With plenty of historical sites to explore, beautiful natural scenes to admire and traditional experiences to enjoy, Kyoto is one of Japan’s must-visit cities. As a cultural hub and a destination that’s surrounded by nature, it’s the perfect place for travelers and tourists hoping to immerse themselves in Japanese history and tradition and escape to nature. 

Just imagine walking through towering bamboo forests, setting foot in ancient temples and traditional teahouses, and soaking up the natural beauty of cherry blossoms or autumn leaves. A trip to the former capital of Japan can be a real dream come true. 

And you can explore this city in three magical days. So I’ve created this 3-day Kyoto travel itinerary to help you plan the perfect three days in Kyoto.

Whether you’re following Japan’s “Golden Route” and visiting Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, or you’re just visiting Kyoto, this Kyoto travel itinerary can help you plan your trip to perfection. Even if you’re spending longer than three days in this city, this itinerary will give you an idea of some of the best things to do during your stay.

• Day 1
• Day 2
• Day 3

Kyoto Day 1 Itinerary

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest 

You’ve no doubt seen pictures of this famous forest, and the pathway that winds its way through the towering bamboo stalks. The Arashiyama bamboo forest is one of Kyoto’s most beautiful sights — it’s a retreat into nature, in the middle of the city. 

So why not start your first day in Kyoto with a breath of fresh air by taking a relaxing walk through this stunning forest? 

The earlier in the morning you can get to the bamboo forest, the quieter it will be. So if you’re hoping to avoid the crowds, take perfect pictures, and enjoy the serenity of the forest, I’d recommend arriving as early as possible — definitely before 9 am, or if you don’t mind rising early, a sunrise trip is definitely worth it. 

At sunrise, you’ll see the changing colours of the bamboo forest as the sun starts to filter through the bamboo stalks. But if you arrive after the sun is already in the sky, you’ll experience the beautiful green colour of the bamboo grove.

The Arashiyama bamboo forest is a short walk from the JR Saga-Arashiyama station. After walking for about 15 minutes through the bamboo grove, you will come upon Tenryu-ji temple.

Tenryu-ji Temple

Tenryu-ji temple is a world heritage site and one of the main Zen temples in Kyoto. Although the temple dates back to the 14th century, many of the temple buildings have been destroyed in fires, and compared to other Japanese temples, Tenryu-ji is now fairly minimal. 

However, the temple is surrounded by mountains and forest, and the temple gardens alone are well worth a visit. Japan is well known for its careful garden designs, but the Tenryu-ji gardens have a much more natural feel, and they’ve remained the same for many centuries. 

After exploring the garden of Tenryu-ji temple, another 15 minutes through the bamboo forest will bring you to the Arashiyama Monkey Park.

Arashiyama Monkey Park

If you’re hoping to encounter some Japanese wildlife on your trip, you’ll want to visit Arashiyama Monkey Park, also known as Iwatayama Monkey Park. Don’t be put off by the term ‘park’, all of the monkeys here are wild, in fact it’s humans that are in a cage at this park.

As you venture into the park you’ll follow a path that leads you up the mountain, and as you approach the summit you’ll officially be in monkey territory. Over 120 Japanese macaque monkeys live in this area, so keep an eye out for these mischievous little beings — if you’re lucky you may even spot some babies. Just make sure you follow the rules which will be written on signs around the park. The monkeys are used to being around humans, so they won’t hurt you as long as you stick to rules like staying at least two metres away and avoiding eye contact.

At the end of your hike through the park, at the top of the mountain, you’ll be greeted by staff and the welcome sight of benches. Here you can stop for a much-needed rest while enjoying one of the best views of Kyoto. You can enter an enclosed, caged area where you can look out over Kyoto and feed monkeys safely from behind the cage.

To enter the park you’ll need to pay an entrance fee of 550 yen. And if you want to feed the monkeys you’ll need to buy food for 100 yen.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari shrine is an important shrine in Kyoto, dedicated to ‘Inari’, the Shinto god of rice. The messengers of the god are thought to be foxes, so you’ll spot many fox statues and emblems throughout the shrine grounds. But this shrine is most famous for the thousands of torii gates lining the paths behind the shrine. These red vermilion gates have made these paths one of the most popular photography spots in Kyoto. As the sun shines, paths are illuminated in red and orange, or if you opt for an evening visit, the atmosphere at the Fushimi Inari Shrine at night is quite something, with the illuminated orange gates casting dramatic shadows. 

