Kyoto City Guide

Welcome to Kyoto

Kyoto is a living, breathing museum of Japan's traditional arts and culture. While some arts and traditions have evolved with time to accommodate different lifestyle needs, many have been passed from generation to generation unchanged. Take in the city's unparalleled beauty as you visit some of its many temples and shrines, admiring their unique simplicity and serenity. Discover the secrets of century-old craftsmanship and learn the historical depth and cultural width of tea ceremony and other traditional activities during your stay!

Looking for a particular topic? Jump down from the links below:

Arriving to Kyoto
From airport to city
Eating and drinking: Kyoto specialties
Public Transport
Taxi
Popular neighborhoods
Popular sights

• Famous Landmarks and Areas

• Sights Surrounded by Nature

• Temples and Shrines

• Museums
  

Arriving to Kyoto

The closest airport to Kyoto is Osaka International Airport (also known as Itami Airport), about 36 kilometres from the city. As Osaka International Airport only operates domestic flights, most of the international travelers arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX), which has flights to and from various locations in Asia, North America, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. Kansai International Airport is located in Osaka Bay, about 77 kilometres away from Kyoto.

From Airport to City

When traveling from Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Kyoto, two convenient options for transportation are taking a train or a bus to the city. The Travel Desk of Kansai Tourist Information Center is located on the first floor of Terminal 1. At the Travel Desk, you can get information regarding transportation to Kyoto, book the tickets, and even book hotels for your stay.

Limited Express Haruka

The Limited Express Haruka train, operated by JR West, is the fastest and most enjoyable option for traveling from Kansai International Airport to Kyoto. The trip costs 2,850 yen, and it takes about 75 minutes to reach Kyoto Station. The tickets can be purchased on the same day when you’re traveling, and the train operates about 30 services each day. 

Limousine Bus

Another good option for traveling to Kyoto is taking the Limousine Bus to the city. The final destination of the bus is Kyoto Station, but it stops at several other locations in Kyoto before arriving at the station. The trip takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Kyoto Station, and the tickets cost 2600 yen for adults and 1300 yen for children. The timetables for departures from Kansai International Airport can be found here, and the list of stops on the way here.

Eating and Drinking: Kyoto specialties

• Matcha:

  As Kyoto is known as the home of the tea ceremony, the city is definitely a great place to enjoy matcha tea. You can try this delicious tea in various locations from the touristy areas to the calmer temple grounds. Matcha is known for its intense flavor and positive health benefits. This highest grade of Japanese green tea is made from tea leaves that have been grown under special conditions, and then dried and grinded carefully to achieve the perfect flavor, nutritional content and color. If you are curious to learn more about this traditional drink, we have a more detailed matcha blog post!

Traditional tea ceremony at a private temple: Have you dreamed of joining a traditional Japanese tea ceremony? TOKI offers you an unique opportunity to privately held tea ceremony within one of Kyoto's cultural treasures, a private temple that was established in the 1600s. We provide you a VIP access to the beautiful temple, which is inaccessible to the public. The host of the tea ceremony will be held by an individual whose family has been practicing tea ceremony under one of the most celebrated tea masters for over 100 years. Read more about this once-in-a-lifetime experience of enjoying excellent Japanese hospitality here.

• Kyoto wagashi:

  In Kyoto you can find a great variety of wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets. Popular wagashi in the city are for example namagashi, which are small balls of rice flour, filled with sweet bean paste. There are various versions of namagashi that vary between the stickiness and moisture. Most of the Kyoto wagashi include anko (sweet red bean paste), and are often served to balance the bitterness of the matcha tea. Some sweets also have extra ingredients such as fruits, nuts, and jellies.

Wagashi making at a private temple: Would you like to make the traditional wagashi sweets by yourself? Look no further, TOKI provides you a chance to create your own wagashi confectioneries and enjoy them in a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto! You will discover the charm of wagashi while learning to create your own with one of Kyoto's most respected wagashi shops. This experience is perfect for those who would like to understand the spirit and fascination that wagashi holds and learn Japanese mannerisms. Read more about this unique experience here.

