Kyoto (original) (raw)

Kyoto (���s, Kyōto) served as Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. It is one of the country's ten largest cities with 1.5 million inhabitants and a modern face.

Over the centuries, Kyoto was destroyed by many wars and fires, but due to its exceptional historic value, the city was dropped from the list of target cities for the atomic bomb and escaped destruction during World War II. Countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures survive in the city today.

• 
  1
  Castle
  Nijo Castle••
  Former Kyoto residence of the shogun.

• 
  2
  Museum
  Kyoto Railway Museum•
  Large, excellent museum about trains in Japan.

• 
  3
  Garden
  Sento Palace•
  Imperial palace with beautiful gardens.

• 
  4
  Shopping
  Nishiki Market•
  Fresh food market street in central Kyoto.

• 
  5
  Park
  Kyoto Imperial Palace•
  The Imperial Family's residence until 1868.

• 
  6
  Food and Drink
  Pontocho•
  Narrow lane offering atmospheric dining.

• 
  7
  Historic Site
  Nijo Jinya•
  Former inn for visiting feudal lords.

• 
  8
  Temple
  Honganji Temples•
  Head temples of the Shin-Jodo sects.

• 
  9
  Manga and Anime
  Kyoto Manga Museum
  Museum about manga.

• 
  10
  Zoo/Wildlife
  Kyoto Aquarium
  Modern aquarium west of Kyoto Station.

• 
  11
  Shopping
  Kyoto Station
  Kyoto's futuristic railway station building.

• 
  12
  Viewpoint/Tower
  Kyoto Tower
  Modern landmark of Kyoto.

• 
  1
  Temple
  Kiyomizudera•••
  Temple famous for its large wooden terrace.

• 
  2
  Neighborhood
  Higashiyama•••
  Preserved historic district around Kiyomizudera.

• 
  3
  Temple
  Ginkakuji•••
  Beautiful temple not actually covered in silver.

• 
  5
  Temple
  Nanzenji Temple••
  Zen temple with beautiful stone garden.

• 
  6
  Museum
  Kyoto National Museum••
  Well presented exhibitions on history and art.

• 
  7
  Historic Site
  Gion•
  Kyoto's most famous geisha district.

• 
  8
  Temple
  Kenninji Temple•
  Oldest Zen Temple in Kyoto.

• 
  9
  Cherry Blossoms
  Philosopher's Path•
  Walking trail famous for cherry blossoms.

• 
  10
  Temple
  Kodaiji Temple•
  Built in memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

• 
  11
  Temple
  Shorenin Temple•
  A Tendai temple with garden next to Chionin.

• 
  12
  Shrine
  Heian Shrine•
  Modeled after the ancient Imperial Palace.

• 
  13
  Temple
  Chionin Temple•
  Head temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism.

• 
  14
  Temple
  Shogunzuka Mound
  Mountain top temple with observation decks.

• 
  15
  Temple
  Eikando Temple
  One of Kyoto's most famous autumn color spots.

• 
  16
  Temple
  Shinnyodo Temple
  Less famous temple known for its autumn colors.

• 
  17
  Shrine
  Yasaka Shrine
  Popular shrine hosting the Gion Festival.

• 
  18
  Park
  Maruyama Park
  Kyoto's most popular park for cherry blossoms.

• 
  1
  Shrine
  Fushimi Inari Shrine•••
  The ultimate torii gate experience.

• 
  2
  Temple
  Daigoji Temple•
  Famous temple southeast of Kyoto.

• 
  3
  Temple
  Tofukuji Temple•
  Temple with spectacular autumn leaves.

• 
  4
  Temple
  Toji Temple•
  Large temple with Japan's tallest pagoda.

• 
  5
  Food and Drink
  Fushimi Sake District
  Traditional district with sake breweries.

• 
  1
  Temple
  Kinkakuji•••
  Temple building covered in gold.

• 
  2
  Garden
  Shugakuin Villa••
  Imperial villa at the outskirts of Kyoto.

• 
  3
  Temple
  Ninnaji Temple••
  Temple turned former imperial residence.

