Kyoto Travel Guide
Temples, tea houses and seasonal beauty
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Kyoto has hundreds of temples and shrines, traditional wooden townhouses and gardens that change with the seasons. It is a popular base for culture-focused trips and for experiencing a ryokan stay and tea ceremony.
Find a place to stay in Kyoto
Compare hotels, villas and guesthouses with free cancellation on most rooms.
Search stays in KyotoWhy go
Temples and gardens
Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera.
Seasonal beauty
Cherry blossoms in spring and autumn colour.
Food and tea
Kaiseki dining and matcha.
Where to stay
Higashiyama
Preserved lanes and temples. See stays in Higashiyama
Arashiyama
Bamboo grove and riverside walks. See stays in Arashiyama
Gion
Traditional entertainment district. See stays in Gion
Top sights and things to do
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Thousands of red torii gates.
Kinkaku-ji
The Golden Pavilion.
Kiyomizu-dera
Hillside temple with city views.
Join a tea ceremony
Often offered in English.
Stay in a ryokan
Traditional inn with tatami rooms.
Walk early at popular sites
Fewer crowds.
Tours and skip-the-line tickets in Kyoto
Small-group tours, entry tickets and day trips, most with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
See activitiesDay trips from Kyoto
Compare guided excursions by reviews, duration and price.
Browse day tripsPractical tips
- Travel by bus, subway and train; check current pass options.
- Book popular accommodation months ahead in peak seasons.
- Respect etiquette at temples and in Gion.
Shop the trip
FAQs
When is the best time to visit Kyoto?
Late March to April and November.
How many days do I need in Kyoto?
Three days covers the highlights.