Yatsuhashi: Yatsuhashi sweets are crisp and slightly hard cookies in the shape of ‘brown roof tiles’. These highly popular Kyoto souvenirs are made from sugar, rice flour, and Japanese cinnamon (nikki).

Boiled Tofu (Yudofu): A famous dish from Kyoto, which is made of only water, tofu, kelp, and dipping sauce. Yudofu was born in Kyoto out of shojin ryori, a vegetarian cuisine that was originally derived from the dietary restrictions of Buddhist monks. When eating the yudofu, the kelp is laid on the bottom of a stewpot, after which the water and tofu are added and heated together. The tofu is then scooped out and dipped into the sauce, which often is vinaigrette based on the ‘ponzu’ soy sauce.

Obanzai: Obanzai is a traditional home-cooking meal of the Kyoto region, which consists of various smaller dishes, including fresh local vegetables. As Kyoto is famous for its fresh vegetables, this dish is definitely worth a try!

Saba sushi: The saba (mackerel) sushi is a traditional sushi dish in the city. Originally it was made of salt-covered fresh mackerel, and eaten only on special occasions locally. Nowadays the mackerel is marinated in vinegar and then pressed with rice to create this special type of sushi. Saba sushi is enjoyed for its combination of the sourness of vinegar and fattiness of the fish, which makes the flavor tasty and unique.

Nishin Soba: Nishin soba became popular at the end of the Edo period. It is a dish that includes soba (buckwheat) noodles, shiitake mushrooms, herring filets, sugar, soy sauce, dashi, mirin, and sake. Nishin soba can be enjoyed both warm or cold, depending on the season. Kyoto has lots of soba restaurants for the visitors to try this delicious dish!

Public Transport

Trains

Kyoto has various JR Lines and privately operated train lines. The two local train lines, Eiden Railway and Keifuku Randen Tram Line, connect central Kyoto to the tourist attractions further away. With the Eiden Railway you can visit the northern Kyoto, Kurama, and the Kibune-Yase area. The Keifuku Randen line allows you to explore the Arashiyama area.

The JR (Japan Railway) offers access to destinations such as Fushimi, Arashiyama, Uji, Osaka, and Nara.

The Keihan Railway operates between Osaka and Kyoto, offering access to various destinations. The line consists of the Keihan Main Line, Uji Line, Oto Line and others. By using the Main Line, you can visit popular attractions including Fushimi Inari Shrine and Tofuku-ji Temple. The Uji Line offers access to well-known spots such as Byodo-in Temple and Ujigami-jinja Temple. With the Oto Line, you can visit for example the World Heritage Site Shimogamo-jinja Shrine. 

The Hankyu Railway Kyoto Line runs between Osaka-umeda Station and Kyoto-kawaramachi Station, and the Arashiyama Line runs between Arashiyama Station and Katsura Station. The line is convenient for visiting popular spots such as the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Kawaramachi tourist area. 

The Kintetsu Railway offers access to popular attractions in Kyoto, such as the five storied pagoda at the Toji Temple. You can also visit the city of Nara, where you can find various spots worth visiting.

Bus & Subway

There are several bus routes going around Kyoto, which are great for both transporting between sightseeing spots as well as everyday traveling. The bus routes have good coverage for the areas where trains are not available. The main bus operators in Kyoto are Keihan Bus, Kyoto Bus, Kyoto City Bus, Miyama-Keihoku Bus, and Sky Hop Bus (“hop on - hop off”).

Please keep in mind that the bus drivers don’t give change for the fares, so be prepared to have the exact amount available when paying with coins. It is recommended to purchase a transportation card, such as the Kansai One Pass for traveling around the city.

The subway system of Kyoto is composed of only two lines, the east-west Tozai Line (red color) and the north-south Karasuma line (green color), which intersect in the middle of Kyoto. The Tozai Line operates from the Uzumasa-Tenjingawa Station in the west via Nijo Station to Rokujizo Station in the east. The Karasuma Line operates from Kokusaikaikan Station in the north via Kyoto Station to Takeda Station in the south. There it also connects with the Kintetsu Line, which you can use for traveling to the city of Nara. Using the subway routes is convenient for visiting locations such as central Kyoto, Toji Temple, Daitokuji Temple, Gosho Imperial Palace, Daigoji Temple, and Nijo Castle.

