Kyoto in 2 Days: Temple Markets, Shrine Stamps and a Ryokan Stay
Two days in Kyoto between snowboard stops: shrine stamp books, a huge temple market, kimonos and a traditional ryokan.
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The short answer
Two days in Kyoto was the perfect break from snowboarding: stay at a ryokan near the shrines, collect shrine stamps (about 800–1,000 yen each), and time your visit for a temple market, but check the dates first.
Kyoto was our break from the snow, two nights between Hakuba and Niseko with my college ski club friends. No boards, just shrines, markets and a lot of walking.
Shrines and stamp books
Kyoto was really cool. The shrines are amazing, so make time for them. We stayed at Ryokan Sawaya Honten, which is close to a lot of shrines and other places in town, so it was easy to walk around.
One of my favorite things: you can get a little stamp book (called a goshuincho) and collect these beautiful pieces of artwork at the shrines you visit. They’re usually around 800 yen, and about 1,000 for the cooler ones. It’s such a good souvenir, and way more meaningful than another keychain.
Kyoto’s temple markets (check the dates)
One of my favorite things we did in Kyoto was a huge temple market. We went on the 21st, and it was amazing. There was art, cards, clothes, basically everything across the board. I bought a kimono there.
Kyoto’s temple markets only happen on certain days of the month, so check the dates before you go. For example, Chion-ji Temple’s Tezukuri-ichi (handmade market) is on the 15th, and Tō-ji Temple’s Kōbō-san market is on the 21st.
Prepare to be overwhelmed, because they’re huge, lol. My tip: don’t buy the first things you see. Take some time to walk around first.
Where I stayed
Ryokan Sawaya Honten
A traditional ryokan in Kyoto, close to a lot of shrines and walkable to town.
A few things to know
- Ryokans mean floor sleeping. Futons on tatami mats, so prep for that.
- Shoes come off everywhere, so wear shoes that slip on and off easily.
- There are no trash cans. Carry a little bag for your own trash.
Getting in and out of Kyoto
We came from Hakuba: shuttle and bus to Nagano, then the Kagayaki bullet train to Tsuruga and the Thunderbird train into Kyoto (roughly $120–150 total). Leave in the morning and you’re in Kyoto by early afternoon. The Thunderbird requires a reserved seat, so book ahead.
To leave, we took the Haruka train to Kansai Airport (KIX), about 80 minutes and about ¥3,000–3,600, then flew to Sapporo (roughly $60–170), then took a taxi to Niseko. Domestic flights charge by the kilo over your allowance, so pack light.
Costs are rough, one-way, per person, and they change, so double-check before you book. Dollar amounts assume about ¥150 to $1.
Kyoto FAQ
Is 2 days in Kyoto enough?
It’s enough to see a few shrines, walk the old streets and hit a temple market, which is what we did. You won’t see everything, but it’s a great break between snow stops.
When are Kyoto’s temple markets?
Only on certain days of the month. Chion-ji Temple’s Tezukuri-ichi handmade market is on the 15th, and Tō-ji Temple’s Kōbō-san market is on the 21st. Check the dates before you go, and get there early because they get packed.
What is a goshuin (shrine stamp)?
A goshuin is a handwritten stamp and calligraphy you can collect at shrines and temples in a little book called a goshuincho. They’re usually around 800 yen, and about 1,000 for the cooler ones. Be respectful: you usually visit and pray first, then get your stamp.
What’s the difference between a shrine and a temple?
Shrines are Shinto and usually have a torii gate at the entrance. Temples are Buddhist and often have a big main hall, incense and sometimes a pagoda. You’ll see plenty of both in Kyoto.
Where should you stay in Kyoto?
Stay somewhere walkable to the shrines. We stayed at Ryokan Sawaya Honten, a traditional ryokan close to a lot of shrines and walkable to town. Just know ryokans mean sleeping on futons on the floor.
How do you get from Kyoto to Hokkaido?
Take the Haruka train to Kansai Airport (about 80 minutes), then fly to Sapporo New Chitose. From there, it’s a bus, taxi or rental car to Niseko.
More from my Japan trip
This post is part of my three weeks snowboarding in Japan series. Start there for the full route, costs and what I’d do differently.
- Niseko guide: where to eat, drink and stay
- Backcountry snowboarding in Hokkaido
- Hakuba and the Cortina dam run
- Traveling Japan with a snowboard
- Tokyo in 2 days
- Japan culture differences and common Japanese phrases
- How much my Japan snowboard trip cost
- How to get to Niseko from Sapporo
- Ikon vs Epic Pass for Japan
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hi, I’m Lindsey. I learned to dirt bike in Virginia, have been snowboarding since the East Coast and surf whenever I can, and I write the trip guides I wish I’d had.
