An important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates.

Fushimi Inari Shrine is an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. It is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. The trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at 233 meters and belongs to the shrine grounds. /n Fushimi Inari is the most important of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Foxes are thought to be Inari's messengers, resulting in many fox statues across the shrine grounds. Fushimi Inari Shrine has ancient origins, predating the capital's move to Kyoto in 794.

Fushimi Inari Shrine is a significant Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates.

One of the most photographed sights in the city, offering a unique experience of walking through a massive bamboo grove.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of the most photographed sights in the city of Kyoto. The tall bamboo stalks seem to continue endlessly in every direction and there's a strange quality to the light that is quite unlike anything else. /n The bamboo has been used to manufacture various products, such as baskets, cups, boxes, mats and pieces of art. The grove is particularly attractive when there is a light wind and the tall bamboo stalks sway gently back and forth. The bamboo has been a part of the culture of Kyoto for centuries, and it is a wonderful place to visit.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of the most photographed sights in Kyoto, offering a unique and serene experience.

Tenryu-ji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important Zen temples in Kyoto. It features beautiful gardens and a stunning dragon ceiling painting.

Tenryu-ji Temple is a Zen temple in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto. It's ranked first among the city's five great Zen temples and is famous for its beautiful garden. /n The temple was established in 1339 by the ruling shogun Ashikaga Takauji. Takauji dedicated the temple to Emperor Go-Daigo, who had just passed away. The two had been allies but became bitter enemies. By building the temple, Takauji intended to appease the former emperor's spirits.

Tenryu-ji Temple is a Zen temple in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto, known for its beautiful garden.

Pontocho is one of Kyoto's most atmospheric dining areas. It is a narrow alley running from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori, one block west of Kamogawa River. The alley is packed with restaurants on both sides offering a wide range of dining options from inexpensive yakitori to traditional and modern Kyoto cuisine, foreign cuisine and highly exclusive establishments that require the right connections and a fat wallet.

Pontocho district is a narrow alley running from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori, one block west of Kamogawa River. It's one of Kyoto's most atmospheric dining areas. /n It's a great place to dine on some of Kyoto's most delicious cuisine and is also known for the preservation of forms of traditional architecture and entertainment. You can experience the traditional feel of Kyoto, as the narrow alley is filled with various types of restaurants, bars, and teahouses, where geisha entertain.

Pontocho district is a narrow alley running from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori, one block west of Kamogawa River.

Kinkaku-ji, officially named Rokuon-ji, is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto. It is one of the most popular buildings in Japan, attracting a large number of visitors annually.

Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto. Its top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. /n The temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408. Kinkaku-ji was the inspiration for the similarly named Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), built by Yoshimitsu's grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, on the other side of the city a few decades later.

Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf.

A pleasant stone path through the northern part of Kyoto's Higashiyama district.

The Philosopher's Path is a pleasant stone path through the northern part of Kyoto's Higashiyama district. The path follows a canal which is lined by hundreds of cherry trees. /n It gets its name due to Nishida Kitaro, one of Japan's most famous philosophers, who was said to practice meditation while walking this route on his daily commute to Kyoto University. The path is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring and is equally beautiful in autumn when the leaves change color.

The Philosopher's Path is a pleasant stone path through the northern part of Kyoto's Higashiyama district.

Gion is Kyoto's most famous geisha district, located around Shijo Avenue between Yasaka Shrine in the east and the Kamo River in the west. It is filled with shops, restaurants and ochaya (teahouses), where geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha) and maiko (geiko apprentices) entertain.

Gion is Kyoto's most famous geisha district, located around Shijo Avenue between Yasaka Shrine and the Kamo River. It's filled with shops, restaurants and ochaya (teahouses), where geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha) and maiko (geiko apprentices) entertain. /n Gion attracts tourists with its high concentration of traditional wooden machiya merchant houses. Due to the fact that property taxes were formerly based upon street frontage, the houses were built with narrow facades only five to six meters wide, but extend up to twenty meters in from the street.

Gion is Kyoto's most famous geisha district, located around Shijo Avenue between Yasaka Shrine and the Kamo River.

Discover the timeless charm of Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital. Immerse yourself in its rich history by visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites like Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera, a temple offering panoramic city views. Wander through the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousand red torii gates. Experience the traditional tea ceremony in Gion, the city's geisha district, or stroll along the Philosopher's Path during cherry blossom season. Savor authentic Japanese cuisine, from kaiseki dining to street food in Nishiki Market. Kyoto seamlessly blends the old and the new, offering a unique cultural experience that leaves every visitor enchanted.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Tenryu-ji Temple

Pontocho district

Start your day with a visit to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, a significant Shinto shrine known for its iconic red torii gates. Take a leisurely hike up the mountain trails, enjoying the serene atmosphere and beautiful views of Kyoto.

Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch in a local restaurant. Try Kyoto's famous kaiseki cuisine, a multi-course meal that showcases seasonal and local ingredients.

Head to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, an enchanting natural forest of bamboo. The sight of the towering bamboo stalks is truly breathtaking. Don't miss the nearby Tenryu-ji Temple, a World Heritage Site with a stunning Zen garden.

