Where to Stay in Kyoto

Our Favorite Hotels in Kyoto

Recommended for the highest category is the “

• 5-star: The Mitsui
• 4-Top rated: A hotel
• 3-

  • Bitter Bar is an experimental cocktail bar with a 1920s atmosphere.

• Downtown: The Tower
• For couples: MUNI Kyoto
• ⚅ Family-friendly hotel: Ishicho
• Best ryokan: Tori
• Best cheap lodging: This accommodation
• Lodging near Kyoto Station, Japan includes the Muso inn, accessible here: Muso

The Best Areas to Stay in Kyoto

As the original capital of Japan and home to emperors for over 1000 years, Kyoto is now the nation`s premier tourist location. Little has changed in parts of the city from those glory times, with narrow lanes of traditional Japanese homes. There are gorgeous, gilded temples and pagodas appearing to be on every corner. It’s also renowned for its arts and craft shops and unique cuisine, like kaiseki (high-end multi-course menus). In recent years, it’s also become a hub for all kinds of cultural activities, from dressing up as a geisha to taking part in tea ceremonies and learning to play traditional instruments like the shamisen.

As expected, Kyoto is frequently very busy, especially during national holidays, though there are as many foreign visitors as Japanese these days. Activities and lodging will need to be booked well ahead of time. The good news is that Kyoto provides a wide range of hotels in every price bracket – the best are listed below.

Kyoto became the imperial capital of Japan under Emperor Kanmu in 794 AD, only relinquishing the title to Tokyo in 1868. The key reason many of its ancient monuments still exist is that, similar to Nara (but unlike Osaka and Tokyo), Kyoto was among the few cities in Japan not flattened in World War II (it was famously kept off the atomic bomb list by Henry Stimson, the US Secretary of War).

Kyoto Neighborhoods

Kyoto lies in a wide valley surrounded by hills on three sides, with the Katsura River to the west and the Kamo River to the east. Stretching north of Kyoto Station, the modern Shimogyō-ku neighborhood lacks historic character but is the most convenient area for reaching Kyoto’s many sights. Landmarks here include the Kyoto Tower – the tallest structure in the city – as well as lesser visited temples such as Higashi-Honganji,Nishi Hongan-ji, and Tō-ji. Additional attractions are the Kyoto Aquarium and Kyoto Railway Museum

To the northern region, the heart of Kyoto (comprised of Nakagyō-ku and Kamigyō-ku) represents the city’s primary commercial center and downtown area. There is a huge assortment of hotels and shopping precincts surrounding the Kyoto Railway Museum, along Shijō-dōri, and further north along Teramachi-dōri, Kyoto’s main covered shopping avenue. The Nishiki Food Market (another covered food stall street) is one of the city’s biggest attractions. The Museum of Kyoto,Kyoto International Manga Museum, and Nijō Castle are also located here. The northern end of central Kyoto is dominated by the Imperial Palace and Nishijin District – Kyoto’s traditional weaving community.

people walking down a street

The highway Shijō-dōri leads eastward over the Kamo river into Gion, the city’s central area for entertainment, and to the Higashiyama district in the lower eastern hills, sheltering many of Kyoto’s most renowned temples. This region has more atmosphere and history, with pedestrian lanes lined by souvenir shops, gardens, teahouses, and restaurants. Noteworthy sights include the 1001 Buddhist statues at Sanjūsangen-dō, the collections at the Kyoto National Museum, the stunning pagoda and views at Kiyomizu-dera, and the giant monument at Ryōzen Kannon. Narrow pathways like Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka, lined with traditional Japanese homes, provide much of the charm.

Northern Higashiyama is part of the expansive Sakyō-ku neighborhood, another historically significant area renowned for its famous temples and museums. The region includes Nanzen-ji temple and the gracefully designed Ginkaku-ji (The Silver Pavilion), linked by the enchantingly landscaped Philosopher’s Path along a cherry tree-lined canal. The neighborhood also houses Kyoto’s museum cluster around Okazaki Park, with a variety of excellent attractions ideal for rainy days: Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, the National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto,Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design, the Hosomi Museum and the massive Heian Shrine.

Kita-Ku (North Kyoto) is more extended throughout the city and a little inconvenient to remain, though some of the city’s top attractions are here. The remarkable Kinkaku-ji, colloquially known as the Golden Pavilion, and Ryōan-ji, a Zen Buddhist temple celebrated for its “dry” rock garden, are in the area.

Northwestern Kyoto incorporates the widely expansive Ukyō-ku alongside the more concentrated historic district of Arashiyama. Most visitors make day trips here to enjoy its rustic attractions like the bamboo groves, moss-covered temples, famous wooden bridge, and old streets. However, some charming hotels here offer a more tranquil experience than staying in the city center. Additional highlights include the Toei Kyoto Studio Park, an operational film studio and theme park, and the Katsura Imperial Villa, featuring traditional architecture and gardens.

The Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, located approximately 6.5km south of Kyoto Station and accessible via a 20-minute train ride, provides one of the best introductions to sake within the country. Uji, reachable within 30 minutes by train from Kyoto Station, is home to the magnificently grand Byōdō-in temple, one of Japan’s most famous Buddhist sites (it features on the nation’s 10 yen coin). The former villa was transformed into a place of worship during the 11th century. Part of the temple complex houses the exceptionally beautiful Phoenix Hall, over 1,000 years old. Within lies a monumental Amitābha Buddha statue crafted by the legendary sculptor Jōchō. Entry to Phoenix Hall is restricted to guided tours admitting just 50 visitors at a time, conducted in Japanese but furnished with an English handout. If the waiting time proves too lengthy (potentially up to two hours during peak season), the highly informative Treasure Museum can be toured, employing virtual reality exhibits, computer graphics, and murals to superbly depict Phoenix Hall`s interior.”

