Kyoto Travel Guide
- Kyoto , Travel guide
- 06 Jul, 2025
Make the most of your trip to Kyoto with our comprehensive Kyoto itineraries and detailed guide to essential attractions in each of Kyoto’s fascinating districts. Whether you’re searching for the best places to stay—from traditional ryokan to modern hotels—or looking to savor Kyoto’s finest cuisine at top-rated restaurants, we’ve got you covered with expert recommendations for an unforgettable visit.
Kyoto Itineraries
Planning a trip to Kyoto? Explore our detailed 1-day to 5-day Kyoto itineraries—perfectly crafted travel guides to help you experience the best of Kyoto.
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First Time In Kyoto
Visiting Kyoto for the first time? Discover everything you need to know on one page—from essential travel tips to must-see sights and hidden gems.
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Best Time To Visit Kyoto
Comprehensive guide to Kyoto’s climate, seasonal highlights, and can’t-miss events throughout the year.
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Kyoto Ryokan
Staying in a ryokan—a traditional Japanese inn—is one of the most authentic and memorable ways to experience Kyoto.
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Kyoto Hotels
Looking for the best hotels in Kyoto? Whether you’re traveling on a budget or looking for luxury, here are top hotel recommendations across all price ranges.
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Kyoto Machiya
Staying in a Kyoto machiya—a traditional Japanese townhouse turned vacation rental—is a great way to immerse yourself in local history and culture.
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Kyoto Places To Eat
From elegant kaiseki dinners to late-night dumplings in back-alley joints, Kyoto serves up a rich variety of dining experiences for every taste and budget.
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Things To Do In Kyoto
Make the most of your time in Kyoto with our ultimate list of the best things to do—packed with must-visit temples, local experiences, and insider tips.
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Romantic Kyoto
Intimate restaurants, charming atmospheric streets, and countless serene gardens and temples, Kyoto is a perfect destination to share special moments.
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Kyoto Districts
Explore Kyoto’s iconic temples, breathtaking mountain views, hidden alleyways, and serene zen gardens with our easy-to-follow travel guides.
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Kyoto Events
Looking for things to do in Kyoto this month? Discover a full rundown of the best cultural events, festivals, and activities underway now.
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Getting Around Kyoto
Navigate Kyoto like a local using the city’s excellent buses, taxis, and train network—your guide to hassle-free transportation.
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Japan Travel Guides
Looking to explore beyond Kyoto? Discover must-see destinations just a short trip away—perfect additions to any Kyoto travel itinerary. These concise travel guides highlight the best day trips from Kyoto, with top attractions, local experiences, and tips on what to see and do.
Tokyo Travel Guide
Discover must-see attractions, local food, cultural tips, and the best things to do in Tokyo for first-time and repeat visitors.
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Osaka Travel Guide
Discover the best things to do in Osaka, Japan, from iconic landmarks and cultural attractions to hidden gems and local favorites.
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Nara Travel Guide
Just a short 30-minute express train ride from Kyoto, Nara offers a spectacular contrast with its ancient temples, friendly deer, and peaceful parks — making it a must-visit destination in Japan.
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Kanazawa Travel Guide
Often called ‘Little Kyoto,’ Kanazawa is a captivating destination in its own right, known for its well-preserved samurai and geisha districts, stunning Kenrokuen Garden, and rich cultural heritage.
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Hiroshima And Miyajima
Hiroshima and the nearby island of Miyajima offer some of Japan’s most unforgettable sights, including the Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, and the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.
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Takayama Travel Guide
Nestled in the Japanese Alps, Takayama is a perfect stopover between Tokyo and Kyoto, offering a unique blend of traditional architecture, preserved Edo-period streets, and rich cultural heritage.
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New And Updated On Inside Kyoto 2025
- [UPDATED] Best Restaurants In Kyoto 2025 — Here is our list of the best restaurants in Kyoto as of February 2025. I’ve divided them by type of cuisine, with location and price range indicated to make it easy to choose. Read More
- [UPDATED] Things To Do In Kyoto 2025 — Kyoto is world famous for its wonderful temples and shrines. But that’s only the beginning of the story. There’s also incredible shopping, bicycling, hiking, museums, galleries and green spaces. Here’s a full list of things to do in Kyoto. Read More
- [NEW] Sake Brewery Tour and Sake Tasting in Kyoto — Most sake brewery tours are impersonal group tours that require a long journey into the countryside, but there’s one brewery in central Kyoto that offers private tours and sake tasting. It’s called Sasaki Shuzo and they offer private tours led by the head brewer. Read More
- [UPDATED] The Complete IC Card Guide — IC cards like Suica, Welcome Suica and Icoca are the easiest way to pay for nearly everything in Japan. Here’s the complete guide to physical and digital IC cards and a handy decision tree to help you choose which card to buy or install on your phone. Read More
- [UPDATED] Where To Stay In Kyoto 2025 — If you’re wondering where to stay in Kyoto, check our comparison of Kyoto’s key areas for places to stay and our rundown of the types of accommodation available in Kyoto. Read More
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For a quick overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide.
- Check if a visa is required for Japan
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com.
- Buy Japan Rail Tickets and Shinkansen Tickets Online.
- For tips on where to stay, see Where To Stay In Kyoto.
- See my Packing List For Japan.
- Purchase an eSim or SIM card for Japan.
- Compare flight prices on Skyscanner.
- Consider a Japan Rail Pass - see if it’s worth for you.
- Consider a travel insurance.