Why Go to Kyoto
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Kyoto is the Japan of your imagination: cherry blossoms drifting on the breeze, quiet Zen rock gardens, wooden teahouses and geiko and maiko gliding through lantern-lit lanes. As Japan's imperial capital for more than a thousand years, from 794 to 1868, it was the heart of Japanese culture, art and learning, and today it's home to some 1,600 temples and hundreds of shrines.
Walk through thousands of orange torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, see the gleaming Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, wander the towering Arashiyama bamboo grove and explore the historic Gion district at dusk. Take part in a traditional tea ceremony and enjoy kaiseki, Kyoto's elegant multi-course cuisine. Yet Kyoto isn't stuck in the past; it's also home to companies like Nintendo, and modern life flows alongside the ancient.
Kyoto is very popular, so starting early and following local etiquette, especially in Gion, makes for a better visit. It's an easy bullet train ride from Tokyo and pairs well with Osaka and Nara. I'll plan your rail passes, a traditional ryokan stay and a temple itinerary that avoids the biggest crowds.
BEST FOR
Cultural travelers, photographers, history lovers and garden enthusiasts
BEST MONTHS
Late March to May and October to November
EXPLORE
Higashiyama holds many historic lanes and temples; Gion is associated with traditional arts; Arashiyama is west of the center, and Kyoto Station is a major transit hub.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Kyoto
Asia › East Asia › Japan › Kyoto Prefecture
Golden temples, geisha lanes and tranquil gardens in Japan's ancient capital.
Urban & Culture
Temples
Gardens
Tradition
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Visit the big sights like Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama at sunrise. You'll have them almost to yourself before the tour buses arrive.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Go at sunrise and hike past the first crowded section; the higher you climb, the quieter it gets.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Thousands of vermilion torii gates wind up a forested mountain at this famous shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice.
Walk up through the charming lanes of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka.
Kiyomizu-dera
A historic temple with a wooden stage jutting out over the hillside, offering sweeping views of the city.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best light.
Kinkaku-ji
The Golden Pavilion, covered in gold leaf, shimmers over a reflecting pond.
Go at dawn, then explore Tenryu-ji temple and the Togetsukyo Bridge.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Towering bamboo stalks create a magical green tunnel in the Arashiyama district.
Explore the beautiful gardens after touring the palace.
Nijo Castle
The former residence of the shoguns, famous for its "nightingale floors" that chirp when you walk.
A luxurious riverside hotel on the Kamo River, blending modern elegance with traditional Kyoto design.
The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
Central Kyoto / Kamogawa River
Hotel Tags
A stylish hotel in a building designed by Kengo Kuma, with local art and a lively lobby.
Ace Hotel Kyoto
Central Kyoto / Shin-Puh-Kan
Hotel Tags
A modern hotel in Higashiyama near Sanjusangendo, with easy access to the temples.
Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Higashiyama / Shichijo
Hotel Tags
A serene luxury hotel set around an 800-year-old Japanese pond garden.
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
Higashiyama / Myohoin
Hotel Tags
A tranquil retreat near the northern hills, with hot spring baths and garden views.
ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts
Takagamine / Northern Kyoto
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Kyoto
High 62°F · Low 46°F · Rain 2.8 in
Autumn leaves peak in late November, the most beautiful time of year.
The best times to visit Kyoto are late March through May for cherry blossoms and October through November for autumn leaves. These are also the busiest seasons. Summer is hot and humid but full of festivals, while winter is cool and quiet, with occasional snow on the temples.
Best Times to Visit Kyoto
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Kyoto is the birthplace of kaiseki, Japan's elegant multi-course cuisine, and it's famous for tofu, matcha and seasonal vegetables.
- Kaiseki: Enjoy a traditional multi-course meal in a ryokan or teahouse.
- Tea culture: Try a tea ceremony and matcha sweets in Uji or Gion.
- Must-try: Yudofu (simmered tofu), matcha desserts, obanzai home-style dishes and wagashi sweets.
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Walking & Biking
Kyoto is flat and great for walking and biking.
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Taxis
Taxis are convenient for reaching temples, especially for groups.
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Buses
City buses reach most temples but can be very crowded; trains are often faster.
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Subway & Trains
Two subway lines and several train lines connect major areas, including Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama.
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Bullet Train
The Shinkansen connects Tokyo and Kyoto in just over two hours.
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Flying In
Kansai International (KIX) is about 75 minutes from Kyoto by the Haruka express train. Osaka Itami (ITM) handles domestic flights.
Most visitors arrive by bullet train from Tokyo or the Haruka express from Kansai Airport. Once you're here, use trains and subways when possible, since buses get crowded, and explore neighborhoods on foot or by bike.
Getting Around Kyoto
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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