Kyoto

Kyoto is Japan’s cultural treasure, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern city life. Unlike the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, Kyoto provides a more intimate connection to traditional Japan through its well-preserved temples, shrines, and historic districts. This guide will help you navigate this magnificent city efficiently, ensuring you capture its magic and discover the hidden gems that make Kyoto truly special.

Planning Your Visit to Kyoto

When to Visit: Choosing the Perfect Season

Each season transforms Kyoto into a unique masterpiece, so your choice largely depends on the experience you desire:

• Spring (March-April) brings the famous cherry blossoms (sakura), turning the city into a mesmerizing pink wonderland. The blooming season lasts only 1-2 weeks, typically from late March to early April. While breathtakingly beautiful, this period is also the most crowded and expensive time to visit, so make sure to book accommodations months in advance.
• Autumn (October-November) offers equally stunning scenery as maple leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold. The fall foliage season is longer than the cherry blossom period, providing more flexibility for your visit. Popular temples like Tofuku-ji and Eikando become particularly magical during this time.
• Summer (June-August) in Kyoto is hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). However, it’s also when the city hosts the magnificent Gion Matsuri festival in July, featuring grand processions of elaborate floats through the streets.
• Winter (December-February) sees fewer tourists and lower prices, along with the occasional snow-dusted temple, creating a serene and ethereal beauty that is rarely captured in typical photos of Japan.

Pro tip: To avoid the crowds at popular sites, arrive early—ideally by 7 or 8 AM. This strategy works particularly well at Fushimi Inari Shrine and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

How Long to Stay

While you could spend weeks exploring, a stay of 3 to 5 days is recommended to truly experience Kyoto’s essence. This timeframe allows you to visit major districts and their highlights without rushing. If you plan to take day trips to nearby cities like Nara or Osaka, consider extending your visit.

Getting to Kyoto

From Tokyo

The Shinkansen (bullet train) is the fastest and most comfortable option. The Hikari train on the Tokaido Shinkansen line takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station. While convenient, a one-way ticket costs around ¥14,000 (approximately $95 USD).

The Japan Rail Pass is worth considering if you plan to travel extensively throughout Japan. The 7-day unlimited pass costs approximately ¥50,000 (about $340 USD) for ordinary class. Be sure to calculate your travel costs carefully to ensure it’s cost-effective for your specific itinerary. You can use a JR Pass calculator available online to help determine if purchasing the pass is worthwhile.

Budget travelers may prefer highway buses, which take 6-8 hours and cost between ¥4,000 and ¥10,000 one-way, depending on comfort level and time of departure. Companies like Willer Express and JR Bus offer both daytime and overnight services.

Flights to Osaka’s airports (Kansai International and Itami) are another option. Flights from Tokyo take about 1 hour and 35 minutes and start at around ¥5,000 (approximately $35 USD) on budget airlines like Jetstar. After landing, a 75-minute train ride will bring you to Kyoto.

From Osaka

Kyoto is just a 30-40 minute train ride from Osaka, making it an easy day trip if you’re staying there. However, staying in Kyoto allows for a more immersive experience.

Getting Around Kyoto

Kyoto features an efficient public transportation system that simplifies navigation, even for first-time visitors.

IC Cards and Passes

IC Cards (ICOCA or Suica) are prepaid, rechargeable cards that can be used on buses, trains, and in many convenience stores. You can purchase these at major train stations and reload them as needed. They eliminate the hassle of buying individual tickets and needing exact change.

Public Transportation: Kyoto’s extensive bus network reaches most tourist attractions. The flat fare is ¥230 per ride for adults and ¥120 for children under 12. Although the subway system is limited, it is useful for certain routes, with fares starting at ¥220 and maxing out at ¥360 depending on distance.

The Kansai Railway Pass will replace the Kansai Thru Pass starting April 2024. This pass covers trains throughout the Kansai region, including Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, but will no longer include buses and will come at a higher price.

Pro tip: During busy tourist seasons, buses can become extremely crowded. For shorter distances, consider taking taxis, especially when time is limited. While more expensive, they can save valuable time on your trip.

