Kyoto Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Heian Shrine showing heritage architecture, religious elements and a temple or place of worship
Kyoto featuring hiking or walking, landscape views and forest scenes
Kyoto
Sannenzaka Ninenzaka featuring a small town or village, a house and heritage architecture
Kyoto

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 showing 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 Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Seimei-Jinja Shrine and Nishijin Textile Center.

Central Kyoto
Gion featuring night scenes, cycling 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 Hanamikoji Street while you're exploring the area.

Gion
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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 Kyoto Railway Museum and Shijo Street. See more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Tanbaguchi Station or Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station.

Shimogyo Ward
Kyoto showing mountains and a river or creek

Downtown Kyoto

While you're in Downtown Kyoto, take in top sights like Kyoto International Manga Museum or Rokakkudo Temple, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Karasuma Oike Station or Marutamachi Station.

Downtown Kyoto
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
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Karasuma

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

Karasuma

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Kyoto

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
478
5 - Excellent 70%
4 - Good
171
4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
26
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Incredible city with beaitiful maintained culture :)

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

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

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great city, lots to see and do.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Major city with more culture

Cities near Kyoto