WHERE is Kyoto located?
Kyoto is centrally located on the island of Honshu, Japan’s main island, about 500 km southwest of Tokyo. It is the capital of Kyoto Prefecture and is a major part of the densely populated Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto metropolitan area.
WHY should you visit Kyoto?
Although Kyoto is a large metropolitan city, it feels refreshingly small when compared to the mega-city of Tokyo. It is strategically located within close proximity to Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Nagoya and Hiroshima, which is perfect for the curious traveler that wants to make day trips to these popular Japanese cities.
Kyoto is one of the best preserved cities in Japan and is famous for being home to over 2,000 religious landmarks (over 1,600 Buddhist Temples and 400 Shinto Shrines).
When you think of Japanese culture two contradicting images come to mind – the bright lights and endless sprawl of futuristic skyscrapers and the rich culture that comes from hundreds of years of traditions. If Tokyo represents Japan’s future, than Kyoto does a great job representing its past.
WHEN should you visit Kyoto?
Japan experiences all four seasons, so keep that in mind when planning a trip to Kyoto. The best time to visit Japan is in the spring and early summer, when airfares to Tokyo are typically lower. April is a popular month because the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the weather is quite mild and pleasant.
That said, it is best to avoid “The Golden Week”, one of Japan’s busiest travel seasons, which takes place in the end of April and beginning of May. Hotels in Kyoto tend to fill up quickly during Japanese holidays, so it is best to book ahead.
WHAT to see and do in Kyoto?
Without question, the biggest draw to Kyoto are the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, proudly listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Some of the most popular attractions in Kyoto are:
- Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist Temple, an old wooden temple that rests on the side of a mountain
- Kinkaku-ji, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion
- Ginkaku-ji, the Temple of the Silver Pavilion
- The Kyoto Imperial Palace and Sento Imperial Palace
- Shimogamo Shrine, Kamigamo Shrine and the Heian Jingū Shinto Shrine
- Tō-Ji Shrine and Pagoda
- The Zen Rock Garden of Ryoan-ji Temple
Other things to do in Kyoto:
- Play a few games of Pachinko at a glitzy, casino-like Pachinko Parlor. Pachinko is a popular Japanese game that is a cross between a slot machine and a pinball game
- Sample its abundance of delicious Japanese foods and cuisine. We couldn’t get enough Yakitori, Sushi and cold Kirin Beer
- Visit the wild monkeys at the Iwatayama Monkey Park in Nishikyō-ku
- Shop your heart out at bustling malls and trendy boutique stores – retail therapy is big business in Japan
- Spend an entertaining evening hanging with the locals on the popular riverbanks of the Kamo River
- Visit a teahouse in the Gion and Pontocho Geishsa Quarters and catch a traditional geisha performance
- Take a day trip to visit Himeji Castle, regarded as the finest surviving example of 17th century Japanese castle architecture
HOW to get to Kyoto?
Without question, the best way to travel around Japan is by train. Most travelers will arrive in Japan via Narita International Airport, which is inconveniently located about 60 km’s outside of Tokyo. Be prepared, it takes at least an hour by train to reach Tokyo Station (frustrating after a long flight!). Don’t bother taking a taxi as it can be very costly and the train system is actually much faster.
Travelers can also get to Kyoto via Kansai International Airport and Itami Airport in Osaka Prefecture. The Haruka Express operated by JR West carries passengers from Kansai Airport to Kyoto Station in an hour and a half.
To travel from Tokyo to Kyoto, take the Japan Rail Tokaido Shinkansen (the high speed bullet train). The trip only takes 2 hours because the Japanese bullet trains reach speeds of up to 300 km/hr!
TRAVEL TIPS for Kyoto, Japan
You would be wise to purchase a Japan Rail Pass prior to entering the country, a huge savings when compared to the typical one way fares. Some of the city subway trains are also covered under the Japan Rail pass so be sure to check first before you pay the local fare. We purchased a 7-day Japan Rail pass and used Kyoto as our central hub, taking day trips to Nara, Kobe, Osaka and Hiroshima. Here is a link to a short video with tips on how to use your Japan Rail Pass.
Book your Kyoto hotel accommodations ahead of time. We arrived at the end of June and found it difficult to find available hotel accommodations by simply showing up. Unlike backpacking in South America or SE Asia, you won’t find better deals by walking in and negotiating. Consider yourself warned!
If you make the mistake of arriving without hotel reservations (like we did), a good option is to visit the tourist information center at the JR Kyoto Train Station. They will be able to do a search and make reservations for you, which is extremely helpful if you don’t speak or read Japanese. The service is free to tourists and the office is typically open during regular business hours (10:00AM to 6:00PM). Many of the hotels in Kyoto are located within walking distance to the central train station.
Have you traveled to Kyoto, Japan? Care to share some tips with our readers?
Feel free to share your comments below!
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Cameron and Nicole Wears are Canadian married couple and newbie parents living in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. A passion for travel and outdoor adventure has taken them to over 50 countries on 6 continents in the past 7 years. Consider following us via 
Especially relevant if you are on a JapanRail pass…get the all-day bus ticket in order to see the sights. Ther main sights of Kyoto are spread around the four corners of the city. They are not all walkable, so you will need some sort of motorized transportation if you want to see them all. When you first board the bus in Kyoto at the station, ask for an all-day pass, and there are special tourist busses that will take you around the city, to all the major tourist sights. Much cheaper than a taxi or individual trips.
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Great tip Brett! thanks for sharing.
