Kyoto

Travel Guide

Heian Shrine which includes religious elements, heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship
Kyoto which includes a garden, landscape views and hiking or walking
Kyoto
Sannenzaka Ninenzaka which includes a small town or village, a city and a sunset
Kyoto

Kyoto Travel Guide Video

Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony, feed wild monkeys and explore World Heritage-listed temples and shrines in this historically rich Japanese city.

Kyoto, on the Japanese island of Honshu, has been a hub of religious activity and political power since the eighth century. It was once the capital of Japan and retains many of the temples and palaces built within this period. Step back in time to imperial Japan as you explore the city’s many World Heritage Sites such as the Kiyomizu Temple. Kyoto is also renowned for its landscaped gardens, many of which are based on designs dating back hundreds of years.

The wealth of cultural history in Kyoto can be overwhelming and it can be difficult to know where to start. Take the Philosopher’s Walk to orient yourself around some of Kyoto’s historic sights, such as the Eikando Temple. The walk takes in three major temples as well as several smaller temples and shrines, boutique shopping areas and restaurants where you can sample the traditional Japanese multicourse dinner, kaiseki. Cherry blossoms line the walk during spring, and in the fall, the area comes alive with the brilliant reds of maple trees.

Central Kyoto offers a combination of modern and traditional delights. Ride up the Kyoto Tower for a 360-degree view over the city from 330 feet (100 meters) up. Explore the Nishiki Market, lined with restaurants, and fresh produce and street food stalls. See giant salamanders and local river fish at the Kyoto Aquarium.

At one of the regular festivals held in the city, taste some of the food brought to Kyoto from all over Japan to please the Emperor, watch traditional crafts being made, take a lesson in saké brewing and experience the culture of Japan.

Lovers of Japanese literature will enjoy the 17th-century Katsura Imperial Villa, built to resemble the fictional setting of the 11th-century novel The Tale of Genji.

Tourism is a large part of Kyoto’s economy and there are some unique attractions such as hand feeding wild snow monkeys at Arashiyama Monkey Park. Kyoto has a welcoming atmosphere, incredible natural beauty and layered history.

Where to stay in Kyoto

Nijo Castle which includes a pond and a garden

Central Kyoto

4.5/5(364 area reviews)

Travellers love Central Kyoto for its popular shops, and you can see more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Seimei-Jinja Shrine and Nishijin Textile Center.

Central Kyoto
Gion which includes cycling, street scenes and night scenes

Gion

5/5(46 area reviews)

Unique features of Gion include the monuments and shopping. Make a stop by Yasaka Shrine or Hanamikoji Street while you're exploring the area.

Gion
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Shimogyo Ward

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

Shimogyo Ward is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Kyoto Railway Museum and Shijo Street. See more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Tanbaguchi Station or Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station.

Shimogyo Ward
Kyoto featuring mountains and a river or creek

Downtown Kyoto

While you're in Downtown Kyoto, take in top sights like Kyoto International Manga Museum or Museum of Kyoto, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Karasuma Oike Station or Marutamachi Station.

Downtown Kyoto
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Karasuma

Karasuma is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Nishiki Market and Rokakkudo Temple, and you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.

Karasuma
Shoren-in Temple showing signage and a temple or place of worship

Higashiyama Ward

5/5(2 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Kiyomizu Temple and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Higashiyama Ward. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Higashiyama Station or Sanjo Keihan Station.

Higashiyama Ward
JR WEST GROUP VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI

JR WEST GROUP VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI

3 out of 5
44-1 Higashikujo Kamitonodacho, Minami-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is €56 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
€56
4 Aug - 5 Aug
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,754 reviews)
"The staff were so friendly and helpful and the rooms were clean and spacious. The location is fantastic- across from Kyoto Station, shops and malls. Many amenities are provided in the lobby and there is a 7/11 attached with an entrance to the hotel. I highly recommend this hotel!"

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

JR WEST GROUP VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI
Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA 

Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA 

4 out of 5
44-1, Kamitonodacho, Higashikujo, Minami-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is €97 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€97
17 Aug - 18 Aug
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,095 reviews)
"Location is great, just across from Kyoto station. Room is very clean, single bed is on larger sz, so it’s very comfortable, lounge area is a plus. Lots of restaurants near by, very convenient"

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2025

Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA 
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs

Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs

3 out of 5
491 Zaimokucho, Shimogyo, Kyoto, Kyoto
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €139 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
€139
10 Aug - 11 Aug
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a sauna. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,323 reviews)
"Safe and tranquility area"

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Randor Residence Kyoto Nijo Castle

Randor Residence Kyoto Nijo Castle

3.5 out of 5
521-2, Kyoto, Kyoto
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, dry cleaning or laundry services, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kiyomizu Temple and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (75 reviews)
"Very good!"

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Randor Residence Kyoto Nijo Castle
Premium Apart MONday KYOTO GOJO

Premium Apart MONday KYOTO GOJO

4 out of 5
387-1 Shiogamacho, Kyoto, Kyoto
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kiyomizu Temple and Kawaramachi Street ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (44 reviews)
"Great location, would highly recommend staying there!"

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Premium Apart MONday KYOTO GOJO
MONday Apart Premium KYOTO Station

MONday Apart Premium KYOTO Station

4 out of 5
1 Shichijoodori Higashihorikawa Nishiiru, Yaoyacho Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and in-room washers/dryers. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (451 reviews)
Our favorite travel accommodation in Japan
"We love staying at the MONday Apart Premium hotels. We have stayed at the Kyoto location twice and the Akihabara location 3 times. Very clean, friendly service. Both locations are about a 10 minute walk from the station. We rely heavily on using the in-room washer/dryer combo to allow us to pack ..."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

MONday Apart Premium KYOTO Station
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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