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About
World famous Kyoto, a place everyone should visit in their lifetime has been featured and selected as a "Best City To Visit" in countless TV shows, magazines and online content. With 17 locations within Kyoto designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, an unparalleled deep history and an atmosphere that can take you back to a time gone by, Kyoto is sure to fill your heart and soul with awe. As the formal Imperial Capitol of Japan for more than one thousand years, Kyoto is filled with shrines, temples, gardens and buildings of ancient times. Kyoto is know as "the City of Ten Thousand Shrines". The city has seen wars (most damaging being the Onin War during the mid-16th century), battles and fires but fortunately was not directly targeted during World War 2 so original structures remain from hundreds and hundreds of years ago. Not only can you enjoy the beautiful structures, there is great food, festivals and accommodations. Kyoto can easily be reached by Tokyo or Osaka on the Bullet Train within a couple hours.
Where to stay in Kyoto
Kyoto has a wide range of hotels, Japanese Inns and hostels depending on the "Style" you feel like and your budget. Although the 4 and 5 star hotels are extremely nice and the service is excellent, you may want to consider a smaller Japanese style Inn for a night or even your entire stay. There are Japanese Inns for the budget conscious and for those where money is no concern. Sleeping on a nice soft and warm futon after a long hot bath while in the historic city is a relaxing experience you will never forget. Wake up to a Japanese style breakfast and then walk out into beautiful Kyoto.
Since the spots to see in Kyoto are literally all over the city, it doesn't really matter in which part of the city you stay. If you want a quieter part of town, the East or West areas are best but if you want to be able to walk out and about town whenever you feel like it, near the station or downtown would be your best bet. Take a look at some of our recommended lodging options further down this page or view our full list of Hotels, Japanese Inns, Business Hotels (Lodging) in Kyoto
What to do in Kyoto
First on the list for Kyoto is it historic and beautiful shrines, temples and parks. You will need a detailed plan of action to hit all the right spots or you will find your precious hours quickly slip away as there are so many to see. Don't just focus on the temples and shrines though, a simple walk through the back streets of Kyoto or the more tourist "old town" areas make for a fabulous walk for your senses. Attending a Green Tea ceremony or hiring a Geisha for a dinner show are all possible and make for a wonderful experience. Shopping and eating in Kyoto are also two "main events" that can't be overseen. Don't just hit the "tourist" spots, as mentioned previously step into the back streets or get off the standard tourist streets and walk among the locals. If your lucky you may see some Geisha or Maiko on their way to work in the evening. Take a look at the top attactions in Kyoto further down this page or view our full list of Kyoto Attractions
Access
The graphic above is a simplified "Quick Glance" at transportation options. Due to fluctuating schedules & pricing, Times & Costs are subject to change.
Its very easy to get to Kyoto from Tokyo or Osaka. If your a JR Pass (Japan Railways Pass) holder just jump on any "Hikari" Shinkansen (or even a "Kodama" Shinkansen if leaving from Osaka but DON'T ride a "Kodama" from Tokyo... it will take forever). Without a JR Pass you can pay the fare and ride any Shinkansen you like.
Hotels & Lodging
Recommended
View all Hotels and Lodging in & nearby Kyoto
Area Map
The map below gives a great "over-view" of the "main" areas (cities) in Kyoto.
Attractions
Here is a list of some of the top Attractions in & nearby Kyoto. View all Attractions in Kyoto.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Hours: The grounds of Shrines and Temples are generally open 27/7, 365 days a year but, many set their own hours. If hours are set, they are generally open from 9:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. in the morning and close around 4:30 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. in the evening.
Cost: The general grounds of Shrines and Temples are free but may charge a small fee (a couple/few hundred yen) for special gardens, exhibitions, artifact viewing, etc.
Map: Google Map
The Fushimi Inari Shrine or the Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of the most important Shinto Shrines and is located in Kyoto. From 1871 to 1946 Fushimi Inari Shrine was one of the "official" Kanpei Taisha, a shrine that was recognized from the government as a "first rank" shrine. Not only is it an imp... more details
Kiyomizu-dera
Hours: Usually opens at 6:00am and typically closes at 6:30pm although hours can very.
Cost: The general grounds of Shrines and Temples are free but may charge a small fee (a couple/few hundred yen) for special gardens, exhibitions, artifact viewing, etc.
Map: Google Map
One of the most well known and famous temples in Kyoto, The Kiyomizu-dera temple is an independent Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto. The temple is located at the Otowa Mountain at Eastern Kyoto where it was established in 778. Though the temple's foundation has been burned down many times, it was ... more details
Ginkaku-ji
Hours: Summer: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Winter: 9:00 a.m. to 4:40 p.m.
Cost: 15+: 500 yen, under 15: 300 yen
Map: Google Map
The Ginkakuji, ("Gin" meaning 'silver') "Temple of the Silver Pavilion" is a Zen temple in the eastern mountains of Kyoto. Although most people, even the Japanese refer to the temple as the Silver Pavilion, it's real name is Higashiyama Jisho-ji. Ginkaku-ji was built in 1842 by Shogun Ashikaga Yos... more details
Kinkaku-ji
Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Cost: 15+: 400 yen, under 15: 300 yen
Map: Google Map
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) is one of the most well known places about Japan around the world. It is a UN World Heritage Site, putting it up there with the Pyramids of Giza, the Statue of Liberty, and the Cathedral of Notre-Dame. It is a structure / place that is a symbol of the spirit of man. Not ... more details
Saiho-Ji
Hours: Saiho-Ji is only open to visitors who have made a reservation. Please visit the Official Website (Resources below) for details.
Cost: The general grounds of Shrines and Temples are free but may charge a small fee (a couple/few hundred yen) for special gardens, exhibitions, artifact viewing, etc.
Map: Google Map
Saiho-Ji, or better known as Kokedera, (in Japanese; Koke Dera 西芳寺) is a UNESCO World Heritage site and very difficult to visit because they require and "old school" reservation made far in advance by regular mail (see "Resources" below for the Official Website). It is also costs a bit more ... more details
Gion
Hours: This is a Area, therefore each establishment has it's own hours but generally shops in Japan generally open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. while restaurants are generally open until 9:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m.
Cost: Each establishment's cost is different.
Map: Google Map
Gion is a fascinating district or "area" in Kyoto that has been known throughout the ages as the "Entertainment District". The area is in "front" of Yasaka Shrine and was built up to accommodate the many travelers that visited the shrine. Gion is also known as the "Geisha District" most famous of ... more details
