Kyoto
Kyoto is old Japan writ large: atmospheric temples, sublime gardens, traditional teahouses and geisha scurrying to secret liaisons.
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Attractions
Must-see attractions for your itinerary
Nishiki Market
Downtown Kyoto
The covered Nishiki Market (Nishiki-kōji Ichiba) is one of Kyoto’s real highlights, especially if you have an interest in cooking and dining. Commonly…
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Arashiyama & Sagano
The thick green bamboo stalks seem to continue endlessly in every direction and there’s a strange quality to the light at this famous bamboo grove, which…
Enryaku-ji
Kyoto
Located atop 848m-high Hiei-zan (the mountain that dominates the skyline in the northeast of the city), the Enryaku-ji complex is an entire world of…
Kiyomizu-dera
Southern Higashiyama
A buzzing hive of activity perched on a hill overlooking the basin of Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto's most popular and most enjoyable temples. It…
Fushimi Inari-Taisha
Kyoto Station & South Kyoto
With seemingly endless arcades of vermilion torii (shrine gates) spread across a thickly wooded mountain, this vast shrine complex is a world unto its own…
Chion-in
Southern Higashiyama
A collection of soaring buildings, spacious courtyards and gardens, Chion-in serves as the headquarters of the Jōdo sect, the largest school of Buddhism…
Gion
Southern Higashiyama
Gion is the famous entertainment and geisha quarter on the eastern bank of the Kamo-gawa. While Gion’s true origins were in teahouses catering to weary…
Daitoku-ji
Imperial Palace & Around
For anyone with the slightest fondness for Japanese gardens, don't miss this network of lanes dotted with atmospheric Zen temples. Daitoku-ji, the main…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Things to Know
From planning your trip to local etiquette, here are the most important things to know before going to Kyoto.
Read articleBest Neighborhoods
If you’re looking to explore Kyoto, check out these five diverse neighborhoods in Japan’s most historic major city.
Read articleDay Trips
Explore Japan's Kansai region and beyond with these amazing day trips by train from Kyoto.
Read articleMoney and Costs
From cheap travel to affordable food and accommodations, discover our top tips for exploring Kyoto on a budget.
Read articleTransportation
From buses, trains and the subway to discovering the city on foot or by bicycle, here’s our essential guide on how to get around in Kyoto.
Read articleFree Things to Do
It's easy to visit Kyoto on a budget. From stunning temples to incredible landscapes, here are the best free things to do in Kyoto.
Read articleArticles
Latest stories from Kyoto
HikingThe 7 best hikes in Kyoto – for scenery, city views and mountaintop templesJan 5, 2022 • 9 min read
NeighborhoodsDiscover history, culture and world-class food in Kyoto’s most exciting neighborhoodsDec 23, 2021 • 7 min read
Art and CultureKyoto's 7 best museums for contemporary art, traditional sake and popular mangaDec 20, 2021 • 6 min read
Guidebooks
Purchase our award-winning guidebooks
Get to the heart of Kyoto with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.
