PIXEL VISA

KYOTO, JAPAN

KYOTO AT A GLANCE

CITY

Kyoto (京都市)

COUNTRY

Japan (日本)

TIMEZONE

UTC+9 (JST)

TRAIN

JR West and Keihan Electric Railway (¥250 JPY / $1.67 USD)

BUS

Kyoto City Bus and More (¥250 JPY / $1.67 USD)

TERRAIN

Small City, Deciduous

WEATHER

Spring: 50°F - 68°F March to May / Summer: 86°F - 95ºF and Rainy June to August / Autumn: 77°F - 59°F September to November / Winter: 41°F - 50°F December to February

AVERAGE MEAL COST

¥1000 JPY / $6.67 USD

AVERAGE HOSTEL COST

¥3750 JPY / $25 USD

LAST UPDATED

13/04/2024

LANDSCAPE

NOTABLE FEATURES

Kyoto, a city steeped in rich cultural heritage, is renowned as the heart of traditional Japan. With its stunning temples, serene gardens, and vibrant geisha districts, Kyoto offers a captivating glimpse into the country's illustrious past. As the former imperial capital for over a millennium, Kyoto boasts an unparalleled collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and the exquisite Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Its meticulously preserved historic districts, such as Gion and Higashiyama, transport visitors back in time with their narrow streets, wooden machiya townhouses, and atmospheric tea houses. Beyond its architectural marvels, Kyoto is also celebrated for its seasonal festivals, such as the mesmerizing Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in spring and the enchanting illumination displays during autumn's foliage season. With its profound cultural legacy and timeless beauty, Kyoto remains a cherished symbol of Japan's enduring traditions and spiritual essence.

ACTIVITIES

Popular Activities

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): Explore the stunning Zen Buddhist temple adorned in gold leaf, set amidst tranquil gardens and a reflecting pond.
Stroll through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Wander through the ethereal bamboo forest, a serene natural wonder located in the western outskirts of Kyoto.
Discover Fushimi Inari Taisha: Embark on a memorable hike through thousands of vibrant torii gates that wind up the sacred Mount Inari.
Explore Gion District: Experience the allure of Kyoto's traditional entertainment district, known for its historic machiya houses, tea houses, and the chance to glimpse geisha.
Wander through Higashiyama District: Meander along narrow lanes lined with wooden buildings, leading to iconic sights like Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Yasaka Pagoda.
Attend a Tea Ceremony: Immerse yourself in the art of Japanese tea culture by participating in a traditional tea ceremony at one of Kyoto's renowned tea houses.
Visit Nijo Castle: Step back in time at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its ornate architecture, beautiful gardens, and historic significance.
Explore Philosopher's Path: Take a tranquil walk along this picturesque canal-side path, especially enchanting during cherry blossom season.
Admire the Beauty of Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Marvel at the impressive wooden structure of this historic temple, offering panoramic views of Kyoto from its hillside perch.
Experience Kyoto's Culinary Delights: Indulge in Kyoto's renowned cuisine, including kaiseki (traditional multi-course meals), yudofu (tofu hot pot), and matcha sweets.

NEIGHBORHOODS

Central Kyoto: At the heart of the city lies Central Kyoto, home to Kyoto Station, a bustling transportation hub surrounded by skyscrapers, shopping malls, and hotels.
Historic Districts: Surrounding Central Kyoto are several historic districts, including Gion, Higashiyama, and Arashiyama, each boasting well-preserved traditional architecture, temples, and narrow streets lined with shops and restaurants.
North Kyoto: North Kyoto features scenic areas such as Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Daitoku-ji Temple complex, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace, offering a glimpse into Kyoto's imperial past.
East Kyoto: East Kyoto is known for its abundance of temples and shrines, including Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Shrine, and the Philosopher's Path, which meanders through picturesque neighborhoods and cherry blossom-lined canals.
West Kyoto: West Kyoto encompasses Arashiyama, famous for its bamboo groves, Togetsukyo Bridge, and Tenryu-ji Temple, as well as the scenic Sagano area with its riverside paths and historic temples.
Southern Kyoto: Southern Kyoto is home to Fushimi Inari Taisha, the iconic shrine renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, as well as the Fushimi sake district, where visitors can sample local brews.
Surrounding Mountains: Kyoto is surrounded by mountains, providing stunning natural scenery and opportunities for hiking, with popular destinations including Mount Hiei and Mount Atago.

HOW TO GET HERE

Train

Kyoto is conveniently accessible by train from various parts of Japan, offering travelers a swift and efficient mode of transportation. Similar to Osaka, Kyoto is served by the Shinkansen, or bullet train, allowing for high-speed travel from major cities such as Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Nagoya. The Tokaido Shinkansen, one of Japan's primary high-speed rail lines, connects Kyoto with Tokyo in approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, covering a distance of around 500 kilometers. Passengers can enjoy the comfort and reliability of the Shinkansen, with ticket prices varying based on distance and class of travel. Standard class seats typically range from $100 to $200 USD for longer routes. Additionally, conventional JR (Japan Railway) lines provide access to Kyoto from neighboring regions, ensuring convenient connectivity for travelers throughout Japan. With its efficient rail network and scenic routes, arriving in Kyoto by train offers an enjoyable and seamless travel experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the cultural wonders of this historic city.

Bus / Coach

Similarly to Osaka, Kyoto offers budget-friendly options for travelers arriving by bus or coach from various parts of Japan. Long-distance highway buses, operated by companies such as Willer Express and Keihan Bus, provide convenient connections between Kyoto and major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Hiroshima. These buses offer overnight services, allowing travelers to cover distances of up to 500 to 1000 kilometers while resting comfortably. Journey durations and ticket prices vary depending on the departure city and route, with overnight buses typically costing between $50 to $100 USD for one-way trips. In addition to long-distance buses, local buses and airport shuttles serve Kyoto from Kansai and Itami airports, providing affordable transportation options for air travelers. With its extensive bus network and budget-friendly fares, arriving in Kyoto by bus or coach offers a practical and economical choice for travelers seeking an alternative to train travel.