Some 15 miles (25km) northeast of Kyoto Station is sacred Mount Hiei, a tranquil reserve sprinkled with ancient temples and forests of old cedar. You can reach the summit via the Eizan Cable Car and Ropeway (and make a loop by descending the other side on foot or via the Hieizan Sakamoto Cable Car). The most venerable temple up here is the 8th-century Enryaku-ji, the headquarters of the Tendai sect of Buddhism. The Shūgaku-in Rikyū (Shugakuin Imperial Villa) is best known for its traditional gardens in the western foothills. Further north, Mount Kurama sees far fewer tourists. This mountain is best known for being the birthplace of Reiki, the alternative healing practice. Founder Mikao Usui meditated here in 1922 for 21 days before “receiving” Reiki healing energy – a small shrine marks the spot.

Getting Around Kyoto

Walking is the best way to explore Kyoto’s neighborhoods. Most of the city is laid out in a grid-like fashion, with many signs in English. To cross the city most quickly, it is fastest to utilize Kyoto’s two subway lines (Karasuma Line and Tōzai Line), but buses must be taken to reach popular destinations like the Golden and Silver pavilions. Buses are relatively simple to use, with signage and announcements in English, but they can become very crowded during peak times. Within the city, there is a flat fare of ¥230 (paid when leaving the bus). A one-day pass that covers the subway and buses is ¥1,100.
It’s unnecessary to rent a car. Parking costs a lot, roads can become crowded, and navigating here could be perplexing. Kyoto has excellent public transit, and buses and/or the subway will take you within walking distance of nearly every attraction.

Exploring Kyoto by bicycle is popular. The central part of the city is mostly flat, and the outer areas (where the best temples are) become progressively more hilly (e-bikes are available).

It is important to note that there are strict policies regarding where a bicycle can be left in the city center. Generally, you must park it in a designated area for bike parking. If you leave it on the street, even briefly, there is a good chance it will be removed promptly by enforcement officers – fines begin at a rather steep ¥3,500. Two reliable private rental companies providing this service include Kyoto Eco Trip and Fuune.

The Best Places to Stay in Kyoto

Best Places in Kyoto for…

  • Best Part of Kyoto to Stay for Sightseeing: Shimogyō-ku (Around Kyoto Station)

    Shimogyo-ku is convenient for sightseeing although there are a limited number of attractions in the neighborhood – Kyoto Tower,Higashi-Honganji,Nishi Hongan-ji and Tō-ji temples, and Kyoto Station itself, with its department store, restaurants, and public spaces that include a rooftop park. However, what makes this area excellent for sightseeing is that buses outside the station`s Central North exit depart for almost any location you`d like to visit, while the Karasuma subway line connects to Central Kyoto and the Imperial Palace. Departing from Kyoto Station are trains to Arashiyama, Byōdō-in,Fushimi-Inari Taisha, Mount Hiei, Osaka, and Nara. There are numerous hotels surrounding the station, most priced reasonably.

  • Best Neighborhood in Kyoto for Walkability: Higashiyama (Eastern Kyoto district)
  • The attractive Minnewaska Lodge located near Gardiner is just a short drive from both the scenic Mohonk Preserve and the Lake Minnewaska State Park. The lodge features rustic wood furnishings and a cabin-style interior design ideal for a relaxing stay in the upstate New York area. Those seeking an all-inclusive resort in the state of New York may also appreciate staying at the picturesque Mohonk Mountain House.
  • Best Neighborhood in Kyoto for Families: Ukyō-ku (Northwestern Kyoto)
    Northwestern Kyoto mainly consists of residential areas but also includes the lovely district of Arashiyama with its bamboo forests and monkey park. However, the main attraction for many children is Toei Kyoto Studio Park and its Edo-era film studios. The resort-like Utano Youth Hostel stands out as a uniquely affordable lodging offering various activities. Other popular sights throughout the city incorporate the Kyoto Railway Museum (near the station), Kyoto Zoo, Kyoto Botanical Gardens, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Staying closer to Kyoto Station (in Shimogyō-ku) maximizes sightseeing opportunities (see above)
  • Best Neighborhood in Kyoto to Experience Local Life: Central Kyoto (Nakagyō-ku)
    Home to Nijō Castle,Kyoto International Manga Museum, covered shopping arcades (such as the renowned Nishiki Food Market), and department stores. It’s the city’s greatest concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels, and ryokan (Japanese inns). Central Kyoto is both dynamic and surprisingly liveable. Its numerous residential communities seem like little villages, some lined with machiya townhomes. Whether this is your first time in Kyoto or your tenth, Nakagyo-ku is an excellent choice for experiencing the essence of Kyoto.
  • The most romantic neighborhood in Kyoto is Arashiyama.
    Serving as a playground for the aristocracy and the imperial court during the Heian Period (794–1192), Arashiyama is an ancient tourist town still beloved for its spring cherry blossoms, wooden bridge, autumn maple leaves, famed bamboo grove and various temples, like the World Heritage site Tenryu-ji. Entertaining activities include taking the “ Sagano Romantic Train” (25 minutes to Kameoka), with the return journey via a 2-hour “Hozugawa River Boat Ride.” Stay in MUNI Kyoto, close to the river, for the ultimate indulgent splurge.
  • Best Neighborhoods in Kyoto for Nightlife: Pontochō/Kiyamachi (Central Kyoto) and Gion (Higashiyama)
    Kyoto`s nightlife that creates the most picturesque scenes is in Pontochō, the previous place where geisha lived, a narrow path just for pedestrians that has bars and restaurants. Those on the east side construct platforms in summer stretching out over the Kamo River, allowing for romantic outside dining. Hello Dolly offers live jazz music, Bar Alchemist skillfully provides creative but pricier cocktails, and Bar Cask is a friendly bar where people from various countries go.

