Formerly the capital of Japan, Kyoto is a charming yet bustling city in the Kansai region. Kyoto is a captivating place where ancient traditions continue to thrive amongst beautiful hidden gardens. From serene Buddhist temples and vibrant Shinto shrines to world-class cuisine, Kyoto offers a unique experience for every traveler.
Over two weeks in late November and early December, my family and I explored Kyoto’s rich heritage. We wandered the historic alleyways of Gion, explored magnificent hillside temples, and discovered countless hidden gems. In this guide, I share with you our insights and practical tips to help you plan an unforgettable trip to Kyoto.
Essential Information for Visiting Kyoto
- If you plan to arrive via plane, the nearest airport is Osaka International Airport, as Kyoto does not have an airport. From Osaka, you can take a train (15 minutes on the JR line) or a bus (approx 1 hr 30 mins) to arrive in Kyoto.
- You can also take a bullet train, or Shinkansen, from Tokyo to Kyoto.
- The official language spoken is Japanese in Kyoto. English is spoken in the city. However, it is less commonly spoken outside of hotels and tourist areas.
- Kyoto is largely a cash-based city, with many attractions and businesses preferring it.
- The currency in Kyoto is the Japanese Yen.
Best time to visit Kyoto?
Japan’s beauty is enhanced by its distinct four seasons. While winters can bring heavy snow and cold temperatures, summers, especially in Kyoto, are intensely hot. The best time to visit Kyoto is during spring or autumn:
Kyoto Cherry Blossom Season
- Springtime in Kyoto, particularly during the cherry blossom season (sakura), is one of the most popular times to visit. From late March to mid-April, Kyoto’s cherry trees burst into life with pink and white blooms. The cherry blossoms also bring higher prices and larger crowds, as people from around the world visit for this special occasion.
Kyoto’s Stunning Autumn Foliage
- The autumn months, especially mid-to-late November during the koyo (autumn foliage) season, offer a different kind of beauty. Kyoto’s fall foliage transforms the city into a tapestry of reds, oranges, and gold. This is a fantastic time to visit Kyoto, with pleasant temperatures around 17°C (63°F) in November and generally fewer crowds than in spring.
Kyoto’s best-hidden gems and iconic landmarks
- Gion: Kyoto’s Geisha District
Gion, located in Southern Higashiyama, is a historically rich area of Kyoto, famously known as Kyoto’s geisha district. Stepping into Gion is like taking a step back in time, where you’ll find preserved 17th-century wooden tea houses and enchanting temples. Among its picturesque alleyways, you can find unique stores selling handcrafted souvenirs and tea houses where you can experience traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.
As of April 2024, some parts of Gion are restricted to tourists to protect private areas and the privacy of the residents. While areas such as Hanami-koji Street remain open to tourists, it’s crucial to be respectful. Geishas can sometimes be spotted in Gion, especially in the evenings, but it’s essential to respect their privacy and allow them to pass through undisturbed.
- Kiyomizu-Dera Temple: Breathtaking Views
Also located in Southern Higashiyama, Kyoto, is the impressive Kiyomizu-Dera temple, a historic Buddhist temple built over 1200 years ago. Perched halfway up Mount Otowa, Kiyomizu-dera offers breathtaking panoramic views of Kyoto city and is a significant site where visitors come to pay respects to the eleven-headed, thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva.
Key points of interest at Kiyomizu-dera include the magnificent vermillion Nio-mon gates, which serve as the temple’s iconic entrance, and the main hall (Hondo). Inside the Hondo hall, you can find the revered statue of the Kannon Bodhisattva.
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): Iconic Kyoto
This stunning temple sits proudly overlooking a lake and attracts thousands of visitors to view its gold-leaf grandeur. Originally built for a retired shogun in 1397, Kinkaku-Ji was converted into a Buddhist Temple and is a spectacular three-story pavilion covered entirely in gold leaf.
Beyond the pavilion, the temple grounds are stunning and include the Ryumon-taki waterfall and the Sekka-tei teahouse. Kinkaku-Ji is a very popular UNESCO World Heritage Site, so aim to visit during quieter hours in the morning and late afternoon.
- Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion): Zen Garden Serenity
The beautiful silver-clad Ginkaku-Ji Temple was a highlight of our trip to Kyoto. Built in 1482 for retired shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, it has since been converted into a zen temple and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The temple grounds feature stunning gardens, a key attraction for visitors, including an inviting moss garden and a serene sand garden designed for meditation. We enjoyed a peaceful morning exploring the gardens and admiring the temple. Ginkaku-Ji is a must-see destination for any Kyoto itinerary.
