Kyoto, once known as Heian-kyō, served as the capital of Japan and the residence of emperors for over a thousand years (from 794 to 1868). The city was carefully planned according to the Chinese model of a capital, which can still be seen in its grid-like street layout and the harmonious arrangement of palaces and temples.
Modern Kyoto is also a thriving center of science and tourism. The city is home to modern universities, research centers, as well as commercial and technological districts that contrast with the traditional streets of Gion, filled with teahouses and geishas. Walking through the city feels like a journey through centuries—from the imperial era, through the age of the samurai, to today’s futuristic Japan.
We spent only 4 days here, but the city and its surroundings offer such a vast number of fascinating places that even a year might not be enough to see and explore everything. Below you’ll find a short guide and links to articles that lead through the most interesting spots in each district.
KYOTO – DETAILED GUIDES
ARASHIYAMA – WESTERN DISTRICT OF KYOTO >
CENTRAL KYOTO: NIJO CASTLE, RAILWAY MUSEUM, KYOTO TOWER AND OTHER ATTRACTIONS >
EASTERN KYOTO – TEMPLES AND STREETS OF HIGASHIYAMA >
THOUSAND GATES TEMPLE – SENBON TORII SHRINE AND OTHER ATTRACTIONS OF SOUTHERN KYOTO >
HOW TO GET TO KYOTO ?
BY PLANE
The nearest major airports are:
- Kansai International Airport – about 75 km from Kyoto, well connected by trains and airport buses.
- Osaka International Airport – closer to the city, mainly domestic flights.
- Narita International Airport – farther away, but Kyoto can be reached by express trains and the Shinkansen.
From Kansai Airport, the most convenient way to reach Kyoto is the JR Haruka Express train (about 75 minutes) or an airport limousine bus (about 90 minutes).
BY TRAIN
Kyoto is very well connected with the rest of Japan thanks to the Shinkansen (high-speed trains):
- From Tokyo – about 2 hours 20 minutes by Shinkansen.
- From Osaka – about 15–30 minutes by Shinkansen, or about 45 minutes by regular train.
- From Hiroshima – about 1 hour 45 minutes by Shinkansen.
In Japan, it is worth using the Japan Rail Pass if you plan to travel by Shinkansen—it can significantly reduce travel costs.
BY BUS
Intercity buses (so-called highway buses) are a cheaper option than the Shinkansen, although the journey takes longer. From Osaka the trip takes about 1–1.5 hours, while from Tokyo an overnight bus journey takes around 8 hours.
BY CAR
Renting a car in Japan is possible, but traffic in Kyoto can be heavy, and parking is often expensive and difficult to find. In most cases, it is better to rely on trains and public transportation.
HOW TO GET AROUND THE CITY?
Getting around Kyoto is easiest by public transportation, which is generally well organized and punctual. However, due to the huge number of tourists and Japanese visitors arriving every weekend, transport can sometimes be very crowded—especially buses.
TICKETS – IC CARD
For tourists, the most practical options are SUICA or PASMO. These are electronic cards that you top up and use on trains, the metro, and buses.
METRO
The metro is fast and convenient, especially if you want to reach the city center or areas around the main railway stations. In Kyoto there are two subway lines operated by the Kyoto Municipal Subway:
- Karasuma Line (north–south)
- Tozai Line (east–west)
CITY BUSES
The most characteristic form of transport in Kyoto is the city bus system operated by Kyoto City Bus. Buses reach almost all of the city’s main tourist attractions, including temples and gardens. They are especially useful because many historic sites are located outside the metro lines. However, on weekends buses can be extremely crowded, sometimes making it nearly impossible to get on—especially in the city center.
SUBURBAN TRAINS
Kyoto is also served by railway lines operated by several companies, including JR West, Keihan Electric Railway, and Hankyu Railway. These lines allow quick travel to nearby cities such as Osaka or Nara.
BICYCLE
Kyoto is one of the best cities in Japan for exploring by bicycle. Many streets are flat, and bike parking is available near tourist attractions (though usually paid). Bike rentals are very popular among visitors.
KYOTO – WHERE TO EAT?
CENTRE
Kyoto is famous not only for its historic sites but also for its exceptional cuisine. In the city, you can try both traditional Japanese dishes and modern interpretations of local flavors. The widest selection of restaurants is found in the city centre, around Nishiki Market and along the Kamo River. In the evenings, these areas are lively social hubs, and many restaurants offer tables with views of the water. In summer, the popular kawadoko, wooden terraces set above the river allow diners to enjoy meals in the coolness of the flowing water.
