Travel Guide For Kyoto
Kyoto Travel guide 2022
Kyoto is my preferred city in Japan. It usually has been. I’ve visited many towns and prefectures over time but Kyoto remains my favorite vacation spot inside the usa.
Tokyo and Osaka are extra interesting but Kyoto has the whole thing I love approximately this fascinating u . S .. Slower and more deliberate in pace, it’s an atmospheric town that makes you experience such as you had been in a special time in Japan.
Kyoto is a town of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, of geishas and landscaped gardens a long way eliminated from the sensory overload of Harajuku and Akihabara. Don’t get me incorrect. I revel in video video games and otaru way of life too. But once I believe all the things I love maximum approximately Japan – environment, culture, subculture, and food – I see Kyoto.
KYOTO TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
Because of the contemporary global scenario, Kyoto travel tips seem to alternate on a every day basis. Our buddies at Booking.Com and airheart created websites that list specified information on tour regulations around the globe.
Before making plans a trip to Kyoto, make sure to check Booking.Com or airheart for facts on tour restrictions to Japan. If you do decide to visit Kyoto, then you can need to seriously take into account getting journey coverage with COVID coverage.
JAPAN VISA
You may need a visa and different requirements to go to Japan depending to your passport. Check out iVisa.Com to find out about the requirements and to use for a visa (if important).
If you’re a Philippine passport holder residing in Manila, then take a look at out our guide on the way to observe for a Japan traveler visa for a step-by using-step procedure.
KYOTO TRIP PLANNING
Travel planning takes many hours of research. If you don’t have that sort of bandwidth, then you can need to have a destination professional create a Kyoto itinerary only for you.
ViaHero is a travel planning service that hyperlinks tourists with neighborhood professionals to create custom itineraries to distinct cities around the world, consisting of Kyoto and the Kansai place. If you’d want to attempt them out, then you can get a 5% bargain on their services in case you enter WILLFLYFORFOOD upon checkout using our hyperlink.
KYOTO AT A GLANCE
When humans think about Japan, two cities usually come to thoughts – Tokyo and Kyoto. Tokyo may be Japan’s present-day capital but Kyoto held that distinction for over 1000 years – from 794 to 1868 – earlier than manipulate of Japan moved from the Shogun to the Emperor.
In spite of this shift in have an effect on, many these days nevertheless regard Kyoto as Japan’s cultural and ancient center, home to over one thousand temples and gardens that have earned it a recognition for being the u . S .’s maximum lovely town.
We’ve visited many prefectures and towns in Japan over time, however Kyoto stays one of the most unique. It is absolutely the heart and soul of traditional Japan.
BEST TIME TO VISIT KYOTO
The most famous times to go to Kyoto are in the course of the Spring (March-May) and Fall (October-November) months whilst the weather is ideal and the landscape is at its maximum putting.
Both seasons are characterised with the aid of a dramatic exchange in shade – Spring for its cherry blossom pinks and whites, and Autumn for its fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. Unlike its cold winters and hot summers, the weather is mild in Spring and Fall so both season could be the right time to go to.
If you’re interested in Kyoto’s fairs, then you could click on at the hyperlink for a list of Kyoto’s annual gala's and occasions. It’ll give you a month-to-month breakdown of its weather as well.
DEC-FEB: This is the coldest time of the year in Kyoto. Unless you want to enjoy snow, then this probably isn’t the fine time to go. I heard it snows some instances a year though the snow doesn’t stick.
MAR-MAY: This is one of the most popular instances of the 12 months to go to Kyoto. The climate is ideal. The cherry timber start to blossom in overdue March and they’re generally in full bloom by using the primary week of April. Unsurprisingly, it’s additionally the busiest time of the 12 months so count on larger crowds and steeper hotel prices. The same goes for the primary week of May which is the Golden Week holiday for nearby Japanese.
JUN-AUG: This is summer time in Kyoto. Crowds are thinner but it’s hotter and greater humid, so it can now not be the high-quality time to head. It’s typically hottest in August and rainiest from June to July.
SEPT-NOV: Like spring, autumn is one of the satisfactory instances to go to Kyoto. The climate is good and the fall foliage is hanging. We visited Arashiyama in late November and the autumn colors were lovely.
Climate: Annual Monthly Weather in Kyoto
Check out excursion-weather.Com for extra on Kyoto’s climate. For your convenience, I’ve created the common temperature and annual rainfall graphs underneath. Suggested months to visit are indicated in orange.
Average Temperature
Average Temperature in Kyoto, Japan
Annual Rainfall
Annual Rainfall in Kyoto, Japan
TRAVELING TO KYOTO
From KIX
There are many approaches to get to Kyoto relying on wherein you are. If you’re flying in to Japan, then probabilities are you’ll be arriving at Kansai International Airport (KIX). Located in Osaka, it’s the primary get entry to hub to the Kansai place. Here’s how you could get to Kyoto from KIX.
BY TRAIN: The Limited Express Haruka Train is the handiest rail service from KIX to Kyoto station. It takes approximately eighty mins and charges JPY 2,900 for a non-reserved seat. You should buy tickets at the station but it looks like you can get a good sized cut price if you purchase them in advance thru Klook.
It’s worth noting that some transportation passes are valid for tour between KIX and Kyoto. Jump to the HOW TO GET AROUND phase of this guide for extra statistics.
BY BUS: You can travel from KIX to Kyoto station through limousine bus as properly. They perform on a 24-hr time table so this could be the higher choice in case you’re arriving at off-hours. The adventure takes about one hundred mins and costs JPY 2,600. You can consult with the Kansai Airport transportation website for a timetable. Tickets can be bought at the airport or you could get them in advance through Klook or KKday.
