Explore Kyoto
Plan Your Trip to Kyoto: Best of Kyoto Tourism
Essential Kyoto
Traveler Guides
Take a deep dive into Kyoto’s traditional arts and crafts scene
ROKETSU Dyeing Studio YAMAMOTO80This traditional studio run by the friendly Yamamoto family specializes in wax-resist dyeing. They are happy to explain the process and have patterns you can choose from to create your own design on anything from a tea towel to a T-shirt. The final product makes a great souvenir to bring back home.
Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design184Dozens of handicrafts—everything from ceramic roof tiles to ornamental hairpins to paper lanterns—are on display at this incredible museum. You’ll see not only the finished products, but detailed explanations on how they were made. Even more fascinating are the artisans demonstrating their craft. The regular rotation includes woodworkers, printmakers, and candlemakers, and many have their own studios where you can take classes. A highlight: Seeing how kimonos are dyed.
Asahiyaki27This studio has been making ceremonial tea utensils from locally sourced clay for more than 400 years. Located in the famous tea-producing city of Uji, about 30 minutes from Kyoto, it has a riverside setting that’s a great escape from downtown. If you want to create your own ceramics, the studio offers pottery-making classes using molds or spinning wheels. I recommend that you pick up some fine green tea while you’re in town.
Kyoto Shibori Museum88Textile lovers should check out the Kyoto Shibori Museum, featuring intricate paintings, scrolls, and kimonos created using a traditional resist-dyeing technique called shibori. The museum offers reasonably priced classes led by knowledgeable instructors who help you create your own shibori silk scarf or furoshiki (a cloth used to wrap goods). A bonus: The class includes free admission to the museum’s exhibits, which gives you something to do while your fabric dries.
Usaginonedoko Kyoto Shop73I’m a sucker for a beautiful cafe, and I don’t mind paying (a little bit) more when it’s as unique as this one. A combination cafe, inn, and gallery, Usaginonedoko is all about finding beauty in nature and you see it in everything from the art to the food. Make sure to check out the dessert menu. The dishes are inspired by minerals and look more like geology exhibits, but they deliver in the flavor department.
Kyoto Handicraft Center238Leave enough time to explore the Kyoto Handicraft Center, which has a vast array of items that were handmade by local artisans. The cotton yukatas (summer kimonos) are an especially good buy, but you’ll also find tea kettles, sake cups, and traditional dolls and toys, along with works of art you can hang on your walls back home.
Browse collections
All things sushi and wagyu
Find peace and awe
A Japanese take on hospitality
Kyoto, after dark
Culture for days
Kyoto Travel Guide
Travelers' pro tips or experiencing Kyoto
singinggigi
Kyoto is a haven for photographers. This ancient capital of Japan offers thousands of temples, shrines and museums; each offers its unique accents.
Madison S
Kyoto is a beautiful, classic city, rich in Japanese history and resplendent in temples, shrines, and natural beauty.
Yume A
While Kyoto is a very traditional city, with more than 1,000 years of history, it is also an open-minded place, and full of hidden romantic spots to enjoy with your loved one.
Peter A
Kyoto was the capitol city of Japan for over 1200 years. While the court moved to present day Tokyo in 1868, the city remained to this day the center of traditional culture. To really appreciate Japan's heritage, one should visit the cities Buddhist temples, most dating back at least five centuries. World War II bombings destroyed many of the core, traditional city centers in Japan, Kyoto was fortunately spared. It has more old temples as any other place in the country. One could spend weeks visiting the prominent temples without exhausting the list.
blueflag08
Kyoto is a great insight to History of Japan and a great way to experience the culture, food, people and sights that Japan has to offer. Kyoto is a must visit destination in Japan and I believe there is something for every kind of traveler here!
What is the best way to get there?
flying
The closest airport to Kyoto is Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport), although Kansai International Airport is just a few minutes further. From the airport, there are various ways to get to Kyoto. The quickest is by train, but you can also consider bus, taxi and shared shuttles.
More information here, and on the station website.
train
If arriving by train from other cities in Japan, Kyoto Station is well located in the southern part of the city. There is always an abundance of taxis at the station. The local subway is also convenient.
For detailed train information, read here.
Do I need a visa?
Currently, citizens from 68 countries can travel into Japan visa free. Please check on your eligibility and visa information here.
When is the best time to visit?
One of the best times to visit Kyoto, and Japan for that matter, is in the fall during the foliage season. On average, the leaves in the Kyoto area start to change colors at the end of October and the middle of November. It is truly amazing to see Japanese temples, many of which are set in the lush foresty hills, in the kaleidoscope of fall colors. The contrast of the bright yellow and scarlet leaves and the blue sky just adds to the romance. Average daily temperatures this time of year are highs around 73° F (23° C) and lows near 56° F (13° C).
Similarly, springtime, especially the period coinciding with the blooming of the cherry blossom trees, is equally beautiful, with cool temperatures and usually clear skies. Note though that cherry blossom period is peak season and you may find the city uncomfortably crowded. Temperatures in spring are generally highs of 67° F (19° C) and lows around 48° F (9° C).
On the ground
What is the timezone?
Japan Standard Time, JST or UTC +9.
What are the voltage/plug types?
110 Volts / 50-60 Hz. Plugs are Type A and B.
What is the currency?
The Japanese Yen.
Are ATMs readily accessible?
Yes.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes and no. Many higher-end restaurants and small shops are cash-only. Major department stores and hotels will usually accept credit cards. It is always advisable in Japan to carry cash.
Is it easy to find a bank?
Yes.
How much do I tip?
Tipping is accepted on very limited occasions.
Restaurant
High-end ryokans or traditional restaurants may accept some tips (normally by 1000yen bills).
Taxis
Drivers don’t expect anything beyond rounding the fare up to the next yen.
Are there local customs I should know?
Be Polite
Frequently say "sue-me-massen," which means excuse me and shows you acknowledge you’re unsure of proper Japanese etiquette. Don’t blow your nose in public, don’t eat or drink on the streets and be quiet and respectful in public.
Handshakes
Shaking hands is not a custom among older Japanese. Don’t shove your hand out at someone out. See if they prefer to bow or shake hands first.
Shoes
Remove when entering private homes, ryokans, temples, and even some restaurants and offices.
Geishas
If you intend to look for geishas in Gion (it has become a popular thing for many tourists to do), please don’t interfere with their routines. Do not get in their way; they are, after all, going to work.
- We recommend staying at one of the most popular hotels in Kyoto, which include:
- Some of the most popular restaurants in Kyoto include:
- Kyoto is known for some of its popular attractions, which include:
- We recommend checking out these popular tours when looking for something to do in Kyoto:
- If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Kyoto between June and August, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between March and May.