If you’re planning a trip to Japan, Kyoto is one of those places you simply can’t skip. From traditional temples and quiet streets to some of the most iconic sights in the country, it offers a completely different feel compared to Tokyo.

This Kyoto guide covers everything you need to know before you go, including the best things to do, where to stay, and practical tips to help you travel Kyoto, Japan with ease.

Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re adding Kyoto to a longer Japan itinerary, this is the kind of place where slowing down and exploring properly really makes a difference.

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Before You Travel to Kyoto, Japan

Before you travel to Kyoto, Japan, it’s worth knowing one thing upfront, it is one of the busiest places in the country. Kyoto is known for its temples, traditional streets, and cultural landmarks, which means it attracts a huge number of visitors all year round. And unlike Tokyo, which is spread out, Kyoto’s main sights are quite concentrated, so crowds can feel much more intense.

Places like Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu-dera, and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove get extremely busy, especially between mid-morning and mid-afternoon. If you want to actually enjoy these places rather than just move through crowds, timing makes a huge difference.

A few things that will genuinely improve your experience:

• Go early, ideally before 8am for popular spots
• You can also visit major attractions later in the evening where possible
• Plan your days by area to avoid unnecessary travel
• Be prepared for queues, especially during cherry blossom and autumn seasons

Kyoto is absolutely worth visiting, but it’s one of those places where a bit of planning goes a long way. Slowing down and being strategic with your time will make your trip feel completely different.

How to Get Around Kyoto

Getting around Kyoto is pretty easy, but it’s not as smooth as Tokyo, and it can feel a bit chaotic at times. You’ll mostly be using a mix of buses, trains, and walking. Buses go pretty much everywhere, but they get very busy, especially around the main tourist spots. Trains are faster and more reliable, but they don’t cover everything.

One thing we ended up doing, and honestly loved, was renting a bike. It’s surprisingly affordable and probably one of the best ways to explore Kyoto. You can move at your own pace, avoid crowded buses, and it makes getting between temples and neighbourhoods so much easier.

This is the link we used to get our rental bikes.

A few quick tips:

• Use an IC card like Suica or PASMO to save time
• Try to avoid buses during peak hours
• Group places by area so you’re not going back and forth

Once you get into the rhythm of it, getting around Kyoto is straightforward, just expect it to be busy.

Top Things to See in Kyoto

Kyoto is home to countless landmarks and hidden gems. Here’s my personal list of favourites:

Jonan-gu Shrine

A serene shrine famous for its beautiful gardens, particularly magical during plum blossom season. It’s the perfect peaceful escape from the city bustle.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Famous for thousands of iconic torii gates, this shrine offers a scenic hike up Mount Inari with panoramic views of Kyoto. Truly one of the city’s most iconic sights.

Kiyomizu-dera

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this hillside wooden temple offers stunning views of Kyoto. In autumn, the vibrant foliage is unforgettable.

Pontocho Alley

A narrow alley lined with traditional wooden buildings, Pontocho is a great place to enjoy Kyoto’s nightlife, from upscale restaurants to cosy izakayas.

Philosopher’s Path

A peaceful walkway along a canal lined with cherry trees. During cherry blossom season, it’s straight out of a fairytale.

Yasaka Pagoda

This five-storey pagoda is iconic on Kyoto’s skyline. You can even climb inside for a unique perspective of the surrounding area.

Kodaiji Temple

Known for beautifully landscaped gardens and bamboo groves, Kodaiji is also famous for its seasonal illumination events.

Okazaki Rabbit Shrine

A quirky shrine dedicated to rabbits, symbolising fertility and protection. It’s a fun, unusual stop while exploring Kyoto.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest 

Step into a magical bamboo grove and then meet wild monkeys at Iwatayama while enjoying panoramic views of Kyoto. A must for nature lovers and photographers.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

One of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks, this golden temple reflects beautifully in its surrounding pond. Perfect for photographs.

Adashino Nenbutsuji

A tranquil temple in Arashiyama, known for its stone Buddha statues and serene atmosphere.