BY SHUTTLE: There’s a handy door-to-door shuttle provider that takes you from KIX on your inn in Kyoto. It expenses JPY four,300 and will get you for your hotel in about 2-2.Five hrs. You can make reservations at the Yasaka Taxi website. Advanced bookings are required.
BY TAXI: If you have a whole lot of luggage, then going by way of taxi is the most handy alternative, but it’s additionally the maximum steeply-priced. Expect to pay no much less than JPY 30,000 every manner.
BY PRIVATE TRANSFER: If you’d want to set up for a personal switch, then you can accomplish that through Klook.
From Other Parts of Japan
Japan’s railway machine is so efficient and good sized that it’s easy to tour to Kyoto by educate from different elements of the country. You can test hyperdia.Com for educate routes and schedules.
If you’ll be travelling a couple of towns in Japan, then you definitely might need to get a JR Pass. It’ll provide you with limitless use of all JR national trains in Japan – along with the Kansai Airport Express Haruka, Shinkansen bullet trains, and the Narita Express – for a consecutive range of days. JR Passes are to be had in 7-, 14-, or 21-day editions and can be purchased from Klook, Get Your Guide, or Japan Rail Pass.
WHERE TO EXCHANGE CURRENCY
The unit of foreign money in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY).
BANKS / POST OFFICES: Banks and publish places of work are some of the most reliable locations to exchange foreign forex in Japan. However, the method is slow. I’ve exchanged forex at banks in distinct cities and there’s usually paperwork to be stuffed out. The technique can take time, as much as 30 minutes in a few instances.
KINKEN SHOPS: Kinken shops are small stores that buy and promote unused occasion tickets. Some of them also exchange currency. You can locate kinken shops in most important Japanese cities, generally near massive metro stations. I exchanged currency at a kinken store in Shinjuku and got brilliant charges. In Kyoto, I study that the fine kinken keep to exchange currency is the Tokai Discount Ticket Shop.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE MACHINES: I haven’t visible those too frequently but I did alternate foreign money through a system in Nagasaki once. It resembles an ATM however you could use it to alternate forex. Just insert your foreign currency and out comes the JPY equal. So easy. I haven’t visible one in Kyoto but they'll have them in popular vacationer and buying areas.
ATM MACHINES: This is our preferred way of getting JPY. Rates are frequently similar and it saves us from the trouble of getting to bring a thick wad of overseas forex to Japan. Just make certain to suggest your bank that you plan on the use of your ATM card abroad in order that they don’t block any transactions. In my revel in, my card works great at comfort store and submit office ATMs in Japan.
TIP: Some ATM machines will ask you in case you’d like to proceed “with or without conversion”. Always select WITHOUT conversion. Proceeding “with conversion” permits the overseas financial institution walking the ATM machine to do the conversion, typically at horrible rates. According to this text, the difference may be as high as 10%.
BEST AREAS TO STAY IN KYOTO
The downtown vicinity and Higashiyama are the pleasant regions to live in Kyoto. They put you close to many restaurants, stores, and tourist sights. Both of the city’s subway lines run via those regions, making it clean to get around.
To help you apprehend where these kind of endorsed regions are, I’ve created the shade-coded map below. Click on the hyperlink for an interactive version of the map. (Please notice that marked regions are approximations only)
BLUE – Downtown / Central
RED – Around Kyoto Station
YELLOW – Northern Higashiyama
ORANGE – Southern Higashiyama
GREEN – Arashiyama
Kyoto vicinity map
DOWNTOWN
As defined, the downtown place is a tremendous location to live in Kyoto. It’s without difficulty located with plenty of motels, shops, restaurants, bars, and convenience stores.
Toyoko Inn is one of the most important and maximum famous enterprise motel chains in Japan. Like all Japanese business resorts, the rooms are small however nicely-amenitized. You can book a room here on Agoda.
If you want to stay in downtown/important region but don’t sense this is the proper motel for you, then you may take a look at for change listings on Booking.Com or Agoda. Check out some of the pinnacle-rated motels in downtown Kyoto:
Luxury: Kyoto Shijo Takakura Hotel Grandereverie
Midrange: Miru Kyoto Nishiki
Budget: Guesthouse Yululu
AROUND KYOTO STATION
The vicinity round Kyoto Station is another first-rate area to live in Kyoto. Kyoto station is the town’s important transportation hub so staying on this location will come up with smooth access to transportation across the city and to other components of Japan. There are plenty of shops and eating places right here as properly. Check these web sites for listings around Agoda. Here are some of the top-rated hotels within the vicinity:
Luxury: The Thousand Kyoto
Midrange: Yamadaya Ryokan
Budget: Kyoto Hana Hostel
HIGASHIYAMA
Across the Kamo River from primary/downtown Kyoto is Higashiyama Ward. Divided into north and south, this vicinity is domestic to a number of Kyoto’s most famous sights like Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Shrine, and Ninnen-zaka / Sannen-zaka streets.
Both Northern and Southern Higashiyama make exceptional bases from which to discover Kyoto, although it’s quality to stay as near as feasible to the Gion district. I stayed at Shiki Shiki Higashiyama that is proper at the border of north and south. It’s a easy and cushty boutique hotel in a quiet community in Higashiyama.
I paid approximately USD 30 a night for a three-character personal room with a bath. That’s USD 30 a night for the whole room! It may additionally had been a touch tight for 3 people, in particular with all your bags, but it’s ideal for 2.
