Kyoto

Kyoto attracts many with its hundreds of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, as well as pink cherry blossoms in spring. The city is bordered on 3 sides by mountain ranges and bisected by the tranquil Kamo River. Cobblestoned streets and centuries-old buildings in the eastern quarters complete the historical scenery.

Culturally, the ancient city is known for its sophisticated cuisine, sensitivity to the seasons, and ancient traditions. In the famous Gion district, you’ll often see real geishas heading off to their tea house engagements in the early evenings, as well as locals in traditional fashion going about their day. Kyoto is famous for its stunning Japanese gardens, many with beautiful restaurants that serve traditional Kyo-ryori, the cuisine of the tea ceremony.

What to see & do in Kyoto

what’s around Kyoto

Kinkakuji Temple

Kiyomizu Temple

Where & what to eat in Kyoto

Kyoto is renowned for its fancy fine dining, known in Japanese as kaiseki. You will find a host of quaint restaurants serving dainty dishes and refined and painstakingly executed plates of food that balance taste, texture and presentation. Served by a kimono-clad waitress while sitting on a tatami, a fine dining experience in Kyoto can be a highlight of your trip. Another speciality of the region is tofu, no doubt influenced...

10 Best Local Dishes from Kyoto
The best local dishes from Kyoto have their roots in the rich, traditional culinary culture that has blossomed for centuries in this stunning city. Enjoy a taste of history with Japanese course meals (kaiseki ryori) developed as part of a...
10 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in Kyoto
Kyoto’s local food scene with its selection of unique dishes has been formed over the centuries. Japanese nobility, samurai, priests...
15 Great Restaurants in Kyoto
Kyoto has a reputation for its love of tradition, and the city’s best restaurants serve lavish multi-course meals using the...

Where to shop & what to buy in Kyoto

Shopping in Kyoto is a lot like the city itself, focused on heritage and history yet still embracing the current trends. While exploring the charms of Kyoto, you are almost guaranteed to stumble upon quaint boutiques selling anything from arts and crafts, fabrics, clothing, and souvenirs. For modern fashion, head to the central thoroughfare of Shijo Dori. Here, you’ll find a great variety of department stores and shopping malls as well...

20 Best Places to Go Shopping in Kyoto
The best places to go shopping in Kyoto are part of what makes it such a fantastic destination, alongside its significant history and charming locals. If your Kyoto shopping list includes traditional handicrafts and antiques, you’ll not be disappointed. The most...
10 Best Shopping Malls in Kyoto
The best shopping malls and department stores in Kyoto are found clustered close together along the main shopping street of Karasuma Dori. Take the subway to Karasuma Station or Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station and it’s easy to walk along the sheltered sidewalk...

Where to go & what to do at night in Kyoto

Kyoto nightlife is not as wild as you might find in bigger cities like Tokyo or Osaka, but the city has a great selection of bars and pubs clustered around Sanjo station. Head to streets like Kiyamachi to find friendly pubs and izakayas, while Pontocho is a beautifully maintained alleyway that is lined with demure jazz bars and cocktail lounges. For a more cultural night out, cross the river and head...

10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Kyoto
Looking for local nightlife experiences in Kyoto? Kyoto may be a pretty calm sort of place, but that doesn't mean the evenings are dull here. Far from it. You'll find all kinds of great nightspots, with highlights that include Yasaka-no-Tou,...
15 Best Bars, Live Music and Night Clubs in Kyoto
The best bars, live music and night clubs in Kyoto are spread across this beautiful historical city. To experience Kyoto’s vibrant nightlife, head to the Gion District, Pontocho Alley and Kiyamachi Street. In these colorful areas, you’ll find are full...

Useful information

Information about Kyoto, including the climate, tips and tricks for travel, money and cultural facts, can help you make the most out of your holiday to this vibrant Japanese city. The first thing to know is that Kyoto has an outstanding and efficient public transport system, so pick up a bus pass while you're here. Still, bring comfy shoes because a lot of the city is quite walkable. Kyoto is a...

10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Kyoto
If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto, here are some mistakes you should avoid if you want your time to go smoothly in the ancient capital (as well as Japan as a whole). It’s a common concern to worry about certain...
10 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Kyoto
Kyoto has a great mix of old and new, with each of its most popular neighbourhoods presenting a different look,...
10 Most Popular Festivals and Events in Kyoto
Popular festivals and events deeply rooted in the region keep alive the culture of the ancient city of Kyoto. Seasonal...