    Just west of Pontochō is a street known as Kiyamachi-dōri (alongside the Takase River Canal), popular among Kyoto’s university students for its bars, inexpensive eateries, and live music venues. The Craft Beer Bar Canvas and nearby Master’s Dream House Kyoto provide an excellent entry point to Kyoto’s growing craft beer culture. Rum And Whisky is another fun option known for knowledgeable staff. On the other side of the Kamo River lies Gion: bars and restaurants to the north of Shijō-dōri (particularly along the Shirakawa Canal in a district named Shinbashi) include Jam Hostel Sake Bar, the top-notch whiskey expert Bar Prost, and intimate Rock Bar Crunch. Geisha houses tend to be south of Shijō-dōri, especially on Hanamikōji-dōri, where you may see a geisha journeying to an evening meeting. We enjoy the cocktails at Finlandia, which usually has English-speaking staff. Le Club Jazz, featuring high-quality Japanese and international jazz artists, stands a brief walk from the northern end of Pontochō Alley. Several local companies offer “Gion Night Tours.” WaRaiDo Guide Networks is an excellent starting point if you wish to get familiar with the area before venturing out alone.

  • The prime areas in Kyoto for tasty eats and eateries are Central Kyoto and Higashiyama/Gion.

    • Kyoto showcases a vibrant culinary culture across its districts, with quality eateries dispersed throughout the city. The most extensive selection appears in Central Kyoto along with some of the premier high-end establishments in Higashiyama, notably congregating in Gion. Renowned for kaiseki or kyō-ryōri tasting menus delicately attuned to the seasons, Kyoto`s finest dining venues require planned reservations costing upwards of $200 per head. Additionally, Kyoto is celebrated for its more affordable tea ceremonies and sweets shops alongside tofu, ramen, and Buddhist temple vegetarian fare – shōjin ryōri. a women who is standing in front of a store

    Begin at Nishiki Food Market in Central Kyoto, a covered shopping arcade with over 100 shops and food stalls offering snacks and dishes. It is best known for fresh seafood, Japanese sweets, and traditional preserves and pickles.

    a table topped with lots of different types of food

    For coffee, we advise patrons to check out Drip & Drop Coffee Supply and Weekenders Coffee Tominokoji,Honke Owariya for buckwheat noodles, Ippudo Ramen for wheat noodles, Kane-yo for eel, Kikkoya for Kyoto-style cuisine, Nishiki Warai for okonomiyaki, Tousuiro Kiyamachi Main Shop for bean curd, and Yoshikawa for deep fried dishes. Several upscale restaurants provide a rewarding experience. Isshisoden Nakamura,Kiyama,Tominokoji Yamagishi and Yusokuryori Mankamerou showcase excellence in kaiseki in Central Kyoto. Within Gion, numerous high-end restaurants provide opportunity: the grilled cuisine of chef Norio Yamamoto at his Sumibi Kappo Ifuki,Mizai, where dinners utilizing matcha with “holy water” from Yasaka Shrine are served singularly, refined fusion nourishment at Kikunoi Honten, Maeda, where chef Yujiro Maeda chooses the menu uniquely for each diner and elaborate programs at Gion Sasaki from chef Hiroshi Sasaki, among numerous others. Several reasonably affordable options exist here. Kagizen Yoshifusa (Shijō Main Branch) stands out as one of our favorite spots to enjoy traditional Japanese desserts and matcha tea.

  • Best Area for Shopping: Central Kyoto (Nakagyō-ku)
    In Central Kyoto, shopping is all nearby on foot. Shijō-dōri runs from east to west through the southern half of downtown, forming the backbone of Kyoto’s primary shopping district – the stretch between the Kamo River and Karasuma Street is bustling (Daimaru has an excellent basement food hall, and Fukujuen is a famous tea store)). a counter filled with lots of different types of food

    At Shijō-Kawaramachi, there’s the Kawaramachi OPA mall,Takashimaya, and the Kyoto Kawaramachi Garden mall (with another big food hall). Teramachi-dōri, Kyoto’s main covered shopping street (or “shōtengai”), runs north from Shijō-dōri lined with stores and restaurants offering merchandise and meals.

    Nearby, Teramachi intersects with similarly covered Nishikikōji-dōri, home to the Nishiki Food Market. Nicknamed “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” it’s been offering seafood, local produce, pickled vegetables, and tofu skin for over 400 years.

    Further north, the spacious, tree-lined segment of Teramachi between Marutamachi and Nijō streets is known as “Teramachikai.” It accommodates antique retailers, art galleries, traditional shops like Ippodo (selling excellent Japanese teas), Zohiko Lacquer Shop, and the Geirinsō utilized bookstore. Shinkyōgoku Shopping Road operates parallel to Teramachi north of Shijō-dōri. There’s an additional fashionable area of small retailers and independent stores around the intersection of Sanjō and Tominokoji streets. There, the SACRA mall occupies the old Fudo Savings Bank, constructed in 1916, while style retailer MARcourt functions out of the 1890 Yabetoku-Tokeiten building nearby. Other stores include Aritsugu (the traditional cutlery retailer in Nishiki Market) and Miyawaki Baisen-an (for handcrafted Japanese fans).

  • Safety in Kyoto
    Anywhere in Kyoto tends to be remarkably safe, and generally the city is unusually safe, particularly if you take the standard precautions at night.