You can e-book a room at Shiki Shiki Higashiyama on Booking.Com or Agoda. If you don’t think that is the right region for you, then you can take a look at these sites for trade listings: Booking.Com some of the pinnacle-rated lodges in Higashiyama:
Luxury: Luxury lodge SOWAKA
Midrange: Gion HANNA STAY
Budget: Gion Kyoto Miyagawacyo Guesthouse HANAKANZASHI
ARASHIYAMA
Arashiyama is farther far from central Kyoto however it’s this sort of adorable area that it’s worth thinking about. It’s in which you’ll find the ones iconic bamboo groves that human beings regularly publish on social media.
Unlike the previous regions which can be more densely populated, Arashiyama is quieter and toward nature. It’s domestic to old fashioned shops and some temples, maximum notably Tenryu-ji.
When searching for lodges, I propose seeking out a ryokan (traditional Japanese lodge) as that is the right environment Agoda. Check out some of the pinnacle-rated inns in the area:
Luxury: Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto
Midrange: サクラストーリー
Budget: Mulan Hostel
You can also ebook accommodations and domestic remains in Kyoto the usage of the accessible map below.
PLACES TO VISIT IN KYOTO
There is a LOT to see in Kyoto. You ought to spend a whole week there and still now not see the whole lot. Listed below are a number of the town’s most popular attractions.
You can explore Kyoto for your very own with a transportation card and plenty of strength, but in case you’d like to go with a manual and have transportation arranged for you, then you could pick from one in all many Kyoto tours on Klook or Get Your Guide.
1. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Kinkaku-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the town’s most memorable sights. Covered in gold leaf, it’s without difficulty Kyoto’s most placing temple. In truth, so beautiful is Kinkaku-ji that it turned into as soon as burned down through a schizophrenic monk who felt that it turned into “too beautiful”.
Check out my article on Kinkaku-ji for extra snap shots and statistics. We visited the Golden Pavilion on our very own but you could need to test out this guided excursion that takes you to Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, and Ninna-ji temples.
Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Kyoto, Japan
Suggested Length of Visit: About 1 hr
Admission: JPY 500
2. Fushimi Inari Shrine
Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine and one in all Kyoto’s maximum recognizable landmarks. It’s recognized for it’s thousands of orange torii gates arching over a scenic, 2-three hour-lengthy trekking trail up sacred Mount Inari.
If you get hungry at some stage in your hike, then make certain to forestall and enjoy a bowl of kitsune udon and a few inari sushi. Both are local specialties associated with Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Check out my article on Fushimi Inari Taisha for more photos and statistics. If you’d like to explore the shrine with a guide, then you may e book a trekking excursion with Klook, Get Your Guide, or Magical Trip. Serious shutterbugs can also be interested in this dusk pictures tour.
Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto, Japan
Suggested Length of Visit: About 2-three hrs
Admission: FREE
three. Arashiyama Bamboo Groves
The Arashiyama District’s bamboo groves is one of the maximum popular and photographed areas in Kyoto. Famous for its towering stalks of bamboo, it’s a magical vicinity that’s harking back to that iconic scene from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
Apart from those bamboo groves, the complete Arashiyama vicinity is dotted with picturesque temples, gardens, quaint stores, and restaurants. It’s a tremendous place to spend the day wearing a kimono and taking photographs.
Check out my article on Arashiyama Bamboo Groves for extra snap shots and information. A hand-pulled rickshaw ride through the bamboo wooded area is a famous hobby in Arashiyama. You can e book a rickshaw ride and other Arashiyama excursions on Klook, Get Your Guide, or Magical Trip.
Arashiyama Bamboo Groves, Kyoto, Japan
Suggested Length of Visit: At least half of an afternoon
Admission: FREE
four. Tenryu-ji
Tenryu-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered the most critical temple in Arashiyama. It’s positioned right next to the bamboo groves and is home to landscaped Japanese gardens offering a central pond with the forested Arashiyama mountains as its backdrop.
We had been on the temple in overdue November and as you may see below, the colors of autumn had been on full show. It became noticeably lovely and one in all many reasons why Arashiyama is my favored location in Kyoto.
Arashiyama Bamboo Groves, Kyoto, Japan
Suggested Length of Visit: About 1 hour
Admission: JPY 500
5. Ryoan-ji
Ryoan-ji is a picturesque Buddhist temple in a closely wooded region east of Arashiyama. It features a massive pond, nicely-maintained Japanese gardens, and the maximum famous rock garden in Japan.
As celebrated as it's miles, the history and that means of Ryoan-ji’s rock lawn is doubtful. It capabilities a rectangular plot of pebbles with fifteen rocks laid out on patches of moss that resemble islands.
It’s smooth to go to Ryoan-ji in your own however it could be high-quality to go along with a guide who can shed greater mild at the mysteries of its rock garden. As defined, this guided excursion takes you to Ryoan-ji, Kinkaku-ji, and Ninna-ji.
Large pond at Ryoan-ji
Suggested Length of Visit: About 1-2 hrs
Admission: JPY 500
6. Kiyomizu-dera
Kiyomizu-dera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the maximum well-known temples in Kyoto. It’s referred to as a temple for making needs and functions a massive wooden level constructed with out the usage of a singe nail.
Meaning “Pure Water Temple”, Kiyomizu-dera is constructed at the web site of the sacred Otowa Waterfall. It capabilities 3 separate streams of water that visitors are free to drink from. It’s believed that drinking from those streams grant human beings’s desires for longevity, fulfillment at school, and a prosperous love existence.
