Kyoto

Travel Guide

Heian Shrine showing a temple or place of worship, religious aspects and heritage architecture
Kyōto featuring landscape views, a garden and forest scenes
Otsu showing flowers
Sannenzaka Ninenzaka showing a sunset, a city and a house
Kyu Chikurinin Garden showing a park

Kyoto Travel Guide Video

Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony, feed wild monkeys and explore World Heritage-listed temples and shrines in this historically rich Japanese city.

Kyoto, on the Japanese island of Honshu, has been a hub of religious activity and political power since the eighth century. It was once the capital of Japan and retains many of the temples and palaces built within this period. Step back in time to imperial Japan as you explore the city’s many World Heritage Sites such as the Kiyomizu Temple. Kyoto is also renowned for its landscaped gardens, many of which are based on designs dating back hundreds of years.

The wealth of cultural history in Kyoto can be overwhelming and it can be difficult to know where to start. Take the Philosopher’s Walk to orient yourself around some of Kyoto’s historic sights, such as the Eikando Temple. The walk takes in three major temples as well as several smaller temples and shrines, boutique shopping areas and restaurants where you can sample the traditional Japanese multicourse dinner, kaiseki. Cherry blossoms line the walk during spring, and in the fall, the area comes alive with the brilliant reds of maple trees.

Central Kyoto offers a combination of modern and traditional delights. Ride up the Kyoto Tower for a 360-degree view over the city from 330 feet (100 meters) up. Explore the Nishiki Market, lined with restaurants, and fresh produce and street food stalls. See giant salamanders and local river fish at the Kyoto Aquarium.

At one of the regular festivals held in the city, taste some of the food brought to Kyoto from all over Japan to please the Emperor, watch traditional crafts being made, take a lesson in saké brewing and experience the culture of Japan.

Lovers of Japanese literature will enjoy the 17th-century Katsura Imperial Villa, built to resemble the fictional setting of the 11th-century novel The Tale of Genji.

Tourism is a large part of Kyoto’s economy and there are some unique attractions such as hand feeding wild snow monkeys at Arashiyama Monkey Park. Kyoto has a welcoming atmosphere, incredible natural beauty and layered history.

Where to stay in Kyoto

Nijo Castle showing a park and a pond

Central Kyoto

4.5/5(1,806 area reviews)

Central Kyoto is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Seimei-Jinja Shrine and Nishijin Textile Center. See more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station.

Central Kyoto
Gion which includes cycling, street scenes and night scenes

Gion

5/5(208 area reviews)

Unique features of Gion include the monuments and shopping. Make a stop by Yasaka Shrine or Hanamikoji Street while you're exploring the area.

Gion
Kyoto Tower featuring a city, a high rise building and night scenes

Shimogyo Ward

4.5/5(96 area reviews)

Discover bustling Shijō Street's shopping district and explore attractions like Kyoto Tower and Kyoto Railway Museum. Easily navigate the area from Kyoto Station, a major transport hub.

Shimogyo Ward
Kyōto showing a river or creek and mountains

Downtown Kyoto

If you're spending time in Downtown Kyoto, check out sights like Kyoto International Manga Museum or Museum of Kyoto and hop on the metro to see more the city at Karasuma Oike Station or Marutamachi Station.

Downtown Kyoto
Central Kyoto

Karasuma

Visitors to Karasuma love its popular shops, and you can check out Nishiki Market and Rokakkudo Temple. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.

Karasuma
Shoren-in Temple which includes a temple or place of worship and signage

Higashiyama Ward

4.5/5(29 area reviews)

Traditional-style buildings and protected status define this part of Kyoto, with entertainment in Gion near Yasaka Shrine. Must-see attractions include Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto National Museum, and Namikawa Cloisonne Museum.

Higashiyama Ward
JR WEST GROUP VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI

JR WEST GROUP VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI

3 out of 5
44-1 Higashikujo Kamitonodacho, Minami-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is $59 total per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
$59 total
per night
Aug 5 - Aug 6
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,747 reviews)
"Had an entry in the lobby to go directly into a 7-11. Room was massive for a Japanese hotel. 2 minute walk from Kyoto station."

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

JR WEST GROUP VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI
Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA 

Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA 

4 out of 5
44-1, Kamitonodacho, Higashikujo, Minami-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is $100 total per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
$100 total
per night
Aug 17 - Aug 18
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,090 reviews)
"Location is great, just across from Kyoto station. Room is very clean, single bed is on larger sz, so it’s very comfortable, lounge area is a plus. Lots of restaurants near by, very convenient"

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA 
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs

Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs

3 out of 5
491 Zaimokucho, Shimogyo, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is $105 total per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
$105 total
per night
Aug 26 - Aug 27
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a sauna. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,318 reviews)
"We stayed at this hotel in both Kyoto & Osaka. Both have onsens but these felt superior. The massage chairs were also a great boost to what they offer and staff was great and helpful. At a great location and a place I would absolutely return to when back in Kyoto. Can be a bit busy during peak hours ..."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Randor Residence Kyoto Nijo Castle

Randor Residence Kyoto Nijo Castle

3.5 out of 5
521-2, Kyoto, Kyoto
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, dry cleaning or laundry services, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kiyomizu Temple and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (67 reviews)
"No way to fully turn off bathroom lights during the night"

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2025

Randor Residence Kyoto Nijo Castle
Premium Apart MONday KYOTO GOJO

Premium Apart MONday KYOTO GOJO

4 out of 5
387-1 Shiogamacho, Kyoto, Kyoto
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kiyomizu Temple and Kawaramachi Street ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (42 reviews)
"The room was impressively spacious and impeccably clean—ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring. It’s just a 15 minute stroll to Nishiki Market. Plus, having the train station, convenience store, and grocery nearby made everything feel effortlessly connected. In room Washer and Dryer was a plus. ..."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Premium Apart MONday KYOTO GOJO
MONday Apart Premium KYOTO Station

MONday Apart Premium KYOTO Station

4 out of 5
1 Shichijoodori Higashihorikawa Nishiiru, Yaoyacho Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and in-room washers/dryers. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (447 reviews)
"Very welcoming staff at the front desk. Room was great, bigger than expected and very comfortable and clean. Walking distance to transportation, dining and shopping"

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

MONday Apart Premium KYOTO Station
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Kyoto

Devote plenty of time to explore the ancient cobbled streets, teahouses and temples of Kyoto, so walk wherever possible. You’ll never traverse the whole city on foot, of course, so use the modern, efficient public transit network, which comprises subway, train and bus networks. Kyoto is also beautiful to cycle around, with bike rental shops everywhere. Visit the Kyoto Municipal Transportation BureauOpens in a new window website.Browse Kyoto rental cars.

Best time to visit

Kyoto is a fantastic destination year round, never getting too hot or cold. Its ancient streets can be wonderfully atmospheric in winter, while spring is the time for the beautiful cherry blossoms. Summers can be hot, humid and rainy, with average high temperatures in August in the low 90s F (low 30s C); visit in fall for optimum sightseeing weather.

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