Discover Kyoto

As a former seat of the imperial court and a cultural capital, Kyoto offers an endless array of attractions for visitors. From the numerous historical sights and monuments to the beautiful parks and gardens, Kyoto provides countless traditional Japanese experiences that will leave you captivated for days.

Things to see and do

Tours and Activities

FAQs

Getting around in Kyoto

The best way to get around in Kyoto is by public transportation. Kyoto has a lot of options to get around by train or bus including discounted tickets for a specified duration. Alternatively, you can get to many sights on foot. 

 

The following passes are available to get around in Kyoto:

  • Sky Hop Bus 1-Day Pass

    • Coverage: most touristic attractions in Kyoto City

    • Duration: 1 day

    • Price: 3600 Yen

    • Where to buy: Kyoto Station

 

  • Sky Hop Bus 2-Day Pass

    • Coverage: most touristic attractions in Kyoto City

    • Duration: 2 day

    • Price: 6100 Yen

    • Where to buy: Kyoto Station

 

  • Kyoto Sightseeing Card 1-Day Pass

    • Coverage: all subway lines in Kyoto City

    • Duration: 1 day

    • Price: 900 Yen

    • Where to buy: subway stations in Kyoto City

 

  • Kyoto Sightseeing Card 2-Day Pass

    • Coverage:

      • all subway lines in Kyoto City

      • also covers subway stations in Takao and Ohara

    • Duration: 2 days

    • Price: 1700 Yen

    • Where to buy: subway stations in Kyoto City

 

  • Kyoto One Day Bus Card

    • Coverage: all Kyoto City Buses and Kyoto Buses in Kyoto City

    • Duration: 1 day

    • Price: 600 Yen

    • Where to buy: bus and subway ticket counters in Kyoto City

 

  • Kyoto Subway One Day Card

    • Coverage: all subway lines within Tokyo City

    • Duration: 1 day

    • Price: 600 Yen

    • Where to buy: subway station within Kyoto City

Getting to Kyoto

Public transportation:

To get from Tokyo to Kyoto by public transportation, travelers have the following options:

  • Bullet Train (Shinkansen):

    1. From Tokyo Station, take the Tokaido Shinkansen (Nozomi, Hikari, or Kodama) towards Shin-Osaka.

    2. Get off at Kyoto Station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes for Nozomi, 2 hours and 40 minutes for Hikari, and around 3 hours and 50 minutes for Kodama.

  • Regular Train:

    1. From Tokyo Station, take the JR Tokaido Main Line (Rapid) towards Atami.

    2. At Atami Station, transfer to the JR Tokaido Main Line (Special Rapid) towards Maibara.

    3. Get off at Kyoto Station. The journey takes approximately 8-9 hours in total and requires multiple transfers along the way.

The bullet train is the fastest and most convenient option to reach Kyoto from Tokyo. However, the regular train is also available for those who prefer a slower and more budget-friendly option.

 

Valid rail passes:

 

Nearest airport:
The nearest and most convenient airport is Kansai international airport. 

  • by car: approximately 2 hours

  • by public transport: approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes

 

Car rentals:

How long to stay in Kyoto

We recommend staying here between four and five days.
 

Hotels in Kyoto

Flights to Kyoto

The nearest and most convenient airport is Kansai international airport. 

  • by car: approximately 2 hours

  • by public transport: approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes

Seasonal information

Cherry blossoms:

The best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan is usually between late March and early April. Although the blooming period can vary slightly from year to year. 

 

Hiking:

The hiking season in this area typically runs from Spring until Autumn.

 

Scenic rides:

  • Hozugawa River Tour: click here to go to the official website

Festivals in Kyoto

There are several festivals here throughout the year. Please be advised that the following list is based upon previous entries of those festivals and that the dates might have changed slightly in the following year. It is also possible that the entire festival is cancelled in the case of heavy rainfall or a natural disaster. Please check with the official organisers' website for the most up-to-date information. 
​​​​​​
For the exact location of any of the festivals listed here, you can consult our map above by clicking on the icon in the upper most corner of the map to open the map legend. Festivals are hidden by default but can be made visible by clicking on the "Festivals" checkbox in the map legend.

 

  • Gion Festival

    • Date: July 1st until July 31st

 

  • Honganji Temple Summer Bon Odori

    • Date: July 31st until August 3rd

    • Time: 18:00 - 20:40
       

  • Kyoto Gozan no Okuribi Festival

    • Date: August 16th

    • Time: 20:00 - ???
       

  • Yase-Hieizan Craft Beer Festival

    • Date: August 24th

    • Time: 12:00 - 18:00
       

  • Eiden Festival

    • Date: October 26th

    • Time: 10:00 - 15:30

Getting mobile data in Japan

Day trips from Kyoto

Lake Biwa offers an array of activities for every type of traveler, from swimming, kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing to leisurely boat cruises on the lake. Explore the local shrines, temples, ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 11.65

Read More

Kurama is a captivating destination known for its historic temples, rejuvenating hot springs, and abundance of nature. Some of the most impressive temples in all of Japan can be found ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 12.49

Read More

Uji, a city steeped in history and culture, offers a wide array of ancient and religious temples, beautiful parks, local shopping streets, and even a water park to cool off ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 13.50

Read More

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and venture to Ohara, a peaceful area just outside of Kyoto's center. This serene location offers several impressive temples set amid natural ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 14.17

Read More

Discover the often-overlooked Oyamazaki, located just outside of Kyoto. This hidden gem boasts several intriguing sights and museums that provide an engaging insight into Japan's rich history and culture. Don't ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 14.74

Read More

Just north of Osaka lies Minoo, a city that boasts one of the oldest parks in Japan. Explore Minoo Park, with its walking trails, temples, and the famous Minoo Falls ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 32.15

Read More

Journey to Mount Ikoma, the focal point of Ikoma's attractions. Choose between taking the cable car or hiking up the mountain, making sure to pass by the majestic Hozanji Temple. ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 35.41

Read More

Less than an hour from Kyoto, discover the historical city of Nara, where friendly deer roam the streets, gardens, and temple grounds. As a former capital, Nara boasts beautiful historical ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 36.40

Read More

Dive into the fascinating world of ninjas in Iga, the perfect destination for anyone interested in learning more about these legendary figures. Visit the Ninja Museum, where you can engage ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 41.92

Read More

Experience the energy of Osaka, one of the world's largest metropolises and Japan's second-largest city. With countless shopping opportunities and fascinating history to explore, be sure to plan a multi-day ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 44.64

Read More