If you want unlimited traveling on the subway and buses in Kyoto, consider purchasing the Subway, Bus One-Day Pass & Two-Day pass. These passes cover Kyoto Municipal Subway lines, Kyoto City Bus routes, Keihan Bus routes (with some exclusions), and Kyoto Bus routes (with some exclusions). You can find more information about the passes and bonus discounts on this webpage.

Travel Pass

When traveling in Kyoto, please notice that there will be a separate fee for each railway you use - the fares vary depending on which section of the line you are traveling. It is recommended to purchase a travel pass to save money on the fares, such as the Kansai One pass, one-day pass, or multiple-day pass. The Kansai One pass is specialized for foreign tourists, and it offers additional discounts at various attractions in the Kansai region.

Transportation Hours & Useful Apps

Like many major cities, the subways and trains in Japan typically stop running between midnight and 5AM, so be sure to plan accordingly. This is called 終電 (shyuu-den) or last train.

To help with using the public transport in Kyoto, there are several websites and apps  available for the visitors to use. For example, the Arakumachi Kyoto Route Planner has information on the routes of buses and trains, and also offers a smartphone app.

With Hyperdia and Navitime you can also explore the routes and timetables of the public transport. Another good option for exploring destinations and trip planning is the website and app of the Japan National Tourism Organization.

Also, the Kyoto City Bus & Subway Route Map and Information Guide could be helpful on your trip.

Taxi

The taxi ranks can be found outside most bus terminals, train stations, and larger stores, but you can also hail a taxi on almost any street in Kyoto. Please keep in mind that all taxis do not accept credit cards, so it is best to have the appropriate amount ready to be paid in cash. Rear taxi doors open and close automatically using hydraulic actuators, so you do not need to worry about opening or closing them by yourself.

Popular Neighborhoods

The ancient capital has various neighborhoods to explore, filled with exciting things to see and experience. Below we have collected some popular areas of Kyoto that are worth a visit during your stay in the city!

Arashiyama

Transport yourself to a world of stunning scenery. Arashiyama is an iconic attraction for its illustrious bamboo groves and serene beauty. The area is most popular during spring for its lovely cherry blossoms and during fall for its vibrant warm colors, but nonetheless, the area is absolutely breathtaking all year round. Lose yourself in the variety of small shops and attractions, including the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge and the impressive Tenryuji Temple.

Gion

Within the charming, traditional wooden architecture and polished stone pavements is the entertainment district of Gion. Time slips into ancient Japan as you walk the same path as the pilgrims who made their way to Gion Shrine, or what is now known as Yasaka Shrine. The lane is connected with Shijo Dori, where you will find well-preserved, historic tea houses which become the closed venue for Geiko (geisha) entertainment. Gion is the most well-known place to go for geiko entertainment in Japan; admire their grace and charm as you feast on the local cuisine. Some of the traditional houses along the pathways have now been renovated into antique shops, art galleries, and more.

Ine Area

This Venice-esque coastal town is known for its unique buildings, called funaya, built right along the shoreline. Though their construction was originally designed for the ease of docking fishing boats, some of these curious seaside structures have recently been refitted as inns for tourists to experience authentic Ine life. Sheltered within the Ine Bay, this small fishing town is the perfect peaceful oceanic retreat.

Higashiyama

The Higashiyama district is known for the various beautiful temples in the area, located within a walking distance from each other. The most popular temple is the Kiyomizu-dera, which sits on top of a hill giving spectacular views of the city. At Higashiyama you can explore the narrow streets that are lined with traditional Japanese wooden houses, and stop by the merchant shops selling souvenirs and local crafts of all kinds.