The 6 Best Neighborhoods in Kyoto for Tourists

1. Shimogyō-ku (Around Kyoto Station)

North of Kyoto Station, Shimogyō-ku is the most helpful region for achieving Kyoto’s numerous sights, as transports, the subway, and prepares run from Kyoto Station to other parts of the city and past. Kyoto Station is additionally the bullet train/Shinkansen center. However not many attractions are inside walking distance, and Kyoto’s greatest sights are in other places.

This location in the city is more contemporary. Kyoto Station is a focal point in itself—an enormous and initially perplexing complex packed with shopping centers, food courts, and dining establishments. Nearby, the tower constructed in the 1960s Kyoto Tower is the highest structure in the city, with lodging and an observation deck at 328ft (100m).

  • The Aéroport international de Martinique-Aimé-Césaire is the island’s main entry point (though water transportation is also available to destinations like St Lucia, Dominica, and Guadeloupe). Non-stop flights from Miami with American Airlines, and from Montréal with Air Canada, are the sole direct services from North America.

The monumental Higashi-Honganji Temple houses the Goeidō (Founder’s Hall), Kyoto’s largest wooden construction, and the tomb of Shin Buddhism founder Shinran (1173–1263).

A 15-minute walk west of the station lies Umekoji Park, home to the Kyoto Aquarium showcasing marine life from the Kyoto region and beyond as well as the underrated Kyoto Railway Museum, a must visit for train enthusiasts. In addition to a switch yard, a 10-minute steam locomotive ride and simulators to train conductors, 53 historic train cars are exhibited (including Shinkansen bullet trains and a 1959 Pullman used by the Imperial family), plus a children`s play area. But the highlight is the huge railway diorama running five times daily.

Around a 15-minute walk southwest of Kyoto Station, Tō-ji Temple claims to have Japan’s tallest pagoda (at 180ft) and hosts a monthly flea market that’s the biggest and oldest in Japan (held on the 21st of every month). Tō-ji Temple was founded in 796 AD. It gained notoriety in 823 when Emperor Saga presented it to the renowned monk Kūkai (posthumously known as Kōbō Daishi), who made it the headquarters of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. The Takase River, a tree-lined canal that runs north a few blocks east of the station, is the most pleasant place to spend time in this area.

It features hip cafés like Murmur Coffee, craft beers at Kyoto Beer Lab, Lebanese cuisine at [ki:], and the boutique hotel Takasegawa Bettei.

The location offers plenty of modern lodgings, particularly in the medium- and budget-priced varieties.

  • Top Hotels in Shimogyō-ku (Near Kyoto Station):
    Muso • Hotel phone: +81 75 354 0250
    Fauchon – Contact for this hotel can be made at telephone number +81 75 751 7711
    The Thousand – Hotel contact number: +81 75 354 1000
    Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo Natural Hot Spring • Hotel phone number: +81 75 365 5489
  • Best Boutique Hotels:
    My K House – Contact for this hotel can be made at telephone number +81 75 343 8333
    BnA Alter Museum – Hotel contact number: +81 75 748 1278
  • Best Ryokans:
    Luck You • Contact number: +81 75 366 3211
  • Booking.com – the best website for scheduling Dublin lodging.

    • The hotel ” Takasegawa Bettei” located in Kyoto has a phone number of “+81 75 365 5060
    Fujiya • Hotel phone: +81 75 351 3894

  • 7. Holiday Inn Resort Phuket – Patong
  • Best Cheap/Mid-Range Hotels:
    Hachi Inn • Hotel phone: +81 75 585 5267
    The Ayame guesthouse, located in Kyoto, can be reached at +81 75 203 8339 Hibari • Contact number: +81 75 874 6727
  • Posada del Dragón • Hotel phone: +34 911 19 14 24

    • M’s Est Nanajo – Contact number for this hotel: +81 75 330 9330

  • Best Hostels:
    The K’s House is a accommodation located in Kyoto. Their contact number is +81 75 342 2444 Fujitaya B&B • Hotel phone: +81 75 925 9217
    R Star – Hotel contact number: +81 75 585 5007

2. Central Kyoto: Nakagyō-ku & Kamigyō-ku

a large building with many people walking around

Kyoto’s downtown core housing the city`s highest concentration of hotels, traditional inns, restaurants, specialized shops, covered shopping arcades, and department stores. It additionally contains residential areas, some lined with traditional wooden townhomes, and some of Kyoto’s most notable sights.

Affordable hotel with rooms accommodating up to four guests, each with private bathrooms and air conditioning. Surrounded by eating establishments and shops, the hotel sits a 3-minute walk (210m) from Puerta del Sol, a 3-minute walk (210m) from Plaza Mayor, and a 5-minute walk (400m) from San Miguel Market.

A bit more north is the Museum of Kyoto, featuring a relatively compact exhibit depicting city history. It could easily be skipped over, but history enthusiasts should take a look. Not much of the content is labeled in English, though English audio guides are available. The handsome old section of the museum was once the local branch of the Bank of Japan and usually allows free exploration.

The accommodation`s website and to check rates for the property

Occupying a former elementary school, the museum features a small but excellent shop (free to visit) and a gallery focused on the history of Japanese manga (comics) and antique cartoons from the late Edo Period. But it’s best known for its huge collection of 50,000 comics and graphic novels (mostly in Japanese).

a book shelf filled with lots of books

Also referred to as the “Wall of Graphic Novels,” spanning around five decades, eager fans can sit comfortably amid chairs and sofas placed conveniently throughout the museum to peruse the collections. Children and manga enthusiasts will enjoy their time here. On weekends, professional manga artists work on site, and there are a couple daily traditional Japanese storytelling performances called “kamishibai,” but there isn’t much else to see.

