Boasting an impressive 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites—one of the world’s largest collections—Kyoto epitomizes traditional Japanese culture. Quaint, serene, and rooted firmly in tradition, the city operates at an entirely different pace than bright, frenetic Tokyo. In the historic Gion district, geishas scurry to work wearing trademark silk kimonos; during sakura (cherry blossom season), Maruyama Park swells with pastel-pink flowers; and in Nishiki Food Market, vendors front stalls selling Japanese delicacies. Kyoto brims with dazzling Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, all set against striking natural landscapes typical of Japan. Tick off more highlights in less time on sightseeing tours, which typically cover the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Heian Jingu Shrine, and Kiyomizu Temple. Culture lovers can arrange a traditional tea ceremony and watch a Maiko show, nature fans can hike through Arashiyama and the Sagano Bamboo Forest, and foodies can master the art of Japanese cuisine during a sushi-making lesson. Within easy reach of Kyoto are several popular destinations that make ideal choices for half- or full-day tours: Nara, home to Deer Park (Nara Park) and Todai-ji (one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan); and Osaka, with its picturesque canal, grand Osaka Castle, and vibrant Dotonbori district. Farther afield but doable as a one-day tour, Hiroshima and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park are popular among travelers looking to learn more about Japan’s history.
Trees covered in white cherry blossoms draw large crowds of visitors to Kyoto every spring. While spring is, indeed, a beautiful time to be in the city, it is also the most popular, so be prepared for long waits and higher-than-average hotel rates. Fall is relatively quiet in comparison but is arguably just as scenic, thanks to the rich colors of the changing leaves. October also offers a chance to experience the colorful Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages).
Kyoto has an efficient public transportation system, and you can get pretty much anywhere quickly and efficiently on the city’s buses, trains, and subways. If you’re planning to use public transit, get a prepaid Icoca smart card, which is accepted on most trains and buses. If you plan to visit a lot of sights in a short time frame, it may be worth buying a 1- or 2-day pass that offers unlimited travel.
Rummaging through Kyoto’s excellent flea markets is a delightful way to spend an afternoon. You may even find some real treasures, from kimonos and ceramics to ukiyo-e woodblock prints and handicrafts. Visit Chion-ji Temple on the 15th of the month for handicrafts, To-ji Temple on the 21st for antiques, and Tenjin-san Flea Market at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine for vintage clothes on the 25th.
Attractions 58 | Tours 460 | Reviews 14,952 |
Akie—a tour guide, origami instructor, sake sommelier, and the 29th generation of a Samurai family—loves Kyoto for its history, traditional culture, and great food.
go to Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavilion). You'll find traditional Japanese beauty in the spectacular garden. Coming to Kyoto and skipping Kinkakuji is like going to Paris and skipping the Eiffel Tower.
starts with coffee from Café Good Day Velo and continues with take-out mackerel sushi and mochi from Nishiki Market. Afterwards, take a walk along Kamo river, before getting dinner and drinks in Pontocho, a famed geisha district.
the Fushimi Inari Shrine where there are 10,000 red gates. It's so unique, special, and spiritual. And, of course, you can take amazing photos.
ride a bike. Go down narrow backstreets, the Imperial Gardens, and the Sanyo Shopping Street, where you can feel the old-world atmosphere and sample affordable ramen in cool local cafés and supermarkets.
go up to Iwatayama Monkey Park. You'll get a great city view from the top of the mountain and the 20-minute hike is worth it. Plus, you can also see cute monkeys roaming around.
thinking that Kyotoites are close-minded. People from Kyoto generally welcome visitors.
Kyoto is famous for its ancient Buddhist temples, idyllic gardens, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden townhouses—and for being one of Japan’s oldest cities. Often referred to as the cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto is the perfect place to learn about Japanese traditions such as tea ceremonies, ikebana (flower arranging), and geisha culture.
...MoreStart a 3-day trip in Kyoto with a morning visit to Kiyomizu-dera temple to beat the crowds, followed by a visit to Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Visit Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and the nearby Arashiyama Bamboo Grove for great photo opportunities. Lastly, explore Gion District and eat at Nishiki Market.
...MoreDon’t miss Kyoto’s magnificent temples and gardens such as Eikando Zenrinji Temple, Ginkaku-ji Temple, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and Sanjusangendo Temple. Take a stroll down the atmospheric Pontocho Alley to see its preserved machiya houses, try local bites at Nishiki Market, and explore the grounds of Nijo Castle.
...MoreNo, Kyoto is not near Tokyo—it’s roughly a 2-hour trip if traveling on the Nozumi bullet train, a 5.5-hour journey by car, and a domestic flight would take about 1-hour. For comfort, ease, and beautiful views of Mt. Fuji; the bullet train is the best way to travel between cities.
...MoreFoodies can taste their way around Nishiki Market, take part in a cooking class, or participate in a tea ceremony. Access panoramic views of the city from Kyoto Tower’s observation deck, watch a traditional geisha performance in Gion, or go shopping at one of Shijo Street’s department stores.
...MoreYes, English is spoken in Kyoto, but most commonly in hotels and restaurants that attract foreign visitors. Although English isn’t spoken fluently by many locals, people are extremely friendly and locals can usually speak a few words of English (even if shy to say so). Just remember to speak slowly.
...More
