Kyoto Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Kyoto featuring hiking or walking, landscape views and forest scenes

Kyoto Travel Guide Video

Experience the sheer tranquillity of the beautiful temples, and discover some of the greatest ancient treasures in Japan.

Kyoto was the capital city of Japan for more than a thousand years – and its unique beauty still remains today. The city was renowned as a leader in Japanese (indeed, Asian) economic, industrial and cultural development, and even today, Kyoto consists of enough steel, glass and concrete buildings to show it remains an economic success. However, it is the meditative temples and sprawling parks spread across the urban space that are the real, picturesque reminders of the city's rich cultural heritage.

Because of the many centuries of priceless architectural heritage in Kyoto, this city was dropped from the list of targets for the atomic bomb and was spared from World War II air raids. This means visitors today can still enjoy the abundance of ancient shrines and temples still standing throughout the city.

A great way to begin your discovery of Kyoto is to venture out on the Philosopher’s Walk. This walking trail follows the path that famous 20th century Japanese philosopher Nishida Kitaro used to walk every day, while meditating over the deep meaning of life. The walk will take you past three of the major landmark temples of Kyoto and the cherry-tree lined canal, which is at its most spectacular during April, when you can see an abundance of beautiful pink blooms.

During your trip to Kyoto, you can also visit the Arashiyama Monkey Park, where you can see wild monkeys playing, interacting, swinging through the trees and even eating out of your hand. The Eikando Temple is another interesting attraction, especially in the autumn when the gardens are decorated with sparkling lights. This is a wonderfully peaceful place to stroll or sit in the quiet and meditative atmosphere of the ponds and moss gardens.

Another truly impressive architectural spectacle is the Katsura Imperial Villa, which was built by Prince Toshihito in order to recreate the setting described in his favourite book – the famous 11th century novel The Tale of Genji. Then, of course, there the famous attraction of The Temple of the Golden Pavilion, with its glittering gold leaf surface which can be seen sparkling in the sunlight.

Indeed, Kyoto encapsulates the romantic Japanese image in our imagination of peaceful temples, quiet bamboo forests and contemplative rock gardens. There are 17 different UNESCO World Heritage Sites in this historic city, as well as over 400 Shinto shrines and 1,600 Buddhist temples. The best time of the year to enjoy the city's divine gardens and tree-lined pathways is in the spring or the autumn, when these ancient attractions are set against a backdrop of lush pink floral blossoms or vibrant orange leaves.

Where to stay in Kyoto

Nijo Castle which includes a garden and a pond

Central Kyoto

4.5/5(593 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(58 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(9 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(40 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(15 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
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
3 out of 5
491 Zaimokucho, Shimogyo, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is NZ$221 per night from 23 Apr to 24 Apr
NZ$221
per night
23 Apr - 24 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 our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,308 reviews)
"Welcoming Staff, absolutely stunning facilities and superb breakfast! Will definitely stay here again in the future!"

Reviewed on 25 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
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (559 reviews)
"The Blossom in Kyoto is a great choice! It’s a block from a subway stop that will take you to Kyoto Station, from where you can access the entire city. They have onsite laundry, an onsen, and the rooms are incredibly comfortable after a day of walking around the city. Would recommend!"

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

THE BLOSSOM KYOTO
Richmond Hotel Premier Kyoto Ekimae
Richmond Hotel Premier Kyoto Ekimae
3 out of 5
565-3 Kita Fudondo-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is NZ$353 per night from 15 Apr to 16 Apr
NZ$353
per night
15 Apr - 16 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and in-room massages. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (373 reviews)
"Our stay was amazing - the hospitality and food (breakfast, afternoon tea and aperitif) are excellent. However the cleaning could be improved, I still see hair on the floor after a full clean (no they offer eco cleaning or full clean). It’s close to Kyoto station and city loop bus stop which is ..."

Reviewed on 16 Mar. 2024

Richmond Hotel Premier Kyoto Ekimae
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.
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 center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kawaramachi Street and Nishiki Market ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (83 reviews)
"Spacious and clean. Laundry machines on 1st floor. Grocery next door. Short walk to train. Friendly staff who speak English. Kitchen in room. Nothing to complain about unless you are a grump. Don’t be a grump. Enjoy your time in Kyoto."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Mimaru Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo
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! (166 reviews)
"Love the Monday Apart Hotel, with the small kitchen and all the appliance that we used such as fridge, microwave, toaster oven, washer/dryer...it was the perfect set-up to be while in Kyoto for a several days. Very convenient set-up. It was in a quiet area, therefore not much immediately surrounding ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

MONday Apart Premium KYOTO Station (Former:MONday Apart Premium Kyoto Shichijo Horikawa)
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 tub and shower. Popular attractions Kiyomizu Temple and Kawaramachi Street ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (68 reviews)
"We stayed here on our first Japan trip and we're so glad we did! The location is superb, a few minutes walk and you are in Ninenzaka. There's also a supermarket nearby, and bus stops a few steps out of the hotel! The room is spacious as well and complete with kitchen appliances, though we didn't ..."

Reviewed on 14 Feb. 2024

West Japan Kyoto Kiyomizu
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

Activities

Reviews of Kyoto

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
478
" "5 - Excellent 70.08797653958945%
4 - Good
171
" "4 - Good 25.073313782991203%
3 - Okay
26
" "3 - Okay 3.812316715542522%
2 - Disappointing
4
" "2 - Disappointing 0.5865102639296188%
1 - Terrible
3
" "1 - Terrible 0.4398826979472141%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
5 Apr 2020

Incredible city with beaitiful maintained culture :)

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
17 Mar 2020

Definitely if you are able walk between your choice locations, you see so much much when you're flexible with travel and time - all the small businesses and tiny local shrines really made the trip.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
2 Mar 2020

Kyoto is great for culture and history, live music and great food! A week in Kyoto would be recommended, any less and I wouldn’t have been able to fit everything in! If you like temples and traditions then at least a week would be my suggestion

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
21 Feb 2020

Love Kyoto it’s such a lovely part of Japan a must to visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
12 Feb 2020

Great city, lots to see and do.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
9 Feb 2020

Major city with more culture

Cities near Kyoto