Continuing westward along Oike-dōri will lead you to Nijō Castle, one of Kyoto’s premier attractions. The Imperial Palace served as the emperor’s residence, yet this location functioned as the base of operations for the shogunate within the city where authority was truly held. Built by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603, its grounds enclose the 33-room Ninomaru Palace (the Shogun’s Kyoto dwelling) along with a garden designed by noted landscaper Kobori Enshu, and the Honmaru Palace (the emperor’s quarters). Renovations to the palaces are ongoing. Check the website for updates. It is well worth paying extra to tour either palace’s interior since nothing else comparable exists elsewhere in Kyoto. Otherwise, you can stroll around the gardens and view the exterior.

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Heading south from downtown on foot, Yaletown was initially an unpolished railyard district lined with huge warehouses. These days, the trains have long since departed and the old brick storerooms have been transformed into trendy boutiques and upscale restaurants – especially along Mainland and Hamilton streets. There’s still a reminder of the original railway days at Yaletown’s Engine 374 Pavilion, a free entry attraction housing the restored steam engine that pulled the first transcontinental passenger train into Vancouver in 1887.

There`s little new to perceive to the northern region of the palace. Followers of local Kyoto “Nishijin-ori” (crafted silk textiles) and kimonos should check out the complimentary Nishijin Textile Center – the shop here offers quality goods of high standard, and there’s a small yet informative display about the art, traditional looms in action periodically, and (daily, check the website) kimono fashion presentations. The center lies in the Nishijin District, Kyoto’s traditional weaving neighborhood.

To finish the day, consider visiting the Funaoka Onsen, the finest “sentō” (public bath) in Kyoto. There’s an especially attractive outdoor pool here and beautifully tiled changing rooms.

East of Nakagyō-ku on the opposite side of the Kamo River and Takase River Canal runs an atmospheric nightlife strip comprised of the narrow Pontochō Alley and Kiyamachi-dōri paralleling the waterway.

Like Shimogyō-ku, there are many accommodations throughout Central Kyoto, and the quality is usually better. There are also good boutique hotels.

3. Higashiyama & Gion (Eastern Kyoto)

Packed with ancient temples and quaint side streets lined with old Japanese homes nestled against the foothills east of the Kamo River, Higashiyama is considered the most fascinating part of the city. Shops, parks, teahouses, and eateries line the pedestrian-only lanes. It can become busy during the day, but things quiet down outside the entertainment-focused Gion district at night.

You could invest numerous weeks exploring the historic sights found here. The Sanjūsangen-dō tends to welcome fewer visitors than Kyoto’s other major Buddhist temples but is definitely worth seeing. The primary highlight is its approximately 400-foot long, 13th-century hondō (main hall) crammed with 1001 figurines of the bodhisattva Kannon (the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, not truly “Buddha” as labels propose) carved from Japanese cypress clad in gold leaf. In the center is a giant multi-armed sculpture of Kannon carved in 1254. Photographs are prohibited in the hall, and you must remove your footwear to enter inside.

a large stone building with a large clock on it

Nearby, the Kyoto National Museum houses paintings, religious statues, ceramics, textiles, lacquerware, and swords crafted by artisans over 1,200-plus years (there’s also a pleasant café at the entrance). Japanese folk art enthusiasts might want to check out Kawai Kanjirō’s House nearby, the beautifully preserved traditional home and studio of renowned potter Kawai Kanjirō (1890–1966). Kawai co-founded the Japanese folk art movement, designed the house himself, and handcrafted much of its furnishings.

From here, you can stroll up Chawan-zaka (famed for local pottery stores) or busy, souvenir-lined Matsubara-dōri (also called “Kiyomizu-zaka”) to Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto’s most renowned temple thanks to its luminous orange pagoda that dominates the hillside. It dates to the 8th century, though most of what you see today was constructed in the 1600s. The temple’s main hall is built over a cliff, supported by 18 gigantic pillars up to 6 feet in circumference and 39 feet high – the views of the city below are spectacular. You’ll have to line up to sample the pure spring water of Otowanotaki (a tiny cascade with three streams) behind the pagoda, which is believed to bring good health and grant wishes.

The charming stone-paved path of Sannen-zaka (which drops down steeply to the north off Matsubara-dōri) and Ninen-zaka link Kiyomizu-dera with Ryōzen Kannon. A contemporary holy place consecrated to Japanese troops slain in World War II, with a gigantic depiction of bodhisattva Kannon.

Next door is Kōdai-ji, another beautiful Buddhist temple, primarily dedicated to warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi and his wife, Kita-no-Mandokoro, with an enigmatic “dry” Zen garden. On Ninen-zaka, look for one of the most attractive Starbucks locations anywhere, located in a two-story, century-old Japanese townhouse with tatami seating.

Cherry-blossom-speckled Maruyama Park lies at the northern end of Higashiyama. If you’re with kids, it’s a convenient place to unwind, get some ice cream from one of the park’s kiosks, and watch the fish and birds along the shores of the central pond. On its northern edge is Chion-in Temple with its remarkable Samnon gate (one of Japan’s largest). Founded by the priest Hōnen in 1175, the temple is the headquarters of Buddhism’s Jōdo Shu (Pure Land) sect. On the other side of the park lies the 7th-century Yasaka-jinja Shrine, famous for its Gion Matsuri festival every July.

Gion

buses are parked in front of a building

Gion, one of Kyoto`s five established geisha quarters, remains the city`s most renowned today. While geiko, as geisha are known in Kyoto, once numbered in the hundreds, just approximately 250 still practice their craft, with under 70 residing in Gion. A well-liked local custom is congregating along Gion`s key avenue, Hanamikōji-dōri, at dusk – hoping to spot a geiko or maiko, a geisha apprentice, journeying to her appointments. However, signs now advise this as a “private” road and discourage photographic opportunities.

