We find the ancient capital of Japan near the Kamo River. It forms a part of the Kyoto prefecture. Kyoto is the 8th largest city in Japan by population with about 1.4 million residents.
Home to hundreds of shrines, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and festivals, the city is often considered to be Japan's cultural capital. The city has become so popular with tourists that the city has had to take action to protect one of its most important cultural features. We can thank disrespectful tourists for the ban on photography in Kyoto's geisha district.
To get to Kyoto, you can ride a bullet train from Kyoto Station or fly in from Kansai, Osaka or Narita Airports. Whichever route you choose, you shouldn't have to get bogged down with planning your Japan travel itinerary. On the contrary - having the chance to explore Kyoto city should be stress-free and exciting.
Understanding where to stay in the city and what to do while you're there are vital steps towards making the most of your time in Kyoto. You should also learn the differences between the Kintetsu and Hankyo railway services to make getting around easier. You need to know which shrines are important and what UNESCO World Heritage monuments are in your neighbourhood.
This travel guide delivers all that and more. We'll tell you where to take in the best historical sites of the Heian period and the transportation options to get to the Fushimi Inari shrine. But enough with the preview! Here are the best things to do in Kyoto, what seasons to travel in and what to do with your Japanese Yen (JPY) once you get there.
Kyoto Attractions: Districts in a Nutshell
From the Imperial Palace to the Zen garden Kinkakuji - Kyoto, Japan is full of heritage sites, cultural experiences and delicious food. Like any trip to Japan, you should try to plan your trip's essential details before you arrive. Your to-do list should include finding a place to stay, setting a travel budget and knowing some of the activities you'd like to pursue.
In a city full of historical monuments and cultural elements, getting your sightseeing in could be a bit overwhelming. Thus, you should get to know the different districts in Kyoto as you plan your trip as each has unique features. This can help you craft your list of places to go, foods to sample and things to see.
Kyoto is split into six districts. In Northern Kyoto, you can tour the Kinkakuji and Ryoanji temples; you may even consider taking in the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. You'll find the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Southern Kyoto. It's considered the ultimate Shinto shrine experience.
The Gion district features the city’s most renowned entertainment district. There, you'll find specialists practising traditional arts like kabuki theatre and geishas performing traditional dances. Higashiyama abuts Gion. Travellers consider it Kyoto's best historic district; it's home to the Kiyomizudera Temple.
By contrast, Kyoto's Arashiyama District is expansive; a genuine treat for nature lovers. You might start your day at Monkey Park and then, stop for selfies at the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. If you travel in the spring, don't forget to capture a few snaps of sakura, the much-touted cherry blossoms. To capture a slice of old-time Japan, be sure to travel down Saga-Toriimoto Street, where you'll find homes preserved in the ancient architecture style.
Kyoto's City Centre features the exciting Nishiki Market, where you can buy the freshest seafood and produce. You may also tour the Kyoto Imperial Palace and then, finish your day dining at one of Pontocho's fine eateries.
Each of Kyoto's districts takes at least a full day to explore, though you may see some sectors' highlights in just half a day. Depending on your level of fitness and your travel style - leisurely or fast-paced, you could experience the best this city has to offer in five days. Or you might choose a couple of districts for this trip and leave the rest for your next trip to Japan.
Kyoto Travel Guide: Where to Sleep in Kyoto
As you tour Kyoto's districts, you'll want a comfortable place to rest up for the next day's adventures. Comfort and convenience take priority on a traveller's wish list for accommodations. The only trouble is defining those qualities.
If your time in Kyoto is limited, you will likely prefer lodging in the district you plan to focus your visit on. Should you suffer from a bad back - as many of us do, you might find traditional accommodations in a temple or UNESCO World Heritage site uncomfortable. If you're on a budget, even a one-night splurge might be out of your reach.
Fortunately, Kyoto welcomes travellers with a generous array of accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets. If you don't want to stray too far out of your comfort zone, this city boasts plenty of Airbnb listings. You might even try a capsule hotel for one night, at least.
Kyoto lodging prices range from $70 for a 1-star hotel to around $1000 per night for the most luxurious quarters. The temple experience costs between $150 to $250, depending on the temple. You will sleep on a tatami mat on the floor, in traditional Japanese fashion. You'll likely also have breakfast before you leave.
The length of your stay will depend on your purpose in visiting the city. If you're staying in the city for tourist and leisure reasons, these types of lodgings will serve you well. If you're moving to Kyoto for work or school, you'll have to find something more permanent. In all cases, you should base your lodging search on your budget and expectations for the trip.
Kyoto Attractions: the Best of the Ancient Capital
Now that you have some idea of the districts you want to visit and where you'll stay during your visit to Kyoto, it's time to think about what you'll do while you're there. You don't have to plan everything to the last detail. Indeed, you don't have to plan anything at all. Still, you should have some idea of the experiences you're after, so you need to know about some of the best things to do in Kyoto.
We've already gushed over Gion. This district is a must-see for anyone looking for historical Japan, from the Meiji period to the present. But don't overlook the Noh Theatre. That's where you'll see classical dances and historical narratives about samurais and shogun. These dramas are classified on the UNESCO list of Intangible World Heritage.
As for Shinto shrines, Kyoto directories list around 400 such structures. You may even take a guided tour that loops you around the most famous ones. Whether seeking enlightenment or just to fill your cache of souvenirs, the most renowned shrines will fit the bill. If you're pressed for time, make Kitano Tenmangu, Yoshida-jinja and Heian-jinja your targets.
Other noteworthy Kyoto attractions include the Ryozen Kannon war memorial, Himeji Castle (in the Kansai prefecture) and the International Manga Museum.
Depending on how long your Japan stay is, you may even consider travelling to see other sights outside of Kyoto. Taking the train to Mount Fuji from Kyoto will take you about 3 hours. Getting to Hokkaido will take about 11 hours while getting to Hiroshima will be around 3 hours. Tokyo is about 4 hours away.
Kyoto Travel Guide: The Best Season to Visit
Visiting Kyoto is an amazing experience. You'll sample good food and feast on culture and history. The only question left is when to go. The answer depends on what type of experience you're aiming for.
If the activities you're most interested in take place outdoors, you should consider Japan's weather. The winter and summer months can be extreme. If you're not conditioned to very low or very high temperatures, you should plan your visit for another time. If those extremes don't faze you, you'll enjoy Kyoto's many winter and summer sports.
Conversely, if you're looking for milder weather and plenty of outdoor activities, Spring and Fall are the two best seasons to visit Kyoto. The Spring is when the famous cherry blossoms paint the landscape in beautiful shades of pink. The Jidai Matsuri or Festival of the Ages, is a great festival to check out at the end of spring or beginning of summer.
As a seasoned traveller, you must know that prices are lower during the tourist off-season. Autumn sees Kyoto welcoming smaller crowds than during the other seasons. You may find better prices for the attractions you wish to tour. You'll even find lower fares for tickets to Japan.
In all cases, Kyoto has loads of indoor spaces for you to explore. They may not be air conditioned but they will likely be heated. So an autumn or winter visit shouldn't be out of the question.
Any concerns about Kyoto weather depend on how long you plan to stay. If you'll only be in Kyoto for one day, you'll have a much different plan than travellers who stay longer.
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