region image

Kansai
Kyoto

6°

Kyoto

Japan's ancient capital home to sacred shrines and Zen gardens

About Kyoto

Photo: Guitar photographer / Shutterstock.com

Top Attractions in Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Culture

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

4.6 (10) 10 Reviews

Kinkakuji Temple

Culture

Kinkakuji Temple

4.8 (4) 4 Reviews

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Culture

Fushimi Inari Taisha

5 (6) 6 Reviews

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Activities

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

4.7 (3) 3 Reviews

View all places

Around Kyoto

View all areas

About Kyoto

Region	Kansai
Island	Honshu
Capital	Kyoto in Video
Population	2,636,092
Area	4,612.20 km²

Japan’s capital from AD 794 to 1868, the list of possible tourist destinations in Kyoto Prefecture (京都府, Kyōto-fu) is endless.

You can attempt to visit all of major sites, including but certainly not limited to: Fushimi Inari Shrine and its brilliant vermillion row of torii gates, its many temples (most notably Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangen-do, and Kinkaku-ji), Nijo Castle, and Amanohashidate (one of the Three Views of Japan).

Or you can attempt to “experience” Kyoto and its rich culture: appreciate the traditional architecture and maiko of the Gion district, witness the Gion Festival (held every July), and indulge in the various delicacies Kyoto has to offer, such as Uji matcha green tea, tofu, and various Japanese confectioneries. Kyoto is on the bucket list of many a traveller, and for good reason.

Around Kyoto

Kyoto Top 10

Recommended
Popular

Upcoming Kyoto Events

Kodai-ji Autumn Illumination

Culture

Kodai-ji Autumn Illumination

Late Oct - Mid Dec

Formally known as Kodaijusho-zenji Temple and located in the Higashiyama Mountains of eastern Kyoto, Kodai-ji Temple was established..

1 6 ¥600

Naked Yorumode Heian Jingu

Activities

Naked Yorumode Heian Jingu

Dec 15th - Dec 30th

Naked Yorumode Heian Jingu includes a brightly illuminated Oten-mon Gate (the front gate of the shrine), and various light and sound..

58 6 ¥1,500

Chestnut Afternoon Tea

Food

Chestnut Afternoon Tea

Nov 1st - Dec 31st

Chestnuts are one of the popular tastes of autumn in Japan, and The Westin Miyako Kyoto is hosting a chestnut-themed afternoon tea..

2 2 ¥5,100

View all events

Tours and experiences

Kyoto and Nara Cycling Tour (self-guided)

TOURS

Kyoto and Nara Cycling Tour (self-guided)

This tour connects the two former Japanese capitals Nara and Kyoto with their traditional town scapes. In between you can marv..

2 days ¥31,500 +

Guided Tour from East Kyoto to Uji and Fushimi

TOURS

Guided Tour from East Kyoto to Uji and Fushimi

Join our tour, a combination of short pleasant train rides and walking, to Uji and Fushimi. Start in East Kyoto and explore the..

1 day ¥10,500 +

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Camellia FLOWER (Group)

EXPERIENCES

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Camellia FLOWER (Group)

At Camellia we dedicate ourselves to sharing the beautiful culture of tea with the world. Tea ceremony lies at the heart of Ja..

45 minutes ¥3,000 +

View all

Where to eat in Kyoto

Chao Chao Gyoza

Food

Chao Chao Gyoza

Lee Tan

Chowing down on gyozas and cheap beer at Chao Chao Gyoza

3

Aburi-mochi at Ichiwa & Kazariya

Food

Aburi-mochi at Ichiwa & Kazariya

Meg Sing

Ichiwa is an thousand year old store with longstanding connections with Yasurai Matsuri festival at Imamiya Shrine selling aburi-mochi,..

45 2

Kyoto Ramen Koji

Food

Kyoto Ramen Koji

Hoyee Tse

Ramen is definitely one of my must have dishes in Japan. I love noodles and how the Japanese use their many years of experience..

1

View all dining

Places to stay in Kyoto

Tokyu Harvest Kyoto Takagamine

Accommodation

Tokyu Harvest Kyoto Takagamine

Takako Sakamoto

Tokyu Harvest Club Kyoto Takagamine & Viala is a gorgeous hotel inside the historical Shozan Resort Kyoto.

4 7

Ine Boathouse Ryokan

Accommodation

Ine Boathouse Ryokan

Bonson Lam

At Ine there are surprises and delights in every season. In winter the mountains are blanketed by snow, and you are rewarded by..

102 2

Hiyori Chapter Kyoto Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Accommodation

Hiyori Chapter Kyoto Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Paul McInnes

Opened in June 2021, this is a venture between the Marriott group and Sun Frontier Hotel Management Co., Ltd.

7 5

View all accommodation

Latest Kyoto Reports

Raku Museum in Kyoto

Culture

Raku Museum in Kyoto

Elena Lisina

The Raku Museum is dedicated to a unique style of ceramics with a 450-year history. The appearance of the 'raku' style is..

7 4

Spa Kacho

Beauty & Spa

Spa Kacho

Mai Shoji

The Westin Miyako Kyoto hotel in Kyoto offers some of the city's most relaxing spa and well-being experiences. Spa Kacho has..

1 2

Common Well Cafe

Food

Common Well Cafe

Kim

The city of Melbourne in Australia is renowned for its cafe culture, and a newly-opened cafe in Kyoto aims to emulate this, just..

2 2

View all articles

About Kyoto

Region	Kansai
Island	Honshu
Capital	Kyoto in Video
Population	2,636,092
Area	4,612.20 km²

Japan’s capital from AD 794 to 1868, the list of possible tourist destinations in Kyoto Prefecture (京都府, Kyōto-fu) is endless.

You can attempt to visit all of major sites, including but certainly not limited to: Fushimi Inari Shrine and its brilliant vermillion row of torii gates, its many temples (most notably Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangen-do, and Kinkaku-ji), Nijo Castle, and Amanohashidate (one of the Three Views of Japan).

Or you can attempt to “experience” Kyoto and its rich culture: appreciate the traditional architecture and maiko of the Gion district, witness the Gion Festival (held every July), and indulge in the various delicacies Kyoto has to offer, such as Uji matcha green tea, tofu, and various Japanese confectioneries. Kyoto is on the bucket list of many a traveller, and for good reason.

Around Kyoto