Danglez • Harmony Villa • Matthew’s Miracle View • Pointe Dubiquea large group of birds hanging from the ceiling of a building

Kennin-ji is an outstanding temple to visit to avoid the inevitable large crowds at Kiyomizu-dera. Established in 1202 by the priest Yōsai, it claims to be the oldest Zen Buddhist temple in the city. Once footwear has been removed, the rare folding screen painting of the wind and thunder gods can be examined, in addition to viewing its three Zen gardens and the teahouse, then walking over to the Dharma Hall where Koizumi Junsaku’s spectacular ceiling mural “Twin Dragons” was installed in 2002.

Getting made up as a geisha or apprentice geisha is very well liked. Most opt to don the conventional kimono and wander around taking images for about an hour. Some experiences include a full alteration with light makeup, hairstyles, and so on, costing anything from US$80 to US$350 and higher. Well-liked choices involve the Gion Aya workshop and the Maiko-Henshin Studio Shiki. For simple kimono rentals, try the Kyoto Kimono Rental SAKURA.

Higashiyama and Gion are renowned for their luxury 5-star lodgings and upscale villa rentals (numerous of them renovated “machiya,” traditional wooden houses). It’s an atmospheric place to stay, but exploring the rest of the city from here is more time-consuming.

an old brick building with a stone wall

    • The Best Hotels in Higashiyama & Gion:
      Sowaka • Hotel phone: +81 75 541 5323
      Chourakukan – Hotel contact number: +81 75 561 0001
    • RentalCars.com – A premier site for booking rental vehicles.

      • A hotel brand Contact number: +81 75 541 8288
      Westin Miyako Hotel contact: +81 75 771 7111
      Junei – Contact for this hotel can be made at telephone number +81 75 525 0050

    • Best Ryokans:
      Number 6 Nijo • Hotel phone: +81 75 354 5159
      Ishibekoji Muan Hotel contact: +81 75 741 8815
      Seikoro • Hotel phone: +81 75 561 0771
      Kamoya – Hotel phone: +81 75 748 1589
    • Best Cheap/Mid-Range Hotels:
      The hotel Kyo-Anthu Inn can be reached at telephone number +81 75 746 5277
      The guesthouse Ga-Jyun can be reached at telephone number +81 75 708 8573
      Misen • Hotel phone: +81 75 525 7035
      Sano • Hotel phone: +81 75 561 0206
    • Best Hostels:
      The Tsukimi Hotel phone number is +81 75 532 2660 Ishibekoji Muan Hotel contact: +81 75 741 8815
      WIND VILLA – Contact number: +81 75 285 4257

    4. Sakyō-ku (the “Ward on the Emperor’s left”) – Northeast Kyoto

    Northern Higashiyama is part of the extensive Sakyō-ku, another historic neighborhood renowned for famous temples and museums, including the prestigious Kyoto University. There are two primary areas of interest for visitors: central Okazaki Park, the city’s museum district (a prime option during rainy weather), and the strip of temples that lines the hillsides to the east.

    Just south of the park lies the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art (artworks from 1868 onwards of Japan and from foreign countries) and the adjacent Higashiyama Cube for modern art, the National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto (20th-century modernistic art) next to a huge red torii gate, and the excellent Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design, with more than 70 types of local craftworks on display.

    Nearby Kyoto Zoo is small but enjoyable for younger children, and the Murin-an is just across the Biwa Canal. The elegant 19th-century villa of Yamagata Aritomo, one of Japan’s leading statesmen, is now home to one of the city’s most charming Japanese gardens. Art fans might also want to check out the Hosomi Museum, west of the park (across the canal), a stylish cube-shaped gallery displaying Japanese art and antiquities.

    The northern portion of Okazaki Park features the grand Heian Shrine, constructed in 1895 as a recreation of Kyoto’s original Imperial Palace, commemorating the 1,100th anniversary of Kyoto’s founding. It comprises a dazzling complex of bright orange, green, and white buildings, yet most come to admire its beautiful garden, renowned for weeping cherry trees and as a film location for Lost in Translation. The shrine hosts one of Japan’s most famous festivals, the Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages), held on October 22.

    The Kyoto Handicraft Center, the city`s premier one-stop outlet for quality souvenirs, stands just behind the shrine. You could enjoyably spend a half-day wandering between the temples on the eastern side of Sakyō-ku. Public transportation also serves this area.

    Nanzen-ji is one of Kyoto’s most renowned Rinzai Zen temples. Its expansive grounds feature the city`s most imposing temple entrance, two “dry” rock gardens (additional charge), the Suirokaku (an old aqueduct from the Meiji Period), and Okutan Nanzenji, a traditional restaurant serving a fixed menu of simmered tofu (yūdōfu). The delightful Philosopher’s Path starts north of Eikan-dō Temple, about 1.5 km north along a cherry tree-lined canal to Ginkaku-ji. Along the route, there are a few cafés, souvenir stalls, and a few minor temples that rarely see any visitors.

    The renowned Ginkaku-ji (The Silver Pavilion) situated at Jisho-ji Temple was never coated in silver. The twin-storied “unfinished” Kannon Hall is elegant, with an exquisite moss garden, streams, and a hillside viewpoint. It was constructed in 1482 as a retirement residence for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa and transformed into a temple following his death in 1490. In addition to the pond containing the pavilion rising from its shore, there`s a sand garden with an enormous cone-shaped sand replica of Mt. Fuji, said to seem especially magical beneath a full moon.