If you choose to follow the paths until the end, you’ll be walking for around 2-3 hours until you reach the top of a mountain. However, most visitors don’t get this far. Most people will simply walk a little through the paths before turning around, and some will walk to the halfway point, where the paths open up into a clearing, halfway up the mountain. Here you can relax on benches overlooking Kyoto. If you find yourself getting a little peckish or thirsty, there are several places to stop for a drink or a meal along the path.

The further along the path you walk, the quieter it will be, and the better photo opportunities you’ll get. However, past the halfway point you’ll start to less of the iconic red gates.

After walking through the Arashiyama forest in the morning and the Fushimi Inari shrine paths in the afternoon, you’re probably going to be pretty tired and ready for a break. So this attraction marks the end of day 1 in Kyoto.

Kyoto Day 2 Itinerary

Ginkaku-ji (The Silver Pavilion)

I’d recommend you start your second day in Kyoto with a trip to the Eastern side of the city to see Ginkaku-ji, the 15th century Silver Pavilion, also known as Higashiyama Jisho-ji temple. 

This beautiful pavilion was modeled on Kinkaku-ji (The Gold Pavilion) and named the Silver Pailion not because when the temple was first built it was originally covered in a dark finish which reflected silver in the moonlight. 

The pavilion is surrounded by a number of other temple buildings and beautiful gardens, including a moss garden and a dry sand garden. The sand garden, also known as ‘The Sea of Silver Sand’, is symbolic of Zen concepts and peacefulness. It leads to a silver cone, designed for moon-gazing and reflection. The moss garden also embodies Zen ways of thinking in its slow growth to beauty. There are a number of ponds and small bridges in this garden. The intricacy of the moss garden perfectly contrasts the simplicity of the sand garden.

Tetsugaku No Michi (The Path of Philosophy)

From Ginkaku-ji, you can go for a wander through Tetsugaku No Michi, also known as the Path of Philosophy or the Philosopher’s Walk. This is a 2km long ancient stone path between Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji temple. 

The path runs alongside a canal and is lined with cherry trees. In spring, this path makes for a stunning walk and it’s one of the best places in Kyoto to enjoy the famous cherry blossoms. 

If you want to walk the entire length of the path, you can also visit Nanzen-ji temple. However, you don’t need to walk the entire 2km to appreciate the beauty of this walkway.

Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion)

Kinkaku-ji is the sister temple and original inspiration for Ginkaku-ji (The Silver Pavilion). In contrast to Ginkaku-ji, Kinkaku-ji holds true to it’s name and appears gold at any time of day. The top two floors of the temple are covered in gold leaf.

Kinkaku-ji is famously picturesque in all seasons. The temple is set at the edge of a large pond with a colourful forest backdrop and on clear days the temple reflects perfectly in the still waters of the pond. In spring, the cherry blossoms perfectly frame the temple, and in winter, the gold of the temple glistens against the snow. 

The entry fee for Kinkaku-ji is 400yen. It only takes a short time to see all the temple grounds have to offer, but the grandeur of the Golden Pavilion makes it an absolute must-see. 

After visiting Kinkaku-ji a good transition into the afternoon and evening is a visit to the entertainment and dining district of Gion.

Gion, Kyoto’s Geisha District

Gion is the perfect place to end your second day in Kyoto. A visit to this district, which is well-known as the Geisha district, can feel like stepping back in time. This is where Geisha culture comes to life — you’ll see Geisha (Japanese women trained in traditional arts) walking between traditional wooden houses, teahouses, shops and restaurants.

In Gion, you can dine in restaurants serving both traditional Japanese cuisine and international food, and attend cultural shows.  A cultural show is held every day at the end of Hanami-koji Street to showcase a range of traditional Japanese arts, including tea ceremonies, flower arranging, dancing and comic plays. This is a great way to experience traditional Japanese culture.

Kyoto Day 1 Itinerary

Nijo Castle

During the Edo period, Japan was governed by the Tokugawa shogunate, a military dictatorship founded by the first shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu, also known as the unifier of Japan. And for many years, Nijo Castle was Tokugawa Ieyasu’s main residence. 

