About Kyoto
Kyoto, officially Kyoto City , is the capital city of Kyoto Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan's largest and most populous island of Honshu. As of 2020, the city had a population of 1.46 million, making it the ninth-most populous city in Japan. More than half (56.8%) of Kyoto Prefecture's population resides in the city. The city is the cultural anchor of the substantially larger Greater Kyoto, a metropolitan statistical area home to approximately 3.8 million people. It is also part of the even larger Keihanshin metropolitan area, along with Osaka and Kobe.
Places to visit in Kyoto
-
Fushimi Inari-taisha
Religious · 3 mi from centreA major Shinto shrine famous for the thousands of orange torii gates lining trails up a wooded mountain. Go very early or near dusk, and walk farther up the hill to leave the crowds behind.
-
Kinkaku-ji
Religious · 3 mi from centreA Zen temple whose top floors are covered in gold leaf, reflected in a pond surrounded by gardens. The viewing path is one-way and gets crowded, so arrive right at opening for the best photos.
-
Kiyomizu-dera
Religious · 1 mi from centreA hillside temple known for its huge wooden stage built out over a slope, with views across the city. Walk up through the old Higashiyama lanes and visit early to avoid the heaviest crowds.
-
Arashiyama
Neighborhood · 6 mi from centreA scenic district on the western edge of the city known for its bamboo grove, river, and temples. Visit the bamboo grove early in the morning, then rent a bike to explore the quieter areas.
-
Gion
NeighborhoodKyoto's best-known geisha district, with wooden teahouses and lantern-lit lanes along the Shirakawa canal. Walk around in the early evening, and never photograph or block geiko and maiko on their way to work.
-
Nijō Castle
HistoricA former shogun residence with richly painted rooms and floors designed to squeak when walked on, as a warning of intruders. Allow time for the gardens, which are especially lovely in cherry blossom season.
-
Ginkaku-ji
Religious · 2 mi from centreA Zen temple known for its raked sand garden and moss-covered hillside paths, despite never being covered in silver. Combine it with a stroll along the nearby Philosopher's Walk canal path.
-
Nishiki Market
MarketA narrow covered market street lined with stalls selling pickles, seafood, sweets, and kitchen tools. Come hungry for small tastings, but avoid eating while walking, which local shops ask visitors not to do.
Top experiences in Kyoto
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 66 available.
Nara Afternoon Tour: Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park and Kasuga Taisha Shrine
From $80 per adult
1-Day Hiroshima & Miyajima Tour (Round Trip from Kyoto)
From $368 per adult
Kyoto and Nara in One Day - Tour
From $179 per adult
Kyoto Highlights - Small Group Morning Tour
From $61 per adult
Beyond the Torii Gates: Fushimi Inari's Secluded Hike - Half-Day Tour
From $81 per adult
Kyoto Gion: Geisha Culture and Hidden Heritage - Walking Tour
From $24 per adult
Shadows of the Bamboo: Kyoto’s Unsolved Mysteries & Ghost Tour
From $53 per adult
The Art of Wagashi: Handcrafted Traditional Japanese Sweets Workshop
From $26 per adult
Hidden Gems of Fushimi: Kyoto Sake Brewery & Premium Tasting
From $117 per adult
Kyoto & Nara Private Luxury Charter 10-Hour Custom Day Trip
From $538 per adult
The Spirit of Sumo: Authentic Kyoto Performance and Traditional Hotpot
From $129 per adult
Kyoto Gion Night -Small Group Walking Tour
From $45 per adult
Where to stay in Kyoto
Popular hotels in Kyoto, out of 1,177 properties you can book.
Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo
From $119 per night
Hotel Monterey Kyoto
From $114 per night
Hotel The M's Kyoto
From $59 per night
Hotel M's Est Shijo Karasuma
From $55 per night
Ace Hotel Kyoto
From $246 per night
Kyoto Tower Hotel Annex
From $79 per night
M's Hotel Kyoto Station Kasuga
From $35 per night
Hotel M's Est Kyoto Station South
From $63 per night
Kyoto Tower Hotel
From $106 per night
GRAN Ms KYOTO
From $49 per night
Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto
From $95 per night
M's Hotel Gojo Naginatagiri
From $50 per night
Best time to visit Kyoto
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Kyoto is April and November, when average daytime highs are around 62–68°F and rain falls on about 9 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Kyoto weather forecast
- Wed 11 Nov 64° 45° 0%
- Thu 12 Nov 67° 49° 0%
- Fri 13 Nov 69° 52° 8%
- Sat 14 Nov 67° 46° 6%
- Sun 15 Nov 63° 55° 92%
- Mon 16 Nov 63° 50° 31%
- Tue 17 Nov 63° 44° 48%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Japanese yen (JPY)1 US dollar ≈ ¥159
- Language
- Japanese
- Calling code
- +81
- Driving
- On the left
- Time zone
- Asia/TokyoUTC+9
- Capital
- Tokyo
Upcoming public holidays in Japan
- Labour Thanksgiving Day勤労感謝の日
- New Year's Day元日
- Coming of Age Day成人の日
- Foundation Day建国記念の日
- The Emperor's Birthday天皇誕生日
- Vernal Equinox Day春分の日
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Kyoto
These are the airports closest to central Kyoto. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- ITM Osaka International Airport24 mi (39 km) from the city centre
- UKB Kobe Airport40 mi (65 km) from the city centre
- KIX Kansai International Airport50 mi (81 km) from the city centre
Getting around Kyoto
The sheer size of the city of Kyoto, and the distribution of tourist attractions around the periphery of the city, make the city's public transport system invaluable.
By train
Kyoto is criss-crossed by several train lines, all of which are clearly sign-posted in English. Although the lines are run independently and prices vary slightly between them, transfers can be purchased at most of the ticket machines. The Keihan train line can be useful for traveling in eastern Kyoto, while the two Keifuku (aka Randen) tram lines are an attractive way of traveling in the northwest.
By subway
There are two subway lines which only serve a rather small part of the city. The north-south running Karasuma Line runs under Kyoto Station, and the west-east running Tozai Line links up with it near the city center. Both are useful for travel in the city center but not really suitable for temple-hopping.
By bus
The bus network is the only practical way of reaching some attractions, particularly those in north-western Kyoto. Fortunately the system is geared toward tourists, with destinations electronically displayed/announced in English as well as Japanese. Unlike other Japanese cities, a tourist probably is advised to use the buses here. Tourists with large luggage are strongly discouraged (and sometimes refused) from using city buses. Use the subway or 'Hands-Free Travel' luggage delivery services.
Kyoto travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Kyoto?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Kyoto is April and November, when average daytime highs are around 62–68°F and rain falls on about 9 days a month.
What is the weather like in Kyoto?
August is usually the warmest month in Kyoto, with average highs of 94°F (34°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 31°F (-0°C). The wettest month is typically June, with about 292 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Kyoto?
Osaka International Airport (ITM) is the closest airport, about 24 miles (39 km) from the centre of Kyoto. Other nearby airports include Kobe Airport (UKB, 40 mi) and Kansai International Airport (KIX, 50 mi).
What currency is used in Kyoto?
Kyoto uses the Japanese yen (JPY). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ ¥159.
What time zone is Kyoto in?
Kyoto uses the Asia/Tokyo time zone (currently UTC+9). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Kyoto?
The sheer size of the city of Kyoto, and the distribution of tourist attractions around the periphery of the city, make the city's public transport system invaluable.
What are the best places to visit in Kyoto?
Top sights in Kyoto include Fushimi Inari-taisha, Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera and Arashiyama. A major Shinto shrine famous for the thousands of orange torii gates lining trails up a wooded mountain. Go very early or near dusk, and walk farther up the hill to leave the crowds behind.
What are the top things to do in Kyoto?
Popular experiences you can book in Kyoto include Nara Afternoon Tour: Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, 1-Day Hiroshima & Miyajima Tour (Round Trip from Kyoto) and Kyoto and Nara in One Day - Tour. Destina Holidays offers 66 tours and activities here.
Where should I stay in Kyoto?
Popular areas for hotels in Kyoto include Kyoto. Well-reviewed options include Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo and Hotel Monterey Kyoto.
How many hotels can I book in Kyoto?
Destina Holidays currently lists 1,177 properties in and around Kyoto, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