Kawaramachi

Kawaramachi is the main street of Kyoto, which is said to combine both traditional Japan and modern Japan in one place. From the Kawaramachi Station, you can see the well-known intersection of Shijo Street and Kawaramachi Street, which runs parallel to the Kamogawa River. At the Kawaramachi shopping street, the visitors can find a great variety of all kinds of stores, such as boutiques and traditional kimono stores.

Teramachi

Teramachi shopping street offers the visitor a good variety of clothing stores, book shops, religious goods stores, and art galleries. The stores of Teramachi are a holdover from the 16th century when the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi moved many of the temples of Kyoto to Teramachi street to control the clergy. The name Teramachi means literally ‘temple town’.

Pontocho

Pontocho is a great location for those wanting to experience Kyoto’s nightlife - the area is lined with various restaurants and bars. To the west from Pontocho, you can find the Kiyamachi area, which is filled with bars that are popular especially among the university students. On the other side of the nearby Kamo River you can find Gion, which offers more bars and restaurants to explore on the north side of Shijo Dori street.

Popular Sights

Kyoto offers lots of interesting locations and sights to visit! Below you can find some of our recommendations to explore during your stay.

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Famous landmarks & areas:

• Kyoto Tower: The Kyoto tower is the tallest structure in Kyoto with 131 meters of height. The tower built in 1964 is an iconic and modern landmark in the ancient capital. Visitors can access the viewing platform 100 meters above ground, which offers a 360 degree view of Kyoto. On clear days, you can see Osaka as well. On the bottom of the commercial building of which the tower sits on top of, you can find restaurants and souvenir shops to explore.

• Nijo Castle: Built in 1603 to be the residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu is now available to be enjoyed by everyone. Explore the ancient gardens and wide moats that used to protect the Shogun. The castle is known for its nightingale floors that squeak when stepped on to alert intruders. The castle also has masterful pieces of painted works, most notably the painted screens within the main chamber.

• Kyoto Imperial Palace: The Kyoto Imperial Palace used to be the residence of the Imperial Family of Japan until 1868, when the emperor and capital were moved to Tokyo. The palace is located in Kyoto Imperial Park, which is a spacious and beautiful park in the center of Kyoto. 

• Nishiki Market: Nishiki Market is also known as Kyoto’s Kitchen, which is a traditional market district home to all kinds of seafood and cookware and is a great spot to try some of Kyoto’s seasonal specialties. Although some newer stores have moved in, the shopping street still has many traditional stores that keep the essence of the traditional atmosphere that gives guests a peek into what an actual old market district used to be like.

• Gion Walk: Immerse yourself in traditional Kyoto and walk through one of the most mesmerizing districts of Japan. As you explore Gion, let yourself get lost amongst the stunning shrines, temples and beautifully preserved streets. Enjoy the sight of traditional buildings and watch the geisha and maiko in the meeting places.

Sights surrounded by nature:

• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest: Transport yourself to a world of stunning scenery. Arashiyama is an iconic attraction for its illustrious bamboo groves and serene beauty. The area is most popular during spring for its lovely cherry blossoms and during fall for its vibrant warm colors, but nonetheless, the area is absolutely breathtaking all year round. Lose yourself in the variety of small shops and attractions, including the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge and impressive Tenryuji Temple.

• Katsura Imperial Villa: Among one of the four imperial properties in Kyoto, Katsura Imperial Villa is one of Japan's most important large-scale cultural treasures. Considered a masterpiece of Japanese gardening, the villa is surrounded by fine gardens that guests can stroll through at leisure. The building is also considered one of the greatest achievements of Japanese architecture and includes a drawing room and tea house.

• Philosopher’s Path: The Philosopher's Path is a stone path leading through the northern part of Higashiyama district in Kyoto. It is one of the most popular spots for cherry blossom viewing, as the path follows a canal lined by hundreds of cherry trees. The about two kilometers long path begins from the Ginkakuji (the Silver Pavilion) area and ends in the neighborhood of Nanzenji.

