Kyoto

🇯🇵 Japan

Discover Ancient Japanese Culture in Kyoto

Kyoto - Vacation Briefing

Kyoto is a city steeped in culture, history, and natural beauty. As Japan's former capital, the city has a wealth of shrines, temples, and palaces. Visitors can explore the famous golden temple of Kinkakuji, wander through the bamboo forests of Arashiyama, or witness the beauty of cherry blossom season in spring. Kyoto also offers a unique dining experience with traditional cuisine such as Kaiseki, and the opportunity to try on a beautiful kimono and stroll around the city.

Popular Sights in Kyoto

Kinkaku-ji Temple Fushimi Inari Taisha Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Nijo Castle Kiyomizu-dera Temple Gion District Kyoto Imperial Palace Philosopher's Path Nanzen-ji Temple Ryoan-ji Temple

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Things to do during your Kyoto vacation

Kyoto, Japan is a city that seamlessly combines modern life with rich cultural heritage. With its beautiful temples, serene gardens, and delicious cuisine, there are plenty of things to do and explore in this mesmerizing city.

Kinkaku-ji: Also known as the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji is a stunning Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf.
Fushimi Inari Taisha: Famous for its thousands of vibrant orange torii gates, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a must-visit shrine.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Take a peaceful stroll through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and immerse yourself in nature.
Nijo Castle: Visit Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful gardens and historic architecture.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Experience panoramic views of Kyoto from the wooden terrace of Kiyomizu-dera, a renowned Buddhist temple.
Gion District: Explore the historic Gion District, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses and geisha culture.
Nishiki Market: Indulge in the vibrant culinary scene of Kyoto at Nishiki Market, a bustling street food market.
Kyoto Imperial Palace: Discover the history of the imperial family by visiting the picturesque Kyoto Imperial Palace.
Philosopher's Path: Take a leisurely walk along the Philosopher's Path, a scenic canal lined with cherry blossoms.
Toei Kyoto Studio Park: Step into the world of samurais and ninjas at Toei Kyoto Studio Park, a film set turned theme park.
Kyoto International Manga Museum: Get immersed in the world of Japanese manga at the Kyoto International Manga Museum.

Why you should visit Kyoto

Overall

Kyoto, Japan is a highly-desirable destination with an abundance of cultural and historical sites to explore.

Safety

Kyoto is generally a safe destination with low crime rates and political stability. However, occasional natural disasters like earthquakes should be considered.

Culture

Kyoto is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, including stunning temples, shrines, and traditional geisha districts. The city offers a diverse culinary scene with exceptional Japanese cuisine.

Nightlife

While Kyoto offers a decent nightlife scene with various bars and clubs, it's not as vibrant as some other cities in Japan.

Adventure

While Kyoto offers some adventure activities like hiking in nearby mountains, it's not primarily known for extreme sports or adrenaline-pumping adventures.

Relaxation

Kyoto provides a relaxing atmosphere with beautiful gardens, tranquil temples, and scenic landscapes. However, it lacks natural elements like beaches or lakes.

Best time to visit Kyoto

The best time to travel to Kyoto is in the spring, specifically from March to May. During this time, you can experience comfortable temperatures, beautiful cherry blossoms, and cultural events without the extreme heat or tourist crowds.

Jan

Mild weather with occasional rain

2°C - 10°C

Feb

Mild weather with occasional rain

3°C - 11°C

Mar

Comfortable temperatures and beautiful cherry blossoms

6°C - 14°C

Apr

Comfortable temperatures and full bloom cherry blossoms

11°C - 20°C

May

Pleasant temperatures and cultural events

16°C - 25°C

Jun

Potential rain showers and increasing humidity

20°C - 27°C

Jul

Hot and humid with occasional rain

24°C - 31°C

Aug

Hot and humid with occasional rain

26°C - 33°C

Sep

Cooler temperatures with fewer tourists

22°C - 29°C

Oct

Mild temperatures and vibrant autumn foliage

15°C - 23°C

Nov

Mild temperatures and fewer crowds

9°C - 17°C

Dec

Cold temperatures with occasional snowfall

4°C - 13°C

A guide To your first day of Kyoto vacation

morning

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of Kyoto from the wooden terrace.
Explore the traditional district of Gion and try to spot a geisha while strolling through its charming streets.

afternoon

Take a peaceful stroll through the beautiful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Visit Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, and admire its magnificent golden exterior reflecting on the surrounding pond.

evening

Experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony at a traditional tea house.
Enjoy a delicious dinner of Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine at a local restaurant.

night

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha and walk through the famous thousand torii gates illuminated at night.
Explore the vibrant streets of Pontocho and choose from a variety of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.

How to get to Kyoto

By Plane

The most convenient international airports for reaching Kyoto, Japan are Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka International Airport (ITM). Both airports offer frequent international flights and are well-connected to Kyoto via train or bus. Kansai International Airport is located on an artificial island and provides a unique arrival experience. Once in Kyoto, travelers can easily explore the city's rich cultural heritage.

By other means

Kyoto is easily accessible by train from major cities in Japan, such as Tokyo and Osaka. The city's main railway station, Kyoto Station, is a bustling hub with excellent connections. Travelers can also reach Kyoto by bus, with convenient routes from various cities. Exploring Kyoto by public transport is a seamless experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the city's historic charm.

Tips for Booking Your Trip

Planning a trip can get tricky, right? Don't worry, we've got some solid advice to make your life easier. Here's how you can find flights and accommodations without a hitch.

Flights: How to Score the Best Deal

First things first, check out Google Flights. Their price calendar and nearby airport options are really useful. Found a good deal? Great, but hang on a sec—make sure you compare it with prices on Kayak, Skyscanner, Momondo, and Kiwi. A little research can go a long way.

Accommodation: Find Your Ideal Spot

For places to stay, start by scanning Booking.com and Airbnb to get an idea of what's out there. Then, level up your search by looking at Hostelworld and Agoda. Oh, and a quick tip: the hotel's own website might have some special offers, so give that a look too.

Ready to make some moves? The links you need are right below. Happy booking!