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Kyoto is the Japan of the imagination: a city of grand palaces, Shinto shrines and exquisite gardens, mercifully spared from the bombing of World War II that razed other Japanese cities. While Kyoto is an undeniably modern city, pockets of historic Japan linger here, where kimono-clad geisha still shuffle along narrow, lamp-lit streets.
Having been the capital of Imperial Japan for over 1,000 years, Kyoto has built up an impressive collection of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. In southern Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Shrine has so many red torii gates — each one donated — that they create vermillion tunnels between individual shrines and the honden (prayer hall).
To the north, Kinkaku-ji (golden pavilion) is a Zen Buddhist temple set in a traditional strolling garden. The top two tiers are covered in a thick layer of gold leaf that glows yellow against the surrounding greenery. Nearby you can visit Ginkaku-ji (silver pavilion). Modeled on its gilded cousin, it was built by shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa as his retirement villa. Without a slither of silver in sight, it’s thought that he ran out of money, but it’s also suggested that at night rays of moonlight hit the pavilion, making it shine silver.
Many temples sit in carefully curated gardens, an art form that was refined in Kyoto. So much so that the definition can be questioned at Ryoanji Temple’s Zen garden. Here, you can sit and reflect while resting your gaze on an arrangement of rocks and raked gravel.
If you like your gardens green, Joruri-ji is a short train ride away in Nara. This 11th-century paradise garden is a concept from Pure Land Buddhists, who built the gardens around a pond which represents the ocean separating birth from death. As you walk the neatly-raked paths, you’ll pass ancient juniper trees, lichen-stained rocks and boughs of wisteria.
The refinement of arts, crafts and pastimes has made Kyoto Japan’s cultural hub, bringing together artists, academics, geisha and artisans. The Women’s Association of Kyoto have established a range of short introductions to various aspects of Japanese culture, craft and cooking that invite visitors to visit a Japanese home and try their hand at traditional skills. Courses are run by women eager to share their hobbies with visitors, including ikebana flower arranging, calligraphy, paper crafts and the tea ceremony.
The tea prepared during a tea ceremony is likely to come from Uji, in south Kyoto. You can visit a tea factory to learn more about the process — the revered matcha tea is grown under three layers of shade to encourage chlorophyll production.
For a stronger tipple, some of the breweries in the Fushimi Sake District offer tastings. Attracted by the clear-flowing Horikawa River, some have been here since the 17th century and still brew in huge timber barns. The Gekkeikan brewery also has a museum which shows the brewing process through glass-sided vats.
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Suggested itineraries featuring Kyoto
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Kyoto, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Kyoto
- Nara 38 kilometers away
- Osaka 42 kilometers away
- Mount Koya 93 kilometers away
- Kinosaki Onsen 111 kilometers away
- Tottori 150 kilometers away
- Tokushima 153 kilometers away
- Shirakawago 174 kilometers away
- Naoshima 174 kilometers away
- Takamatsu 175 kilometers away
- Tsumago 178 kilometers away
- Takayama 184 kilometers away
- Kurashiki 189 kilometers away
- Kanazawa 191 kilometers away
- Iya Valley 200 kilometers away
- Kamikochi 224 kilometers away
- Tateyama 233 kilometers away
- Matsumoto 242 kilometers away
- Shikoku 247 kilometers away
- Matsue 251 kilometers away
- The Japanese Alps 261 kilometers away
- Hakuba 265 kilometers away
- Izu Peninsula 292 kilometers away
- Hakone & Mount Fuji 297 kilometers away
- Matsuyama 305 kilometers away
- Yudanaka 307 kilometers away
- Noto Peninsula 311 kilometers away
- Hiroshima 311 kilometers away
- Miyajima Island 328 kilometers away
- Kamakura 344 kilometers away
- Tokyo 371 kilometers away
- Nikko 403 kilometers away
- Beppu 442 kilometers away
- Yufuin 449 kilometers away
- Kurokawa 478 kilometers away
Photos of Kyoto
Our expert guides to exploring Kyoto
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Kyoto, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Kyoto at its best.