• Monkey Park Iwatayama: The monkey park, located in Arashiyama, has over 120 snow monkeys, which is native species in Japan. The visitors can see the monkeys that are also called “Japanese macaque” running and swinging around the park freely. The park is located on top of a mountain, so you’ll need to hike it up for about 30 minutes. In spring, the hiking trail is full of beautiful cherry blossom trees, and during autumn the visitors can admire the colorful autumn leaves.

• Kyoto Botanical Garden: The Kyoto Botanical Garden is Japan’s oldest and most comprehensive public botanical garden. The garden founded in 1924 is around 240,000 square meters, and has around 12,000 different species of plants. There are several areas to explore, such as bamboo garden, hydrangea garden, lotus pond, Japanese iris garden, peony garden, and plum grove. The area is great for strolling around and enjoying nature, stopping for a picnic, or viewing the cherry blossoms in spring.

  Kyoto Garden Tour: Are you interested in Japanese horticulture, gardening and landscape architecture? TOKI has prepared a wonderful experience of a private garden tour, during which you will visit some of Japan’s most exclusive gardens and taking a journey through Japanese history, philosophy, and seasonal aesthetics of the quintessential Japanese garden! The experience is held in cooperation with several members of the family that takes care of the most important gardens in Kyoto, including the Imperial Park Ryoanji, the Hyatt Regency, and the Kyoto Hotel. Read more about this experience perfect for those who love nature and peaceful outdoor spaces here.

Beautiful temples & shrines:

• Kinkaku-ji : Kyoto's Golden Pavilion is unmatched in its beauty and one of the most iconic temples in Japan and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and reflected in the mirror pond, Kinkakuji is a sight to behold all year round however it is particularly gorgeous when the roof is blanketed by snow.

• Ginkaku-ji : Closely related to Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji is surrounded by unique Japanese gardens and now stands within as a Zen temple. Journey through the different gardens to the main hall which displays paintings on it's sliding doors. From the moss garden guests are able to see scenic views of the temple and city beyond.

• Nanzen-ji: Nanzen-ji, one of the most important Zen temples in all Japan, is located at the base of the Higashiyama mountains in Kyoto. It is the head temple of one school of the Rinzai sect of Japanese Zen Buddhism. Nanzen-ji includes many sub-temples and a great number of other miscellaneous structures. The three main sights of the location are the 22 meters tall Sanmon Gate, the Hojo Teien garden, and the Nanzen-in sub-temple.

• Higashi and Nishi-Honganji : If Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji are the glamorous, gilded siblings, then the Honganjis are the imposing, hulkish brothers whose very presence is inspiring. They are both known for their beautiful lanterns, wide terraces, and peaceful praying spots.

• Kiyomizu-dera : The Kiyomizu temple is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also a finalist for the new Seven Wonders of the World. The temple sits atop a hill giving spectacular views of Kyoto. Making your way up to the temple is also a journey in itself not to be missed, as Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka feature shops that sell traditional and handmade goods as well as Kyoto specialities. 

• Sanjusangendo Temple: This temple is known for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. Measuring 120 meters, the temple hall is Japan's longest wooden structure. The name Sanjusangendo (literally "33 intervals") derives from the number of intervals between the building's support columns, a traditional method of measuring the size of a building.

• Tenryuji Temple: Kyoto’s Tenryuji Temple is the main temple of the Rinzai school and one of the five main zen temples in Kyoto. Sitting within the forests of Arashiyama, guests are able to enjoy the scenic mountain views surrounding the temple. Built in 1339, the Tenryuji Temple has lost many buildings in fires but the zen gardens have been preserved since the 14th century.

• Fushimi-Inari Shrine: Journey through the gates of mystique on this pathway of the gods. This shrine is known for its long paths completely covered by red “torii” gates. The magical, seemingly unending path of over 5000 vibrant orange torii gates that wind through the hills behind Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine makes it one of the most popular shrines in Japan.

• Saihoji Temple: Said to have been established in the Nara period, this “moss” temple is known for its stunningly refreshing moss garden. It is estimated to have 120 different types of moss within its beautiful Japanese garden architecture. Guests are asked to participate in meditation before entering the garden grounds.

