Best Kyoto Tours & Trips

How Many Days in Kyoto is Enough

A 3- to 5-day trip is sufficient, as a 3-day Kyoto travel itinerary allows you to visit the city's main highlights. In 5 days, you can explore nearby attractions or cities.

Best Time of Year to Visit Kyoto

The best times to visit Kyoto are spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) each year. During these seasons, the weather is pleasant with average temperatures ranging from 10 to 20°C (50 to 68°F). Spring is also the prime season for viewing Japanese cherry blossoms, while autumn offers the stunning beauty of fall foliage.

Getting Around Kyoto

Within the city, you can choose to travel by:

● Bus: Connecting many famous temples and attractions.

● Subway: Two lines serve the city center and some attractions. We recommend purchasing a Bus & Subway One-Day Pass for unlimited rides, priced at ¥1,100 for adults.

● Bicycle: Kyoto's roads are flat and bike-friendly, with rental shops near Kyoto Station. Ideal for short-distance sightseeing.

● Taxi: Suitable for those in a hurry. The starting fare is cheaper than in Tokyo, typically around ¥600-650.

● Private railways: For example, the Keihan Main Line provides access to Fushimi Inari Taisha, a famous sightseeing spot in Kyoto.

Number One Thing to See in Kyoto

Though Kyoto boasts numerous iconic attractions, Fushimi Inari Taisha stands out as the foremost. This shrine is renowned for its thousands of bright red torii gates winding up the sacred Inari Mountain. Reaching the summit offers panoramic views of the city. This shrine is a must-see for anyone on Japan Kyoto tours.

Other Popular Kyoto Attractions

● Kiyomizu-dera Temple: One of Japan's most renowned temples, founded in 778 AD. Its most famous feature is the large wooden platform extending from the main hall, constructed without a single nail. From the platform, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the cityscape and surrounding natural scenery.

● Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka: These two narrow streets lead to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, lined with traditional wooden townhouses. They offer a relaxing stroll, with shops selling traditional crafts and sweets.

● Gion: This is Kyoto's most famous geisha district, offering traditional restaurants and teahouses. Traditional Kyomai dances are also performed at Gion Corner.

● Arashiyama Bamboo Forest: This bamboo-lined path winds through thousands of bamboo stalks, offering a serene atmosphere perfect for unwinding.

● Tenryu-ji: Located near the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, this is a renowned Zen temple. Its Sogenchi Teien garden, established in the 14th century, creates a beautiful landscape.

● Kinkaku-ji: This Zen temple stands as one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. Its exterior walls are covered in gold leaf, creating a stunning interplay with its reflection in the water.

● Nijō Castle: Located in the heart of Kyoto, it was established in 1603 as a symbol of the Tokugawa shogunate's power. The wooden palace features well-preserved paintings and carvings.

Classic 3-Day Kyoto Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Begins in Higashiyama Ward, starting with a visit to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. After exploring the temple, walk along Sannenzaka to Ninenzaka, browsing the small shops and admiring the traditional architecture. A ten-minute walk brings you to Yasaka Shrine, known for its iconic vermilion gates. Adjacent is Maruyama Park, a famous cherry blossom viewing spot—ideal for a visit in March or April. Finally, head to Gion for dinner along Hanamikoji Street in the evening, where you might catch a glimpse of a geisha.

Day 2: Visit Nishikyo Ward and head to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where morning light offers the best photo opportunities. Adjacent to the bamboo grove lies Tenryu-ji Temple, renowned for its exquisite garden. A 5-minute walk brings you to Togetsukyo Bridge, where you can admire seasonal views from the wooden bridge or take a boat tour. Before sunset, take the bus to Kinkaku-ji Temple, which glows exceptionally brilliantly in the evening sun.

Day 3: Arrive at Fushimi Inari Taisha in the morning to allow ample time exploring the Thousand Torii Gates. Afterward, take a bus to Nijō Castle to tour the residence of the Tokugawa shogunate. Finally, head to Nishiki Market to sample local delicacies such as matcha sweets and yakitori skewers.

Nearby Sights of Kyoto

Kyoto's location makes it an ideal starting point for travel. Here are a few nearby cities worth visiting:

Uji: This peaceful town is the birthplace of matcha. Here you can visit Byodo-in Temple, which is printed on the 10-yen coin. You can also explore local tea houses and sample various matcha-flavored foods. It's a 20-minute train ride from Kyoto.

Nara: A Kyoto-Nara day tour is a classic choice. Nara is home to the famous Nara Park and its free-roaming deer, while nearby Kasugataisha Shrine and Tōdai-ji are among Nara's main attractions. The train ride from Kyoto to Nara takes about 45 minutes.

Osaka: As Japan's second-largest city, Osaka boasts an irreplaceable atmosphere. You can explore Osaka Castle or spend a day in the bustling Dotonbori district. The train ride from Kyoto to Osaka takes just 30 minutes.

Must-Try Kyoto Cuisine

Kyoto has many unique Japanese dishes and snacks that are worth trying.

Kaiseki Ryori: This is Kyoto's signature high-end cuisine, featuring multiple courses of small, exquisitely crafted dishes. It places greater emphasis on seasonal ingredients.

Shojin Ryori: Originating from temple vegetarian cuisine, ingredients typically include tofu, vegetables, nuts, and soups.

Matcha Sweets: Kyoto's Uji region is the birthplace of matcha. Popular desserts include matcha ice cream, cakes, lattes, and more.

Yatsuhashi: This is a famous Kyoto wagashi specialty, available in soft Nama Yatsuhashi and crispy Baked Yatsuhashi varieties. Flavors include sweet red bean, chocolate, and matcha, with the classic cinnamon-infused version being the most iconic.

Recommended Kyoto Accommodation Areas

Gion & Higashiyama: For a deep immersion in Kyoto culture, traditional machiya townhouses and garden accommodations are available here. They are also conveniently located near Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Yasaka Shrine.

Kawaramachi & Pontocho: This is the heart of Kyoto's nightlife, featuring Nishiki Market alongside numerous shopping centers and restaurants.

Kita Ward: This area is quieter with fewer tourists, making it ideal for leisurely travel.