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Bucket list destination:

Kyoto

  • Kyoto, Kansai, Japan

Last updated: 22 September, 2024
Expert travel writer: Rob Goss

No longer Japan’s capital, but still very much the country’s traditional heart, Kyoto wears its past with pride.

More than 1,000 years as Japan’s political, spiritual and cultural centre have left an incredible legacy of World Heritage temples, shrines and palaces.

Shop for traditional crafts, splurge on the most sublime Japanese cuisine, stroll in pristinely-manicured gardens and spend the night at a historic inn. You might even spot an enigmatic geisha or two. Kyoto is where old Japan still lives and breathes.

Orientation

The central transport hub, in the southern half of the city, is Kyoto Station.

North of there, the main downtown area is centred on Shjio-dori avenue – full of places to shop, eat and drink, and within easy reach of many of the top sights.

East, on the other side of the Kamo River, is Higashiyama, a sprawling area packed with historic sights. All these areas are well connected.

The northwest is a bit of a slog, but is home to several of Kyoto’s star temples, while out west, Arashiyama is another major sightseeing area, most famous for its bamboo grove.

Tours, tickets & transfers

20

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers

  • Tokyo

Enjoy an efficient, one-day tour of Tokyo accompanied by a government-licensed and experienced English Speaking guide! Your guide will introduce both modern and traditional aspects of this dynamic city. Due to the enormous size of Tokyo, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, a one-day tour would probably focus on one small area, which would still leave you in awe at the scale of the city. Tokyo is where you can experience both modern and traditional, and your experienced private guide will help you efficiently enjoy a full day in this dynamic Japanese capital. Let us know what you would like to experience, and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.

Price ¥22,000

Min age 0

Rating 4.91 / 5 [2422 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Tokyo

Climb aboard a traditional Japanese rickshaw for an unforgettable view of the Asakusa district in Tokyo. Your knowledgeable guide will steer you to some of Tokyo’s many iconic sites, districts, temples and shrines while illuminating the history behind them all. Enjoy scenic views of maple and cherry trees, gardens, soaring skyscrapers, and traditional businesses. If you’re looking for a carefree, customizable way to see Tokyo, this is it. Apart from the above courses, we have other special course for guests who really want to get away from the city. If you have already seen the crowds and buildings in Tokyo, let’s get away from that and enjoy the view across the sumida river and go into places where you can refresh your mind under the quiet trees and monument of Asahi beer headquarter! We shall go across the bridge to the peaceful area of sumida park and Ushijima shrine where you can enjoy the Japanese garden park and lucky fortune cow shrine.

Price ¥6,000

Min age 0

Rating 4.96 / 5 [1351 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Tokyo

Bike around Tokyo like a local as you explore the city’s highlights on this 6.5-hour/20miles(32km) tour. In a small group of no more than five, explore the city's bustling main streets, quiet backstreets, snaking alleys, and attractive hidden paths. Admire the Meiji-jingu shrine, Zōjō-ji temple, and Aoyama cemetery, as well as more modern landmarks including Roppongi Hills and the designer shops of Ginza. After a riverside lunch (own expense) conclude your tour at the top of a skyscraper.

Price ¥16,500

Min age 12

Rating 4.97 / 5 [1082 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • Tokyo

This is a one-day walking tour that takes you through Tokyo, home to many modern and historical landmarks such as Tokyo SkyTree, Sensoji Temple, and the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. You can freely choose what places to see and let the guide who has in-depth, local knowledge of Tokyo set up an efficent itinerary. ・Travel by foot and by metro to see the best of Tokyo ・Choose between multiple timeslots to best suit your schedule ・Private tours can be customized to suit your interests and preferences ・Receive more personalized guidance for your group with a private tour Why Travelers Choose This Tour: This private walking tour allows you to experience Tokyo in your own way, hassle free! Just choose where you want to go and let the guide make it easy and efficient for you.

Price $75

Min age 0

Rating 4.97 / 5 [735 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >

Travel advice

When to go

The New Year (Dec 28-Jan 4), Golden Week (April 29-May 5) and Obon (Aug 13-15) holidays are all worth avoiding – things either close, get packed out, or suddenly cost significantly more.

Instead, think of spring or autumn. Late March to early April sees the cherry blossoms, which means more visitors, but it’s a beautiful time to see the city and the weather remains generally warm and sunny in April and May.

Likewise, October and November have great weather for being out and about. If possible, avoid July and August – the heat and humidity are brutal.

Getting there and away

The nearest major international airport is Kansai International Airport (KIX), which is a bit of a trek – 80 minutes on the Haruka Kansai-Airport Express train.

If, however, you transfer at Narita (serving Toyo) or elsewhere, you might arrive at Osaka International Airport (Itami). Take a 50-minute limousine bus from there to Kyoto.

If coming after staying in Tokyo, the shinkansen (bullet train) is by far the best option.

Getting around

Kyoto has an extensive public transportation network, with trains and subways being the best way to get around quickly.

If somewhere isn’t close to a station, it will be close to a bus stop, and with a day pass buses are a very cheap way to get about, if you don’t mind the slow-moving traffic.

If you are in a group, taxis can be as wallet-friendly as the buses, and can be found near most major sights. Then there’s cycling – it’s fairly safe and easy to get around on a bike, and there are plenty of rental shops.

Where to stay

The area around Kyoto Station, the main transport hub, is great for accessing central and further away areas, but it does feel rather sterile.

The downtown area around Shoji-dori is also super convenient for the sights and wining and dining.

Southern Higashiyama has lovely old areas like Gion to stay in and explore, while also being very close to downtown and having many major sights.

In the west, Arashiyama is too far removed to be a practical sightseeing base for all of Kyoto, but it can be great if you fancy a couple of days closer to nature.

Where to eat or drink

There are good restaurants all over Kyoto, but some areas are especially good hunting grounds.

North of Shijo-dori, Pontocho is an atmospheric alley parallel to the Kamo River that’s packed with restaurants and bars.

A short walk away, Kiyamachi-dori is similarly pretty, with dozens of bars and restaurants, at various price points, running alongside a small canal.

The old Gion area is known for excellent kaiseki-ryori restaurants.

Where to shop

The area around and under Kyoto Station has all sorts of stores, from tacky souvenir vendors to home electronics megastores.

Shijo-dori and the downtown area has major department stores and the wonderful Nishiki food market – not just good for food, but for teas, handcrafted knives and kitchenware.

For textiles, head to the Nishijin neighbourhood. If you’re after ceramics, the streets leading to Kiyomizu Temple are excellent.

For a vast range of crafts in one place, Kyoto Handicraft Center near Heian Shrine is superb. Shinmonzen and Furumonzen streets in Gion.

Who to go with: tour operators

1

YellowWood Adventures [Japan]

  • London, United Kingdom (UK)

Well-regarded tour operator specialising in small group and private/bespoke tours to the undiscovered parts of Japan. They’re renowned for cultural & hiking tours that take the ‘lesser known path’, avoiding the crowds, but still take in the main sights.