The castle was built in 1603 and has remained largely intact since the Edo period. Today it’s one of the best examples of Japanese architecture from this period. The Castle has two rings of fortification, each one built as a line of defence. These two areas are surrounded by Japanese-style gardens and ponds. In the centre of the fortress, you’ll find the most impressive building: Ninomaru Palace. For those interested in Japanese history or architecture, this castle provides a unique insight and understanding.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Dating back to 778AD, Kiyomizu-dera Temple offers a glimpse into Japan’s ancient history. It was built mostly from Japanese cypress and entirely without nails, and it’s one of the oldest temples to remain in its original form. 

The temple is well-known for its wooden stage, which is 13 meters high and protrudes over the mountainside, offering a panoramic view of the beautiful landscape. 

Kiyomizu-dera quite literally translates to Pure Water Temple — it was named because it’s located beside the Otowa waterfall, where pure water flows. The water has been re-directed through the temple grounds and it is possible to drink this water from a ladle. To drink the water is said to give good fortune and success. You’ll often see school students gathering to drink the water before sitting exams. 

Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu Temple are both keystones of Japanese history and have been preserved exceptionally well. Visiting both of these beautiful sites will give you an insight into Japanese history, architecture, and culture. And you’re sure to get some incredible photos too.

What Did You Think of this Kyoto Travel Itinerary?

I hope you’ve found this guide useful! I created this Kyoto travel itinerary to help you plan an incredible three days in this wonderful Japanese city, packed with temples, castles, shrines, and gardens.

If you follow this itinerary I’d love to know how you found it, or if you’ve already visited Kyoto, what would you do differently?

One of the first things you’ll need to decide when planning a trip to Bali is when to visit this beautiful island. Find out which months have the best weather, when the high and low season is, and choose the best month for your trip to Bali. 

So you’re planning a trip to Bali? Good choice! After spending 4 months in Bali last year, I fell in love with this little island and decided to spend most of this year there too.

I’ve experienced different seasons in Bali, so I’ve basked in the Bali sun and got caught in the crazy Bali rain. I’ve seen the island heaving with tourists in high season and experienced it slightly less crowded in low season. So when is the best time to visit Bali?

Most people visit between April and October, simply because this is the dry season. You’ll get beautiful weather and clear skies (mostly, no promises), and if you’re into surfing these months are perfect for catching waves too. However, dry season is also high season, and you’re likely to experience Bali at its busiest between April and October. July and August are particularly busy, but this seems to be the case with almost every destination.

So there are pros and cons to different months in Bali. When you should visit will depend on whereabouts in Bali you’re visiting, the activities you have planned, and your budget for flights and accommodation.

• Which Months Have the Best Weather in Bali?
• January in Bali
• February in Bali
• March in Bali
• April in Bali
• May in Bali
• June in Bali
• July and August in Bali
• September in Bali
  
• October in Bali
  
• November in Bali
  
• December in Bali
  
• Which Months Are Best for Surfing?
• When is the Most Affordable Time to Visit Bali?
  
• Events and Ceremonies

Which Months Have the Best Weather in Bali?

If it’s warm weather you’re looking for, Bali has this year-round. You can expect average temperatures between 26°C and 29°C, but the reality is that average high temperatures regularly reach over 30°C. Coastal areas in Bali, such as Kuta, Canggu, Seminyak and Sanur will generally be a bit warmer (and more humid) than places like Ubud which are further inland and surrounded by mountains.

If you check out the chart below, you’ll see there’s not much difference in average temperatures from month to month.

Watch Out for Rainy Season!

As well as considering the temperature, you’ll also want to think about the Bali seasons. Bali has two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The Bali rainy season is usually between October and April, so for most people, the best time to visit Bali is between April and October.

Even if you’re the sort of person that doesn’t mind the rain, it’s worth noting that Bali rain is pretty intense. It’s often torrential, non-stop rain for days during the wet season. And while it can be exciting to see such heavy rain, especially if like me, you’re from a country where the rain is a little pathetic, it quickly wears thin, and it will ruin your plans to get out and explore, lounge around by the pool or enjoy the beach. Almost all of the tourist attractions and things to do in Bali are outside, so if you’re planning to explore Bali’s sights and natural beauty, the rainy season isn’t the best time to visit.

