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Kyoto

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At a glance

Country
Japan
Region
Kyoto Prefecture
Population
1.5 million
Best time to go
March to May, October to November
Main airport
None — nearest is Kansai International (KIX)
Coordinates
35.01°N, 135.77°E

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Overview

Kyoto was Japan's imperial capital for more than a thousand years, and it still holds an extraordinary concentration of temples, shrines, gardens and wooden townhouses, many of them UNESCO-listed.

It is also very popular, so plan around the crowds. Start early, visit the famous sights first thing, then lose yourself in quieter temples and back lanes. The rewards are moss gardens, tea houses and lantern-lit streets at dusk.

Things to see

  • Fushimi Inari Taisha
    Photo: Basile Morin, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Thousands of vermilion torii gates climb the wooded mountain behind the shrine. Walk past the first section and the crowds thin.

  • Kinkaku-ji
    Photo: Nacaru, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Kinkaku-ji

    The Golden Pavilion, a gilded temple reflected in a still pond, is one of Japan's most famous sights.

    Tickets and tours
  • Kiyomizu-dera
    Photo: Jordy Meow, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Kiyomizu-dera

    A hillside temple with a huge wooden stage jutting out over the trees and views across the city.

    Tickets and tours
  • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    Photo: lumoplank, CC0

    Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

    A path through towering bamboo on the western edge of the city, close to Tenryu-ji's fine garden.

  • Nijo Castle
    Photo: Unknown photographer, Public domain

    Nijo Castle

    The shoguns' palace, with painted screens and "nightingale" floors that squeak to warn of intruders.

    Tickets and tours
  • Ryoan-ji
    Photo: DXR, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Ryoan-ji

    Home to Japan's best-known Zen rock garden, fifteen stones on raked gravel.

    Tickets and tours

Things to do

  • Walk the Philosopher's Path
    Photo: David Monniaux, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Walk the Philosopher's Path

    A canal-side path between Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji, lined with cherry trees and small temples.

  • Evening in Gion
    Photo: 663highland, CC BY 2.5

    Evening in Gion

    Stroll the lantern-lit lanes of Hanamikoji and Shirakawa, and be respectful of the geiko and maiko you may see.

  • Nishiki Market
    Photo: matsuyuki, CC BY-SA 2.0

    Nishiki Market

    A narrow covered market of pickles, tofu, sweets and kitchen knives, known as Kyoto's kitchen.

  • Tea ceremony
    Photo: Ermell, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Tea ceremony

    Join a small tea ceremony to learn the ritual of preparing and drinking matcha.

    Find tours

Where to stay

Getting around

City buses are slow and crowded, so combine the subway, JR and private trains with walking, and use an IC card. Renting a bike works well on the flat city grid.

The JR Haruka express runs from Kansai airport to Kyoto Station in about 80 minutes, and bullet trains from Tokyo take just over two hours.

When to go

Late March to early April for cherry blossom and November for autumn leaves are beautiful but very busy. Summers are hot and humid, with the Gion Matsuri festival in July, while winter is quiet and cold.

Plan your trip to Kyoto

Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

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