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Eating in Kyoto

Kyoto isn’t just about temples and culture, it’s a food lover’s paradise. From traditional kaiseki meals to street food, the city offers a variety of delicious options.

• Nishiki Market: Known as Kyoto’s Kitchen, it’s ideal for trying grilled skewers, yatsuhashi (a traditional cinnamon-flavoured sweet), and other local delicacies.

• Tea houses in Gion: Experience matcha and perhaps even see a geisha passing by.

• Seasonal dishes: Don’t miss yudofu (tofu hot pot) and Kyoto-style obanzai (home-cooked dishes).

Top Restaurant Picks

Affordable (£)

• Omen – Handmade udon and traditional dishes

• Gohanya Isshin – Cosy Japanese set meals

• Kura Sushi – Conveyor-belt sushi with great quality and incredible prices

• Soba-no-Mi Yoshimura – Fresh soba with Kamogawa river views

• Ichiban Gojo Omiya – Budget-friendly Japanese dishes

• Omurahouse Kinkakuji – Japanese-style omelettes

• Gyoza Sukemasa – Gyoza heaven

• Mensho Takamatsu – Ramen with top-quality ingredients

• Menya Yuko – Rich, flavourful ramen broths

Mid-Range (££)

• Hikiniku to Kome – Rice dishes and minced meat delicacies

• Katsukura Tonkatsu – Crispy pork cutlets

• Yakiniku Hiro – Premium grill-your-own beef

• Sugarhill Kyoto – Japanese-Western fusion

• Gyukatsu Katsugyu – Unique beef cutlet

Luxury (£££-££££)

• Unagi Kawato – Premium eel dishes

• Hokusai – Multi-course kaiseki

• Kobe Beef Mouriua Gion – Top-tier Kobe beef

• Hyoto Ekimae Honten – Excellent Kobe beef dining

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Cafés, Bars & Izakayas

Cafés

• Totaro – Cosy and quiet
• Aotake – Matcha desserts and stylish interiors
• Gokago – Tea and traditional sweets
• Blue Fir Tree – Blend of Western & Japanese pastries
• Maccha House Kyoto – Famous for matcha tiramisu
• Loose – Great coffee and snacks

Bars & Izakayas

• Macho Bar – Quirky and fun
• Cico Rooftop – Stunning views & cocktails
• In the Moon – Romantic vibes
• Riverside – Drinks by the Kamogawa River
• KRFT Bar – Craft cocktails in intimate setting
• Caamm Bar – Hidden gem
• Kokodenome – Traditional izakaya with wide sake selection
• Rokkaku Bar – Modern twist on local charm
• Matsuda – Welcoming with small bites

Must-Do Activities in Kyoto

Cultural Experiences

• Walk Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka – Historic streets and tea houses

• Railway Museum – For train enthusiasts

• Kendo & Samurai experience – Learn traditional martial arts

• Craft your own Ninja weapon

Workshops & Classes

• Knife making workshop – Create your own Japanese knife

• Ramen cooking class – Learn authentic ramen

Shopping & Shows

• Shinkyogoku Street – Pre-loved fashion and unique finds

• Minami-za Theatre – Kabuki performance

• Street food tour – Nishiki Market

Unique Experiences

• Tea ceremony in kimono

• Sake tasting in Fushimi

• Kimono rental with accessories

Where to Stay in Kyoto

Budget (£)

• R Star Hostel – Affordable and conveniently located. Dorms from £17, private from £34

• M’s Plus Shijo Omiya – Clean and modern rooms at a great price.  From £28

• Piece Hostel Sanjo – Offers stylish and comfortable dorms and private rooms. Dorms from £21, private from £62

• Cartahotel Kyotobettei – A charming boutique hotel with a serene atmosphere. From £42

Mid-Range (££)

• Resol Shijo Muromachi – A chic hotel with excellent amenities. From £53

• The Machiya Kazahaya – Stay in a traditional machiya house. From £62

• Mitsui Garden Hotel – Combines modern comfort with Japanese design. From £82

• Agora Kyoto – A boutique hotel with a unique aesthetic. From £66

• Tazuru Ryokan – A beautiful traditional ryokan (traditional inn) with stunning river views.  From £99

