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Kyoto is one of the most popular travel destinations in Japan. The city is famous for temples, shrines, and traditional culture. This travel guide explains the most important things first-time visitors should know.
In this article you will learn:
- Basic information about Kyoto
- Best things to do in Kyoto
- Recommended sightseeing spots in Kyoto
- Useful Kyoto travel tips
- How to get to Kyoto
This guide will help you plan a smooth and enjoyable trip. We’ll also give you some tips on how to stay connected to the internet during your trip so that you can navigate the roads and the language to get yourself where you need to be without too much stress (for more information see our guide).
About Kyoto
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Kyoto is one of the most popular destinations in Japan for international travelers. The city is known for temples, traditional culture, and beautiful seasonal scenery. Many visitors come to Kyoto to experience a more traditional Japan. Walking through historic streets, visiting temples, and tasting local food are major highlights. Kyoto became the capital of Japan in 794 CE and remained the cultural center for more than 1,000 years. Because of this long history, the city still preserves many historic landmarks.
Kyoto has:
- More than 1,600 temples
- Around 400 shrines
- 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Kyoto is also famous for seasonal scenery. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom across both temples and parks. In summer, traditional festivals such as Gion Matsuri take place. In autumn, colorful leaves create picturesque scenery around temples and mountains. In winter, snow creates quiet and peaceful landscapes.
Best Things to Do in Kyoto
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Kyoto offers many unique travel experiences. Visiting shrines, renting a kimono, and eating authentic Kyoto cuisine are some of the ways in which travellers can enjoy the city.
Visit temples and shrines
Temple visits are one of the most popular activities in Kyoto.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Traditional Japanese architecture
- Peaceful Zen gardens
- Historic buildings
Walking through temple grounds is relaxing and memorable.
Experience traditional culture in Kyoto
Kyoto is one of the best places to experience Japanese culture.
Popular activities include:
- Renting a kimono
- Joining a tea ceremony
- Trying Japanese calligraphy
Walking through historic streets in a kimono feels like traveling back in time.
Enjoy Kyoto food
Kyoto is also famous for traditional cuisine.
Popular dishes include:
- Yudofu (tofu hot pot)
- Kaiseki cuisine (Japanese multi-course meal)
- Matcha desserts
Many cafes serve:
- Matcha ice cream
- Matcha parfait
- Traditional Japanese sweets
Taking a short break at a cafe is a great way to relax during sightseeing.
Recommended Spots in Kyoto
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Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is known for its large wooden stage that overlooks Kyoto city.
Highlights
- Beautiful city views
- Cherry blossoms in spring
- Autumn leaves in fall
- Entrance fee: ¥500*
- Access: About 15 minutes by bus from Kyoto Station (bus fare: about ¥230)
- Location: Google Maps
Morning visits are recommended to avoid crowds.
*Prices are subject to change. Check the official website for up-to-date information.
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of the most famous shrines in Japan. The shrine is known for thousands of red torii gates that create walking paths through the forest.
Highlights
- Unique photo spots
- Scenic mountain trail
- Famous Kyoto scenery
- Entrance fee:
- FreeAccess: Located next to JR Inari Station (train fare: from ¥150)
- Travel time: about 5 minutes
- Location: Google Maps
Early morning visits are recommended.
Arashiyama
Arashiyama is a scenic area in western Kyoto, its tall bamboo grove is the most famous in the region. Visitors can walk through the well maintained paths and enjoy nature to the fullest.
Highlights
- Bamboo forest path
- Togetsukyo Bridge
- Riverside cafes
- Access: JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station (train fare: about ¥240)
- Travel time: about 15 minutes
- Location: Google Maps
- The area is perfect for relaxing walks.
Gion District
Gion is Kyoto’s most famous traditional district.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Laid-stone and paving-stone streets
- Wooden townhouses
- Traditional tea houses
- Access: Bus from Kyoto Station (bus fare: about ¥230)
- Travel time: about 20 minutes
- Location: Google Maps
In the evening the atmosphere becomes even more beautiful. Visitors may even see a maiko (an apprentice geisha) dressed in traditional clothing walking through the streets.
Travel Tips for Kyoto
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- Visit Kyoto early in the morning. Popular sightseeing spots become crowded during the day. Visiting early offers a quieter atmosphere and better photos.
- Plan your transportation around Kyoto in advance. Kyoto sightseeing often requires buses and trains. Checking routes beforehand helps save time.
- Use transportation passes in Kyoto. A transportation pass can make travel easier.
- Bus one day pass Around ¥700*
- Subway One-Day Pass Around ¥800*
These passes are useful when visiting multiple locations. IC cards are another payment option for train and bus fares that help to reduce the hassle of fumbling for change at the gate.
- Wear comfortable shoes
Kyoto sightseeing requires a lot of walking. Comfortable shoes are strongly recommended.
- Stay connected during your trip
Having mobile internet makes traveling in Kyoto much easier. You can check train routes, use Google Maps, and translate Japanese instantly. An eSIM is one of the easiest ways to get connected—no physical SIM card required, and activation takes just a few minutes. Find the best eSIM for your Japan trip here.
*Prices are subject to change. Check the official website for up-to-date information.
Access to Kyoto from Airports and Major Cities
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Tokyo → Kyoto via train
Travel time: about 2 hours 15 minutes
Cost: about ¥14,000
Osaka → Kyoto via train
Travel time: about 30 minutes
Cost: about ¥600
Kansai International Airport → Kyoto via train
Travel time: about 75 minutes
Cost: about ¥3,000
Narita International Airport → Kyoto via train
Travel time: about 3.5 to 4 hours
Cost: about ¥18,000
See the Japan Rail website for details on current train fares and routes. If you have a mobile phone connected to the internet via wifi or eSIM, you can make your Kyoto trip even smoother by accessing up-to-date information as needed.
Summary
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Kyoto offers first-time visitors a unique glimpse into Japan’s traditional culture, from historic temples and shrines to local food and seasonal scenery. While it’s easy to focus on the famous landmarks, taking time to explore quieter areas and try cultural experiences like tea ceremonies or local cuisine will make your trip even more memorable. With its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and distinct atmosphere, Kyoto captures the true essence of Japan—so take your time, explore freely, and enjoy every moment of your journey.