GION DISTRICT
In the historic Gion district, you’ll find more intimate restaurants and traditional teahouses tucked away in narrow streets. In the evenings, the area takes on a unique atmosphere. Lit lanterns, wooden buildings, and strolling geiko and maiko create the charm of old Kyoto.
EASTERN KYOTO
Near the temples in eastern Kyoto, especially around Kiyomizu-dera, there are many traditional teahouses. They offer not only drinks but also demonstrations and short workshops on the Japanese tea ceremony. It’s a great opportunity to experience one of Japan’s most important traditions in a place where it has been practiced for centuries.
It’s also worth noting that in Kyoto great importance is placed on the aesthetics of food presentation and the atmosphere of the establishment. This makes dining in Kyoto not only a culinary experience but also a way to engage with the local culture.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT KYOTO
ANCIENT CAPITAL OF JAPAN
For over a thousand years (794–1868), Kyoto was the capital of Japan and the residence of the emperor. During this time, the city became the cradle of classical Japanese culture, including literature, court poetry, tea ceremonies, and the art of garden design.
THE CITY OF A THOUSAND SHRINES
Kyoto is home to over 1,600 Buddhist temples and around 400 Shintō shrines. Many of these belong to historic complexes listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
THOUSANDS OF TORII GATES
At Fushimi Inari Taisha, several thousand red torii gates form remarkable tunnels winding through the forest up the slopes of Mount Inari.
CRADLE OF TRADITIONAL ARTS AND CRAFTS
Kyoto remains a center of many Japanese artistic traditions, such as nō and kabuki theater, the tea ceremony, and ikebana flower arranging. The city is also famous for producing luxury kimonos, silk fabrics, ceramics, and lacquered wood crafts.
CITY OF GEISHAS
In the historic Gion district, geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) can still be seen, preserving the old traditions of entertainment and etiquette.
A CITY THAT SURVIVED WAR
During World War II, Kyoto avoided major destruction, allowing it to preserve a vast number of historic temples, palaces, and traditional districts.
KIMONO RENTALS AND SHOPS
Walking through Kyoto, one quickly notices a distinctive sight: women dressed in traditional kimonos appearing almost everywhere. They are especially common in historic parts of the city, particularly in districts like Gion or near the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The colorful kimonos have become one of Kyoto’s most recognizable symbols.
More and more visitors choose to rent a kimono to fully experience the atmosphere of old Japan and take memorable photos. Kyoto now has dozens of rental shops offering this service. Importantly, these rentals provide much more than just the garment. In addition to the kimono, visitors can receive professional assistance in putting it on, traditional hairstyles, and various accessories such as elegant handbags, decorative umbrellas, and wooden sandals. The result is a few hours of feeling like a character from Japanese history. Walking through Kyoto’s streets in a kimono amid wooden houses, temples, and gardens becomes a unique experience and one of the city’s most iconic attractions.
WHERE TO STAY IN KYOTO ?
When planning accommodation in Kyoto, it’s worth considering different neighborhoods and types of lodging. You’ll find everything here, from traditional ryokans to modern hotels. We stayed near Omiya Station at the Hop-Inn hotel in the city center, which was a pleasant and quiet area, yet close to public transport and fairly near the main attractions. The hotel was new and clean, with modest breakfasts served in the lobby (limited space for everyone) and small rooms.
- Booking.com
- Agoda , which works particularly well in Asia (it’s worth checking both).
Through any link on this page, you can book accommodation with a 15% discount!
Simply enter your desired dates and book safely:
JAPAN – COUNTRY GUIDE >
TOKIO – GUIDE AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION >
- ASAKUSA IN TOKYO – TEMPLES AND SURROUNDINGS >
- UENO PARK, OKACHIMACHI AND AKIHABARA – DISTRICTS OF NORTHERN TOKYO >
- SHINJUKU IN TOKYO – THE DISTRICT THAT NEVER SLEEPS >
- SHIBUYA AND YOYOGI PARK – A GUIDE TO THE HEART OF TOKYO >
- TOKYO TOWER AND OTHER ATTRACTIONS OF THE MINATO DISTRICT >
- SOUTHERN TOKYO ISLANDS >
OSAKA – GUIDE AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION >
- TOYONAKA – THE NORTHERN, GREEN SIDE OF OSAKA >
- UMEDA (KITA) – NORTHERN PART OF OSAKA >
- OSAKA CASTLE >
- OSAKA CITY CENTER : DOTONBORI, NAMBA, SHINSEKAI AND TENNOJI >
- WESTERN OSAKA AND ITS ATTRACTIONS >