• Park Hotel Kyoto – Features stylish rooms and great service. From £63

Luxury (£££-££££)

• The Blossom – A modern hotel with top-notch amenities, breakfast is amazing and onsen is very high standard. from £103

• Kyo no Yado Sangen Ninenzaka – Luxurious rooms in a historic setting with stunning Japanese garden. from £196

• Granbell Hotel – Stylish accommodations where traditional meets modern architecture with a rooftop bar.  from £122

• Kyomachiya Hotel Mifuku – A luxurious stay in a renovated machiya. from £105

• Sora Niwa Terrace – Features an open-air onsen overlooking Kyoto and elegant rooms. from £176

• Nazuna Kyoto Gosho – A five-star ryokan offering exceptional services such as a luxurious breakfast with a private chef and private baths.  from £509

Useful Japanese Phrases

Learning a few basic Japanese phrases before your trip can make a big difference. It shows respect for the local culture, helps you navigate interactions smoothly, and creates a more meaningful travel experience. Even simple words like ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’ can go a long way!

Greetings

• Konnichiwa こんにちは – Hello

• Ohayou gozaimasu おはようございます – Good morning

• Konbanwa こんばんは – Good evening

• Arigatou gozaimasu ありがとうございます – Thank you

• Sumimasen すみません – Excuse me / Sorry

Asking for Help

• Tasukete kudasai 助けてください – Please help me

• Doko desu ka? どこですか？ – Where is…?

Transportation

• Kippu o kudasai 切符をください – A ticket, please

• Densha wa doko desu ka? 電車はどこですか？ – Where is the train?

• Basu tei wa doko desu ka? バス停はどこですか？ – Where is the bus stop?

Dining

• Menu o misete kudasai メニューを見せてください – Show me the menu

• Oishii desu おいしいです – It’s delicious

• Osusume wa nan desu ka? おすすめは何ですか？– What do you recommend?

• Kaikei o onegaishimasu 会計をお願いします – The bill, please

Shopping

• Kore wa ikura desu ka? これはいくらですか？– How much is this?

• Kurejitto kaado wa tsukaemasu ka? クレジットカードは使えますか？– Can I use a credit card?

Miscellaneous

• Toire wa doko desu ka? トイレはどこですか？– Where is the toilet?

• Kore wa nan desu ka? これは何ですか？– What is this?

• Wakarimasen わかりません– I don’t understand

• Hai はい – Yes

• Iie いいえ – No

• Mou ichido onegaishimasu もう一度お願いします– Please say it again

Kyoto is a city where past and present meet beautifully, offering something for every type of traveller. With this guide, you’ll be ready to explore temples, bamboo forests, incredible food, and more. Enjoy your Kyoto adventure!

How to Travel Responsibly in Kyoto and Japan

Over-tourism is something you’ll notice in Kyoto, especially around the most famous spots. Places like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kiyomizu-dera can feel overwhelmingly busy at times, and it’s something Japan is actively trying to manage.

At the same time, it’s important to say this clearly, I wouldn’t expect anyone to skip Kyoto, especially on their first trip to Japan. It’s one of the most iconic and culturally rich places in the country, and it’s popular for a reason. Instead of avoiding it completely, it’s more about how you choose to experience it.

A few simple ways to travel more responsibly:

• Visit popular spots early in the morning or later in the day
• Stay overnight instead of rushing through on a day trip, in an ideal case stay a few days
• Explore beyond the main highlights and give quieter areas a chance
• Be respectful in residential neighbourhoods, especially in places like Gion
• Follow local rules, even if they’re not always obvious

Japan actually has many destinations that receive far fewer visitors but are just as worth your time. Places like Kanazawa or Takayama offer a similar traditional atmosphere with fewer crowds, and adding one of these to your itinerary can make your trip feel much more balanced.

At the end of the day, travel is about experiencing a place, not just ticking off the most famous spots. With a bit of awareness and planning, you can still enjoy Kyoto while being more mindful of the impact tourism has on the city.

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