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What it’s like to stay in a machiya, a traditional Kyoto townhouse What it’s like to stay in a machiya, a traditional Kyoto townhouse
What it’s like to stay in a machiya, a traditional Kyoto townhouse
If you’re after a typically Japanese stay during your time in Japan, a ryokan isn’t your only option. Japanese specialist Clio describes what it’s like to stay in a machiya, a traditional wooden townhouse that’s a signature of Kyoto.
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Visiting Japan with your children Visiting Japan with your children
Visiting Japan with your children
A futuristic and vibrant country, Japan is a destination that appeals to family members of all ages. Safe, clean and with a good infrastructure, there are plenty of ways to explore. Japan specialist, Jake, talks us through how to get the most of your family vacation in Japan.
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Japan’s seasons: cherry blossom and beyond Japan’s seasons: cherry blossom and beyond
Japan’s seasons: cherry blossom and beyond
Each Japanese season brings a raft of distinct experiences, from spring’s cherry blossom to winter’s snow crab delicacies. Japan specialist Laura shares the highlights of each time of year to help you decide when to visit Japan.
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Gardens of Japan Gardens of Japan
Gardens of Japan
From Kenrokuen’s venerated views to gardens hidden deep in the countryside, specialist Amanda recommends her preferred gardens to visit in Japan. She also explains what makes Japan’s gardens so interesting and why gardening is an important national art form.
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Honeymoons in Japan Honeymoons in Japan
Honeymoons in Japan
Honeymoon couples looking for a cultural adventure will be spoiled for choice in Japan. Country specialist, Layla, discusses some of the highlights for those wishing to honeymoon here.
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Japan’s bullet trains: an all-you-need-to-know guide Japan’s bullet trains: an all-you-need-to-know guide
Japan’s bullet trains: an all-you-need-to-know guide
Japan has long been celebrated for its high-speed train innovations. Japan specialist Phil explains why, for him, Japan’s bullet trains are an ideal way to see the country. He shares his experiences riding the trains through Japan and how to incorporate them into your trip.
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What to do in Japan: our highlights guide What to do in Japan: our highlights guide
What to do in Japan: our highlights guide
Having lived and traveled across the country, our Japan Specialist Caitlin has compiled her highlights, from observing centuries-old rituals to the learning about the most modern technology.
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Accommodation choices for Kyoto
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Kyoto. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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Sakura Ryokan
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Tawaraya
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Vista Premio
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Hyatt Regency Kyoto
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Dhawa Yura Kyoto
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The Celestine Kyoto Gion
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Screen Hotel
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Kanra Hotel
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Responsible ChoiceWe've hand-selected a range of tours and stays across the world that go above and beyond to be a force for good by supporting local businesses, educating staff, challenging local norms, or promoting conservation and biodiversity efforts. Your Responsible Choice helps increase the positive impact of your trip.
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
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Ideas for experiencing Kyoto
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Kyoto, and which use the best local guides.
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Nara Excursion Nara Excursion
Nara Excursion
Like nearby Kyoto, Nara was once the Japanese capital and a source of enormous cultural and religious outpourings. Unlike its more celebrated neighbor, however, Nara has survived relatively untouched by modern advances and remains a relaxed town dotted with temples, shrines and parkland.
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Traditional Kyoto Cuisine Walking Tour Traditional Kyoto Cuisine Walking Tour
Traditional Kyoto Cuisine Walking Tour
Enjoy a day of culinary delights with trips to Kyoto's Nishiki Market, Horino Sake Museum to learn all about sake production, and then a traditional machiya (teahouse) for a Japanese cooking class.
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Dinner with Maiko Performance Dinner with Maiko Performance
Dinner with Maiko Performance
Maiko are trainee Geisha (Geiko in Kyoto dialect) who train for six years before becoming fully fledged Geisha. They learn skills such as dance, singing, instrument playing as well as how to entertain guests with conversation.
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Geisha District Walk Geisha District Walk
Geisha District Walk
Explore around the Gion district and other parts of Kyoto to help shed some light on the exclusive and mysterious world of the Geisha and other aspects of Japanese culture.
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Kyoto Cultural Experience Kyoto Cultural Experience
Kyoto Cultural Experience
Take the opportunity to learn more about a traditional Japanese pastime of your choice. These courses are instigated and run by the Women's Association of Kyoto and you will visit the home of one of the members.
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