Kyoto

Kyoto was Japan's imperial capital for a thousand years. Its main sights include Fushimi Inari's torii gates, the wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera, the gold-leafed Kinkaku-ji and the machiya-lined lanes of Gion. Autumn foliage runs from mid-November to early December and cherry blossoms from late March to early April. Kyoto is known for kaiseki and has nearly 100 MICHELIN-starred restaurants, and Nara and Uji are easy day trips from Kyoto Station.

Top places

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Kiyomizu-dera

Kinkaku-ji

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Gion

Nishiki Market

Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Philosopher's Path

Nijo Castle

Tofuku-ji

Hotels

The Thousand Kyoto

5-Star

Hotel Granvia Kyoto

5-Star

Hotel Kanra Kyoto

4-Star

Kyoto Century Hotel

4-Star

Dormy Inn Premium Kyoto Ekimae

4-Star

APA Hotel Kyoto-Ekimae

3-Star

Kyoto Tower Hotel

4-Star

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

5-Star

Hotel Okura Kyoto

5-Star

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei

4-Star

Restaurants

Miyamaso

3 MICHELIN Stars

Hyotei

3 MICHELIN Stars

Kikunoi Honten

3 MICHELIN Stars

Kikunoi Roan

2 MICHELIN Stars

Gion Nishikawa

2 MICHELIN Stars

Kikunoi Sushi Ao

1 MICHELIN Star

Manjuji Hakuran

1 MICHELIN Star

Sokkon Fujimoto

1 MICHELIN Star

Izuu

Bib Gourmand

Shigetsu

Bib Gourmand

Things to do

Kimono Rental Experience

Rent a kimono near Kiyomizu-dera and wear it sightseeing for the day.

Tea Ceremony in a Machiya House

45-minute tea ceremony in a 100-year-old townhouse; whisk your own matcha with sweets.

Sagano Romantic Train Ride

25-minute train ride along the Hozugawa River gorge.

Hozugawa River Boat Ride

Traditional boatmen pole a 2-hour ride down to Arashiyama.

Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera & Uji Day Tour

Full-day tour pairing Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera with the Uji River and Byodo-in.

Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari & Nara Day Tour

Kiyomizu-dera, Gion, Fushimi Inari, and Nara Park in one day; the tour ends in Osaka.

Kyoto Tower Observation Deck

Ticket to the 100 m-high observation deck for 360-degree views over Kyoto.

Sumo Show with Chanko Hot Pot

Watch former sumo wrestlers in the ring, with all-you-can-eat chanko hot pot and drinks.

Geisha & Maiko Show

One-hour maiko show with matcha and an English-speaking guide-interpreter.

Kyoto Panoramic Day Tour

Full-day tour of Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, Nijo Castle, and Fushimi Inari's torii gates.

Getting there

HARUKA Airport Express Ticket

Direct rail link between Kansai Airport and Kyoto Station.

JR West Kansai Area Pass

Unlimited JR rides across Kansai, including the HARUKA express.

Kintetsu Rail Pass

Digital pass for unlimited Kintetsu rides linking Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka.

Randen & Kyoto Subway 1-Day Pass

One day of unlimited Randen tram rides to Arashiyama, with a Kyoto subway add-on.

Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass (Keihan)

Unlimited Keihan Line rides linking Kyoto and Osaka sights.

Kansai Airport Limousine Bus to Kyoto

Airport bus linking Kansai Airport and Kyoto Station in about 90 minutes.

Kyoto Hop-On Hop-Off Bus (SKY HOP BUS)

Hop-on hop-off open-top double-decker bus to Kyoto landmarks, on 1- or 2-day tickets.

Hankyu Tourist Pass

Unlimited Hankyu rides linking Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe.