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Top reasons to visit Kyoto

• Stunning Temples and Shrines: Kyoto is renowned for its beautiful temples and shrines, offering a serene escape and a glimpse into Japan's spiritual heritage.
• Vibrant Shopping Scene: Explore bustling markets and malls where you can find unique souvenirs and local crafts.
• Cultural Experiences: Engage in samurai experiences and guided tours for a deeper understanding of Kyoto's rich history.
• Day Trips to Nearby Cities: Visit Nara and Uji for their historical significance and relaxing atmosphere.
• Diverse Accommodations: Choose from a variety of family-friendly hotels and cosy guesthouses to suit your needs.

Find great hotels in Kyoto

Experience the charm of Kyoto with a diverse range of accommodations, from welcoming hotels to cosy guesthouses. Whether you're seeking a family-friendly spot or a city-themed getaway, there's a perfect hotel in Kyoto for every traveller. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere while finding LGBTQIA-friendly options that cater to your needs. Explore top hotels in the area, ensuring a memorable stay as you immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of this historic city.

• RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto: Nestled in the heart of Kyoto, RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto is a distinguished 4-star hotel celebrated for its eco-friendly initiatives and family-friendly amenities. With a guest rating of 8.8 out of 10, it serves as an ideal base for both business and leisure travellers. The hotel features modern rooms that cater to families, providing cribs and bed guards for children. Guests can enjoy a comfortable stay while appreciating the hotel's commitment to sustainability, making it a suitable choice for eco-conscious visitors.
• Sakura Terrace The Gallery: This charming 3-star hotel boasts a fantastic guest rating of 9.2 out of 10 and offers a delightful blend of comfort and convenience. Sakura Terrace The Gallery is well-positioned near the city centre and metro station, making it easy to explore Kyoto's vibrant attractions. The hotel features a variety of dining options, including a buffet breakfast, coffee shop, and bar, allowing guests to indulge in culinary delights. Entertainment amenities such as flat-screen TVs enhance the experience, making it a great choice for a relaxing stay.
• Cross Hotel Kyoto: With an impressive guest rating of 9.6 out of 10, Cross Hotel Kyoto offers a sophisticated 3.5-star experience for eco-oriented travellers. This hotel embraces sustainability while providing modern comforts in a stylish setting. Its prime location allows guests to traverse Kyoto seamlessly, soaking in the local culture. Cross Hotel Kyoto is ideal for those seeking a chic environment paired with eco-certification, catering to the needs of environmentally conscious visitors while providing a memorable stay.

Where to stay in Kyoto

Kyoto offers a captivating blend of culture and history, making it an ideal destination for tourists. Explore the serene temples and traditional neighbourhoods that provide a quiet escape from the bustling city life. Don’t miss the vibrant downtown shopping scene where you can find unique souvenirs. Nearby cities such as Nara and Uji also beckon with their rich heritage and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a day trip during your stay in this enchanting metropolis.

• Central Kyoto: Central Kyoto serves as the vibrant heart of the city, offering a blend of modernity and tradition. This area is convenient for travellers, with its accessibility to shopping areas, public markets, and local landmarks like historic sites and onsens. While visitor numbers remain steady throughout the year, the peak seasons in April and October to November provide a lively atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy family-friendly activities, engage in business-themed pursuits, or simply soak in the urban environment, making it a versatile destination for all types of visitors.
• Gion: Gion is one of Kyoto's most famous districts, renowned for its traditional wooden machiya houses and geisha culture. This delightful neighbourhood comes alive during peak seasons, notably in April and October to November, attracting visitors eager to explore its historic streets, temples, and vibrant shopping areas. Gion offers a unique experience where you can witness the charm of old Japan while indulging in modern conveniences. Whether you're on a family outing, a business trip, or simply exploring the city, Gion presents an enchanting blend of history and contemporary culture.
• Shimogyo Ward: Shimogyo Ward is a bustling neighbourhood that showcases the dynamic spirit of Kyoto. Known for its array of shopping areas and markets, this area is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in local culture and commerce. With peak visitor numbers from September to November, Shimogyo Ward provides an exciting atmosphere for both families and business travellers. You'll find significant landmarks, including historic sites and theme parks, making it an appealing spot for exploration and leisure alike.

