Walk the torii tunnels of Fushimi Inari
Thousands of vermillion gates climb the hillside behind the main shrine. Go early, or stay late, and the path feels far quieter than midday photographs suggest.
Visit Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is the Japan of the imagination: a city of grand palaces, Shinto shrines and exquisite gardens, mercifully spared from the bombing of World War II that razed other Japanese cities. While Kyoto is an undeniably modern city, pockets of historic Japan linger here, where kimono-clad geisha still shuffle along narrow, lamp-lit streets.
Things to see and do in Kyoto
See Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion
The top two tiers of this Zen temple are covered in gold leaf, reflected in a strolling garden of pines and a still pond. Nearby Ginkaku-ji offers a quieter, silver-named counterpart.
Wander Gion after dusk
Lanterns, wooden machiya and the chance of glimpsing a maiko on her way to an appointment — Gion is still the best introduction to Kyoto’s geisha culture.
Arashiyama’s bamboo grove
A short train ride west of the centre, Arashiyama combines a famous bamboo path with river views, temples and the chance to cycle quieter lanes beyond the main path.
Taste Fushimi sake
South of the city, timber breweries have used the Horikawa River’s water since the 17th century. A tasting and a museum visit sit easily alongside Fushimi Inari.
Day trip to Nara
Japan’s first permanent capital is less than an hour away: a giant Buddha at Todai-ji, parkland deer, and a slower tempo than Kyoto’s headline temples.
Best time to visit Kyoto
Late March to early April brings cherry blossom and crowds; November is maple season. May and October are often the most comfortable months if you want temples without peak-season rates.
Festivals, events and seasonal reasons to visit
- Gion Matsuri fills July with processions of enormous wooden floats, a ceremony that began in the 9th century as a plea to the gods.
Suggested itineraries featuring Kyoto
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Kyoto, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created around you.
Places near Kyoto
Photos of Kyoto
Our expert guides to exploring Kyoto
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Kyoto, these guides will help you make the most of your time there.
What it’s like to stay in a machiya, a traditional Kyoto townhouse
If you’re after a typically Japanese stay during your time in Japan, a ryokan isn’t your only option. Japanese specialist Clio describes what it’s like to stay in a machiya, a traditional wooden townhouse that’s a signature of Kyoto.
Gardens of Japan
From Kenrokuen’s venerated views to gardens hidden deep in the countryside, specialist Amanda recommends her preferred gardens to visit in Japan. She also explains what makes Japan’s gardens so interesting and why gardening is an important national art form.
Japan’s seasons: cherry blossom and beyond
Each Japanese season brings a raft of distinct experiences, from spring’s cherry blossom to winter’s snow crab delicacies. Japan specialist Laura shares the highlights of each time of year to help you decide when to visit Japan.
What to do in Japan: our highlights guide
Having lived and travelled across the country, our Japan Specialist Caitlin has compiled her highlights, from observing centuries-old rituals to the learning about the most modern technology.
Accommodation choices for Kyoto
Dhawa Yura Kyoto
Kyoto · First Class
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
Kyoto · Deluxe
Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Kyoto · First Class
Kanra Hotel
Kyoto · First Class
Noku Kyoto
Kyoto · Medium
OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo by Hoshino Resorts
Kyoto · Medium
Sakura Ryokan
Kyoto · Simple
Sakura Terrace The Gallery
Kyoto · Medium
Screen Hotel
Kyoto · First Class
Tawaraya
Kyoto · First Class
The Celestine Kyoto Gion
Kyoto · First Class
Vista Premio
Kyoto · Medium
Ideas for experiencing Kyoto
Kyoto
Geisha district walk
Explore around the Gion district and other parts of Kyoto to help shed some light on the exclusive and mysterious world of the Geisha and other aspects of Japanese culture.
Kyoto
Traditional Kyoto cuisine walking tour
Enjoy a day of culinary delights with trips to Kyoto's Nishiki Market, Horino Sake Museum to learn all about sake production, and then a traditional machiya (teahouse) for a Japanese cooking class.
Kyoto
Dinner with Maiko performance
Maiko are trainee Geisha (Geiko in Kyoto dialect) who train for six years before becoming fully fledged Geisha. They learn skills such as dance, singing, instrument playing as well as how to entertain guests with conversation.
Kyoto
Kyoto cultural experience
Take the opportunity to learn more about a traditional Japanese pastime of your choice. These courses are instigated and run by the Women's Association of Kyoto and you will visit the home of one of the members.
Kyoto
Nara excursion
Like nearby Kyoto, Nara was once the Japanese capital and a source of enormous cultural and religious outpourings. Unlike its more celebrated neighbour, however, Nara has survived relatively untouched by modern advances and remains a relaxed town dotted with temples, shrines and parkland.
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