- Eikan-do Temple: Autumn Colours
Eikan-do Temple, a short walk from Ginkaku-ji along the Path of Philosophy, is particularly beautiful in autumn when its foliage bursts into colour. This beautiful temple has several buildings from the 11th century and impressive grounds, which include the Hojo Pond and the hillside Tahoto Pagoda, whichoffers stunning views across Kyoto.
- Fushimi Inari Shrine: Thousands of Torii Gates
The Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of Kyoto’s most famous sights, is known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. Located in a forest in southern Kyoto, this popular shrine leads visitors through thousands of red torii gates, to the summit of the mountain.
At Fushimi Inari, you’ll see countless stone fox statues. These foxes are believed to be messengers of the deity Inari and hold a revered place in traditional Japanese culture as spiritual animals. Due to its popularity, the shrine gets very busy during the day so it’s best to visit in the morning or late afternoon.
- Nijo-jo Castle: Shogun’s Power Base
Built in the early 17th century by the Tokugawa shogunate, Nijo-jo Castle is a stunning example of Momoyama-era architecture. The castle is famous for its intricate wooden carvings, and the “nightingale floors” designed to squeak when walked upon. We spent an afternoon here exploring the Ninomaru Palace, the Honmaru Palace (the main keep), and surrounding gardens.
Located in central Kyoto, Nijo-jo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a glimpse into Japan’s Edo period.
The best way to get around Kyoto
Kyoto is well-designed and easy to navigate for tourists looking to explore this cultural city. You can easily get around Kyoto on foot, however, the city also has fantastic public transport.
- Buses in Kyoto
- Public buses serve all the major areas of the city, although we found the bus system to be a bit different. In Kyoto, you board buses via the rear door and pay your fare when you exit via the front.
- If paying in cash, you need to have the exact fare ready. Otherwise, you can use an IC card (such as Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA).
- IC cards can be bought at Kyoto Station, and Kyoto City Bus & Subway Information Center.
- Kyoto subway
- Kyoto has a simple subway system made up of two lines, the Karasuma Line (north-south) and the Tozai Line (east-west).
- You can use IC cards to pay for travel on the subway and there is also free wifi.
- While the subway is fast, it has fewer stations than the bus system, meaning you may have a longer walk to your destination.
- The subway gets very busy during rush hour so avoid using it at peak times.
- Taking a taxi in Kyoto
Taking a taxi is an alternative option in Kyoto if you are unsure of your surroundings.
- Most taxis can accommodate four passengers.
- You may be pleasantly surprised by your driver’s polite demeanor and appearance as it is common for taxi drivers to wear a uniform and gloves.
- While English is not widely spoken by taxi drivers, having your destination written in Japanese will be helpful.
Kyoto must-try food experiences
● Nishiki Market – Kyoto street food
If you are looking for authentic street food in Japan visit Nishiki Market. Here you’ll find locals bargaining for fresh fish and seafood, as well as tourists grabbing a bite to eat. Located in a narrow alley, the market has stalls selling everything from fresh seafood to soymilk donuts.
This market, dating back to the 14th century, offers a variety of foodie souvenirs, from Japanese pickles to handcrafted chef’s knives. Stalls open at 10 am in Nishiki market and close around 5 pm.
● Kaiseki Dining in Kyoto
Kyoto is well-known for its high-end kaiseki cuisine, a traditional style of Japanese dining. Here chefs carefully present the best seasonal ingredients via a multi-course meal. Kaiseki is a popular, albeit expensive, specialty dining experience in Kyoto.
To experience kaiseki dining, advance reservations are essential. Your hotel may be able to assist with bookings, as some restaurants are quite exclusive.
● Kyoto Tea Houses
While visiting Kyoto you should definitely experience a Kyoto tea house. These tranquil spaces offer a glimpse into the art of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Often located in quiet gardens, Kyoto tea houses provide a moment to pause and appreciate Japanese culture.
A Kyoto tea ceremony involves matcha (powdered green tea) served with wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) that complement the tea’s flavour.
Kyoto Travel Tips:
- Bring comfortable walking shoes to explore Kyoto easily.
- Carry cash with you to pay for entrance fees to temples and shrines.
- Pre-booking a pocket Wi-Fi device for airport pickup and return is highly recommended. This will provide convenient internet access throughout your trip, which we found invaluable for translating, finding restaurants, and accessing online maps.
- Save money by picking up snacks and bento boxes from convenience stores (like 7-Eleven) or department store food halls (like Daimaru and Isetan).
Becki Chu
Travel Writer
London, UK