However, the wet season is the cheapest time to visit Bali, so if you’re travelling on a budget, you may decide to brave the rain. And if you do visit Bali between October and April, check out this list of things to do in Bali in rainy season.

A Breakdown of the Months in Bali

If you want to get an idea of what Bali is like in different months, here’s a breakdown of what to expect from each month of the year.

January in Bali

January is Bali’s most rainy month. With an average of 27 days of rain, it rains almost every day, and there are often multiple showers a day. There are quite a few thunderstorms during this month, which usually occur during the afternoon, evening or overnight. The tropical thunder and lightning can be quite impressive to watch, but it’s not ideal if you have day trips planned.

February in Bali

February isn’t quite as bad as January in terms of rain and thunderstorms, but it still rains an average of 22 days a month. Even though you’ll have more sunny and dry days than in January, the beaches may not be at their best — storms can wash up a lot of debris and seaweed, so February isn’t the best time to visit if you’re hoping to visit Insta-worthy beaches.  And just like January, February is a particularly hot and humid month.

March in Bali

March is the last month of the Bali rainy season, and while it’s slightly drier than February, you can still expect rain on most days. March is the most humid month in Bali, so you can expect to get hot and sweaty if visiting the island during this month. It’s not too busy in March, but you will find a lot of long-term travellers head to Bali at this point. Many tourists also want to experience Nyepi, the Balinese day of silence. Scroll down to read more about this Nyepi.

April in Bali

April is the start of the dry season, and with an average of only 9 days of rain in the month, you can expect good weather for most of the month. However, during this month, tourism starts to pick up, especially over Easter. It’s still nowhere near as busy as July and August though, so if you’re looking for a mix of good weather and bearable crowds, this could be the best month to visit.

May in Bali

Weather in May is much the same as April, but it can be a little quieter as there’s no Easter rush of tourists. You can get some good deals in May, and with beautiful weather, quieter streets and beaches, this is a great time to plan your visit to Bali.

June in Bali

June is one of the best months to visit Bali. The weather is perfect and not too humid, with a very slim chance of rain. Tourism really starts picking up in June so you can expect more crowds, but still it’s a great time to visit.

July and August in Bali

July and August are Bali’s busiest months, because of school holidays and the perfect weather. Traffic can be crazy, and beaches fill up. You can also expect higher prices as this is the peak time to visit the island. While the weather is great, I’d suggest avoiding these months if you can, and instead plan your visit for one of the dry season’s shoulder months: April, May, June or September.

September in Bali

You can still expect good weather for most of September, but as this is the last month of the dry season, you might experience a few days of rainfall and slightly higher levels of humidity.

Flights to Bali from Australia can be more expensive towards the end of September as there is an Australian school holiday at the end of the month, and into the first two weeks of October.

October in Bali

October is the start of the rainy season in Bali. On average, it rains on around 12 days of the month, and while the rest of the month is generally blue skies and great weather, it can get quite humid. However, it’s worth noting that in recent years, perhaps because of global warming, the rainy season hasn’t kicked in until late October/early November. So if you’re planning a trip in October, you may not experience any rain.

The first two weeks of October are Australian school holidays, so it can be a little busier than September, but it’s still much quieter than peak season, and you can still find some good deals on accommodation and activities. But flights from Australia can be more expensive.

November in Bali

Visiting Bali in November is a good choice if you’re on a budget. The weather isn’t fantastic: it’s a fairly rainy month and high levels of humidity mean you’re going to get pretty sweaty, but you’ll find plenty of affordable accommodation options, and you can get some good flight and tour deals.

December in Bali

In December, Bali starts to enter the height of the wet season. The start of the month can be relatively quiet, but over Christmas and towards New Year tourism can start to pick up as lots of people love to get away for the holidays and celebrate somewhere hot. Indonesian school holidays and year-end work leave also fall in December, so it can be busy with local tourists.

Which Months Are Best for Surfing in Bali?

Bali is the perfect destination for surfers. The island is famous for its surfing spots. Whether you’re a pro surfer or a complete beginner, Bali has the waves for you. But if you want the best possible wave-catching experience, it’s worth planning around the best months for surfing in Bail.

