lose yourself in the romantic city that is kyoto. wander through a misty bamboo grove, stroll the cobblestoned streets behind geisha, and guzzle down dashi with gusto. here’s your best kyoto travel guide to lead you through this beautiful and ancient city.
practicalities
Currency: Japanese yen
Recommended length of stay: 3-4 days at a time – over multiple visits
Month of visit: September
Useful tips: The train system in Japan is extremely confusing (check out our guide to the tokyo metro system for tips). this is the first step in your kyoto travel guide. Pick up a reloadable money card ASAP for easy use on the metro, at vending machines and in shops. these are the icoca, suica or pasmo cards and they are available in app form as well!
CDC’s Recommended Vaccinations: Click here!
Packing List For kyoto
rather variable based on the season! In September, the weather was very hot and humid. Loose fitting light clothing and sun protective gear is a must for kyoto travel.
- 2 pairs of shorts and light weight shirts
- Light weight dress or button down
- Lightweight long pants
- Sandals or sneakers – shoes you can walk for miles in!
- Bug Spray
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- portable fan (can easily buy one there)
how to get to kyoto
first things first – our kyoto travel guide will answer how you get to this magical city.
kyoto does not have an airport, so you won’t be able to fly directly in. however, you can fly to nearby osaka and take a 14 minute bullet train. other options include a slower (cheaper) train or driving 1 hour.
additionally, kyoto is also very accessible from tokyo. you can reach kyoto in just over 2 hours from tokyo station via the shinkansen. slower options include highway buses.
must-sees in kyoto
here are a couple of classic kyoto sites that you won’t want to miss on this kyoto travel guide.
1. kinkaku-ji temple
this iconic golden temple is an iconic buddhist temple on the outskirts of kyoto. we recommend arriving early, as it can get very crowded. this way you’ll beat the heat of the day as well. capturing the temple’s reflection in the Kyoko-chi pond is a photographer’s dream.
2. philosopher’s path from jisho-ji to nanzen-ji
pick up this ancient stoned path from the silver temple of jisho-ji. wander in quiet contemplation along the canal to nanzen-ji. this large 13th century buddhist temple has impressively been rebuilt multiple times.
3. Fushimi inari taisha
don’t just stop at the bottom – keep climbing! if you can’t make it all the way to the top, the yotsutsuji intersection will afford you an expansive view. we went in late afternoon for a dream-like filtered light experience.
4. Samurai and ninja museum
this is a very worthwhile addition to your kyoto travel guide. we learned loads about traditional samurai, ninjas, katanas and more. later, we were taught how to throw ninja stars. there was even a hands on throwing experience!
5. Pontocho alley
this is what you might think of when you consider classic, old-school japan. wander through this narrow, lantern-lit alley. later, duck into tiny fragrant izakayas and dimly lit speakeasies.
6. arashiyama bamboo grove
famous for a reason. this stunning bamboo forest is located on the west side of kyoto. you’ll feel isolated from the sounds and lights of the city in this otherworldly place.
where to eat and drink in kyoto
we had an amazing experience at menbaka, kyoto’s ramen on fire. it features both a hilarious/interactive show as well as delicious ramen. unsurprisingly, be prepared to wait!
our favorite sushi in kyoto is musashi sushi. this unassuming conveyor belt sushi establishment serves delicious fresh fish.
bar alchemist was probably our favorite speakeasy in kyoto. nevertheless, there are many well-hidden and worthy watering holes sprinkled around gion.
where to stay in kyoto
no kyoto travel guide would be complete without a hotel recommendation. overall, we’d recommend staying in the gion district if at all possible. it’s walking distance to kyoto train station. located in the geisha district, it affords easy access to pontocho alley, nishiki market and the samurai museum.
we stayed at gion misen furumonzen. though small, it was affordable, pleasant and right in the heart of kyoto. there are also plenty of short term rentals available.
and there you have it – our complete kyoto travel guide! looking for more inspiration in japan? head on over to our japan landing page, or learn more about tokyo!