Kyoto and Nara 3-Day Itinerary: Discover Japan Without a Car

“Can you really enjoy Kyoto and Nara in just 3 days without a car?”
Absolutely! This itinerary is designed for travelers who prefer trains, buses, and walking—perfect for solo travelers, girls’ trips, or anyone exploring Japan by public transport.

In this guide, I’ll share my actual 3-day travel route, packed with cultural experiences, local food, unique shopping, and tips for navigating Kansai stress-free.

Day 1: Kyoto Culture, Temples, and Riverside Dining

🚅 Arrive in Kyoto via Shinkansen & Start Exploring Right Away

I took the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto and enjoyed a bento lunch on the ride—efficient and scenic, especially if you catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji. Eating on the train meant I could jump straight into sightseeing upon arrival.

🏨 Drop Luggage at Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo (Near Kyoto Station)

Just a short walk from Kyoto Station’s Hachijo Exit, this hotel is ideal for travelers. I left my bags there before check-in and headed out on foot.

🏯 Visit Toji Temple & Explore the Monthly Antique Market

It happened to be the first Sunday of the month, when the famous flea market (“Garaku-ta Ichi”) is held at Toji Temple. After browsing quirky treasures, I admired the five-story pagoda and the Buddha statues in the main hall—an incredible showcase of Kyoto’s spiritual heritage.

🖼 Appreciate Japanese Art at Kyoto National Museum

I took a quick taxi (~¥1,000) to the Kyoto National Museum to see a special exhibit titled “Japan: A Cradle of Beauty”. The display included works by Hokusai and the iconic Fujin Raijin folding screens—an inspiring, peaceful visit.

✅ Easy Check-in & Room Upgrade Bonus

Back at the hotel, the self-check-in kiosk was quick and easy—and I was lucky to receive a complimentary room upgrade!

🏨 Book Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo

🍽️ Dinner: Riverside Yakiniku at Hiro Sanjo Kiyamachi

For dinner, I transferred trains via Tofukuji and headed to Hiro Sanjo Kiyamachi, a riverside yakiniku restaurant. I had reserved a “kawadoko” (riverside floor) seat in advance—a Kyoto summer tradition! The meat quality and atmosphere were top-notch.

📍 Hiro Sanjo Kiyamachi (527 Kamiosaka-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto)

🥐 Pick Up Breakfast at Shinshindo Bakery

After dinner, I stopped by Shinshindo, a long-established Kyoto bakery, to buy a banana & walnut croquant for the next morning. I returned to the hotel by bus using my IC card for easy transit.

📍 Shinshindo Sanjo Kawaramachi (1F, The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo)

Day 2: Explore Nara’s Deer, Temples, and Sake Breweries

🚃 Ride the Kintetsu Limited Express with a Scenic View

I reserved a 2nd-floor seat on the Kintetsu Limited Express to Nara. With a croquant pastry and coffee in hand, I enjoyed the view of Heijo Palace ruins from the window.

🦌 Walk Through Nara Park & Visit the Great Buddha

From Nara Station, I strolled to Nara Park, where deer freely roam. The Nara National Museum was crowded in the morning, so I visited Todai-ji Temple first. The towering Buddha (Daibutsu) inside was simply awe-inspiring.

🍵 Rest & Refresh at Nigatsudo’s Ryubido Tea House

After climbing the slope to Nigatsudo Hall, I stopped at Ryubido for a warm warabi mochi and matcha set—perfect for recharging. The view from the top was breathtaking.

📍 Ryubido Tea House (406-1 Zoshicho, Nara City)

🏛️ Afternoon at the Nara National Museum (Peaceful & Memorable)

Revisiting the museum in the afternoon was perfect—less crowded, more serene. The “Super National Treasures” exhibit was incredible, especially the dynamic statues of Ten-Tōki and Ryū-Tōki. I picked up a pill case and tumbler as souvenirs.

🍣 Lunch: Kakinoha Sushi & Nyumen Noodles at Izasa

I had lunch at Izasa Chaya, enjoying a local combo of persimmon-leaf-wrapped sushi and hot somen noodles. The calm setting was a pleasant surprise in a busy tourist area.

📍 Izasa Chaya (2F, Yumekaze Hiroba, Nara)

🍶 Sake Tasting at Harushika Brewery

In the afternoon, I visited Harushika Brewery and tried a five-sake tasting set. My favorite was the “Junmai Ginjo Extra Dry Nama Sake.” They also offered samples of narazuke (pickled vegetables), and I bought a smoked gourd narazuke as a souvenir.

📍 Imanishi Seibei Shoten (24-1 Fukuchiincho, Nara)

🥢t Kosetsu: Sake & Small Bites

After a walk through historic Naramachi, I had dinner at Kosetsu, a cozy restaurant known for its excellent sake selection and carefully prepared side dishes. A perfect end to a cultural day in Nara.

📍 Kosetsu (28-1 Shimoomomachi, Nara City)

🚇 Back to Kyoto via Kintetsu Express

I returned to Kyoto by express train (about 50 min). Because Nara Station is a starting point, I easily found a seat. The hotel’s proximity to Kyoto Station made the nighttime journey smooth and hassle-free.

Day 3: Kyoto Station Breakfast and Last-Minute Souvenirs

🥞 Retro Pancake Morning at Kyo Kissa Jun

I started the day with a nostalgic hotcake and coffee set at Kyo Kissa Jun, located inside Kyoto Station. The cozy, vintage vibe and thick, fluffy pancakes made for a relaxing morning.

📍 Kyo Kissa Jun (Miyakomichi, 1F, Kintetsu Kyoto Station)

🎁 Souvenir Shopping: My Favorite Picks

• Ippodo Tea Bags – Pretty & fragrant
• Shoyeido “Kun-Kun” Incense – Ideal for reliving the Kyoto mood
• Ajari Mochi – Avoid sold-out stalls outside; find them inside the station
• 551 Pork Buns & Dango Sweets – Enjoyed on the train ride back!

I picked up these goodies before boarding the train and enjoyed a delicious last taste of Kansai cuisine on the Shinkansen. I arrived in Tokyo around 4pm, ending my 3-day trip full of memories.

Final Thoughts: Why Kyoto and Nara Are Perfect Without a Car

This 3-day trip proved that public transport is more than enough to enjoy the rich culture and food of Kansai. From temples and museums to sake breweries and station bento, everything was smooth, comfortable, and rewarding—even without a car.

Next time, I might extend the journey to include Uji or Osaka for a 4-day adventure.
Traveling Japan by train and foot really opens up a world of freedom and discovery!

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🛃 Want to travel Japan without renting a car?
Stay tuned for more no-car itineraries across Japan on this blog!