Kansai · city guide

Kyoto

Japan's old capital of temples and gardens.

Kyoto was the imperial capital for more than a thousand years, and it shows. Temples, shrines and gardens are everywhere, and old wooden streets survive in Gion and Higashiyama. The famous sights get very crowded, so timing matters: go early, then slip into smaller temples and side streets. Buses are slow at busy times, and walking or the subway often works better. Give it at least two or three days.

Best time: Early April for cherry blossoms (full bloom around April 4), or mid-November to early December for autumn leaves. Both are very busy; book early.

Weather

4.8°Jan
14.4°Apr
28.5°Aug
18.4°Oct

Average temperature, °C. JMA 1991–2020 normals (Kyoto (JMA)).

Top 5

  • Fushimi Inari TaishaThousands of red torii up a wooded hill; go early.
  • Kiyomizu-deraA hillside temple with a large wooden stage.
  • ArashiyamaBamboo groves, river views and temples in the west.
  • Nishiki MarketFood stalls; eat at the shop where you buy, not while walking.
  • Gion and PontochoEvening lanes; never chase or photograph maiko and geiko.

A simple day

  1. Fushimi Inari at sunrise.
  2. Kiyomizu-dera and the Sannenzaka slopes.
  3. Lunch near Gion.
  4. Afternoon at a quieter temple garden.
  5. Evening walk in Pontocho.

Where to stay

  • Kawaramachi / ShijoCentral, with food and transport.
  • Kyoto StationBest for day trips and the shinkansen.
  • HigashiyamaClose to temples; quiet in the evening.

Places we’ve checked

From the psst directory. Opening days and prices change — check the official site before you go.

Getting there

Tokyo → Kyoto: about 2h10 by Nozomi shinkansen.

psst — skip this mistake: Relying on buses at peak times. Use the subway and trains, or walk.