Where to Stay in Kyoto

Choosing the right neighborhood can significantly enhance your experience in Kyoto.

Central Kyoto

Staying near Kyoto Station offers maximum convenience for transportation connections. This area has numerous hotels in various price ranges as well as excellent dining options. The Granvia Hotel, located inside Kyoto Station, provides luxury and unmatched convenience, while budget options like Ibis Styles and Daiwa Roynet offer good value.

Gion and Higashiyama

For those seeking a traditional atmosphere, the historic Gion district immerses visitors in old Kyoto with its wooden machiya houses and the chance to spot geiko (Kyoto’s geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha). Accommodations here range from luxury ryokans to boutique hotels, such as the Hyatt Regency Kyoto, which combines modern luxury with traditional Japanese aesthetics.

Arashiyama

If natural beauty is your priority, consider staying in Arashiyama, located in western Kyoto. This area is renowned for its bamboo grove, scenic river, and breathtaking mountain views. Hoshinoya Kyoto, accessible only by boat, provides a secluded luxury retreat amid stunning natural surroundings.

Traditional Accommodations

For an authentic experience, consider these traditional options:

• Ryokans are traditional Japanese inns featuring tatami-matted rooms and futon beds, typically including a kaiseki dinner and breakfast. Prices generally range from ¥15,000 to ¥50,000 per person per night. Hiiragiya Ryokan, operating since 1818, and Tawaraya Ryokan are excellent high-end choices.
• Temple lodgings (shukubo) offer a unique spiritual aspect to your stay, with opportunities to participate in morning prayers and meditation sessions with monks. Shunkoin Temple, located within the historic Myoshin-ji temple complex, provides this experience with English-speaking staff.
• Special mention: The Marufukuro Hotel occupies the former Nintendo headquarters, originally built in 1930. It has been beautifully restored and features designs by renowned architect Tadao Ando, making it a perfect destination for Nintendo fans and architecture enthusiasts.

Exploring Kyoto’s Districts

Eastern Kyoto (Higashiyama and Gion)

This area contains some of Kyoto’s most photographed and historically significant sites:

• Kiyomizu-dera Temple is famous for its wooden stage that extends from the main hall, offering spectacular views of the city and the surrounding cherry and maple trees. The temple’s name derives from the Otowa Waterfall, whose waters flow into three streams believed to bring longevity, academic success, and love luck.
• Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka are beautifully preserved streets lined with traditional wooden buildings that house specialty shops, restaurants, and tea houses, providing one of the most atmospheric walks in Japan.
• Gion District is Kyoto’s renowned geisha quarter. Hanami-koji Street is filled with traditional tea houses (ochaya) where geiko and maiko entertain. Important: From April 2024, tourists will be restricted from entering the narrow private streets in Gion to protect geiko and maiko from harassment. Visitors can still explore the main public street (Hanami-koji) but should refrain from photographing geiko and maiko without permission.
• Yasaka Shrine is notable for its hundreds of lanterns and serves as the center of the Gion Matsuri summer festival. It’s best visited in the evening when the lanterns are illuminated.

Pro tip: The iconic view of Yasaka Pagoda rising above traditional Kyoto buildings offers an unforgettable photo opportunity. To find this spot, head toward Gion as you leave Kiyomizu-dera.

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Northern Kyoto

• Kinkaku-ji, the renowned Golden Pavilion, boasts two upper floors completely covered in gold leaf, which reflects beautifully in the surrounding pond. Originally the retirement villa of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it was converted into a Zen temple according to his will after his death. Admission is ¥400-500 for adults and ¥300 for students in grades 1-9.
• Ryoan-ji Temple features Japan’s most famous rock garden, showcasing 15 rocks arranged on a bed of white gravel. This minimalist design embodies Zen principles and invites contemplation.
• Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion, was once the residence of an art-obsessed shogun and became the center of Kyoto’s Higashiyama culture, which greatly influenced various aspects of Japanese arts including tea ceremony, flower arrangement, Noh theater, poetry, and architecture.
• Nanzen-ji Temple features a unique red brick aqueduct that contrasts beautifully with traditional Japanese architecture.

