Kyoto

About | Access | Hotels & Lodging | Area Map | Attractions

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

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.

View area on Google Maps

 

Attractions

Here is a list of some of the top Attractions in & nearby Kyoto.  View all Attractions in Kyoto.

#1

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

---

#2

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

---

#3

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

---

#4

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

---

#5

Katsura Imperial Villa

Hours: Tours done via reservations with the Imperial Household Agency only (see link below). Open from Monday to Saturday

Closed: -

Cost:

Map: Google Map

The Katsura Imperial Villa is one of Japan's most important cultural treasures and is considered by many as one of the finest examples of purely Japanese architecture and garden design. Construction was started by Prince Hachijō Toshihito around 1622 and after his death his son Toshitada cont... more details

---

#6

Hikone Castle

Hours: Open daily from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Closed: -

Cost:

Map: Google Map

Hikone Castle was built as a Prize Castle when Tokugawa Ieyasu awarded the surrounding lands to Ii Naomasa (Ii Naomasa was one of Tokugawa's seven great generals) after the battle of Sekigahara.  Originally Tokugawa awarded Ii Sawayama a different Castle but Ii didn't like that castle... more details

---

View all attractions in & nearby Kyoto