Kyoto Travel Guide
Hello there! In this guide I will share my top recommendations for top things to do in Kyoto, as well as when to visit, how to get around, and where to stay. You can book many of these activities and train to Kyoto on Klook using my code MINYWANDER to get 10% off.
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KYOTO
Kyoto, Japan, is a city full of history, culture, and natural beauty. It’s one of Japan’s most popular cities and it isn’t hard to understand why. As the former capital of Japan for over a 1000 years, Kyoto is a city known for preservation of cultural heritage and traditions. Whereas Tokyo shows the modern face of Japan, Kyoto is the perfect city to experience Japan’s traditions, from kaiseki dinners to serene tea ceremonies.
WHEN TO GO:
Spring (March to May): For cherry blossoms go late March to early April when they are in full bloom.
Autumn (late September to November): Another peak season as the season brings stunning fall foliage to Kyoto’s parks, temples and mountains. The city will be drenched in rich red, orange, and yellow hues. Temperatures are cooler.
Note that the months above will also be the most crowded and accommodation prices will be higher.
Winter (December to February): It is cold, but much fewer crowds.
Summer gets very hot and humid and I personally would avoid it.
📍 HOW TO GET TO KYOTO:
✈️ Fly into KIX (Kansai International Airport) and take the Haruka express train, or the airport limousine bus , both direct to Kyoto Station.
🚅 From other major cities in Japan like Tokyo, take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto Station.
HOW TO GET AROUND IN KYOTO:
Public transportation is efficient and easy in Japan. Use Google Maps to figure out what mode of transportation options there are, and then use an IC card (Suica, Pasmo or Icoca) on your phone (if you have an iPhone you can add to your wallet) or the physical card to pay for trains, subways, buses or taxis. Read my article on Japan’s Transportation Guide for an in-depth understanding of how the transportation system in Japan works.
10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN KYOTO:
1. 👘 Streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka
Historic streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka are a must see in Kyoto. Located in the scenic Higashiyama District, these picturesque sloping alleys are lined with traditional Japanese wooden buildings, souvenir shops, teahouses, and restaurants that capture the essence of old-world Japan. As famous as they are, these streets get really crowded. I went around 8 AM and it was almost empty, but by 9 AM the streets were packed.
A unique feature of Ninenzaka is a Starbucks housed in a renovated 100-year-old traditional Japanese building. This Starbucks blends perfectly into the historic surroundings and offers a tea-house-like experience. If you’re looking for a peaceful spot to enjoy your coffee, try to visit early before the crowds fill up the space.
The Yasaka Pagoda, which is part of Hokan-ji Temple, can be seen from these streets and this is one of the most famous photo spots in Kyoto. To get to this spot, its a 2 minute walk from the Starbucks mentioned above. To make it easy, you can type “Five-story Tower Photo Spot” on Google Maps.
2. ⛩️ Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizudera Temple is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This Buddhist temple, founded in the 8th century, is renowned for its massive wooden stage, which juts out from the main hall and offers spectacular views of the surrounding cherry and maple trees, especially during the spring and autumn seasons. Visit the Otawa Waterfall on the temple grounds, and drinking from the three streams of this waterfall is believed to grant long life, love, or success.
The temple is a short walk from the Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka Streets, and there is a small admission fee of 500 JPY (about $3 USD).
For cherry blossoms go late March to early April, and for vibrant autumn leaves visit mid-November to early December.
3. 🎋 Arashiyama District and Bamboo Groves
Arashiyama is a picturesque district located on the western outskirts of Kyoto, famous for its beautiful natural scenery. From downtown Kyoto it takes a little less than an hour to reach by public transportation. Popular attractions in Arashiyama include the stunning Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Zen garden, and the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, which spans the Hozu River and offers some of the best views in the area. For a unique perspective of the landscape, take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train, which offers a scenic journey through the lush countryside.
One of its highlights is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a serene forest of towering bamboo stalks that offers a unique, tranquil experience. Walking through the bamboo forest is a must-do activity. However the bamboo grove is actually not that large, so the area becomes crowded quickly unless you go really early in the morning.
I recommend heading over to the Adashino Nenbutsu Temple – you can walk here in about 20 minutes from the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, or 30 minutes from Arashiyama station. There is a small fee to enter the temple but there is a stairway lined with bamboos inside the temple and I found this to be more picturesque and peaceful.
Add these experiences to your Arashiyama trip:
Use code MINYWANDER for 10% off your activities.
Note that the Hozugawa River boat ride starts in Kameoka and ends in Arashiyama.