• 
  4
  Shrine
  Kibune•
  Town with shrine in the northern mountains.

• 
  5
  Temple
  Kurama•
  Rural town with temple and hot spring.

• 
  6
  Temple
  Ryoanji Temple•
  Zen Temple with famous rock garden.

• 
  7
  Neighborhood
  Ohara•
  Rural area famous for Sanzenin Temple.

• 
  8
  Temple
  Sanzenin Temple•
  Popular temple in rural Ohara north of Kyoto.

• 
  9
  Temple
  Takao•
  Wooded valley with temples north of Kyoto.

• 
  10
  Temple
  Hieizan•
  Mountain temple complex of the Tendai sect.

• 
  11
  Temple
  Daitokuji Temple•
  Large Zen temple complex.

• 
  12
  Shrine
  Kamo Shrines•
  Two of Kyoto's most important shrines.

• 
  13
  Shrine
  Kitano Tenmangu•
  Popular shrine hosting a monthly flea market.

• 
  14
  Temple
  Enkoji Temple
  Nice Zen temple known for its autumn colors.

• 
  15
  Temple
  Manshuin Temple
  Important temple near Shugakuin Imperial Villa.

• 
  1
  Neighborhood
  Arashiyama••
  Pleasant district at the outskirts of Kyoto.

• 
  2
  Temple
  Kokedera••
  Called moss temple because of its garden.

• 
  3
  Garden
  Katsura Villa••
  Imperial villa with stunning landscape garden.

• 
  4
  Temple
  Yoshiminedera•
  Temple on Kyoto's western mountains.

• 
  5
  Temple
  Daikakuji Temple•
  Large temple and former imperial palace.

• 
  6
  Temple
  Tenryuji Temple•
  Zen Temple in the Arashiyama district.

• 
  7
  Temple
  Myoshinji Temple•
  Zen temple complex with many subtemples.

• 
  8
  Amusement Park
  Toei Eigamura•
  Theme park and film set combined.

• 
  9
  Scenic Ride
  Hozugawa Cruise
  Scenic boat ride down a river towards Arashiyama.

• 
  10
  Scenic Ride
  Sagano Railway
  Nostalgic sightseeing train through a scenic valley.

• 
  11
  Food and Drink
  Yamazaki Whisky Distillery
  Offering a museum and guided tours.

• 
  1
  Festival
  Gion Matsuri••
  The most famous festival in Japan.

• 
  2
  Festival
  Aoi Matsuri•
  Historical parade from the Heian Period.

• 
  3
  Festival
  Jidai Matsuri•
  Historical parade covering an entire millenium.

• 
  1
  Mount Koya•••
  Atmospheric temple mountain.

• 
  2
  Nara•••
  Japan's first permanent capital.

• 
  3
  Kinosaki••
  Pleasant, old-fashioned hot spring resort.

• 
  4
  Osaka••
  Largest city of the Kinki Region.

• 
  5
  Himeji••
  Site of Japan's most beautiful feudal castle.

• 
  6
  Uji•
  City south of Kyoto known for its temple and tea.

• 
  7
  Amanohashidate•
  One of Japan's three most scenic views.

• 
  8
  Kobe•
  Harbor city, recovered from 1995 earthquake.

• 
  9
  Iga Ueno•
  Former castle town famous for ninja.

• 
  10
  Miyama
  Rural town with lots of thatched roof houses.

• 
  11
  Asuka and Sakurai
  The cradle of the Japanese civilization.

• 
  12
  Koka
  Rural city known as a homeland of the ninja.

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GuideKyoto Hotel Guide How to choose the best places to stay in Kyoto

