Kyoto

Travel Guide

Heian Shrine showing heritage architecture, a temple or place of worship and religious aspects
Kyōto featuring a park, landscape views and hiking or walking
Kyoto
Sannenzaka Ninenzaka featuring street scenes, heritage architecture and a small town or village
Kyoto

Kyoto Travel Guide Video

Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony, feed wild monkeys and explore World Heritage-listed temples and shrines in this historically rich Japanese city.

Kyoto, on the Japanese island of Honshu, has been a hub of religious activity and political power since the eighth century. It was once the capital of Japan and retains many of the temples and palaces built within this period. Step back in time to imperial Japan as you explore the city’s many World Heritage Sites such as the Kiyomizu Temple. Kyoto is also renowned for its landscaped gardens, many of which are based on designs dating back hundreds of years.

The wealth of cultural history in Kyoto can be overwhelming and it can be difficult to know where to start. Take the Philosopher’s Walk to orient yourself around some of Kyoto’s historic sights, such as the Eikando Temple. The walk takes in three major temples as well as several smaller temples and shrines, boutique shopping areas and restaurants where you can sample the traditional Japanese multicourse dinner, kaiseki. Cherry blossoms line the walk during spring, and in autumn, the area comes alive with the brilliant reds of maple trees.

Central Kyoto offers a combination of modern and traditional delights. Ride up the Kyoto Tower for a 360-degree view over the city from 100 metres (330 feet) up. Explore the Nishiki Market, lined with restaurants, and fresh produce and street food stalls. See giant salamanders and local river fish at the Kyoto Aquarium.

At one of the regular festivals held in the city, taste some of the food brought to Kyoto from all over Japan to please the Emperor, watch traditional crafts being made, take a lesson in saké brewing and experience the culture of Japan.

Lovers of Japanese literature will enjoy the 17th-century Katsura Imperial Villa, built to resemble the fictional setting of the 11th-century novel The Tale of Genji.

Tourism is a large part of Kyoto’s economy and there are some unique attractions such as hand feeding wild snow monkeys at Arashiyama Monkey Park. Kyoto has a welcoming atmosphere, incredible natural beauty and layered history.

Where to stay in Kyoto

Nijo Castle which includes a pond and a garden

Central Kyoto

5/5(12 area reviews)

Central Kyoto is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Seimei-Jinja Shrine and Nishijin Textile Center. See more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station.

Central Kyoto
Gion which includes cycling, night scenes and street scenes

Gion

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Unique features of Gion include the monuments and shopping. Make a stop by Yasaka Shrine or Hanamikoji Street while you're exploring the area.

Gion
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Shimogyo Ward

Shimogyo Ward is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Kyoto Railway Museum and Shijo Street. See more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Tanbaguchi Station or Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station.

Shimogyo Ward
Kyōto which includes mountains and a river or creek

Downtown Kyoto

If you're spending time in Downtown Kyoto, check out sights like Kyoto International Manga Museum or Museum of Kyoto and hop on the metro to see more the city at Karasuma Oike Station or Marutamachi Station.

Downtown Kyoto
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Karasuma

Visitors to Karasuma love its popular shops, and you can check out Nishiki Market and Rokakkudo Temple. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.

Karasuma
Shoren-in Temple which includes signage and a temple or place of worship

Higashiyama Ward

Consider a visit to Kiyomizu Temple and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Higashiyama Ward. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Higashiyama Station or Sanjo Keihan Station.

Higashiyama Ward
Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA 

Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA 

4 out of 5
44-1, Kamitonodacho, Higashikujo, Minami-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is P5,906 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
P5,906
P6,497 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,099 reviews)
"Very wonderful experience during a short stay in Kyoto. I will book again soon."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA 
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs

Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs

3 out of 5
491 Zaimokucho, Shimogyo, Kyoto, Kyoto
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a sauna. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,339 reviews)
"It is an amazing option. The staff is really helpful and friendly. The amenities are really good. Food is excellent. A lot of welcome gifts. Truly an amazing option! Very good value for your money."

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
Hotel Granvia Kyoto

Hotel Granvia Kyoto

4.5 out of 5
JR Kyoto Station, Karasuma Chuo-guchi, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is P6,233 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P6,233
P7,885 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,606 reviews)
Wonderful location and service.
"Great choice of food for breakfast Little hard to navigate the hotel at first but get used to it quickly."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Premium Apart MONday KYOTO GOJO

Premium Apart MONday KYOTO GOJO

4 out of 5
387-1 Shiogamacho, Kyoto, Kyoto
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kiyomizu Temple and Kawaramachi Street ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (44 reviews)
"Great location, would highly recommend staying there!"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Premium Apart MONday KYOTO GOJO
Minn Gion

Minn Gion

4 out of 5
342-3 Miyoshicho Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite spa services, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (306 reviews)
"Good place to stay"

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Minn Gion
MONday Apart Premium KYOTO Station

MONday Apart Premium KYOTO Station

4 out of 5
1 Shichijoodori Higashihorikawa Nishiiru, Yaoyacho Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and in-room washers/dryers. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (452 reviews)
"We liked the amenities included in our room and the friendly staff"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

MONday Apart Premium KYOTO Station
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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