Western Kyoto (Arashiyama)

Located about 30 minutes from central Kyoto by train, Arashiyama is known for its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere:

• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a magical pathway lined with towering bamboo stalks that sway gently in the breeze. The experience is particularly enchanting during snowfall or when warm summer breezes rustle through the branches. This attraction is free to visit, but it is best to arrive before 7 AM to enjoy its serenity without crowds.
• Togetsukyo Bridge spans the Katsura River and serves as the centerpiece of Arashiyama. The surrounding area offers excellent spots for riverside dining.
• Tenryu-ji Temple is one of Kyoto’s prominent Zen temples, acclaimed for its beautiful garden.
• Iwatayama Monkey Park is home to over 100 Japanese macaques in a natural habitat. A 20-minute uphill walk leads to the park, where visitors can feed monkeys and enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto.
• Sagano Romantic Train takes passengers on a scenic 25-minute ride along the river and through a forested gorge. The open-air sightseeing train is especially stunning during autumn. Alternatively, consider a two-hour river cruise back to Arashiyama after the train ride.

Southern Kyoto

• Fushimi Inari Shrine is perhaps Japan’s most recognized site, featuring thousands of vermilion torii gates that wind up the mountainside. Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, the shrine is adorned with numerous fox statues, believed to be Inari’s messengers. While the shrine is open 24/7 and free to enter, early morning visits (before 7 AM) are highly recommended to avoid crowds.
• Uji is a small city located south of Kyoto, renowned for producing some of Japan’s finest matcha green tea. The area boasts beautiful tea plantations and provides opportunities for tea ceremonies and tastings. The Byodo-in Temple in Uji is featured on the reverse side of the Japanese 10 yen coin.

Central Kyoto

• Nijo Castle served as the Kyoto residence for the Tokugawa shoguns. Its unique “nightingale floors” were designed to squeak underfoot, alerting the inhabitants of any intruders.
• The Kyoto Imperial Palace represents Japan’s former ruling center and showcases elegant traditional architecture.
• Nishiki Market, known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” is a narrow shopping street that stretches for five blocks, featuring hundreds of shops selling fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies. It is an excellent place to sample Kyoto’s culinary specialties.

Kyoto’s Culinary Delights

Kyoto’s cuisine, known as Kyo-ryori, is distinctive and refined, influenced by centuries of imperial court culture and Buddhist temple traditions.

• Kaiseki cuisine epitomizes Japanese haute cuisine. These elaborate multi-course meals emphasize seasonal ingredients, meticulous preparation, and artistic presentation. Kyoto is the birthplace of this culinary tradition. For an exceptional dining experience, consider Kitcho Arashiyama Honten, but prepare for prices starting at ¥30,000 per person.
• Shojin-ryori is vegetarian Buddhist temple cuisine developed by monks. It contains no animal products yet offers complex flavors through careful preparation techniques. Many temples provide meals to visitors, with Tenryu-ji Temple being particularly notable.
• At Nishiki Market, you’ll find an abundance of street food and casual dining options. Be sure to try yatsuhashi (cinnamon-flavored mochi sweets), Kyoto-style sushi (which is less vinegared than Tokyo-style), and yudofu (tofu hot pot, a Kyoto specialty).

For budget travelers, Nishiki Market is an excellent spot for affordable street food. Ramen shops like Ippudo serve satisfying meals for around ¥1,000, while department store food halls (depachika) are perfect for picking up high-quality takeaway meals at reasonable prices.

Kyoto’s identity is deeply rooted in tea culture. To immerse yourself, visit a traditional tea house and partake in a Japanese tea ceremony. In Uji, you can tour tea plantations and sample some of Japan’s finest matcha.

Pro tip: For families with children or those seeking familiar dining options, Coyote the Ordinary near Kyoto Station serves a Western-style breakfast. Additionally, the Starbucks located in Ninenzaka (Starbucks Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya) is housed in a traditional Japanese building with tatami seating and beautiful garden views.

