Kyoto · Japan

Kyoto

The ancient imperial capital brings together World Heritage temples and shrines, the geisha quarter of Gion, the red torii of Fushimi Inari and the bamboos of Arashiyama; to the south, Uji holds the Byodo-in.

Kansai

In the photo: Philosopher’s Path, in Kyoto.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Get to know the place

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

Kyoto was Japan’s capital for more than a thousand years, from 794 to 1868, and the residence of the emperors. The city escaped the major bombings of World War II and preserves hundreds of Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, gardens and wooden houses. Seventeen of its monuments, together with others in Uji and Otsu, form the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto World Heritage site.

The center follows a grid layout inherited from the ancient capital, with Kyoto Station to the south and the Kamo River to the east. On the other side of the river is Higashiyama, the most visited area: Kiyomizu-dera, the slopes of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, the Gion district and Yasaka Shrine. To the north, Ginkaku-ji opens onto the Philosopher’s Path; to the northwest is Kinkaku-ji; to the west, Arashiyama with its bamboo grove; and to the south, the thousands of torii at Fushimi Inari.

Kyoto is also the city of traditional arts: the tea ceremony, the geisha—called geiko there—and the apprentice maiko, kaiseki cuisine and temple vegetarian cuisine, the Nishijin textiles and the Nishiki Market, with pickles, sweets and kitchenware. On the calendar, the Gion Matsuri festival occupies the whole month of July.

About 20 minutes by train to the south, Uji is the city of green tea and the Byodo-in, the Phoenix Hall temple. Nara, Osaka and Kobe are less than an hour away, which makes Kyoto a base for the Kansai region.

This destination brings together 2 cities: Kyoto, Uji.

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One destination, many paths

The cities on this trip

Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.

Where Kyoto is

Dados cartográficos: © OpenStreetMap contributors, via Wambacher / geoBoundaries (ODbL 1.0). Adapted by Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Kyoto

✈ Aeroporto Internacional de Kansai (KIX), in Izumisano · 100 km to Kyoto

✈ Aeroporto Internacional de Osaka (Itami) (ITM), in Itami · 45 km to Kyoto

The Tokaido shinkansen connects Tokyo to Kyoto Station in about 2h15. Kansai Airport is about 1h20 away by the Haruka limited express; Itami Airport, in Osaka, handles domestic flights and has buses to Kyoto. From Osaka, trains take 15 to 45 minutes depending on the line.

Suggested arrival point: Kyoto

Kyoto · Kyoto Capital Suggested arrival point

Kyoto

Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years and preserves hundreds of temples and shrines, several of them World Heritage sites. Higashiyama gathers Kiyomizu-dera and slopes of wooden houses; Gion is the geisha quarter; Fushimi Inari has tunnels of torii; Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji sit on the hillsides; Arashiyama has the bamboo grove. The city is a base for Uji, Nara and Osaka.

Kyoto · Kyoto

Uji

Uji lies south of Kyoto on the banks of the Uji River and is Japan’s green tea country. It has two World Heritage sites: Byodo-in, whose Phoenix Hall is reflected in a pond, and Ujigami Shrine, the oldest shrine in the country. The streets by the river have teahouses and matcha shops, and the city is the setting for the final chapters of The Tale of Genji.

The local experience

Things to do in Kyoto

Uji · Kyoto · Temple

Byodo-in

The Uji temple with the 11th-century Phoenix Hall reflected in a pond, and a museum housing the original sculptures; World Heritage site.

Kyoto · Kyoto · Temple

Kiyomizu-dera

Temple on the Higashiyama slope, with a large wooden terrace on columns, the Otowa waterfall and a view of the city; UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kyoto · Kyoto · Shrine

Fushimi Inari Taisha

The main Inari shrine in southern Kyoto, with thousands of red torii forming tunnels up the slope of Mount Inari.

Uji · Kyoto · Shrine

Ujigami Shrine

Small shrine on the east bank of the Uji River, with the oldest preserved Shinto shrine building in Japan; World Heritage site.

See 6 more places in Kyoto

Kyoto · Kyoto · Temple

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

The Golden Pavilion, a northern Kyoto zen temple whose two upper floors are covered in gold leaf and reflected in the garden pond; World Heritage site.

Kyoto · Kyoto · Temple

Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

The Silver Pavilion, a zen temple at the foot of Kyoto’s eastern hills, with a sand garden, moss garden and the start of the Philosopher’s Path.

Kyoto · Kyoto · Neighborhood

Gion

Kyoto’s geisha district, with wooden teahouses on Hanamikoji Street, the Shirakawa canal, Yasaka Shrine and the Minamiza theater.

Kyoto · Kyoto · Neighborhood

Arashiyama

The western Kyoto district with the Sagano bamboo grove, the Zen temple Tenryu-ji, the Togetsukyo Bridge over the river and maple-covered mountains.

Kyoto · Kyoto · Castle

Nijo Castle

The Tokugawa shoguns’ residence in Kyoto, with the Ninomaru Palace of “singing” floors, Kano school paintings and gardens; World Heritage site.

Kyoto · Kyoto · Temple

Sanjusangen-dō

Temple with a wooden hall about 120 meters long that houses a thousand standing Kannon statues in rows around a large seated Kannon.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

April, with cherry trees generally in bloom at the beginning of the month, and November, with red maples, are the most sought-after and busiest times. May and October have mild days and fewer crowds. Summer is hot and humid, with rain from June until mid‑July. Winter is cold, with occasional snow on the temples.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

The city requires at least three days, one for each side: the eastern Higashiyama and Gion, the southern Fushimi Inari and the western Kinkaku-ji and Arashiyama. Four or five days allow time for the northeast around the Silver Pavilion, the castle, Uji (which takes half a day) and Nara.

Which city to stay in

Near Kyoto Station, a base there is practical for arriving, departing and doing day trips. In the Shijo and Kawaramachi area, the commercial center, you’ll find restaurants and Nishiki Market, a few minutes from Gion. Higashiyama and Gion have traditional inns, the ryokan, and quiet streets at night. Arashiyama is more remote and peaceful once day visitors leave.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Kyoto

How many days should you stay in Kyoto?

At least three days for Higashiyama, Gion, Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji and Arashiyama. With four or five days you can include Ginkaku-ji, Nijo Castle, Uji and a day trip to Nara.

How do you get to Kyoto from Tokyo?

By the Tokaido shinkansen, which takes about 2h15 from Tokyo or Shinagawa Station to Kyoto Station. There are also overnight buses, which are slower.

How do you get around Kyoto?

City buses reach almost all temples, but they become crowded in cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. The two subway lines, JR trains, Keihan and Hankyu trains and the Randen tram are faster on many routes. Bicycles work well in the flat city center.

Can you do a day trip from Kyoto to Nara?

Yes. JR and Kintetsu trains take 35 to 50 minutes to Nara, and one day is enough for Tōdai-ji, the deer park and Kasuga Taisha.

Where can you see geisha in Kyoto?

In Gion, especially on Hanamikoji Street and the Shirakawa canal area, and in Pontocho, at dusk. Geisha—called geiko in Kyoto—and apprentice maiko go to work appointments: do not stop them or photograph them up close. In private streets of Gion, photography is prohibited.

When is cherry blossom and red-leaf season in Kyoto?

Cherry trees usually bloom between late March and early April; the red leaves typically appear from mid‑November to early December. Dates vary each year.

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Beyond the guide

Kyoto

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.