4. ✨ Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavillion)
Kinkakuji, or the Golden Pavilion, is a breathtaking Zen Buddhist temple that is one of Kyoto’s top tourist attractions. Almost the entire two-story pavilion is covered in gold leaf and reflects beautifully in the surrounding pond, creating one of the most iconic images of Kyoto.
Entrance is 500 JPY (~$3 USD) and can be purchased on site. The entrance ticket is an amulet that is supposed to bring you good luck and keep you safe.
5. ⛩️ Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is one of Japan’s most iconic and visited sites, famous for its thousands of red torii gates that form a tunnel-like pathway up the slopes of Mount Inari. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and good harvest, and is an essential place of worship for both locals and tourists. The hike to the top of Mount Inari takes about 2-3 hours, but you don’t have to hike the entire way. The beginning parts are the most crowded as most people don’t complete the hike – the further you go, the less people there will be.
Admission and hike is free.
6. 🐙 Nishiki Market
Known as Kyoto’s Kitchen, Nishiki Market is a vibrant, bustling food market located in the heart of downtown Kyoto. This long, narrow covered passageway is lined with over 100 shops offering a variety of fresh local foods and gifts.
I did find the market a bit expensive and not all the items being offered were the highest quality I’ve had in Japan, but I still recommend visiting at least once during your trip for a quick browse.
7. 🌸 Ginkakuji Temple and Philosopher’s Path
Ginkakuji, or the Silver Pavilion, is another must-visit Zen temple in Kyoto. I must say the exterior was a bit underwhelming after seeing the Gold Pavillion covered in gold (this one is not covered in silver), the temple’s minimalist architecture and beautiful surrounding gardens create a sense of peace and serenity.
After visiting Ginkakuji, take a peaceful walk along the Philosopher’s Path, a charming pedestrian path that follows a canal lined with cherry trees. We unfortunately had just missed the cherry blossoms but the path is still very relaxing and peaceful to stroll down.
8. 🍶 Pontocho Alley
For a taste of Kyoto’s nightlife, head to Pontocho Alley, one of the most atmospheric areas in the city. This narrow, lantern-lit alley runs parallel to the Kamogawa River and is packed with traditional izakayas, upscale restaurants, and bars. Many of the venues offer beautiful views of the river, making Pontocho a fantastic place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
This street is especially magical in the evening, when the alley is illuminated by soft lights.
9. ☕ % ARABICA Coffee
If you are a coffee lover like me, % ARABICA Coffee is an absolute must visit. Known for its high-quality beans and sleek, minimalist design, % ARABICA has become a global sensation, with cafes located in cities around the world. I first tried the coffee in Dubai, but there is something special about experiencing the cafe in its birthplace, Kyoto. The Higashiyama District location is the original flagship store, but the Arashiyama store now serves as the Global Flagship. There are a total of 4 % ARABICA Coffee stores in Kyoto.
You have to try the Kyoto Latte, which is perfectly balanced coffee drink with a hint of sweetness from condensed milk. Grab a cup to go, and enjoy it while taking in the scenic views from Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama.
10. 🦌 Day Trip to Nara
A short 45 minute scenic train ride from Kyoto, Nara is another city steeped in history and beauty. Famous for its free-roaming deer and ancient temples, a day trip to Nara is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto. Visit Todai-ji Temple, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue, and Kasuga Taisha, an ancient shrine surrounded by thousands of stone and bronze lanterns.
Nara Park is the heart of the city, where you will find hundreds of deer roaming around. You can feed the deer crackers, which are sold around the park. Make sure to bring cash to purchase these crackers. One fun interaction is that if you bow to the deer, they often bow back! However, some of the deer can be a little too eager for food, so be cautious and only take out one cracker at a time to avoid them becoming too aggressive.
WHERE TO STAY IN KYOTO
My favorite area to stay in Kyoto is around Gion District, Kawaramachi Station, or Sanjo Station. Kyoto has a great transportation system like the rest of Japan so you’ll never have trouble getting anywhere regardless of where you stay, but the areas mentioned above are close to major attractions and subway stations.
BEST HOTELS IN KYOTO
$
Solaria Nishitetsu
Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Good Nature Hotel
Cross Hotel Kyoto
$$
The Thousand Kyoto
Kyoto Granbell Hotel
Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion
Soraniwa Terrace Kyoto Bettei
$$$
Park Hyatt Kyoto
Aman Kyoto
Four Seasons Kyoto
Sowaka
HOW LONG TO STAY IN KYOTO
I would recommend at least 3 full days to see Kyoto. However, if you are limited to only 1 or 2 days, or you feel a bit overwhelmed with how to see the sights, then consider including this tour that take you through the highlights of Kyoto and Nara with a guide. Remember to use code MINYWANDER for 10% off.
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