    For stunning perspectives, you can lengthen your trip with a one-hour (moderate) roundtrip hike up Mount Daimonji behind Ginkaku-ji. Further north is Shugakuin Imperial Villa, still had by the Emperor, an immense complex of three individual properties and yards accessible for guided excursions. Plan in advance through the website. Rokusei dining establishment is a fantastic lunch spot just west of Heian Shrine, offering seasonal bento lunch boxes and homemade soufflés.

    Sakyō-ku offers an atmospheric vibe with fewer hotels and further removed from nightlife. And parts are not particularly convenient for exploring the rest of the city.

  • The Best Hotel in Sakyo-ku:
  • TraPizza – $$-$$$ – Artisan-crafted pizzas served in a relaxed setting that`s busy on weekends in a family-friendly beachfront location.
  • Best Ryokans:
    Rakucho • Hotel phone: +81 75 721 2174
    The Palazzo delle Stelline Hotel contact number: +39 02 481 8431.
  • Iru – Hotel contact number: +81 75 771 5003
  • Best Cheap/Mid-Range Hotels:
    Kobako • Hotel phone: +81 80 3829 9343
    Aoi Nakamoto – Contact number: +81 90 6326 9602
    The Sanjo Ohashi Inn in Kyoto can be contacted by phone at +81 50 5358 4776.
  • Pai Northern Thai Kitchen – $$-$$$ – Delicious, authentic Northern Thai cuisine at a low price point.
  • Best Hostel:
    Niniroom • Hotel phone: +81 75 761 2556

5. Kita-Ku (North Kyoto)

The Surfing Goat Dairy Farm is a family-oriented agricultural tourism attraction open daily, somewhat different than typical Hawaiian spots. Relaxed walking visits lasting around 20 minutes do not require reservations; interact with the goats, inspect the contemporary milking machines, watch the cheese production procedure, and sample numerous of their 30 types of cheeses and quark. Reservations are suggested for the Evening Chores Visit, where guests learn to manually milk a goat, plus everything presented in the casual tour. Positioned in Kula, halfway down the side of the Haleakala Crater and near the Ocean Vodka Distillery. Inspect their shop for all things goat milk, from soaps to truffles to popsicles. Bonus fact: the farm owners will trade cheese for worn out surfboards! All ages welcome

The Ryōan-ji and Ninna-ji temples are located farther west in the next ward but are good sights to see together with the Golden Pavilion. It’s about a mile or a 20-minute walk to Ryōan-ji, where you’ll pass the eccentric Insho-Domoto Museum of Fine Arts.Ryōan-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple housing Japan’s most renowned “dry” rock garden. Established in the Muromachi Period (1336–1573), it features 15 rocks set upon raked white gravel and enclosed by a beautiful earthen wall on three sides and a verandah on the fourth. Inviting reflection, come at 8 a.m. when it’s relatively tranquil. The temple’s vegetarian restaurant, Saigen-in, specializes in tofu.

Nearby, a popular temple complex known as Ninna-ji is chiefly recognized for its picturesque five-story tower.Other noteworthy locations include Daitoku-ji, an extensive Rinzai Zen temple region renowned for its dry gardens. The gorgeous Kitano Tenmangu Shinto shrine is popular among students during exam periods (and during the plum blossom and fall foliage seasons) and hosts the monthly Tenjin-san flea market.

The bright crimson Shimogamo Shrine has structures arranged along the slender Mitarai stream. Here, worshippers float paper fortune notes on the water, and it’s the setting for the annual Aoi Matsuri festival, along with the adjacent Kamigamo Shrine. You can take a temple break at the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, which shelters over 12,000 native and foreign plants and a huge Conservatory (greenhouse). In springtime, it’s worth trekking up to Haradani-en Garden to admire Kyoto’s most spectacular cherry blossom display.

North Kyoto is also a great area to experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony: try Tea Ceremony Camellia Garden, near Ryōan-ji (book ahead), or Tea Ceremony Koto near the Golden Pavilion

A handful of more secluded hotels are located up here, convenient for visiting the temples while also blissfully quiet for overcoming jet lag, but they are a bit far from the rest of the city.

  • The Best Hotels in Kita-Ku (North Kyoto):
    The Sawaya Honten Hotel contact number: +81 75 761 4141 Aman • Hotel phone number: +81 75 496 1333
    Tokyu Harvest Club – Hotel phone: +81 75 491 0109
  • Best Ryokan:
    Satsukian” – Hotel phone: +81 774 41 1555
  • Best Cheap/Mid-Range Hotels:
  • 10. Le Meridien Beach Resort – Karon Beach

    • Bon” – Hotel phone: +81 80 6868 2337

6. Arashiyama & Ukyō-ku (“Ward on the Emperor’s Right”):Northwestern Kyoto

Mainly residential, Ukyō Ward in Northwestern Kyoto encompasses the scenic district of Arashiyama. It is an ancient tourist town cherished for its spring cherry blossoms, autumn maple leaves, photogenic Bamboo Grove, and numerous temples. It creates a fascinating day trip from central Kyoto. A stay here offers a taste of small-town Japanese living. However, the central part of Arashiyama along the river can become unbearably crowded on weekends.

Stores and dining establishments line the primary street from Arashiyama Station to the Katsura River. The wooden Togetsukyō Bridge stands as one of the town’s most renowned sights. Once crossed, the Iwatayama Monkey Park on the slopes of Arashiyama mountain represents the fundamental attraction on the southern side. Visitors can typically feed the indigenous Japanese macaque monkeys at the conclusion of a steep trail to the observation deck.

