If you are looking for a city that is both beautiful and haunting, then Kyoto, Japan is the perfect place for you. This ancient city is home to stunning temples, serene gardens, and a culture that is both rich and mysterious. I would recommend spending four full days in Kyoto although you certainly won’t run out of things to do. Read on for my complete Kyoto travel guide.
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If this is your first stop in Japan, read my 10 tips for planning a trip to Japan.
- What to Expect
- What to See and Do in Kyoto
- Getting to Kyoto
- Getting Around Kyoto
- Where to Stay in Kyoto
- Where to Eat in Kyoto
- What Else to Do Near Kyoto
What to Expect
Kyoto is a place of serene beauty and ancient traditions offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. It’s a city where towering temples stand side by side with quaint teahouses, and where the gentle murmur of a river mingles with the soft clinking of teacups.
The city’s streets are a labyrinth of narrow alleys and bustling avenues, each offering a unique glimpse into Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage. From the vibrant Gion district, where geisha glide through the streets in colorful kimonos, to the tranquil Arashiyama bamboo forest, where sunlight filters through the towering stalks, Kyoto is a city that never ceases to surprise and delight.
Beyond its historical attractions, Kyoto offers a enjoyable culinary experiences. Explore bustling food markets, savor authentic tea ceremonies, and indulge in the art of kaiseki.
But Kyoto is also a city that is steeped in a dark history. It was once the capital of Japan, and it was the site of many bloody battles and political intrigue. As a result, the city is full of haunted places and eerie legends.
What to See and Do in Kyoto
- Visit the Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine. This shrine is famous for its thousands of red torii gates, which wind their way up the mountainside. The shrine is said to be haunted by the spirits of foxes, which are considered to be messengers of the gods. Be careful not to get lost in the maze of gates, or you may find yourself trapped there forever.
- See the Kinkaku-ji temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. This temple is covered in gold leaf, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kyoto so don’t expect to find a place for quiet reflection here.
- Walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. In this bamboo grove, the bamboo stalks seem to continue endlessly in every direction. It is a beautiful and peaceful place but be careful where you step and don’t wander off the path.
- Visit the Gion district. This district has a rich history dating back centuries. Once a bustling center of geisha entertainment, Gion now exudes an air of tranquility. Its narrow streets, filled with geishas and lined with traditional teahouses and restaurants, are illuminated by soft lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere.
- Escape to Otaji Nenbutsuji Temple. This tucked away temple offers a curious respite from the bustling city. Surrounded by lush greenery and a charming stream, and filled with over 1200 stone heads, the temple is a hidden gem worth discovering.
- Visit a pet cafe. While the idea of sipping tea surrounded by adorable animals may seem delightful, the reality can be quite different. A particularly mischievous kitten might knock over your tea, or a boisterous piglet could accidentally scratch or bite you until you’re forced to leave.
- We visited mipig cafe Kyoto to drink coffee with cuddly pigs
- Check out dog cafe K3 for puppies
- Fluffy’s cafe is a cat cafe
- And Loutre is an otter cafe
Getting to Kyoto
Fly: Kansai International Airport (KIX) is a 100km southwest of town. It carries all international and some domestic flights to Kyoto.
Train: Kyoto Station is on the Tokaido Sanyo shinkansen line that runs between Tokyo and Hakata. Using this line you can travel to Kyoto from Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe, Himeji, and Hiroshima as fast as a speeding locomotive. There are also a number of non-shinkansen train connections to Osaka, Kobe, Nara, and pretty much anywhere else one would want to go. Use Google Maps to check the best routes, schedules, and prices for your trip.
Getting Around Kyoto
From the Kansai International Airport:
- Use Google Maps transit directions to check the best routes, schedules, and prices for your trip. You can adjust your setting to choose “prefer fastest route” or “prefer simplest route” etc. Regardless of what you choose, you’ll want to pick up an IC Card at the airport if you don’t already have one. Most public transit options from Kansai Airport to Kyoto will cost less than ¥3000, with some less than ¥2000.
- There are a few train options. If you choose to take the JR Hakura airport express, it’s actually cheaper to buy a JR West Kansai Area Pass than the regular ticket.
- The Limousine Bus tickets (less than ¥3000) can be purchased from the ticket window near the boarding point and the ride to Kyoto Station takes about 90 minutes.
- There are shared taxis available, but expect to pay at least ¥4,200 per adult. The advantage of this option is that you can be taken to your hotel rather than just Kyoto Station.