• • 
    Ryokan Mugen (Adult Only)
    Luxury
    Mugen is a property that was built 160 years ago, situated in Kyoto, 1 km from Nijo Castle. Every room at Mugen features an en suite shower room, toilet, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Free WiFi is available throughout the entire property. You will find a shared lounge on site and a bar at the annex building. The ryokan also offers bike hire. Imperial Palace is 1.1 km from Mugen, while Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is 1.6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Osaka Itami Airport, 39 km from the property.
    View on Booking.com
    9.9Booking.com
  • 
    Guesthouse KYOTO COMPASS
    Budget-friendly
    Located in Kyoto, this traditional Japanese guest house features free Wi-Fi and a free public computer. Shichijo Onmae bus stop is 3 minutes�f walk away. A seating area and shared bathroom are provided with each room at Guesthouse KYOTO COMPASS. Free toiletries are provided and blankets are available upon request. Select rooms have a garden view. A shared living area and bicycles are available for guests�f use during their stay at this Kyoto Guesthouse Compass. Access to the shared kitchen is available upon request. The guest house is 4.5 km from Imperial Palace and 2.2 km from Kyoto Station. Nijo Castle and Toji Castle are within a 30 minutes�f bus ride away.
    View on Booking.com
    9.8Booking.com
  • 
    Ryokan Tori
    Mid-range
    Ryokan Tori is located in Kyoto, 2 km from Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. The property is around 2.3 km from Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace. The property is 3.2 km from Kinkaku-ji Temple and 3.7 km from Kyoto International Manga Museum. All guest rooms in the ryokan are fitted with a kettle. Each room has a shared bathroom, while selected rooms are fitted with a balcony and others also offer a garden view. All rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Guests at tori can enjoy an Asian breakfast. Heian Shrine is 5 km from the accommodation. Itami Airport is 50 km from the property.
    View on Booking.com
    9.8Booking.com
  • 
    Yado Kiramachi
    Luxury
    Yado Kiramachi offers accommodation set 600 metres from the centre of Kyoto and provides a garden and a terrace. The air-conditioned accommodation is 600 metres from Kyoto Shigaku Kaikan Conference Hall. The ryokan features family rooms. The units at the ryokan come with a seating area. The units have a coffee machine, a private bathroom and free WiFi, while selected rooms will provide you with a balcony and some have garden views. At the ryokan, all units include bed linen and towels. A bar can be found on-site. Kyoto International Manga Museum is 1.3 km from the ryokan, while Gion Shijo Station is 1.6 km away. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 45 km from Yado Kiramachi.
    View on Booking.com
    9.8Booking.com
  • 
    Mitsuki Kyoto
    Budget-friendly
    Set in Kyoto, 600 metres from Kyoto International Manga Museum and 1.4 km from the centre, Mitsuki Kyoto offers air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi, and a garden. This 2-star ryokan offers full-day security and luggage storage space. The accommodation provides a concierge service and a housekeeping service for guests. The units in the ryokan are equipped with a kettle. There is a private bathroom with bidet in every unit, along with slippers, a hair dryer and free toiletries. At the ryokan, the units are equipped with bed linen and towels. The ryokan serves a vegetarian and vegan breakfast and breakfast in the room is also available. A bar can be found on-site. Nijo Castle is 1.1 km from Mitsuki Kyoto, while Kyoto Shigaku Kaikan Conference Hall is 1.8 km away. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 46 km from the accommodation.
    View on Booking.com
    9.8Booking.com
  • 
    Kyo-Anthu Inn
    Mid-range
    Located in Kyoto and within 500 metres of Sanjusangen-do Temple, Kyo-Anthu Inn features a garden, soundproof rooms, and free WiFi. It is set 1.3 km from TKP Garden City Kyoto and provides full-day security. The guest house has family rooms. The guest house will provide guests with air-conditioned units offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. Some units also have a well-fitted kitchenette equipped with a microwave and a toaster. At the guest house, all units come with bed linen and towels. Guests at the guest house can enjoy a continental breakfast, and breakfast in the room is also available. Popular points of interest near Kyo-Anthu Inn include Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto Station and Gion Shijo Station. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 44 km from the accommodation.
    View on Booking.com
    9.8Booking.com
  • 
    Guesthouse Engawa
