Kyoto in a Day: Kiyomizu Temple to the Golden Pavilion

Start at Kiyomizu-dera (Kiyomizu Temple), then wander the photogenic Sannenzaka/Ninenzaka lanes to Yasaka Shrine and Gion. Grab lunch at Nishiki Market (street-food heaven). In the afternoon, head north by bus/subway to Ryoan-ji’s zen rock garden and finish at Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion). An easy one-day “greatest hits” route.

10:00 ★★★★★ Kiyomizu-dera Temple (Stage/Otowa Falls)
↓15-minute walk
10:45 ★★★★☆ Sanneizaka/Ninenzaka (Machiya Stroll & Photo Spot)
↓10-minute walk
11:15 ★★★★☆ Yasaka Shrine (Walking around the grounds)
(or) ★★★☆☆ Chion-in Temple (Head Temple of the Jodo Sect)
↓12-minute walk
12:00 ★★★★☆ Lunch at Nishiki Market (Eat & Enjoy Kyoto Cuisine)
↓From Nijo Castle: 8-minute walk + 2-minute subway ride on the Tozai Subway Line
↓From Ryoanji Temple: City bus + JR bus (45 minutes)
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13:30 ★★★★☆ Former Imperial Palace Nijo Castle (Nightingale Border)
(or)
14:00 ★★★★☆ Ryoanji Temple (Rock Garden Zen (Dry Landscape Garden))
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↓From Nijo Castle: 3-minute walk + 30-minute city bus (12)
↓From Ryoanji Temple: 10-minute city bus (every 15 minutes) / 20-minute walk
15:30 ★★★★★ Kinkakuji (Golden Reliquary Hall)
↓City bus (205) + Torimaru Subway Line (35 minutes) / 43-minute direct city bus (205)
18:00 ★★★☆☆ Kyoto Station & Kyoto Tower (night view)