Kyoto
Kyoto is one of my favorite cities in Japan, because it's the perfect mix of culture and city life. It was previously the capital of Japan, and has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country. You'll find calming temples, dreamy forests, and beautiful traditions here... but just a few blocks down you'll see tons of fun shops and restaurants to hang out in!
Kyoto Travel Guide
Let's break down what you need to know about Kyoto.
Kyoto Itineraries
I recommend starting with my Kyoto itineraries to help plan your trip.
For total beginners, here is my 10 Day Japan Itinerary featuring Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Here are some other itineraries below:
Where to Stay in Kyoto
I generally recommend staying in central Kyoto and walking distance to a train station, because the major attractions like Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera are a 20-25 minute train ride from each other.
I personally stayed in Saka Hotel Kyoto and LOVED it, it's my favorite hotel in the city. You can click here for my full review.
I've also stayed in ryokan in Kyoto, a traditional Japanese lodging! The traditional luxurious kaiseki meal actually originated from here, so it's a great city to have your first ryokan experience.
Click here for the Best Ryokans in Kyoto with private onsen, broken down by budget and area. Or, you can venture to the outskirts of Kyoto to Arashiyama, where there are plenty of beautiful ryokan surrounded by temples and lush nature. Click here for the 7 Best Ryokan in Arashiyama!
Things to Do in Kyoto
There are a ton of things to do in Kyoto during the day. Click here for my ultimate guide on things to do in Kyoto.
It's a lot quieter when night falls, but you can check out my guide on things to do in Kyoto at night here.
Day Trips From Kyoto
The most popular day trips from Kyoto are Nara and Uji. Nara is home to the famous bowing deer, and Uji is where the best quality matcha is created.
Click here for my guide on taking a day trip to Nara from Kyoto, or click here for my guide on taking a day trip to Uji.
Kyoto Seasonal Guides
I'll admit it, I love visiting Kyoto during the spring and fall. However, many people visit Kyoto during summer for fun festivities, kawayuka and kawadoko dining, which is when platforms are constructed directly over the rivers to enjoy a mist during the summer heat.
Click here for my guide on experiencing Kyoto during the summer season!
