Kyoto
Kyoto is old Japan writ large: atmospheric temples, sublime gardens, traditional teahouses and geisha scurrying to secret liaisons.
Attractions
Must-see attractions
Downtown Kyoto
The covered Nishiki Market (Nishiki-kōji Ichiba) is one of Kyoto’s real highlights, especially if you have an interest in cooking and dining. Commonly…
Kyoto
Located atop 848m-high Hiei-zan (the mountain that dominates the skyline in the northeast of the city), the Enryaku-ji complex is an entire world of…
Southern Higashiyama
A buzzing hive of activity perched on a hill overlooking the basin of Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto's most popular and most enjoyable temples. It…
Southern Higashiyama
A collection of soaring buildings, spacious courtyards and gardens, Chion-in serves as the headquarters of the Jōdo sect, the largest school of Buddhism…
Southern Higashiyama
Gion is the famous entertainment and geisha quarter on the eastern bank of the Kamo-gawa. While Gion’s true origins were in teahouses catering to weary…
Downtown Kyoto
The military might of Japan's great warlord generals, the Tokugawa shoguns, is amply demonstrated by the imposing stone walls and ramparts of their great…
Southern Higashiyama
This temple is hard to miss, with its giant camphor trees growing just outside the walls. Fortunately, most tourists march right on past, heading to the…
Kyoto
Byōdō-in is home to one of the loveliest Buddhist structures in Japan: the Hōō-dō hall (Phoenix Hall), which is depicted on the back of the Japanese ¥10…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Things to Know
From planning your trip to local etiquette, here are the most important things to know before going to Kyoto.
Read articleBest Neighborhoods
Discover five diverse neighborhoods to check out in Japan’s most historic major city.
Read articleMoney and Costs
Kyoto may be known as an expensive city but that doesn't mean there aren't deals to be found. Plan your perfect budget break with our top tips.
Read articleTransportation
From buses, trains and the subway to discovering the city on foot or two wheels, here’s everything you need to know about getting around Kyoto.
Read articleFree Things to Do
From stunning temples to incredible landscapes, here are Kyoto's best experiences that are completely free.
Read articleTraveling with Kids
Japan is a delightful place for travel with little ones in general, and Kyoto is no exception – here are our favorite things to do with kids and teens.
Read articlePlan with a local
Articles
Latest stories from Kyoto
- Public Transport8 day trips from Kyoto for history, deer, street food and much more
Jan 26, 2024 • 9 min read
- NeighborhoodsKyoto’s most exciting neighborhoods for history, culture and world-class food
Jan 19, 2024 • 7 min read
HikingThese 7 top hikes in Kyoto offer scenery, city views and mountaintop templesJan 18, 2024 • 8 min read
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