Check out my article on Kiyomizu-dera for more snap shots and information. It’s an interesting temple with masses to look and do. If you’d like to move on a guided excursion, then you may e book one through Klook or Get Your Guide (Option 1 visiting Kiyomizu-dera, be sure to explore charming Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka streets. On both facets of those lightly sloping roads are conventional timber houses, a lot of that have been converted into stores, cafes, restaurants, and teahouses. It’s one of the maximum properly-preserved and atmospheric areas in Kyoto.
Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka, Kyoto, Japan
Suggested Length of Visit: About 2 hrs
Admission: JPY 400
7. Yasaka Shrine
Located only some minutes from Kiyomizu-dera is Yasaka Shrine, considered one of Kyoto’s most well-known Shinto shrines. It’s quality acknowledged for its summer time pageant held each July called the Gion Matsuri.
The Gion Matsuri is arguably Japan’s maximum famous festival. It dates lower back over 1000 years and functions large floats measuring up to twenty-five meters (eighty two toes) in top.
Gate to Yasaka Shrine
If you’re journeying to Kyoto in overdue March or early April, then you may need to test out Maruyama Park. Located proper subsequent to Yasaka Shrine, it’s a public park with dozens of cherry timber. It’s one of the most famous spots in Kyoto to view the cherry blossoms at some point of the first half of of April.
Suggested Length of Visit: About 1 hr
Admission: FREE
8. Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former fort house of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Japan’s first Edo Period shogun. It’s famous for its landscaped gardens, cherry trees, and an innovative alarm machine referred to as the nightingale floors.
With every step, flooring nails below the floorboards rub in opposition to a jacket or clamp to produce low creaks harking back to chirping sounds, for this reason the name “nightingale flooring”. It was a warning gadget designed to alert the shogun and his bodyguards of any approaching ninja attacks.
Check out my article on Nijo Castle in Kyoto for extra snap shots and facts. You can purchase admission tickets at the gate or in advance thru Klook. If you’d want to discover the citadel with a manual, then you can ebook a tour thru Get Your Guide.
Nijō Castle, Kyoto, Japan
Suggested Length of Visit: About 1-2 hrs
Admission: JPY 620
9. Ginkaku-ji
Ginkaku-ji or the Silver Pavilion is a Zen Buddhist temple that become patterned after the further named Kinkaku-ji. It was the retirement villa of the grandson of Kinkaku-ji’s former owner, therefore the similarities.
In spite of its name, Ginkaku-ji isn’t protected in silver. It’s a beautiful temple however that’s one of the stops at the Philosopher’s Path – a stone course along a canal lined with masses of cherry trees.
If you’d want to discover Ginkaku-ji and the Philosopher’s Path with a guide, then you can ebook a excursion through Get Your Guide.
Suggested Length of Visit: About 1-2 hrs
Admission: JPY 500
10. Kyoto Tower
Kyoto Tower is the tallest structure in the town. Its observation deck is perched 100 meters (328 feet) above the floor and gives 360° perspectives of downtown Kyoto.
The tower is located simply throughout the street from Kyoto station so that you could make a short trip to the top in your manner in or out of the town. You can buy access tickets at the gate or earlier thru Klook.
Kyoto Tower, Japan
Suggested Length of Visit: About 1 hr
Admission: JPY 800
THINGS TO DO IN KYOTO
1. Rent a Kimono
I recognize that renting a kimono in Japan sounds touristy and cliched, however who cares? It’s amusing and makes for wonderful Instagram photographs. Plus, there’s no better backdrop for it than Kyoto, the country’s middle for way of life and the humanities.
There are kimono condominium stores all through the metropolis. We had been lucky to hire one immediately in Arashiyama however in line with my Japanese friend, they frequently run out all through busy durations like cherry blossom season.
To be safe, you can want to reserve one earlier via Klook or Get Your Guide (Option 1 make sure to check the cope with of the rental keep to make certain its location is handy for you.
Kimono Rental, Kyoto, Japan
2. Eat Your Way Through Nishiki Market
Nicknamed “Kyoto’s Kitchen”, Nishiki Market is a protracted and slim buying avenue with over 100 food shops and restaurants. It’s similar to Kuromon Ichiba Market in Osaka, which as it should be, is nicknamed “Osaka’s Kitchen”.
If you’d like to pattern Kyoto’s myriad neighborhood cuisine, then you want to pay a go to to Nishiki Market. It’s about a 5-minute walk from Shijo subway station. You can also e-book a guided Nishiki Market meals tour thru Get Your Guide or Magical Trip.
Nishiki Market, Kyoto, Japan
three. Explore a Geisha District
Exploring a geisha district is one in every of my preferred activities in Kyoto. They’re atmospheric neighborhoods characterized by a community of wood machiya shophouses. If you’re lucky, then you can even spot a geiko (geisha inside the Kyoto dialect) and maiko (geisha apprentice) on foot among teahouses.
There are 5 geisha districts in Kyoto but the mythical Gion District is the most famous with the very best wide variety of energetic geikos. The region is definitely created from two geisha districts – Gion Kobu and Gion Higahsi. Gion Kobu is the larger of the 2 and encompasses most of the district.
If you’re into avenue pictures, then the Gion District is in which you’ll want to be. It’s additionally a first-rate area to hire a kimono for Instagram photos. I explored Gion on my own but you could additionally move on a guided tour (Klook taking walks within the Gion District
Another geisha district you may go to is Pontocho Alley. It’s a strip of restaurants and izakayas that runs parallel to the Kamo River on the opposite aspect of the Gion District. It’s a whole lot smaller than Gion however just as thrilling.
