Why go to Kyoto
Japan's capital for over a thousand years, Kyoto is a city of temples, moss gardens and wooden machiya townhouses. Rise early and you will have the most famous places almost to yourself.
Best time to visit Kyoto
Late March to April (blossom) and November (autumn leaves) are glorious and very busy. Early December and late May are quieter compromises. Summer is hot and humid, but July's Gion Matsuri is one of Japan's greatest festivals.
Top things to see
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Thousands of vermilion torii gates; hike to the top.
Kinkaku-ji
The Golden Pavilion reflected in its pond.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Go at sunrise, then visit Tenryū-ji.
Kiyomizu-dera
A wooden temple terrace over the city.
Gion
The geisha district at dusk.
Ginkaku-ji and the Philosopher's Path
A canal-side walk past temples.
Things to do in Kyoto
- Join a tea ceremony
- Take a day trip to Nara's temples and deer
- Walk the Kurama to Kibune mountain trail
- Rent a bicycle and follow the Kamo River
- Stay a night in a ryokan with kaiseki dinner
Local experiences
- Browse Nishiki Market's pickles and sweets
- Try yudōfu (simmered tofu) near Nanzen-ji
- Eat matcha sweets in Uji
- Visit a local flea market at Tō-ji (21st of each month)
Where to eat in Kyoto
Dishes to try: kaiseki, yudōfu, matcha sweets, obanzai home cooking, Kyoto-style sushi.
Nishiki MarketMarket
Five blocks of Kyoto specialities.
OmenUdon
Hearty udon near Ginkaku-ji.
KikunoiKaiseki
Celebrated multi-course dining in Higashiyama.
Where to stay in Kyoto
TawarayaRyokan
A legendary ryokan run by the same family for generations.
The Ritz-Carlton, KyotoLuxury
On the banks of the Kamo River.
Ace Hotel KyotoBoutique
Design hotel in a 1920s telephone building.
Best areas to stay
Higashiyama
Temples and old streets on your doorstep.
Downtown (Kawaramachi)
Restaurants, shopping and transport.
Kyoto Station
Best for day trips and late arrivals.
3 days in Kyoto
Day 1: Eastern temples
Day 2: Arashiyama and the Golden Pavilion
Day 3: Fushimi Inari and Nara
See the full day-by-day itinerary
Festivals and events
Aoi Matsuri15 May
A procession in Heian-era costume.
Gion MatsuriJuly
Giant floats parade through the city.
Jidai Matsuri22 October
A costume parade through Kyoto's history.
Getting around
Buses reach most temples but crowd easily; combine them with the subway and private railways. Bicycles work well on the flat central grid. Kansai Airport (KIX) is about 75 minutes away on the Haruka express.
Practical information
- Plug types
- A, B (guide)
- Voltage
- 100 V
- Emergency
- 110 (police), 119 (fire and ambulance)
- Tap water
- Safe to drink
Tipping: Not practised and can cause confusion. See our tipping guide.
Entry requirements depend on your nationality; check your government's travel advice and the destination's official immigration site before booking.
How much does it cost?
Approximate US dollar figures covering accommodation, food, local transport and sights; flights excluded.
Good to know
- Photography is banned on some private lanes in Gion
- Many temples close by 5 pm
- Book ryokan and tea ceremonies early in peak seasons
- Respect geiko and maiko: don't stop or follow them for photos
Kyoto travel FAQ
What is the best time to visit Kyoto?
The best months are usually Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov. Late March to April (blossom) and November (autumn leaves) are glorious and very busy. Early December and late May are quieter compromises. Summer is hot and humid, but July's Gion Matsuri is one of Japan's greatest festivals.
How many days do you need in Kyoto?
Plan on 3 days to see the highlights at a comfortable pace.
What currency is used in Kyoto?
The local currency is the Japanese yen (JPY). Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carry some cash for markets and small vendors.
How much does a trip to Kyoto cost per day?
Roughly US$90 per person per day on a budget, US$230 mid-range and US$700 or more for luxury, excluding flights. Prices vary by season.
What food should I try in Kyoto?
Local favourites include kaiseki, yudōfu, matcha sweets, obanzai home cooking, Kyoto-style sushi.
What plug adapter do I need for Kyoto?
Kyoto uses plug type A, B at 100 V. Check whether your devices support this voltage.
Restaurants, hotels and prices change. Confirm opening times and book popular places ahead. Last reviewed October 2026.