Kyoto Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Kyoto featuring landscape views, a park and hiking or walking
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 autumn, 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 100 metres (330 feet) 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 which includes a garden and a pond

Central Kyoto

4.5/5(364 area reviews)

Travellers love Central Kyoto for its popular shops, and you can see more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Nijojo-mae Station or Karasuma Oike Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Nishiki Market and Kawaramachi Street.

Central Kyoto
Gion showing cycling, night scenes and street scenes

Gion

5/5(46 area reviews)

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

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

Higashiyama Ward

5/5(2 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Kiyomizu Temple and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Higashiyama Ward. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Higashiyama Station or Sanjo Keihan Station.

Higashiyama Ward
Kyoto Tower which includes a city, city views and night scenes

Shimogyo Ward

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

Shimogyo Ward is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Kawaramachi Street and Kyoto Railway Museum. See more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Tanbaguchi Station or Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station.

Shimogyo Ward
Default Image

Karasuma

Karasuma is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Nishiki Market and Kawaramachi Street, and you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.

Karasuma
Toji Temple featuring a pond and a park

Minami Ward

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Travellers choose Minami Ward for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Nishioji Station or Jujo Station and check out top sights like Kawaramachi Street.

Minami Ward
Keio Prelia Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo
Keio Prelia Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo
3 out of 5
396, Gojokarasuma, Shimogyo, Kyoto, Kyoto
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹8,137 per night from 17 Apr to 18 Apr
₹8,137
per night
17 Apr - 18 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (745 reviews)
"Spacious room and near Gojo subway station."

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2024

Keio Prelia Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
3 out of 5
491 Zaimokucho, Shimogyo, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is ₹13,159 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
₹13,159
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a sauna. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,267 reviews)
"Very big Onsen. Loved using it every day. You had to lock your shoes in lockers at the entry, as the full hotel was no shoe zone. Absolutely loved it."

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2024

Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
THE BLOSSOM KYOTO
THE BLOSSOM KYOTO
4 out of 5
140-2 Manjujicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is ₹10,559 per night from 15 Apr to 16 Apr
₹10,559
per night
15 Apr - 16 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (533 reviews)
Just go!
"What a wonderful hotel! And what great value!"

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2024

THE BLOSSOM KYOTO
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.
West Japan Kyoto Kiyomizu
West Japan Kyoto Kiyomizu
2 out of 5
133 Atarashicho Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto
Stay at this aparthotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities and a separate bath and shower. Popular attractions Kiyomizu Temple and Kawaramachi Street ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (63 reviews)
"Excellent housekeeping and very friendly and helpful staff"

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2024

West Japan Kyoto Kiyomizu
MONday Apart Premium KYOTO Station (Former:MONday Apart Premium Kyoto Shichijo Horikawa)
MONday Apart Premium KYOTO Station (Former:MONday Apart Premium Kyoto Shichijo Horikawa)
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 a flat-screen TV. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (154 reviews)
"It's a great stay Laundry inside the room is a great perk I wish it was just closer to the station But if you don't mind walking 10mins to Kyoto station it's perfect"

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2024

MONday Apart Premium KYOTO Station (Former:MONday Apart Premium Kyoto Shichijo Horikawa)
Mimaru Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo
Mimaru Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo
3 out of 5
Hiraicho, 17-1, Kyoto, Kyoto
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness centre and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kawaramachi Street and Nishiki Market ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (69 reviews)
"We stayed in the Family 2 bedroom apartment and it was fantastic. The mini kitchen and 2 toilets made the stay much more comfortable. Only 3 mins to a train station also made this very convenient."

Reviewed on 12 Jan 2024

Mimaru Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo
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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Kyoto

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
278
" "5 - Excellent 73.54497354497354%
4 - Good
87
" "4 - Good 23.015873015873016%
3 - Okay
7
" "3 - Okay 1.8518518518518519%
2 - Disappointing
6
" "2 - Disappointing 1.5873015873015872%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
1 Apr 2020

Third time visiting Kyoto. Will definitely be back again

5/5 - Excellent

Di
21 Mar 2020

A fantastic place to visit. So much history and the temples are just awesome. Recommend a day tour if visiting for a short time but I am looking forward to exploring on my own and spending more time at some sites next time.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
5 Feb 2020

Kyoto has the best of both worlds...modern and traditional. Close to Osaka,Nara. Easy to get around.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
2 Feb 2020

Nice city and nice people

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
26 Jan 2020

Everything that Tokyo is missing.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
19 Jan 2020

Plan carefully as many places seemed to be under restoration. Also, it was considerably mor crowded with ( mainly mainland Chinese) tourists than our last visit

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