Three days in Kyoto
 

I am travelling to Japan with my 12 year old granddaughter and we have a week planned in Tokyo. Since then we have decided to extend our trip to allow us to spend 3 days in Kyoto and would love some suggestions about where to stay, what to see and the best way to get around. We are arriving in Tokyo on July 13th and have until July 23rd to see Japan.

With only 3 days in Kyoto, you will need to be VERY selective -- it can easily take twice that time! Here is a link to information that should help you plan just about everything:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2158.html
If you are able to extend your time in Kyoto, consider spending some time in Nara, too:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2165.html
FWIW, I spent 4 full days in Kyoto, 2 full days in Nara, and 3 full days in Tokyo (along with stops elsewhere).

And here's your info on Tokyo:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2164.html

Your granddaughter is a very lucky little one to be able to go to Japan -- enjoy!

As kja says, you will have to prepare for Kyoto by choosing the places you most want to see. We had six full days there and didn't come close to seeing it all. You and your granddaughter may want to study photos of some of the temples and choose maybe a half dozen to visit. You'll also want some time to stroll around Gion.

We used taxis in Kyoto as we were there during the height of the koyo (fall colors) and the buses and subway were jammed. Taxis were easy and very time-efficient.

We loved Arashyama, and visited a lovely garden there as well as temples. I also felt that Fushimi was un-missable. But take a look at Japan-Guide and see what appeals to both of you.

Thank you for your responses. I have looked at some of the "must see" sites and agree it would be better to spend another night or so in Kyoto. Problem is we are going during the Gion Festival and there is very little accommodation left (July 14th to 17th). It is also busy in Tokyo for the weekend of the 17th and 18th so I am also having problems changing my reservations for that. But I do have reservations for the Westin Miyako Resort Kyoto from the 20th until the 23rd. I could also stay at the Hyatt Regency Hotel during that time. I have looked at the Arashyama and Fushimi cites and they look amazing. Also we plan to take the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto returning on the same day as we fly back to Canada, July 23rd. (flight leaves around 1700 that night). Do you think that is too much or can I rely on getting back that same day.

If I had the choice between the Hyatt and Westin in Kyoto my choice would be the Hyatt hands down. The Westin is poorly located and run down while the Hyatt is modern and clean. No comparison between these two hotels.

Have you ever thought about staying in a machiya in Kyoto? Avi or Wendy got us a nice two bedroom machiya for a great price our last visit

https://www.kyotomachiyastay.com/index.php/en/

Aloha!

I agree with Kathie that a visit to the Fushimi Inari Shrine is absolutely worth it. I visited earlier this year and absolutely loved following the path up Mt. Inari through the shrine gates, which took me about 3 hours roundtrip at a leisurely pace. I found it more enjoyable to visit the site in the morning (when there was less of a crowd as the pathway got rather packed and noisy just before noon) and then went stall hopping at the little food stalls that set up outside the entrance (Delicious! I highly recommend the grilled mochi). There were also a number of little stores lining the streets in the area that were fun to explore.

Another site I recommend is Kinkakuji (Golden Temple). It was absolutely stunning to see (and didn't take much time) but got quite crowded.

I also enjoyed Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion). The temple itself couldn't measure up to Kinkakuji but the grounds were beautiful and there was a wonderful street leading up to it lined with small stores carrying many tasty treats begging to be tried.

If you end up taking the bullet train I recommend getting a window seat on the side that faces Mt Fuji (on the right side of the train from Tokyo to Kyoto or the left from Kyoto to Tokyo I believe) as you should be able to catch a glimpse if the weather is nice.

It's wonderful that you and your grandaughter are taking this trip together. You are both going to have a wonderful time!

I also enjoyed Fushimi Inari! Given how little time you have in Kyoto, you might give some thought to the timing of your visits: Fushimi Inari is open 24/7, and can be particularly evocative at sunrise / sunset, so you might be able to visit it when other things are closed. And it is along the train tracks that go to Nara, and so can make sense as a stop before / after a visit there. Just a thought!

Anywhere you go will be a "must-see", and all are worth it. The important thing is that traffic can be bad, so you should group your visits. With three days, I'd do one for the eastern hills, one in the center and northern part of city, and one for Arashiyama in the west. You want minimal time traveling, and maximum time at the sites.

It all sounds wonderful. I'll check out the sites some more and then plan the visits. Thank you for all the suggestions. I wish I had more time but will try to fit it all in while we have this opportunity.