Pontocho Alley is cute at any time of the day but it’s best experienced at night time. If you’d want to have a guide take you to its great spots, then you can ebook a food or bar hopping tour through Get Your Guide or Magical Trip.
Red paper parasols in Pontocho Alley
If you’ll be in Kyoto for sakura season, then you may be interested by catching the Miyako Odori. It’s a geiko and maiko performance held at Gion Kobu’s Kaburen-jo Theater near Yasaka Shrine.
Miyako Odori is considered one of the four super geisha spring indicates in Kyoto. If you’d like to see it, then you definately’re counseled to e book your tickets well earlier. You can take a look at the Miyako Odori website for more statistics.
four. Enjoy a Tea Ceremony
Tea has been part of Japanese lifestyle for over a millennia however it wasn’t until the 16th century that it developed into the quite ritualized art form that it's miles these days. Enjoyed by means of the nobility, it became defined with the aid of a fixed of rules and etiquette that went beyond the easy act of consuming tea.
Tea ceremonies can be enjoyed for the duration of Japan but none higher possibly than in Kyoto in which the custom originated from. Kyoto stays the coronary heart of Japan’s tea culture and is the right vicinity for foreigners to revel in a proper tea ceremony.
I’ve handiest skilled informal tea ceremonies that are much extra comfortable. As inflexible as they sound, I’d like to attempt the real component on our next journey to Japan. You can book a tea ceremony experience in Kyoto thru Klook or Get Your Guide.
Matcha and wagashi
5. Go Sake Tasting in Fushimi District
If you want sake, then you definately need to go to the Fushimi Sake District. It’s a conventional sake brewing district alongside the Horikawa River in southern Kyoto. It’s home to nearly forty breweries and is the second largest sake district in Japan, behind best Nada in Kobe.
I went on a sake tasting tour in Fushimi District that truly became me directly to sake. Seeing how it’s made and mastering to pair it with the proper food gave me a far higher appreciation for it.
There are a few breweries and museums you may visit however if you’d want to truely find out about sake, then I relatively advocate occurring a sake tasting tour. You can book one through Klook, Get Your Guide, or Magical Trip.
Exploring Fushimi District
Sake is excellent on its very own however getting to know to pair it with the proper meals makes all of the difference.
Bottle of sake
6. Ride the Sagano Romantic Train
The Sagano Romantic Train is a sightseeing teach that runs along the Hozugawa River between Arashiyama and Kameoka. It capabilities antique trains with wood benches that wind their manner slowly through western Kyoto, presenting tourists a dazzling view of the river and mountain scenery.
The teach trip is lovable at any time of the year but specially in the spring and fall when the landscape bursts with shade. It’s extraordinarily famous for the duration of that point so you’re counseled to reserve tickets earlier. You can e-book tickets to the Sagano Romantic Train on Klook.
7. Play Samurais and Ninjas at Toei Kyoto Studio Park
Toei Uzumasa Eigamura is an lively movie studio and subject matter park in western Kyoto. It features a recreated Edo duration town that’s used as a backdrop for length films and television dramas.
Park attendants are dressed in ancient costumes so it without a doubt does feel such as you’ve been transported to Edo-length Kyoto. When we were there in 2014, they had been taking pictures scenes for a film or TV display. It’s an active studio in which an estimated 200 duration films are shot each 12 months.
Aside from the movie units, the studio park additionally functions samurai- and ninja-themed attractions like thriller homes and mazes, even a haunted house. It makes for a fun couple of hours if you’re journeying with youngsters or have a passion for samurais and ninjas. There’s an anime museum there as well.
Check out my article on Toei Kyoto Studio Park for more images and facts.
Toei Kyoto Studio Park, Japan
Suggested Length of Visit: 2-three hrs
Admission: JPY 2,four hundred (adults), JPY 1,two hundred (children)
8. Explore Kyoto with a Local
It is going with out announcing that local knowledge is fundamental to having true reviews, especially when it comes to meals. Some of the first-class food studies we’ve had on our travels often come from neighborhood pointers – both from a chum or tour manual, even from a Grab or Uber motive force.
If you want to have a Kyoto revel in that is going past the same old temples and shrines, then I propose finding out Magical Trip. They’re a a laugh Japanese boutique excursion agency that offers small institution reports led through locals.
We’ve been on two in their excursions thus far – a Shinjuku meals tour in Tokyo and a food excursion in Kyoto’s Gion district. Both have been awesome. You can click at the hyperlinks for extra photographs and facts.
Visitors to Kyoto can e-book the identical Gion meals tour or check out this bar hopping tour in Pontocho Alley. There’s numerous thrilling meals to be discovered in Gion so it sincerely facilitates to go with a knowledgeable local.
nine. Take a Cooking Class
Ren’s a first rate prepare dinner so we experience taking cooking instructions whenever we journey. So a long way, we’ve taken training in Hoi An, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Bali, and Tokyo. Simply placed, there’s no higher manner to find out about local meals than through taking a cooking magnificence.
If you’re interested in taking a cooking magnificence in Kyoto, then I advise looking for one on airKitchen or Cookly. They’re online booking systems that provide cooking classes in Japan and in many different cities round the arena.
DAY TRIPS FROM KYOTO
If you’re spending sufficient time in Kyoto, then you may need to head and explore past the city. Listed beneath are 5 of the maximum famous and thrilling day trips you may make from Kyoto. Be certain to check out our article on day journeys from Kyoto for extra hints.