Traveling Canucks recently posted..City Spotlight – Kyoto- Japan
Ahh, Kyoto, how I love thee…
I lived near Kyoto for a couple of months and I loved the city.
I very much liked wandering the small streets of Gion, hoping to bump into a geisha or maiko. Luckily I did once and she was so kind to have her picture taken together with me.
One of my all-time favorites is the Fushimi Inari shrine. There are an impressive 10,000 torris or shrine gates, covering a road that climbs up the hill. You walk in a sea of orange. Fascinating!
Your post made me want to go back so badly…
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Thanks for your feedback Emiel.
I’ve heard of the Fushimi Inari Shrine and seen pictures, but unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to visit it. There are just too many incredible monuments and temples in Kyoto – it’s enough to make your head spin! We’d love to return one day and pick up where we left off.
Traveling Canucks recently posted..City Spotlight – Kyoto- Japan
I think Kyoto is my favorite city in Japan. I actually walked the entire central portion of the city one day, which shocked just about everyone in my dorm. My personal favorite spots are the Monkey Park outside of town and nearby Bamboo Forest, as well as the Zen Rock Garden!
The Japan Rail Pass is perfect for Kyoto as there is a main line that goes through the city that can be used for a number of spots without taking local transportation.
Jeremy recently posted..Where You Should Be! – Mallorca- Spain
We did the same thing – we must have walked 50km around that city! So much to see and do; that, and it was an excuse to over indulge in the fantastic Japanese cuisine and not feel guilty.
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After reading this, I will definitely want to visit Kyoto whenever I finally make it to Japan. It sounds fascinating with all the things you mentioned to see and do. I really like that it is representative of Japan’s past more so than Tokyo. Great post – very informative.
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Thanks Cathy!
Hopefully you’ll make it to Japan soon. It sometimes gets overlooked because it is more expensive than other Asian destinations, but it’s a Top 5 country for us.
Traveling Canucks recently posted..Photo of the Week- Afternoon Tea in the Wadi Rum- Jordan
Enjoyed this. Thanks. Kyoto is on my list . . . now.
Then the post was a success!
Traveling Canucks recently posted..Photo of the Week- Afternoon Tea in the Wadi Rum- Jordan
I think I can’t put off a visit to Japan for much longer. History, glamour, great food, what am I waiting for?
inka recently posted..Bursa’s Silk Bazaar Turkey
It really is a great country, it totally exceeded our expectations
Traveling Canucks recently posted..Photo of the Week- Afternoon Tea in the Wadi Rum- Jordan
We loved Tokyo, so I know we would love Kyoto, too. The last photo looks like our hostel in Tokyo- exactly! too funny!
Tokyo is a great city too. We spent 4 nights there, but it got quite pricey. That photo was from the Ryokan Hotel that we stayed at in Kyoto.
When we booked the room, the agent said, “you know this room is a traditional Japanese room, right?”.
We said, “sure, that’s totally fine”, not realizing this meant that there was no bed!
We had a good laugh when we opened the door and saw the bedding in the closet – ah ha, THAT’s what you mean by “traditional”… gotcha.
It was fun sleeping on the floor though, and it was definitely a unique experience!
Traveling Canucks recently posted..Photo of the Week- Afternoon Tea in the Wadi Rum- Jordan
We haven’t been to Kyoto, but want to go. Thanks for all the great information,it will definitely help whenever we get around to making travel plans.
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If (when) you do make it to Japan, Kyoto is a must!
Traveling Canucks recently posted..Photo of the Week- Afternoon Tea in the Wadi Rum- Jordan
Great timing with this article — I’ve bought my 7 day Japan Rail pass and am planning to split my time between Tokyo and Kyoto. How much does a Geisha show cost?
I leave February 1.
Thanks!
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Hey, sorry – this comment went into my spam filter for some reason?
The Geisha shows were all over the map, all were quite pricey. Have fun! Look forward to following the adventure
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Excellent tips and words of advice. I’ve never been to Japan, but I am hoping to take a trip there soon and I’d love to visit Kyoto. I’d love some of that Yakitori and a traditional tea ceremony!
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The yakitori experience in Kyoto is top notch! I think we ate yakitori and sushi almost everyday? We’ve got fantastic Japanese cuisine in Vancouver, so we’ve become huge fans. That said, the food still tastes much better in Japan – who knew!
Traveling Canucks recently posted..Photo of the Week- Afternoon Tea in the Wadi Rum- Jordan
Glad you guys had a good time. I love Kyoto and lived nearby for about 5 years. There is just too much to see and even after 5 years I love going back and seeing new things. The hikes just North of the city are fantastic. If you go back climb Hiezan, an old Buddhist Temple Complex that used to have its own army.
Hey Todd – thanks for the tips! It’s true, Kyoto is one of those cities that has so much to offer it will take years to see it all. Hopefully we’ll return one day!
Traveling Canucks recently posted..Photo of the Week- Afternoon Tea in the Wadi Rum- Jordan
Awesome! Thanks so much for these tips. Japan wasn’t on our original itinerary but the closer we get to departure the more intrigued by the culture. I think we’ll have to add it. If you don’t mind me asking, what was the average price of a room?
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I can recall exact price, but it was not cheap. I think around $60 per night, maybe even a bit more. Japan is not backpacker budget friendly, but still worth visiting.
Traveling Canucks recently posted..Photo of the Week- Afternoon Tea in the Wadi Rum- Jordan
I con not believe how fast their trains go! That’s incredible. I have always loved traditional Japanese architecture. The angles and curves used are very appealing and look fantastic surrounded by the native plants and trees. I love your photos, I wish there were more! Thanks for sharing
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