Kyoto

Travel Guide

Heian Shrine which includes a temple or place of worship, heritage architecture and religious aspects
Kyōto featuring hiking or walking, landscape views and a garden
Kyoto
Sannenzaka Ninenzaka showing a sunset, street scenes and a city
Kyoto

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 featuring a park and a pond

Central Kyoto

4.5/5(364 area reviews)

Travellers love Central Kyoto for its popular shops, and you can see more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Nishijin Textile Center and Kyoto Gyoen National Garden.

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

Gion

5/5(46 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

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

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

While you're in Downtown Kyoto, take in top sights like Kyoto International Manga Museum or Museum of Kyoto, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Karasuma Oike Station or Marutamachi Station.

Downtown Kyoto
Shoren-in Temple showing signage and a temple or place of worship

Higashiyama Ward

5/5(2 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Three-Year Slope 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
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Karasuma

Karasuma is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Nishiki Market and Museum of Kyoto, and you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.

Karasuma
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! (3,622 reviews)
Staying at this hotel was a highlight of the trip. The onsen was exactly what we needed to recover after four days in Tokyo. The rooms were quaint and well-appointed, although it would have been extra to get room cleaning they still provided fresh towels daily. Only a couple blocks away from the ...

Reviewed on 21 Oct 2025

Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
Hotel Emion Kyoto

Hotel Emion Kyoto

3.5 out of 5
Sujakudonokuchicho 20-4, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is RM492 per night from 18 Nov to 19 Nov
RM492
RM541 total
18 Nov - 19 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,923 reviews)
We had a lovely stay at Hotel Emion Kyoto! The hotel and facilities were beautiful. We enjoyed the panoramic rooftop during the day and night. Our hotel room was very spacious and the bathroom was perfect for taking baths after a long day of walking. Would definitely recommend! I cannot wait to come ...

Reviewed on 22 Oct 2025

Hotel Emion Kyoto
The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo

The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo

4 out of 5
74 Nakajimacho,Kawaramachi Higashi-iru, Sanjo-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is RM755 per night from 4 Nov to 5 Nov
RM755
RM956 total
4 Nov - 5 Nov
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,323 reviews)
Staff, shops

Reviewed on 21 Oct 2025

The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
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.
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! (499 reviews)
We stayed as a family of 4. The room was spacious and had everything we needed. Room was very clean and was very well kept. The location was close to local bus routes and walkable to the train station. This was our first time staying at this chain hotel, we would definitely book this chain ...

Reviewed on 22 Oct 2025

MONday Apart Premium KYOTO Station
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (356 reviews)
Great accommodation. Could not recommend it more highly. In quite a nice spot in Gion. Only a short walk to bustling areas and relatively quiet at night. Th e rooms are spacious enough for Japan standards. Hotel seems new and well thought out. Really enjoyed my stay. Would definitely stay here ...

Reviewed on 22 Oct 2025

Minn Gion
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 Kawaramachi Street and Nishiki Market ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (91 reviews)
Very noisy. I could hear every car driving by. There were sirens and people revving up their cars, which made it hard to sleep. Otherwise, the staff was really nice and helpful. It was very clean and walking distance.

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Premium Apart MONday KYOTO GOJO
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Kyoto

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
278
5 - Excellent 74%
4 - Good
87
4 - Good 23%
3 - Okay
7
3 - Okay 2%
2 - Disappointing
6
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Third time visiting Kyoto. Will definitely be back again

5/5 - Excellent

Di

A fantastic place to visit. So much history and the temples are just awesome. Recommend a day tour if visiting for a short time but I am looking forward to exploring on my own and spending more time at some sites next time.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Kyoto has the best of both worlds...modern and traditional. Close to Osaka,Nara. Easy to get around.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Nice city and nice people

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Everything that Tokyo is missing.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Plan carefully as many places seemed to be under restoration. Also, it was considerably mor crowded with ( mainly mainland Chinese) tourists than our last visit