanese crafts and sweets.
Near Kiyomizu-dera, on Ninenzaka, there’s the “Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya” located in a renovated traditional Japanese house over 100 years old.
It’s the only store in the world where you can enjoy coffee on tatami mats!
The cushion covers are made of Nishijin-ori fabric, so you can enjoy your coffee time while feeling the essence of Kyoto.
Travel time: Kiyomizu-dera area to Gion area: About 12 minutes by car, about 15 minutes by public transport, about 20 minutes on foot
13:00 Kyoto Cuisine Lunch in Gion
Move to Gion and enjoy a Kyoto cuisine lunch.
(Source: Tabelog)
How about trying the exquisite mackerel sushi at the long-established Kyoto sushi restaurant “Izuu“?
You can enjoy this Kyoto delicacy that has been loved in the geisha district for a long time.
Travel time: Gion area to Fushimi Inari Taisha: About 27 minutes by car, about 20 minutes by public transport
15:00 Experience the Thousand Torii Gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha
(Source: Let’s go to Kyoto.)
Head to Fushimi Inari Taisha with its rows of vermilion torii gates.
It’s also popular as an Instagram-worthy spot, perfect for taking photos.
Enjoy the mystical atmosphere as you pass through the torii gates.
Travel time: Fushimi Inari Taisha to Arashiyama: About 40 minutes by car, about 1 hour by public transport
17:00 Evening Bamboo Grove Stroll in Arashiyama
Move to Arashiyama and stroll through the Bamboo Grove Path. The atmosphere becomes magical as the sun sets.
In spring, the cherry blossoms around Togetsukyo Bridge are in full bloom, making it an excellent photo spot.
Travel time: Arashiyama area to each accommodation: Varies depending on the accommodation
18:30 Hot Spring Kyoto Kaiseki Dinner
Enjoy the hot spring at your ryokan and savor a Kyoto kaiseki dinner.
“Hoshinoya Kyoto” or “Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto” are recommended.
You can also taste seasonal dishes adorned with cherry blossoms.
Travel time: From accommodations in Arashiyama area to Nanzen-ji: About 40 minutes by car, about 1 hour by public transport
Day 2: Enjoy more of Kyoto’s Spring
8:00 a Moment of Tranquility at Nanzen-ji in the Morning
Wake up early and head to the quiet Nanzen-ji.
Enjoy the Sanmon Gate, famous for Ishikawa Goemon’s words “What a view!”, as well as the beautiful gardens and aqueduct.
Cherry blossoms also bloom in the temple grounds, allowing you to enjoy a spring-specific landscape.
Travel time: Nanzen-ji to Philosopher’s Path: About 4 minutes by car, about 17 minutes on foot
9:30 Cherry Blossom Walk along the Philosopher’s Path
(Source: Kyoto Tourism Navi)
Take a leisurely stroll along the Philosopher’s Path where cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
The cherry tree-lined path along the canal is also popular as an excellent photo spot.
Continue walking along the Philosopher’s Path to Ginkaku-ji.
Travel time: Philosopher’s Path to Ginkaku-ji: About 4 minutes by car, about 12 minutes on foot
10:00 Ginkaku-ji Sightseeing
(Source: Ginkaku-ji)
Visit Ginkaku-ji to experience the wabi-sabi aesthetic unique to Kyoto.
The garden is also a highlight, with beautiful flowers blooming in spring.
For your reference: There are also recommended lunch spots on the approach to Ginkaku-ji!
Travel time: Ginkaku-ji to Nishiki Market: About 17 minutes by car, about 36 minutes by public transport
12:30 Food-hopping Lunch at Nishiki Market
(Source: Kyoto Tourism Navi)
Enjoy Kyoto gourmet food-hopping at Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s kitchen.
Try your favorite flavors such as yuba, herring soba, and matcha sweets.
Sakura mochi and cherry blossom-flavored Japanese sweets are especially popular in spring.
Travel time: Nishiki Market to Kawaramachi area: About 5 minutes by car, about 8 minutes on foot
14:00 Shopping Café Time in Kawaramachi
Finally, look for souvenirs in the Kawaramachi area.
Take a break at a stylish café and reflect on your trip.
Many cafés offer spring-limited cherry blossom lattes and sakura sweets, so be sure to check them out.
Travel time: Kawaramachi area to Kyoto Station: About 8 minutes by car, about 17 minutes by public transport
16:00 Return to Kyoto Station Head Home
Return to Kyoto Station and purchase souvenirs.
Wrap up your enjoyable Kyoto trip!
If you have some time before your train, why not have a final drink at a bar directly connected to the station?
Summary
Kyoto in spring 2025 is the perfect destination for graduation trips or spring breaks.
Use this 1 night 2 days model plan as a reference to enjoy a wonderful trip, visiting classic tourist spots, cherry blossom viewing spots, delicious gourmet food, and Instagram-worthy locations!
Note: Cherry blossom blooming times and crowding at popular spots may vary, so we recommend checking the latest information and making reservations in advance.
Note: Travel times are based on Google Maps. They may vary depending on traffic conditions and time of day, so we recommend allowing extra time for travel.