The Kyoto bus system is a great way to get around, supplemented by a few subway and train lines, and it’s easy to use. Use Google Maps to check the best routes, schedules, and prices for your trip. Board the bus through the back door and exit through the front door after tapping your IC card at the scanner beside the driver.
As a more expensive alternative and for late night, use Uber, DiDi, or taxis. Taxis can be hailed in the street and there are also taxi stands around town. Foreigner friendly taxis are labeled as such and accept credit card and speak English.
You can also choose to use Docomo or kotobike bike shares or rent a bike from one of the shops near Kyoto Station. Kyoto is a fairly flat city and we saw quite a few people cycling around.
Where to Stay in Kyoto
When it comes to accommodations in Kyoto, you’ll most likely want to stay near Gion or Nishiki Market for easy access to a variety of eateries. Or stay near Kyoto Station for easy access to short and long distance transit options. Find a hotel that’s in your price range, with the amenities you want. Here are a few options:
- We stayed at Hotel Musse Kyoto which was good budget option conveniently located near Nishiki Market.
- Ace Hotel Kyoto is an affordable and hip hotel with clean and spacious rooms, located near Nishiki Market.
- MONday Apart Premium KYOTO Station is a budget friendly option located near Kyoto Station with great amenities in clean and spacious rooms.
- Nazuna Kyoto Gosho is a luxury ryokan with private baths and a serene atmosphere. It is located close to Nijō Castle.
Where to Eat in Kyoto
From the simplest bowl of soba to the most elaborate kaiseki dinner, Kyoto’s food is a testament to centuries of refined taste and meticulous preparation. If you can, make reservations for a kaiseki lunch or dinner.
Breakfast and coffee
- Weekenders Coffee – This is hidden gem for coffee enthusiasts seeking a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Nestled in a charming traditional Japanese-style building at the back of a parking lot, this café offers a surprisingly serene atmosphere where you can savor expertly brewed coffee.
- Koé Donuts – This artisanal donut shop offers a variety of innovative and traditional flavors, often incorporating local Japanese ingredients. Expect to find options like matcha, yuzu, and five-bean.
Lunch
- I highly recommend Akoya-chaya, a popular Tsukemono lunch buffet restaurant, or in other words, pickle heaven.
- Escape to Shimagamo Saryo, a traditional Japanese house where you can enjoy a seasonal kaiseki lunch in a peaceful garden setting.
- Immerse yourself in Kyoto’s culinary tradition at Gyatei, a restaurant specializing in obanzai. Their vibrant set lunch features a dazzling array of 12 small dishes, showcasing seasonal delights like Kyoto rice with yuba (tofu skin), conger eel, and more.
- South of the Katsura River in Arashiyama, Udon Arashiyama-tei offers a delectable udon lunch experience. Don’t miss their cold, homemade udon noodles.
Snacks
- To experience the most unique street food offerings in Kyoto, wander through the streets of Nishiki Market.
Dinner
- Izuu is an eighth generation, Michelin-recognized sushi restaurant in Gion. Get the Kyozushi (Kyoto-style sushi), which includes several types of pressed sushi, futomaki, and mackerel sushi.
- Gion Duck Rice is a Gion restaurant experience that only has emojis on their menu. They serve a few variations on duck rice with dashi. This is an absolute must!
- Don’t sleep on Chinese Noodles ROKU, a Michelin-rated ramen shop that specializes in authentic Chinese cuisine, featuring flavorful ramen, soups, and other delectable dishes.
Dessert
- Toraya Karyo – Kyoto Ichijo is a fancy Japanese tea room near Kyoto Imperial Palace serving kuzukiri, matcha sweets, and other desserts.
If you’re looking for more, here’s my full list of places to eat and drink in Kyoto and what to try.
What Else to Do Near Kyoto
Nara
In the ancient city of Nara, amidst towering temples and crumbling shrines, one finds a herd of deer. These cute creatures, believed to be messengers of the gods, roam freely, but beware, for these deer are known to approach with a certain audacity, demanding treats and attention.
Osaka
Osaka is a city of ancient and modern, boasting bustling markets, serene temples, towering skyscrapers, charming neighborhoods, and more unique foods than you can imagine. If you like to eat, you’ll definitely want to spend a few days in Osaka. Here’s my complete Osaka travel guide.
Kyoto is a city that can be addictive. Once you have visited Kyoto, you may never want to leave. So be careful, dear reader. You may find yourself trapped in the beauty and mystery of Kyoto forever.
Don’t miss out on this! This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Kyoto.
I hope you enjoyed this Kyoto travel guide. If you’re looking for more, here is everything I’ve written about Japan.
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