The majority of Arashiyama`s attractions are located north of the river, starting with the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove; a short path cuts through this dense cluster of bamboo, providing mesmerizing views of the giant stalks. You can also access the Bamboo Grove from the back of Tenryu-ji, Arashiyama`s primary Buddhist temple, which has attractive gardens and an excellent vegetarian restaurant, Shigetsu.

A couple additional highly rated hotels in Moab that offer ideal places to stay close to Arches National Park are provided below.

The tranquil suburban area to the north of here is renowned for its atmospheric shrines and historic landmarks. The rustic Thatched Rakushisha hut is believed to have been the home of Mukai Kyorai (1651–1704), one of the disciples of haiku master Bashō. The similarly rustic thatched Buddhist shrine, Giō-ji Temple, is lush with moss-covered gardens. Traditional wooden homes line the preserved Saga Toriimoto Street. Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple houses around 10,000 Buddhist figures carved for those who died without family.

Nearby are Seiryō-ji, with its deservedly famous 10th-century Buddha statue (carved in China), and Daikaku-ji Temple, with a lovely pond (boat rides on the weekends), a teahouse, and a small pagoda.

Other attractions in Ukyō beyond Arashiyama incorporate the Toei Kyoto Studio Park, an operating film studio and motif park, where you potentially will witness a samurai flick or period turn-of-the-century motion picture being created in its recreated town.

Further south along the Katsura River lies the Katsura Imperial Villa, which showcases the finest example of traditional Japanese architecture and gardening. Constructed in the 1620s as a private villa for the imperial family and surrounded by a perfectly maintained walking garden. It’s only open for one-hour guided tours conducted in Japanese (free audio guides in English are available). Make reservations online well in advance.

  • The “ Romantic Sagano Train” is a 25-minute rail journey from Arashiyama to Kameoka along the Hozu River Gorge; “ Hozugawa River Boat Trip” is a two-hour cruise through the gorge.
  • Ukyō is spread out, generally more tranquil, with cheaper hotels away from the main attractions. Arashiyama is the primary tourist section of the district, with some hotels good for exploring the area before many visitors arrive, but not convenient for seeing the rest of Kyoto.
  • Northwestern Kyoto is also home to the celebrated moss landscapes of Saihō-ji, a religious temple from the 14th century. The humid, emerald foliage is magically splendid, but the only way to tour is to apply 1 to 2 months beforehand by sending names, addresses, age (12 or over only), group size, and several potential dates through mail. For a postcard confirmation, you also need to provide a self-addressed envelope to your Japan hotel or home with International Reply Coupons. Otherwise, an online Japanese service will handle it for an additional fee. All visitors must engage in a brief Zen ceremony upon entry.”

a house that has a tree in front of it

  • The finest hotels in Arashiyama & Ukyō-ku (northwestern Kyoto):

    • Nagi – Contact number for this hotel: +81 75 863 1515
    The MUNI can be reached at +81 75 863 1110
    The Grand West hotel phone number is +81 75 863 1010
    Estate Tokyu Nishikyogoku • Hotel phone: +81 75 323 2111
    The hotel Riverside can be reached at telephone number +81 75 205 5323

  • Best Cheap/Mid-Range Hotels:
    The Yado can be reached at +81 75 873 2201 Guesthouse in Kyoto Arashiyama – Hotel phone: +81 75 873 2201
    Atagoya • Hotel phone: +81 75 881 7123
  • Best Hostels:
    Mulan • Hotel phone: +81 75 406 5961
    Utano • Hotel phone: +81 75 462 2288

Kyoto With More Time

We’ve examined some of the preferred neighborhoods for visits and lodging in more depth above, but with extra time, these regions also deserve exploring.

The Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is alone found at Bangkok’s fundamental universal air terminal. The Ammata Lanta Resort,Suvarnabhumi Suite Hotel, and The Phoenix Hotel are all inside 5 km of the air terminal and not as much as a 10-minute drive by free shuttle.

Kyoto Travel Tips

  • The best times to visit Kyoto are late March to mid-April cherry blossom season and the November fall foliage season. But these are also the busiest times. Book hotels months in advance and expect large crowds if you visit during these periods. Summer is usually hot and humid in Kyoto.
  • Kyoto is probably Japan’s most English language-accommodating city, with almost all staff at the Kyoto Station, major hotels, and attractions speaking at minimum basic English, and numerous folks working in shops and restaurants around the city. That said, most of the population will struggle to understand English. Learn a few words in Japanese if possible. Signage in the station (and around the city) is translated into English.
  • Access to Kyoto’s nearby airports is not particularly convenient: Kansai International Airport (around 60 miles/96km southwest of Kyoto Station, offshore in Osaka Bay) and local Osaka International Airport or Itami (25 miles/40km southwest of Kyoto Station). From Kansai, the “Limited Express Haruka” train service takes travelers to Kyoto Station in approximately 1hr 20min. Taxis are costly – at minimum ¥35,280 (US$250–260) to Kyoto Station depending on arrival time (allow 2 hrs). The simplest way to get to Kyoto from Osaka Airport is by bus (allow 1hr). Taking the bullet train (Shinkansen) from Tokyo is more convenient than flying – it arrives in just 2hr 10min.
  • If an early flight necessitates remaining at Kansai, the contemporary Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport provides a convenient choice. The First Cabin Kansai Airport capsule hotel next door costs less and will do for a single night, but only if accustomed to this style of lodging.
  • Thanks to “KYOTO Wi-Fi” and “Japan Free Wi-Fi KYOTO,” free wi-fi is available at over 1,000 hotspots across the city once you register your email or social media account.
  • Luci d’Artista Light Show in Salerno – Beginning on the second Friday of each month running through mid-January, imaginative themed lighting displays illuminate the city of Salerno, cultivating an especially magical atmosphere.

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

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