1. Kifune Shrine
Kifune Shrine is positioned simply beyond the metropolis in northern Kyoto but it’s a long way enough away to listing as a day ride. It’s in Kibune, a small metropolis that turned into built across the shrine.
Kifune Shrine is dedicated to the god of water and rain and is assumed to be the protector of these visiting by means of sea. It’s a famous summer retreat though it’s perhaps best visited in autumn when the encircling woodland explodes with shade.
The shrine is well-known for its stone steps with pink lanterns on both facet. There are some ryokans and eating places in Kibune and a trekking trail that takes you to Kurama-dera temple and Kurama Onsen which is believed to be one of the first-class warm springs in Kyoto.
It’s smooth enough to go to Kifune Shrine in your own, but in case you’d like to move trekking and soak at an onsen, then you'll be inquisitive about this hiking and onsen tour.
2. Osaka
Travelers who like to consume can’t go to Kyoto without spending time in Osaka. If you’ll be flying in to Japan, then possibilities are you’ll be landing at KIX anyway that is just outside Osaka.
Less than half an hour from Kyoto, Osaka is regularly known as the “nation’s kitchen” and regarded via many as one of the first-class meals cities in Japan. Like Kyoto, we simply love Osaka. Check out our Osaka tour guide that will help you plan your experience.
The First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Osaka, Japan
3. Nara
Nara is one of the “massive 3” maximum popular cities to visit within the Kansai vicinity. It has the second most range of temples and shrines in Japan, at the back of most effective Kyoto. If you haven’t had your fill of temples in Kyoto, then you may need to spend a day in Nara.
Aside from its temples, Nara’s largest draw is the small navy of tame Sika deer that freely roam its parks. You can feed them sika senbei or “deer crackers”. Bow to the deer, and some will bow returned to you.
Check out our day tripper’s travel manual to Nara to help you plan your trip. If you’d favor to visit on a guided tour, then you could ebook one through Klook or Get Your Guide.
Nara, Japan
4. Kinosaki Onsen
I loved this place. Small onsen cities like Kinosaki and Kurokawa Onsen are a number of the coolest locations we’ve visited in Japan.
If you’d like to move onsen-hopping in a traditional warm spring metropolis, then Kinosaki Onsen is one of the first-rate places you may attain from Kyoto. It has seven soto-yus or public warm spring baths, all of which you may visit for JPY 1,three hundred. You can test my article on Kinosaki Onsen for extra photos and statistics.
Kinosaki Onsen, Hyōgo, Japan
five. Amanohashidate
Amanohashidate is one of the three maximum scenic views in Japan. It’s a long and slim pine-protected sandbar that spans Miyazu Bay in northern Kyoto prefecture.
Measuring just 20 meters (sixty six toes) huge at its narrowest point, Amanohashidate is domestic to nearly 8,000 pine timber. There’s a walking path at the sandbar that you may use to head from one aspect of the bay to the alternative, either walking or by bicycle.
The sandbar is the primary draw however there are masses of temples, stores, restaurants, and cafes on both aspect of the bay to make this an exciting day journey. You can test my submit on Amanohashidate for more pictures and statistics.
Amamnohashidate is about hours north of Kyoto City. It’s viable to go to on an afternoon journey however if you’d alternatively move on a guided tour, then you could book one via Klook.
Amanohashidate, Northern Kyoto, Japan
JAPANESE FOOD GUIDE
Japanese food is my absolute favorite cuisine in the international and a big cause why we love visiting this us of a. If you experience Japanese meals as a whole lot as we do, you then would possibly want to check out our Japanese Food Guide. It capabilities famous dishes during Japan, inclusive of nearby specialties by prefecture.
Japanese Food Guide
WHERE TO EAT IN KYOTO
Kyoto is domestic to the second one most quantity of Michelin Stars in Japan, at the back of best Tokyo. There are plenty of fantastic eating places in Kyoto to have classic Japanese dishes like ramen, sushi, tempura, and greater.
If you’re looking for the exceptional locations to eat, then take a look at out our article on 14 of the excellent eating places in Kyoto.
Grilling smoked tuna jerky
Fourteen can be too many for maximum vacationers so I’ve indexed 5 of our favorites beneath. Be certain to click on through to the whole meals guide for more snap shots and facts.
1. Wajouryoumen Sugari
Wajouryoumen Sugari gave me one of the nice bowls of ramen I’ve ever had in Japan. I had the motsu tsukemen that's type of like a deconstructed ramen served with offal.
Tsukemen refers to a kind of ramen where the noodles and broth are served one after the other. This is done to keep the noodles best and company at some point of your meal. To eat, you dip the noodles into the broth that is more intensely flavorful than standard ramen broth.
Motsu refers to offal like beef gut or pork tripe. It’s the equal form of organ meat utilized in motsunabe. If you like offal, you then absolutely want to strive the motsu tsukemen at Wajouryoumen Sugari. I don’t know how not unusual it's far however that is the most effective area I’ve visible it up to now in Japan.
Bowl of motsu tsukemen at Wajouryoumen Sugari
Expect to Pay: About JPY 1,000 consistent with bowl of ramen
2. Hachidaime Gihey
Kyoto is taken into consideration the birthplace of kaiseki, that is a multi-route Japanese dinner including small artfully organized dishes. You can consider it because the Japanese version of western haute delicacies.
Hachidaime Gihey is understood for serving proper kaiseki dinners at affordable fees. However, I became there for lunch to strive one among their similarly famous lunch units. I requested my server for tips and he or she recommended I get the chicken karaage set. It came with an infinite quantity of rice which I consider is popular for all their lunch units.