If you’re planning on surfing on the west coast in areas like Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu and Legian, the best time to visit is between April and October. During these months the offshore wind creates the best waves for surfing.

However, the reef breaks in the east coast might appeal more to you if you’re an experienced surfer. And if you’re hoping to surf east coast shores in areas like Sanur, it’s best to visit between November and March. This may be the rainy season, but you’ll still have some clear days, and the swell will make up for it. Plus, there’ll be fewer people about, which is always an added bonus.

When is the Most Affordable Time to Visit Bali?

Bali is a fairly affordable destination all year round. The cost of living is less than most destinations in Europe, North America and Australasia. Like anywhere, there’s both an expensive and affordable side to Bali. And as long as you’re not fine-dining every day, and staying in 5* resorts, Bali is a great destination for backpacking on a budget. 

However, the most affordable time to visit Bali is in low-season, also known as the wet season. Between October and March, you can find accommodation, flights and tours that are attractively priced and perfect for travelling on a budget. February and March in particular are often the best time to find deals, as during these months, tourism is at its lowest.

Events and Ceremonies in Bali

If you’re really hoping to throw yourself into local ceremonies, you’re probably hoping to experience some local events, ceremonies or festivals. The good news is, Bali has hundreds of ceremonies and you’re going to encounter lots of them during your visit. For example, ceremonies are held to mark the ‘birthday’ of temples, and as there are around 20,000 temples in Bali, I’m sure you can imagine these ceremonies are quite frequent.

Here are some of the Balinese events that you might want to experience.

Melasti and Nyepi

Nyepi is Bali’s day of silence and it’s the most important Balinese Hindu celebration. The day marks the New Year in the Caka Calendar and for 24 hours the island is completely silent. Silence is compulsory, so even tourists need to stay in, be silent, and turn off the lights. Yep, you read that right, no lights are allowed during Nyepi.

In fact, there are several rules that everyone on the island must follow during Nyepi:

1: Don’t go out onto the street
2: No fire, light or electricity (this also means there will likely be no internet)
3: No motor vehicles
4: Be silent — no one outside of your room should be able to hear you
5: No travelling — the airport will be closed, and you won’t be allowed to drive anywhere

The only people allowed to break these rules are emergency services.

It’s an incredible day to experience. With no traffic, no talking, or TVs blaring, no music and no lights, the island is at its most peaceful. You’ll see the stars like you’ve never seen them before, thanks to the lack of light pollution. And if you’re a keen photographer, you capture beautiful pictures of the stars, and even of the Milky Way.

The days leading up to Nyepi also involve a variety of preparations and Melasti ceremonies — purification rituals and ceremonies. Locals create ‘ogoh-ogoh’ which are statues that take the form of mythical beings and demons. These figures represent the bad spirits that are guided to leave the island during Nyepi. They are paraded through the streets the evening before Nyepi.

Galungan and Kuningan

Galungan is a holiday that celebrates the victory of good over evil and it occurs during the 11th week of the 210-day Pawukon calendar (the Balinese have several different calendars). Kuningan

The holiday will consist of a series of ceremonies and for 10 consecutive days, you’ll find traditional decorations over the whole island, and locals will be participating in festivities and ceremonies.  You’ll see penjors lining streets and decorating temples — these are ornate bamboo poles that hold religious offerings. Walking through streets decorated with penjors is quite an experience, and these traditional decorations can make for some beautiful photos.

While you’ll still see some decorations like these at other times of the year in Bali, the island is even more beautiful during Galungan. And visiting Bali during this holiday gives you a chance to immerse yourself in Balinese culture.

Bali Arts Festival

The Bali Arts Festival happens every year and usually lasts for a whole month. It celebrates Balinese culture and art with performances, exhibitions and traditional decorations all over the island. This festival usually starts in June and ends in July.

Ubud Writers and Readers Festival

The Ubud Writers and Readers Festival happens every year in October. The festival consists of five days packed with writing workshops, talks from authors and journalists, live performances and artistic events. This is a great event to visit if you love literature and want to learn more about Indonesian culture and how it is represented in literature and the media. This is a reflective event that will leave you feeling inspired to write and read more, and you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of Indonesian history and culture.