Takao Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Popular places to visit
Kiyomizu Temple
This World Heritage temple is ingeniously built, without nails, and takes its name from the nearby waterfall.
Kawaramachi Street
During your trip to Kyoto, you can do some window-shopping at Kawaramachi Street. Visit the temples and top-notch restaurants in this culturally rich area.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
This mountain shrine is dedicated to the goddess of rice. Time your descent to coincide with the lighting of the lanterns.
Nijō Castle
This 17th-century castle complex was once a seat of unfathomable power and wealth.
Nishiki Market
Come to this market in the heart of the city to experience the authentic sights, smells and sounds of the bartering vendors and their traditional food.
Kinkaku-ji Temple
This stunning temple, glittering with gold leaf, is a renowned Buddhist site, first built in the 1300s as a shogun.
Activities
From Osaka/Kyoto: Kyoto and Nara 1-Day Bus Tour
Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha
Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience
From Kyoto / Osaka: Kyoto Must-see Spots & Nara Park One Day Tour
Amanohashidate & Ine Funaya Sightseeing Full Day Trip from Kyoto
Our pick of the best Takao Hotel Deals
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
This was our favorite hotel on our 10 day trip to Japan. The onsen was amazing, the massage chairs hit the spot when available, and we enjoyed the free coffee / ice cream / ramen daily. We did not add breakfast. The check in area can get hectic, but they had plenty of staff and things moved along ...
Reviewed on 10 Apr 2026
Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto
No one to help with luggage; front desk would not make dinner reservation--told to walk downstairs and do it myself; very small room; sink and vanity in bedroom area instead of the bathroom; no English television station; no view from bedroom to outside; charge for everything, for example the cappuccino ...
Reviewed on 10 Apr 2026
THE BLOSSOM KYOTO
Staff are helpful. Excellent service from housekeeping. Luggage delivery is very convenient. the concierge has an alternate to the luggage they advertise which delivers late. the alternate was faster; Nice hotel
Reviewed on 10 Apr 2026
Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo
Excellent
Reviewed on 9 Apr 2026
Cross Hotel Kyoto
The room was clean and comfortable. One thing I found a bit unusual was that there was no hand soap in the toilet area near the small basin. I noticed the same in another hotel, so I’m not sure if this is common in Japan or specific to this hotel. The breakfast area was spacious with plenty of seating. ...
Reviewed on 10 Apr 2026
JR WEST GROUP VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI
The room was clean but small. The breakfast was amazing! This is more of a business hotel and did not have any kid-friendly amenities available.
Reviewed on 10 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Takao
Kita Ward
The mountain views and gardens are just a few things visitors like about Kita Ward. Kamo River and Funaoka Thermal Bath are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Kitaoji Station or Kitayama Station to get around the larger area.
Sakyo Ward
Noted for its gardens and mountain views, there's plenty to explore in Sakyo Ward. Top attractions like Shimogamo Shrine and Kyoto Concert Hall are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Matsugasaki Station or Kokusaikaikan Station to see more of the city.
Nishijin
Nishijin is a destination travellers like for its coffee shops, and you might hop aboard the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station to explore sights like Nishijin Textile Center.
Kamigyo Ward
Noted for its historical sites and gardens, there's plenty to explore in Kamigyo Ward. Top attractions like Nishijin Textile Center and Kamishichiken Kabukai are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station to see more of the city.
Arashiyama
You might enjoy the river views while in Arashiyama. Kyoto Arashiyama Orgel Museum is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Saga-Arashiyama Station or Torokko Arashiyama Station to see more of the city.
Central Kyoto
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 Nishijin Textile Center and Kyoto Gyoen National Garden.