After you finish your rice, your server will ask in case you’d like a top off. Say sure and you’ll get a second serving crowned with a small part of toasted rice pro with sesame and salt. It’s much like the scorched socarrat rice in paella. Hachidaime Gihey is understood for their one-of-a-kind arrangements of rice which you can enjoy in their kaiseki meals.
Bowl of rice at Hacidaime Gihey
Expect to Pay: About JPY 1,700 for a lunch set
three. Unagi Hirokawa
We’ve eaten quite a few terrific food in Japan, however the one revel in we have been dying to have become unagi or grilled freshwater eel at an unagi kabayaki restaurant. We were given to do this at Hirokawa, a former Michelin-starred unagi eating place in Arashiyama. It changed into a number of the satisfactory unagi we’ve ever had.
When we had lunch at Hirokawa, they had been the proud proprietors of 1 Michelin Star however they seem to have misplaced it considering then. They did close for lots months to renovate so that can have some thing to do with it.
Whatever the motive, they’re nonetheless one of the best unagi eating places in Kyoto. They’re immensely famous so advanced reservations are extraordinarily encouraged.
Unagi Hirokawa, Kyoto, Japan
Expect to Pay: JPY three,three hundred for the medium una jyu (pictured)
4. Gion Kappa Restaurant
Nestled within the heart of the Gion District, Gion Kappa is an izakaya and a neighborhood favourite. It became especially encouraged to us for two motives: 1) they serve accurate Japanese food; and a couple of) nearly the whole thing at the menu is going for just JPY 390.
Gion Kappa Restaurant, Kyoto, Japan
Expect to Pay: JPY 2,500-3,500 consistent with character with liquids
5. Wadachi
I wanted to find a correct sake bar where we could unwind after an afternoon of exploration in Kyoto and my research led us to Wadachi, an izakaya within the Gion District regarded for serving many specific types of sake and bar food at lower priced prices. If you experience sake, then Wadachi is a extraordinary choice for an evening out in Kyoto.
Wadachi, Kyoto, Japan
Expect to Pay: JPY 500 per small jar of sake (pictured), around JPY 400-500 in keeping with bar chow dish
POINTS OF INTEREST IN KYOTO
To make it less difficult with a purpose to visualize in which the whole lot is, I’ve pinned most of the places endorsed on this guide on a map. Click at the link for an interactive version of the map.
Map with pins
HOW TO GET AROUND IN KYOTO
Kyoto has a terrific public transportation device. You can get quite a great deal anywhere you want the use of the subway or bus. Be positive to bookmark hyperdia.Com because it’ll assist you navigate Japan’s efficient however often complicated rail machine.
Personally, I prefer using the subway when we tour due to the fact I discover buses to be more difficult. But in Kyoto, it is able to be quality to apply a combination of each. This is because a few attractions aren’t that close to a subway station.
For example, the closest MRT station to Kinkaku-ji is Kita-oji, however it’s nevertheless over three km from the temple. Another instance is Kiyomizu-dera. Kiyomizu-Gojo is the closest MRT station but it’s still approximately a 20-minute stroll from the temple. If you handiest have a couple of days in Kyoto, then you’ll be wasting a whole lot of time taking walks if you try to get round exclusively by way of teach.
To maximize your time in Kyoto, then it is able to be a terrific idea to get a transportation pass. There are lots to pick from so I’ve narrowed it down to the maximum pertinent ones below to with a bit of luck make it less perplexing.
Kansai Thru Pass
If you’ll be touring plenty by using teach across the Kansai location, then you can want to get a Kansai Thru Pass. It’s available in 2- or 3-day variations and offers you limitless teach and bus rides in cities for the duration of the Kansai location. Unlike JR Passes, you don’t have to apply it to consecutive days. It isn’t valid for travel on JR trains however you can use it to go from KIX to Kyoto, as long as you ride simplest on non-JR trains. You should purchase the Kansai Thru Pass on Klook.
JR Kansai Area Pass
JR Kansai Area Passes are just like Kansai Thru Passes besides they’re for use on JR trains (which include the Kansai Airport Express Haruka) and need to be used on consecutive days. However, I read that there are very few JR strains in Kyoto so this bypass won't be your fine option in case you plan on spending most of it slow in Kyoto. But in case you plan on exploring extra of the Kansai location, then this could be an excellent choice. You can buy the JR Kansai Area Pass on Klook or KKday.
ICOCA IC Card
Another transportation bypass you may get is the ICOCA IC Card. It gained’t entitle you to unlimited rides however it’ll give you reductions on JR trains (including the Kansai Airport Express Haruka), the subway, non-public railways, and buses. It’s rechargeable so you can consider it as a stored value card much like Hong Kong’s Octopus Card. Click on the hyperlink for more statistics on Japan’s IC Cards.
JR Pass
If you’re doing a country wide excursion of Japan, then a JR Pass may be a worthwhile funding. It’ll come up with limitless rides on all JR country wide trains in Japan – including the Kansai Airport Express Haruka, Shinkansen bullet trains, and the Narita Express – for a consecutive quantity of days. It’s to be had in 7-, 14-, or 21-day variations and may be purchased thru Klook, Get Your Guide, or Japan Rail Pass.
HOW MANY DAYS TO STAY / KYOTO ITINERARY
As defined, there is lots to look and do in Kyoto. It’s a this kind of beautiful and peaceful town that it isn’t the form of region you’ll just need to breeze thru. If you have an entire week to spend there, then that’s outstanding. But if not, then you definately ought to be capable of see the predominant sights in about three days.