Day Trips from Kyoto

Using Kyoto as your base, you can easily reach several fascinating destinations:

• Nara, just a 45-minute train ride away, is famous for its park, where hundreds of free-roaming deer bow to visitors in exchange for special deer crackers (shika senbei) available for ¥200. Alongside the charming deer, Nara is home to some of Japan’s most significant historical and spiritual landmarks, including Todai-ji Temple, which houses the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue.
• Mount Kurama, located in the northern mountains, offers a refreshing escape with its natural hot springs (onsen). The challenging hike to Kurama-dera Temple rewards visitors with breathtaking views.
• Himeji Castle, known as the White Heron Castle, is one of Japan’s most well-preserved feudal castles and is approximately a 45-minute bullet train ride from Kyoto.
• Osaka is only 30-40 minutes away by train and is known for its vibrant street food scene, bustling shopping districts, and attractions like Universal Studios Japan and the Kaiyukan Aquarium, the second largest in Japan.

Practical Tips for Kyoto Travelers

Etiquette and Customs

• Learning a few basic Japanese phrases shows respect for the local culture. Simple expressions like “konnichiwa” (hello), “arigatou” (thank you), and “sumimasen” (excuse me/sorry) can make a significant impact.
• When visiting temples or shrines, be mindful of proper etiquette: wash your hands and mouth at the purification fountain before entering, remove hats as a sign of respect, and observe the practices of locals for specific rituals.
• In restaurants, saying “itadakimasu” before eating and “gochisousama deshita” after meals shows gratitude for the food.

Money-Saving Tips

The Kansai Railway Pass can be a cost-effective option for travelers planning to visit multiple cities in the region. Be sure to compare the pass cost against your intended itinerary.

Take advantage of tax-free shopping available to foreign visitors, which can save you up to 10% on purchases at participating stores.

Consider staying in a business hotel or hostel to minimize accommodation costs, which typically range from ¥3,000 to ¥7,000 per night for budget options.

Navigating Kyoto with Children

For families, the Toei Kyoto Studio Park offers a unique blend of a film set and a theme park, showcasing samurai and ninja performances, along with attractions related to Japanese cinema.

The Kyoto City Zoo and Maruyama Park provide outdoor areas where children can run freely and enjoy nature.

Recommended family-friendly accommodations include the Hyatt Regency Kyoto, known for its spacious rooms and excellent dining options, and the Westin Miyako Kyoto, which features a pool and a private walking trail.

Three-Day Kyoto Itinerary

Day 1: Arashiyama and Western Kyoto

• Morning: Start your day early at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (aim to arrive by 7 AM), then visit Tenryu-ji Temple and its beautiful gardens. Conclude the morning with a leisurely stroll across Togetsukyo Bridge.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train or take a river cruise, followed by a visit to Iwatayama Monkey Park.
• Evening: Dine at Arashiyama Yoshimura, where you can savor delicious soba noodles while enjoying scenic river views.

Day 2: Eastern Kyoto

• Morning: Begin your day at Fushimi Inari Shrine at sunrise, then head to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Take time to explore the charming streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka.
• Afternoon: Visit Nishiki Market for lunch before continuing your exploration in the Gion district.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner along the Kamogawa River or in Pontocho Alley, which is renowned for its traditional restaurants.

Day 3: Northern and Central Kyoto

• Morning: Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Ryoan-ji Temple.
• Afternoon: Explore Nijo Castle, followed by a short walk to the Imperial Palace.
• Evening: End your trip with a traditional kaiseki dinner, or if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, try Kyoto’s unique ramen at a local shop.

Kyoto rewards those who approach it with patience and reverence. Beyond its famous landmarks lies a city filled with quiet corners, centuries-old traditions, and unexpected beauty. Take the time to wander, sit in temple gardens, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere that makes Kyoto not just a destination, but an experience that lingers long after you’ve returned home.

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