First Time In Kyoto

What Is So Special About Kyoto?

Kyoto is Japan in a nutshell. It’s the cultural and historical heart of the country. It’s the best place in all Japan to experience traditional temples, shrines, gardens, geisha, shops, restaurants and festivals. In short, Kyoto is the most rewarding destination in all of Japan and it should be at the top of any Japan travel itinerary. Indeed, I may be biased, but I’d go so far as to say that Kyoto is the most rewarding single city in all of Asia. 

 

How Much Time Should I Spend In Kyoto?

The simple answer is: As much time as possible. Indeed, I know of many people who visit only Kyoto when they come to Japan – and they never regret the decision. But, most people will want to see other parts of Japan. If you’ve got about a week in Japan, I’d consider spending three days in Tokyo and four in Kyoto. If you’ve got a few more days, consider adding a third destination to the Kyoto-Tokyo combo. Good options include Takayama, Hiroshima/Miyajima or Nara. No matter how much time you have in the city, my Kyoto itineraries are designed to help you make the best of your time. 

What Should I See In Kyoto? What Are Kyoto’s Must-See Attractions?

I’m personally not a big fan of travel checklists and “must-see” tourism. Still, there’s no denying that Kyoto has a bunch of attractions that every visitor to the city should check out. Here are some things I consider must-see attractions and activities in Kyoto: Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, Japanese gardens, a night in a ryokan, Japan’s exquisite traditional accommodation, a meal in a Japanese restaurant, whether gourmet or hole in the wall, an evening stroll through the Gion entertainment district, a traditional festival, and some great old Kyoto shops. 

Budget Kyoto Trip Pricing

• Guesthouse accommodation (per person): Y3000
• Two simple restaurant meals: Y1800
• Public transport: Y1500
• One average temple admission: Y500
• Sundry purchases: Y1000
• Total: Y7800 (about US$75, €54)

Mid-Range Kyoto Trip Pricing

• Moderate hotel accommodation (per person/twin occupancy): Y7000
• Two moderate restaurant meals: Y4000
• Public transport plus one taxi ride: Y2500
• Two average temple admissions: Y1000
• Sundry purchases: Y2000
• Total: Y16,500 (about US$157, €114)

When’s The Best Time Of Year To Visit Kyoto?

You can visit Kyoto at any time of year – it’s never too hot, too rainy or too cold to visit. The summers (from late June to early September) can be hot and humid, but not impossibly so. The winters (from early December to late March) can be cold, but not freezing. Spring and fall are obviously the ideal times to visit, with warm to cool temps and generally sunny skies.
The late March/early April cherry blossom season is very popular, for obvious reasons, but it’s also very crowded. The November and early December fall foliage season is also great and not quite as crowded as the cherry blossom season. For more details on the best seasons to visit, check out my When’s The Best Time to Visit Kyoto page and my Kyoto Annual Events page.

Is It Easy To Get Around Kyoto?

Kyoto is a relatively small city with an excellent public transport system. It’s VERY easy to get around. Indeed, unless you come from a city with a freakishly good public transport system, I bet it’s easier to get around Kyoto than it is to get around your hometown. For information on Kyoto’s public transport, check out my Kyoto Buses, Kyoto Taxis, and Special Kyoto Bus, Train and Subway Passes pages. Kyoto is also a great city to explore by bicycle. For details, check out my Kyoto by Bicycle page.

Is It Easy To Travel Around Kyoto With Kids?

I have two small children, so I know what it’s like getting around Kyoto with children and keeping them entertained. Thus, I can say with authority that Kyoto is a GREAT place to travel with children. First, you don’t have to worry about food safety or crime. More importantly, there are plenty of green spaces, family-friendly hotels and child-friendly attractions. For more tips on traveling in Kyoto with your kids, check out my Kyoto With Children page. And for some advice about what to see and do, see my Kyoto Itinerary for Travelers with Children.

Is Kyoto Safe For Travellers?

Japan is well known as a safe place. The crime rate is absurdly low. People are honest. And, there is no political instability. Of course, you should use normal common sense and female travelers should take the usual precautions (ie, don’t hitchhike alone and don’t walk alone at night in an area that seems dodgy). One thing all travellers should have wherever they go, and Kyoto is no exception, is travel insurance. It’s important to protect yourself against accidents and losing vital items like passports etc. It’s quick and easy to book travel insurance online.

How Do I Get To Kyoto?

Kyoto doesn’t have a major international airport, but it’s very close to Osaka’s Kansai International Airport (KIX), Nagoya’s Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO), and it’s 3.5 hours by fast express trains from Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT). If you’re coming from other parts of Japan, Kyoto is very close to Osaka’s domestic Itami Airport (ITM) and it’s well served by the bullet train (shinkansen).