Here’s a short 3-D/3N Kyoto itinerary to help you plan your experience. Be certain to click on thru to our complete three-day Kyoto itinerary for extra information.
DAY ONE
• Kiyomizu-dera
• Sannen-zaka / Ninen-zaka
• Yasaka Shrine
• Gion District
• Kamo River
• Nishiki Market
DAY TWO
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
• Tenryu-ji
• Ryoan-ji
• Kinkaku-ji
• Pontocho Alley
DAY THREE
• Fushimi Inari Taisha
• Nijo-jo
• Ginkaku-ji
• Gion District
TRIP TO KYOTO BUDGET / SUMMARY OF EXPENSES
Assuming you’ll be staying in Kyoto for three full days and sharing modest accommodations with one more individual, then a every day budget of round JPY 6,000-6,500 in line with individual must be plenty. This takes into account your lodges, transportation, food, liquids, pocket wifi apartment, and admission expenses. Here’s a short breakdown of charges:
ACCOMMODATIONS
This varies from person to man or woman. On my remaining visit, I stayed in a non-public room that goes for approximately JPY 3,600 for 2 humans. I just did a dummy reserving and there are plenty of rooms for less than JPY 2,000 a night time. Expect to pay even much less in case you’re staying at a hostel.
MEALS
Kyoto is famous for its kaiseki meals however the ones have a tendency to be costly. If you keep on with moderately priced food like ramen, then I’d say around JPY 2,000-2,500 an afternoon per character is sufficient. If you need to spend less, then cheap however accurate meals may be had at comfort stores like Family Mart, Lawson, or 7-Eleven.
ENTRANCE FEES
The common charge of admission in line with temple is set JPY 500. If you go to the famous sights – Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji, Tenryu-ji, Ryoan-ji, Ninna-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Kodai-ji, and Nijo-jo – then you’ll be paying a total of JPY four,120 in admission expenses.
POCKET WIFI RENTAL
If you’re sharing the value with an additional person, you then’ll every be paying around JPY 390 per day.
TRANSPORTATION
By all bills, the Kansai Thru Pass seems to be the fine transportation card to apply in Kyoto. The 2-day pass will run you about JPY four,300.
TOTAL
This comes out to approximately JPY 6,one hundred ninety an afternoon consistent with person. Ren and I are center of the road vacationers who enjoy proper foods and drinks, so the advocated price range is a good baseline for tourists like us. Adjust hence based to your personal journey behavior.
KYOTO TRAVEL TIPS
1. Plan your Trip with Sygic Travel
If you like creating your personal tour itineraries, then you definately’re going to love Sygic Travel. I’ve been the usage of this unfastened experience planning app for several years now. It allows me to pin all points of hobby on a map then group them collectively with the aid of location so I can create an green itinerary. It’s available for free on iOS and Android.
2. Rent a Pocket Wifi Device
Having a steady wifi connection is a must while touring these days, particularly in a rustic like Japan where there’s a great language barrier.
The rail gadget is extraordinarily efficient but it is able to additionally be very puzzling, that's why it’s so vital to have uninterrupted get entry to to the net. You’ll need it to use Hyperdia that's essential to creating sense of Japan’s rail machine.
You can get get admission to to the net by means of renting a pocket wifi tool or shopping for a sim card. We prefer pocket wifi devices because we find them easier to apply, but both is fine. You can set up for them via sim card) or Get Your Guide.
Three. Bookmark Hyperdia or Get the App on your Mobile Device
I can’t stress how beneficial Hyperdia is while navigating through Japan’s efficient however confounding railway machine. Not simplest will it provide you with specific teach arrival and departure times, however it’ll let you know exactly how to move from one station to the next. It makes it so much less complicated so make sure to download the app or bookmark the website to your mobile tool. It’ll be you new quality pal DOWNLOAD: iOS / Android
four. Check for Kyoto Travel Deals
I buy bargain vouchers from many websites, however for Japan, my favorites are Klook and Get Your Guide. They often provide the widest selection on the high-quality costs.
If you need to find deals on tours, airport transfers, pocket wifi apartment, etc, then you may check what’s available on Klook and Get Your Guide. I often locate cool activities that I wouldn’t consider myself so it’s continually really worth a glance.
Five. Get Travel Insurance
People have differing opinions in terms of tour coverage. Many don’t think they want it however for me, it relies upon on wherein you’re going and what you’ll be doing.
If we plan on doing something bodily like driving motorcycles or snowboarding, then I’ll actually get it. I don’t need to break my leg on a mountain and no longer have coverage!
But if all we’ll be doing is consuming and journeying temples for a few days like we did in Kyoto, then I probable received’t get it. The selection is yours.
When we do feel the want for it, we get coverage from World Nomads or SafetyWing. They’re each trusted travel medical insurance providers utilized by many lengthy-term travelers. Check out my article on why we purchase travel insurance for a more in-depth observe the two. You can click on the links to get a unfastened quote from World Nomads or SafetyWing.
6. Get Comfortable Shoes
This might also seem self-explanatory however you’ll be doing a whole lot of walking in Kyoto so cushty footwear are a must. Many of the sites are substantial and spread out, so comfort and aid on your ft are paramount. For comfort, I endorse wearing slip-ons as well because you’ll be taking them off often at temples.
7. Bring the Right Power Adapter
Japan has Type A or Type B electrical shops so make certain to convey the proper energy adapters for your devices. Electrical voltage is 100V and the usual frequency is 50/60Hz.