Have dinner in a local izakaya, a type of informal Japanese pub. These establishments offer a variety of small, tapas-style dishes, perfect for sharing with friends.

Experience Kyoto's vibrant nightlife in the Pontocho district. This narrow alley is packed with bars, clubs, and live music venues, offering something for everyone.

Exploring Fushimi and Arashiyama

Kinkaku-ji

Philosopher's Path

Gion

Visit Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. The temple is set in a beautiful Japanese strolling garden and reflects elegantly in the pond.

Have lunch in a local restaurant, trying out Kyoto's famous yudofu, a hot tofu dish that's especially popular in the colder months.

Explore the Philosopher's Path, a scenic walk along a canal lined with hundreds of cherry trees. It's particularly beautiful during the cherry blossom season, but offers a peaceful stroll at any time of year.

Enjoy a dinner in a local restaurant, trying out Kyoto's famous sushi and sashimi dishes.

End your trip with a visit to Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district. Enjoy the traditional wooden machiya houses and the chance to spot a geisha or maiko on their way to work.

Visiting Kinkaku-ji and the Philosopher's Path

UTC+9

Kyoto City Bus is a convenient and popular means of transportation for both locals and tourists. It covers the city extensively including many of Kyoto's top attractions. English announcements and signs are available.

Kyoto has two subway lines: the Karasuma Line and the Tozai Line. They are not as extensive as the bus network, but they are a good option for certain routes, especially during rush hour when the roads can be congested.

Japan Railways (JR) operates a few local lines that are useful for tourists, especially the Sagano Line and the Nara Line. The JR lines are covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

In addition to JR, there are a few private railway lines which can be useful for tourists, including the Keihan Line, the Hankyu Line, and the Kintetsu Line. These lines connect Kyoto with nearby cities like Osaka and Nara.

Renting a bicycle is a great way to explore Kyoto, especially the Higashiyama District and Arashiyama where attractions are located close together. There are many rental shops around the city, especially near major train stations.

Taxis are a convenient but more expensive way to get around Kyoto. They can be found at taxi stands at train stations or hailed on the streets. Most taxi drivers do not speak English, but they usually have a GPS system. It's a good idea to have your destination written in Japanese.

Ridesharing services like Uber are available in Kyoto, but they are not as common or as cheap as they are in some other countries. They can be a good option if you're traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage.

Many of Kyoto's attractions are located close together, especially in areas like Higashiyama and Arashiyama, making walking a viable option. The city is also very pedestrian-friendly with lots of signs in English.

Renting a car can be a good option if you plan to explore the outskirts of Kyoto or other parts of the Kansai region. However, driving in Kyoto city can be challenging due to the narrow streets and heavy traffic. Plus, parking can be expensive and hard to find.

A traditional multi-course Japanese dinner that is considered the epitome of Japanese cuisine in Kyoto. It features seasonal and local ingredients.

Kaiseki

A type of powdered green tea that is a specialty of Kyoto. It is often served in traditional tea ceremonies.

Matcha

Buckwheat noodles that are a popular dish in Kyoto. They can be served cold with a dipping sauce or hot in a soup.

Soba

A delicacy in Kyoto, yuba is the skin that forms on the surface when soy milk is boiled. It can be eaten raw, cooked, or used in various dishes.

Yuba

A hot tofu dish that is a winter specialty in Kyoto. It is typically served with a soy-based sauce and vegetables.

Yudofu

A traditional Japanese rice wine that is often served warm. Kyoto is known for its high-quality sake due to the purity of its water sources.

Sake

A dish consisting of seafood or vegetables that have been battered and deep-fried. It is a popular dish in Kyoto.

Tempura

Japanese pickles that are a staple in Kyoto cuisine. They are often served as a side dish or used as a garnish.

Tsukemono

Thick wheat noodles that are a popular dish in Kyoto. They can be served in a variety of ways, including in a hot soup or with a dipping sauce.

Udon

Grilled eel that is a delicacy in Kyoto. It is often served over rice in a dish called unadon.

Unagi

A type of vegetarian cuisine that was developed by Buddhist monks in Kyoto. It is made without meat, fish, or other animal products.

Shojin Ryori

A type of sushi that is a specialty of Kyoto. It often features cured or cooked ingredients, in contrast to the raw fish commonly used in other types of sushi.

Kyoto-style Sushi

New Year's Day

Day off for New Year's Day

Coming of Age Day

National Foundation Day

Emperor's Birthday

Spring Equinox

Shōwa Day

Constitution Memorial Day

Greenery Day

Children's Day

Sea Day

Mountain Day

Respect for the Aged Day

Autumn Equinox

Sports Day

Culture Day

Labor Thanksgiving Day

National Foundation Day observed

Children's Day observed

Day off for Mountain Day

Autumn Equinox observed

Culture Day observed

Famous for its free-roaming deer and historical temples.

Nara Park

One of Japan's most famous landmarks with a five-story castle keep.

Osaka Castle

A shopping and entertainment district along the waterfront of Kobe's port area.

Kobe Harborland

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, also known as White Heron Castle due to its elegant, white appearance.

