Japan
Kyoto
City of temples and tea. Head out early, because after 10 everything fills up.
Why go
Kyoto isn't just a city, it's a way of life. Thousands of red gates, temples on the hill, the bamboo forest, and the lanes of Gion at night.
One of the best things in Kyoto is a night walk along the Kamo river.
In autumn the leaves are worth two extra days; winter is quieter and you may see snow in Arashiyama.
Areas
- 1Kyoto Station Kyoto Station
Where you arrive: Kyoto Tower, Sanjūsangendō, the railway museum for families, and Tōfuku-ji in autumn.
Best time: Arrival day
- 2City centre Centre · Kawaramachi
Nishiki market, Pontocho alley, Nijō Castle, shopping on Teramachi, and the manga museum.
Best time: Afternoon and night
- 3Higashiyama and Gion Higashiyama · Gion
Kiyomizu-dera, the Yasaka Pagoda, Sannenzaka, Yasaka Shrine and Hanamikoji street.
Best time: Before 8am, and Gion at night
- 4Fushimi Inari Fushimi Inari
Thousands of red gates up the hill. 5 minutes by train from Kyoto Station.
Best time: Before 7:30am
- 5Arashiyama Arashiyama
The bamboo forest, Tenryu-ji, Togetsukyō bridge and the Katsura river. Half a day is enough.
Best time: First thing
- 6Nanzen-ji Nanzen-ji · Philosopher's Path
A quiet temple, Suirokaku, and the canal walk to Ginkaku-ji.
Best time: A slow morning
Both in one day: Fushimi Inari first thing, then the Keihan line to Gion in ten minutes, and walk on through Higashiyama.
Temples before 8, and Gion at night.
Don't miss
Open 24 hours, best before 7:30.
The temple on the hill, with Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka around it. Lovely at sunset.
Before 8, or you'll be photographing heads.
The Golden Pavilion and the famous rock garden next to it. Two hours for both.
The shogun's castle in the centre; its floors chirp as you walk.
The food market. Taste as you walk.
Kimono rental and photos in Gion. Lovely for a honeymoon.
Where to stay
The centre (Kawaramachi or Karasuma): everything is walkable and restaurants stay open late. By Kyoto Station is practical but dull at night.
One night in a ryokan is an experience.
Suggested days
- 1Fushimi Inari, Nijō Castle, Nishiki market
- 2Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Shrine, Pontocho
- 3Bamboo forest, Katsura river, Kimono Forest
Food
Kyoto has lots of options. One of my favourite restaurants in Japan is Tendon Makino: rice topped with tempura prawns or fish. It has branches in Kyoto and Osaka.
Don't leave without Kyoto spices and matcha.
Coffee
- Kurasu
- Weekenders Coffee
- % Arabica (Arashiyama)
- Here Coffee
Day trips from here
Articles and videos
My videos from here
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First time? Start with the guide
Tokyo
Osaka