Things to do in and around Kyoto

Shopping

Near the scenic Gion district, you can explore the bustling Nishiki Market, where local delicacies and crafts abound. For a more modern shopping experience, visit the Kyoto Station Building, featuring a variety of shops and eateries, perfect for picking up unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

In Kyoto, immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of Arashiyama Onsen, where you can soak in natural hot springs surrounded by bamboo groves. Alternatively, visit the luxurious Gion Spa for traditional Japanese treatments that rejuvenate the body and mind, all while enjoying the historic charm of the area.

Adventure

Take a ride on the Mt. Otokoyama Cable Car for stunning views of the surrounding landscape, offering a thrilling ascent through lush greenery. For another adventure, visit the Mt. Hachiman Castle Ruins Lift, located 32.2km from Kyoto, where you can explore the remnants of a historic castle while enjoying panoramic scenery.

Nightlife

Experience Kyoto’s nightlife at Pontocho Alley, where narrow lanes are lined with traditional teahouses and vibrant izakayas. For a more modern vibe, explore the bars in the Gion district, or enjoy live music at a local venue like the Kyoto Concert Hall. Each spot offers a unique atmosphere.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kyoto

When visiting Kyoto on a budget, take advantage of free attractions like the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Hanamikoji Street. For public transport, opt for the subway and buses, which are cost-effective. Plan your trip between January to February or September for lower accommodation rates, and book about a month in advance for the best deals. Tuesday is typically the cheapest day to stay, while Saturday tends to be pricier. Use Expedia to find discounted rates and consider package deals that combine flights and accommodation for additional savings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Kyoto are January to February and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and November, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel in Kyoto is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Kyoto is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Kyoto is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool is designed to help you find the perfect accommodation within your budget and preferred location. You can easily arrange your search results from the lowest to the highest prices, ensuring you see the most affordable options first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type. For instance, by selecting the Eco-certified filter, you'll discover a selection of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay in Kyoto with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Find the best attractions in Kyoto

Kyoto offers a fantastic blend of family-friendly and city-themed activities, perfect for a memorable holiday. Visitors can explore stunning temples and shrines, unwind in urban parks, and immerse themselves in local culture. Don't miss the chance to visit the iconic Kyoto Tower and check out the vibrant malls. If you're planning your trip in September, be sure to look for upcoming tours to make the most of your experience in this historic city.

• Fushimi Inari Shrine: Renowned for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates, Fushimi Inari Shrine offers a captivating glimpse into Shinto traditions. As you wander up the mountain trails, you can enjoy the serene atmosphere and breathtaking views of the city below.
• Kinkaku-ji Temple: Also known as the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji Temple is a stunning Zen Buddhist temple covered in shimmering gold leaf. Nestled amid tranquil gardens and a reflective pond, it provides a serene backdrop for contemplation and photography.
• Kyoto Tower: Standing at 131 metres, Kyoto Tower offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. Its modern design contrasts beautifully with the traditional architecture of Kyoto, making it a unique spot to appreciate the city's skyline.

Best time to go to Kyoto

The best time to visit Kyoto is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	37.8°F (3.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	39.4°F (4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	46.0°F (7.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	54.3°F (12.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
May	63.5°F (17.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	70.5°F (21.4°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
July	77.9°F (25.5°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
August	80.2°F (26.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
September	73.0°F (22.8°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	62.2°F (16.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
November	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
December	42.1°F (5.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to Kyoto

Flying into Kyoto is convenient with several major airports nearby. Osaka (KIX-Kansai Intl.) is approximately 80.5km away, with excellent accommodations such as the 4-star Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport, located 161m from the terminal. Another option is the Star Gate Hotel Kansai Airport, situated 6.4km away. Closer to Kyoto is Osaka (ITM-Itami), roughly 38.6km from the city, with luxury stays like the 5-star Ritz-Carlton and InterContinental Osaka, both about 11.3km from the airport. For those considering Nagoya (NGO-Chubu Centrair Intl.), located 96.6km from Kyoto, the Centrair Hotel offers comfortable lodging just 161m from the airport.