Himeji Castle

A popular destination for outdoor activities with beautiful views of Lake Biwa.

Biwako Valley

The center of Shingon Buddhism, home to an active monastic center.

Mount Koya

One of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, known for its scenic beauty.

Okayama Korakuen Garden

A memorial park in the center of Hiroshima, dedicated to the legacy of Hiroshima as the first city in the world to suffer a nuclear attack.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Famous for Itsukushima Shrine with its floating torii gate.

Miyajima

Known for its well-preserved Edo-era districts, art museums and regional handicrafts.

Kanazawa

Fukuoka

Hakone

Hiroshima

Morioka

Mount Fuji

Okinawa

Osaka

Sapporo

Tokyo

Yokohama

Buddhist stone statues at the Otagi Nenbutsu ji temple

Arashiyama in autumn season along the river

Kyoto is a city that respects its traditions. As a visitor, you should also respect these traditions and customs.

Japanese people are very polite and respectful. It is customary to bow when greeting someone.

The official language is Japanese. While some people may speak English, it is not widely spoken. It may be helpful to learn a few basic Japanese phrases.

The currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash, especially in smaller establishments.

Tipping is not customary in Japan. In fact, it can sometimes be seen as rude or confusing.

The city is very safe, but like any other place, it's always important to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

Public transportation in Kyoto is excellent. The city has an extensive bus and subway system, and taxis are also readily available.

Kyoto is a pedestrian-friendly city with many areas best explored on foot. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

The city is known for its beautiful gardens and temples. Dress modestly when visiting these sites.

Kyoto can be quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. Be prepared for crowds at popular sites and on public transportation.

The climate in Kyoto is temperate, with four distinct seasons. Summers can be hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 90°F (32°C), while winters can be cold, with temperatures dropping to around 32°F (0°C).

It's important to stay hydrated, especially during the hot summer months. Vending machines selling drinks are widely available throughout the city.

Japanese food is a highlight of any visit to Kyoto. Be adventurous and try local specialties like kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal) and yudofu (tofu hot pot).

Smoking is not allowed on the streets in most areas in Kyoto. Look for designated smoking areas.

Public restrooms are generally clean and well-maintained in Kyoto. Western-style toilets are common, but you may also encounter traditional Japanese squat toilets.

If you're planning to visit multiple attractions, consider getting a one-day or two-day bus pass. It can save you money on transportation costs.

Shopping in Kyoto can be a unique experience. From traditional crafts to modern fashion, there's something for everyone.

It's considered rude to talk loudly or use your cell phone on public transportation. Keep your voice down and avoid phone calls.

Always stand on the left side on escalators, the right side is for people in a hurry.

Remember to remove your shoes when entering a traditional Japanese home or certain traditional restaurants and temples.

January is the coldest month in Kyoto, with occasional snowfall. It's a great time to visit if you enjoy serene, snowy landscapes.

February is still quite cold, with less snow but more clear, sunny days. Ideal for those who enjoy cooler weather.

March sees the start of spring, with temperatures gradually increasing. The cherry blossoms start to bloom towards the end of the month.

April is one of the most popular months to visit Kyoto due to the full bloom of cherry blossoms. The weather is pleasantly warm during the day.

May is comfortably warm, with plenty of sunshine and greenery. It's a great time to explore the city's parks and gardens.

June marks the start of the rainy season in Kyoto. Despite the rain, the lush greenery and hydrangea blooms make it a beautiful time to visit.

July is hot and humid, with the rainy season ending mid-month. It's a good time to visit indoor attractions like museums and temples.

August is the hottest month in Kyoto. It's a great time to visit if you enjoy summer festivals and fireworks.

September is still warm, but with less humidity. The start of autumn foliage makes it a beautiful time to visit.

October offers comfortable temperatures and stunning autumn foliage. It's one of the best times to visit Kyoto.

November is cool and crisp, with the autumn foliage at its peak. It's a great time to explore the city's gardens and temples.

December is chilly, but clear and often sunny. It's a great time to visit if you enjoy Christmas lights and end-of-year festivities.

When visiting Kyoto, Japan, it's important to be aware of the city's distinct four seasons and prepare accordingly. 

Spring (March to May) is a popular time to visit Kyoto, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C). This is also the cherry blossom season, so expect some crowds. Light layers and a rain jacket are recommended as there can be occasional showers.

Summer (June to August) in Kyoto can be hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching up to 95°F (35°C). It's advisable to stay hydrated, wear light, breathable clothing, and use sunscreen. Also, be prepared for the rainy season (Tsuyu) in June and July.

Autumn (September to November) is another beautiful season to visit Kyoto, with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). The fall foliage is a sight to behold. Pack some light layers as it can get cooler, especially in the evenings.

Winter (December to February) can be quite cold with temperatures dropping to around 32°F (0°C). Snowfall is rare but possible. Warm clothing, including a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat, are essential.

Regardless of the season, it's always a good idea to check the local weather forecast before your trip to ensure you're packing appropriately. Also, remember that Kyoto is a city best explored on foot, so comfortable walking shoes are a must.

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2-Day Local Experience: Nightlife and Adventure in Kyoto with Friends

About Kyoto, Japan