Kyoto

Temples, gardens and geisha lanes.

Japan · Asia ·

#19 in Euromonitor's overall city ranking (2025)

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Kyoto was Japan's capital for over a thousand years and keeps some 1,600 temples, classic gardens and wooden townhouses.

Top attractions in Kyoto

Fushimi InariThousands of red torii gates; go early.
Kinkaku-jiThe Golden Pavilion reflected in its pond.
ArashiyamaBamboo grove and the monkey park.
GionHistoric lanes of teahouses; respect the no-photo zones.
Kiyomizu-deraWooden stage with city views.
Nishiki MarketKyoto's kitchen for snacks and pickles.

Where to stay

Near Kyoto Station for transit, or Gion and Higashiyama for atmosphere.

LuxuryThe Ritz-Carlton, KyotoKamogawa River

Mid-rangeAce Hotel KyotoKarasuma

ValuePiece Hostel SanjoSanjo

Get hotel rates for Kyoto

Getting there and around

From the airport. No airport of its own: fly into Kansai (KIX) and take the Haruka express in about 75 min, or Itami (ITM) by limousine bus.

In the city. Buses, subway and JR/Keihan trains; rent a bike for flat areas.

Train and bus tips

Buses reach most temples but crowd up; combine with subway and trains.
Keihan and JR lines to Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama.
Shinkansen to Tokyo about 2h15.
Bike rental for flat central areas.

Events, nightlife and sports

All of July (parades July 17 and 24)Gion MatsuriJapan's most famous festival.

May 15Aoi MatsuriImperial court procession.

August 16Gozan no OkuribiGiant bonfires on the mountains.

October 22Jidai MatsuriHistorical costume parade.

Nightlife and parties. Pontocho alley bars, Kiyamachi, riverside terraces in summer.

Sports. Kyoto Marathon (February), Kyoto Sanga football.

Dates change every year; check official sites before booking. The concierge can get tickets.

What to eat

KaisekiMatcha sweetsYudofu (tofu hot pot)Obanzai home cookingNishin soba

Local tours in R Travel

Our picks for Kyoto, plus more options once you search.

Coming soonKyoto's greatest templesFull day

Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera with a private guide.

Early-morning Inari
Private car
Lunch

Coming soonTea ceremony and kimono2 hours

Traditional tea ceremony in a townhouse, kimono included.

Kimono dressing
Tea master
Photo time

Coming soonGion evening walk2 hours

Geisha district history with a licensed guide.

Hanamikoji
Shirakawa canal
Etiquette briefing

Book a tour in Kyoto

Practical info

When to go

Late March–April (cherry blossoms) and November (autumn leaves).

Money

Japanese yen (JPY)

Language

Japanese

Visa (US passport holders)

No visa needed. Visa-free entry for up to 90 days.

R Travel tip

Buses get crowded; combine trains and walking.

Entry rules shown are for US passport holders and change often — always confirm with the destination's embassy or your airline before booking. Other nationalities should check separately.

Good to know

Private alleys in Gion ban photography.
Many temples close by 5pm.
Book blossom and foliage seasons months ahead.

Opening hours, prices, event dates and entry rules change. Check official sites before you go. Written by the R Travel team.