• Toji Temple: Among one of many of Kyoto’s ancient temples, Toji Temple offers the spectacular 5 story pagoda which is a symbol of Kyoto. Some buildings within the grounds of Toji Temple are considered national treasures. Walking through the temple grounds will take you to the ancient city that Kyoto once was. An antique fair happens on the 21st of each month at Toji temple and transforms the temple grounds into a lively market.

• Daitokuji Temple: Established in 1326 and known for its connection with Sen no Rikyu, Daitokuji Temple is a massive Zen Buddhist Temple complex. Within the complex, you can find a variety of zen gardens and temples that pay homage to the Japanese aesthetic. Sen No Rikyu is one of the primary contributors to the tea ceremony that we know today. The main buildings are surrounded by smaller temples added by feudal lords and a few of these sub-temples are open to viewing.

• Byodoin Temple: Beautiful during any time of year, Byodoin Temple is well known throughout Japan and its depiction is even on the 10 yen coin. Explore this otherworldly temple and scenic gardens before going underground where the temple hides its national treasures within its museum of 1000-year-old beauty.

• Sanjusangendo Temple: Known for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Measuring 120 meters, the temple hall is Japan's longest wooden structure. The name Sanjusangendo (literally "33 intervals") derives from the number of intervals between the building's support columns, a traditional method of measuring the size of a building.

• Shoren-in Temple: Get lost in the atmosphere of this gorgeous temple that has been closely related to the imperial family for centuries. Since it was built as a villa instead of a temple, the grounds are very different from your normal temple. Stroll through the tranquil gardens that surround a koi pond and marvel at the traditional Japanese architecture of the temple itself.

Fascinating museums:

• The Kyoto National Museum: One of the most distinguished Japanese museums, Kyoto National Museum focuses on pre-modern Japanese and Asian art. The permanent exhibition rotates through its different archaeological relics, sculptures, ceramics, calligraphy, costumes and paintings. The museum also offers temporary exhibitions, so there’s always some new fine arts to gaze upon.

• National Museum of Modern Art: The National Museum of Modern Art exhibits unique selected works of nihonga (Japanese-style paintings), yōga (Western-style paintings), prints, sculptures, crafts and photography. This museum shows the most outstanding and monumental pieces from famous Japanese artists, as well as pieces by Western artists such as Picasso and Henri Matisse.

• Kyoto Shibori Museum: Kyoto Shibori Museum lets visitors look into the world of Japanese silk dying, which has been practiced for more than a thousand years in Japan. The museum holds different exhibitions dedicated to the craft, and guests can take part in the art with the Shibori classes held at the museum.

• Kyoto International Manga Museum: Once a primary school building, the International Manga Museum is now lined with manga books for visitors to read. Get lost within the stories of manga and see the history behind the art. The museum has a permanent exhibition and also hosts temporary exhibitions that touch on different subjects and genres within the manga industry.

• Kyoto Kyocera Museum: Japan's oldest public art museum that still stands in its original structure. It opened originally as the Enthronement Memorial Museum of Art in 1933. There are vast collections of Japanese and Western style paintings, Chinese glassware, Spanish prints, and various ceramics. Sculptures and paintings can be enjoyed in the lobby of its headquarters. With Higashiyama as its setting, the unification of traditional and modern is a new chapter for the museum. 

• Raku Museum: The Raku Museum is situated immediately next door to the Raku family home and workshop. It was opened in 1978 by the 14th generation Kakunyû (1918~1980) and has a collection consisting primarily of ceramics made by successive heads of the Raku family, related documents and tea utensils passed down over the generations. The collection has been formed over 450 years as a resource from which future generations can learn about the techniques and artistry of their forebears enabling them to establish each individual style.

Museum Pass

If you are planning to visit various museums during your stay in Kyoto, purchasing the Kansai Grutto pass is recommended to save on the admission fees. The pass costs 1100 yen, and provides a free or discounted admission to about 50 galleries and museums in the Kansai region. Kansai Grutto pass is available from the start of April through the next year's January, and it stays valid for four months from the first use or the last day of March (whichever occurs first).