    Budget-friendly
    Guesthouse Engawa offers accommodation in Kyoto. Guests can relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of Kyoto in their rooms. Each comes with a flat-screen TV, and an electric kettle will be provided upon request. Bathroom facilities are shared with other guests. Free toiletries and hairdryers are also available. There is luggage storage space at the property. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is 600 metres from Guesthouse Engawa, while Heian Shrine is 2.4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Osaka Itami Airport, 39 km from the property.
    View on Booking.com
    9.7Booking.com
  • 
    Gallery Nozawa Inn
    Budget-friendly
    Gallery Nozawa Inn offers accommodation in Kyoto, 25 minutes on foot from JR Kyoto Station. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Every room includes a flat-screen TV and air conditioning. Each room is equipped with a private toilet, and bathrooms are shared. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer. There is luggage storage space at the property. Guests can sample Japanese-style breakfast featuring seasonal ingredients. There is a public bathhouse located a 10-minute walk away. Nijo Castle is 2.4 km from Gallery Nozawa Inn, while Kyoto International Manga Museum is 2.4 km from the property. Osaka Itami Airport is 36 km away.
    View on Booking.com
    9.7Booking.com
  • 
    Genji Kyoto, a Member of Design Hotels
    Luxury
    Genji Kyoto, a Member of Design Hotels features free bikes, garden, a shared lounge and terrace in Kyoto. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, room service and a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property is 2.1 km from the city centre and 1.2 km from Sanjusangen-do Temple. All units will provide guests with a minibar. The hotel offers a continental or Full English/Irish breakfast. Popular points of interest near Genji Kyoto, a Member of Design Hotels include TKP Garden City Kyoto, Gion Shijo Station and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 45 km from the accommodation.
    View on Booking.com
    9.7Booking.com
  • 
    Guesthouse HANA Nishijin
    Mid-range
    Guesthouse HANA Kyoto is located in Kyoto, 300 metres from Kitano Tenmangu and 1.2 km from Kinkaku-ji Temple. A simple complimentary breakfast service is provided for guests. Bathroom facilities are shared. Guesthouse HANA Kyoto features free WiFi throughout the property. There is a shared kitchen and a common area with a TV at the property. Nijo Castle is 2.1 km from Guesthouse HANA Kyoto, while Imperial Palace is 2.3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Osaka Itami Airport, 39 km from Guesthouse HANA Kyoto.
    View on Booking.com
    9.7Booking.com
• • 
    Kimono Rental in Kyoto by momoka
    ¥3,800
    ★★★★★
    148
    Basic okomon kimono plan: [Included in the fee]: Only okomon kimono and half-width obi are included [Excluded from the fee]: Small bag, tabi socks, rental sandals, muscle wear, and corrections are not included
    View on Klook
  • 
    Ninja Experience Cafe in Kyoto
    ¥6,625
    ★★★★★
    17
    Learn more about this activity's [Enhanced Health & Hygiene Measures](https://www.klook.com/en-US/article/11049-covid-measures)
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  • 
    Kyoto Gion Memoirs of a Geisha Private Walking Tour
    ¥7,550
    ★★★★★
    7
    Experience the best of Gion�fs nightlife scene with a local insider to guide you
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  • 
    Matcha Ceremony Experience in Kyoto
    ¥5,000
    ★★★★★
    12
    You can enjoy watching the tea ceremony by the teacher and experience the tea ceremony. Comes with matcha and Japanese sweets!
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  • 
    Kyoto Golden Route Day Trip Bus Tour from Kyoto
    ¥17,500
    ★★★★★
    8
    **We will take you to go unmissable sightseeing spots in Kyoto with English speaking guide. Let's explore together.**
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  • 
    Must See Kyoto Private Tour
    ¥12,266
    ★★★★★
    3
    Get to know the real Kyoto with your host (a city local) and avoid the tourist traps, whilst still seeing the highlights!
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  • 
    Handmade Workshop Experience in Kyoto
    ¥1,100
    ★★★★★
    21
    A townhouse with a nostalgic atmosphere. Feel free to visit the museum inside the store.
    View on Klook
  • 
    Shrine-Maiden Experience in Kyoto
    ¥10,125
    ★★★★★
    14
    In Japan, a "Miko" refers to a Shinto shrine maiden
    View on Klook
  • 
  • 
    World Heritage Shirakawago and Takayama Private Tour from Nagoya
    ¥110,000
    ★★★★★
    3
    Learn about the history of Japanese traditional buildings at your leisure.
    View on Klook