Estimated Budget for 3 Days in Kyoto (per person)

Total Estimated Cost: ¥17,800–¥30,500 ($150–$250) for 3 days in Kyoto.

• Accommodation¥9,000–¥18,000 ($75–$150)

• Food¥4,500–¥6,000 ($35–$50)

• Transportation¥1,800–¥2,000 ($15–$17)

• Attractions¥1,500–¥2,500 ($12–$20)

• Miscellaneous¥1,000–¥2,000 ($8–$15)

Tips for Budget Travel in Kyoto

• Stay in Guesthouses or Hostels: Kyoto has many affordable ryokan (traditional inns), guesthouses, and hostels. A night in budget accommodation typically costs ¥3,000–¥7,000 ($25–$60) per person.

• Get a Kyoto Bus Pass: Kyoto’s main attractions are well-connected by buses. A one-day Kyoto Bus Pass costs ¥600 ($5) and provides unlimited travel on city buses, which is ideal for temple-hopping.

• Use Convenience Stores for Snacks and Meals: Japanese convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and Lawson offer a range of inexpensive yet high-quality bento boxes, onigiri, and salads for ¥200–¥500.

• Visit Free and Low-Cost Attractions: Many of Kyoto’s top sites are free to enter, including Fushimi Inari, Yasaka Shrine, and the Philosopher’s Path. For paid temples, fees are typically under ¥500 ($4.50).

• Affordable Eats: Look for kaiten sushi (conveyor-belt sushi), ramen shops, and soba/udon shops, where meals cost ¥500–¥1,000. Kyoto is also known for yuba (tofu skin) and matcha-flavored desserts.

• Plan Around the Seasons: Kyoto is busiest (and prices peak) during cherry blossom season (late March–early April) and fall foliage season (November). For a quieter and more budget-friendly experience, consider visiting in early spring or late fall.

Day 1: Exploring Traditional Tokyo

• Morning: Start in Arashiyama with the Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple, and a stroll along the Katsura River.

• Afternoon: Visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park if the kids want to feed wild monkeys and enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto.

• Evening: Explore Nishiki Market for dinner and sample various Kyoto delicacies

Day 2: Historic Kyoto Highlights

• Morning: Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), then head to Ryoan-ji nearby, known for its Zen rock garden.

• Afternoon: Walk the Philosopher’s Path and stop by Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) or Nanzen-ji.

• Evening: End the day in the Gion District for a traditional Kyoto evening, with a stroll along the Shirakawa Canal.

Day 3: Temples, Markets, and Castles

• Morning: Begin at Kiyomizu-dera Temple and wander the traditional streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka.

• Afternoon: Visit Nijo Castle to explore feudal-era Japan, then stop by the Kyoto Imperial Palace park.

• Evening: Wrap up with a leisurely evening along the Kamogawa River or dinner at a local izakaya.