basic information

Kyoto was Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. It is now the country's seventh largest city with a population of 1.4 million people and a modern face.

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

Attractions

Central Kyoto

Nijo Castle (5) Former Kyoto residence of the shogun. Nijo Jinya (28) Former inn for visiting feudal lords. Kyoto Imperial Palace (7) The Imperial Family's residence until 1868. Nishiki Market (17) Fresh food market street in central Kyoto. Pontocho (20) Narrow lane offering atmospheric dining. Honganji Temples (22) Head temples of the Shin-Jodo sects. Sento Palace (41) Imperial palace with beautiful gardens. Kyoto Station (2) Kyoto's futuristic railway station building.

Eastern Kyoto

Kiyomizudera (3) Temple famous for its large wooden terrace. Sanjusangendo (14) Temple with 1001 human sized statues. Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) (6) Beautiful temple not actually covered in silver. Gion (4) Kyoto's most famous geisha district. Kodaiji Temple (12) Built in memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Heian Shrine (8) Modeled after the ancient Imperial Palace. Nanzenji Temple (19) Zen temple with beautiful stone garden. Chionin Temple (22) Head temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism. Path of Philosophy (13) Walking trail famous for cherry blossoms. Yasaka Shrine (16) Popular shrine hosting the Gion Festival.

Northern Kyoto

Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) (1) Temple building covered in gold. Shugakuin Villa (39) Imperial villa at the outskirts of Kyoto. Ryoanji Temple (9) Zen Temple with famous rock garden. Kurama (33) Rural town with temple and hot spring. Daitokuji Temple (21) Large Zen temple complex. Ninnaji Temple (27) Temple turned former imperial residence. Ohara (34) Rural area famous for Sanzenin Temple. Hieizan (29) Mountain temple complex of the Tendai sect. Kamo Shrines (36) Two of Kyoto's most important shrines. Kitano Tenmangu (35) Popular shrine hosting a monthly flee market. Toei Uzumasa Eigamura (32) Theme park and film set combined. Takao (40) Wooded valley with temples north of Kyoto.

Western Kyoto

Kokedera (38) Called moss temple because of its garden. Katsura Villa (30) Imperial villa with stunning landscape garden. Arashiyama (10) Pleasant district at the outskirts of Kyoto. Tenryuji Temple (24) Zen Temple in the Arashiyama district.

Southern Kyoto and Uji

Fushimi Inari Shrine (11) The ultimate torii gate experience. Byodoin Temple (18) Temple with a beautiful Pure Land Garden. Tofukuji Temple (26) Temple with spectacular autumn leaves. Toji Temple (15) Large temple with Japan's tallest pagoda. Daigoji Temple (25) Famous temple southeast of Kyoto. Mampukuji Temple (37) Headquarters of the Zen Obaku sect.

Events

Gion Matsuri (31) The most famous festival of Japan.

Side Trips from Kyoto

Mount Koya Atmospheric temple mountain. Nara Japan's first permanent capital. Himeji Site of Japan's most beautiful feudal castle. Osaka Largest city of the Kinki Region. Miho Museum Unique art museum in the mountains. Kinosaki Pleasantly old-fashioned hot spring resort. Kobe Harbor city, recovered from 1995 earthquake. Amanohashidate One of Japan's three most scenic views. Iga Ueno Former castle town famous for ninja.

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Orientation

Orientation How to get to and around in Kyoto. Suggestions Suggested day schedules and side trips. About transportation in Japan

Accommodation

Sponsored Listings:

Gion Shinmonso A fine ryokan in the Gion near geisha streets. Easy access to Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka-jinja. Special offers available. Ikoi-no-Ie Just between Kyoto Station (12-min. walk) & downtown. Cafes, bus stops & subway station for most Kyoto sightseeing spots nearby. Guest house Yahata Bed and breakfast with dormitories from 2500yen. One stop from Kyoto Station by subway. Walking distance to downtown Kyoto. Japanese hotel, Ryokan Nishiyama Experience the real Japan at our affordable ryokan. Close to major tourist spots in Kyoto. Japanese inn, Ryokan Seiki A friendly, family run inn. Only 4min walk from Kyoto Station. Free Internet and English TV channels available. Gion Hatanaka A real Japanese inn in a quiet area of Gion, famous for Geisha. 15min walk to Kiyomizu-dera. 5min to Yasaka-jinja. Kyoto Ryokan Yachiyo Experience Kyoto at Yachiyo Ryokan. Taste delicious kaiseki dishes, and relax in traditional and modern Japanese rooms.

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Travel Community

VIDEO Kyoto - Beyond Gion Look around and explore beyond the downtown geisha districts.

Restaurants

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All of Kyoto Kyoto Station Gion Kawaramachi/Pontocho

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Tour Packages

Kyoto Packages:

Kyoto Explorer Airport transfer and hotel from 3 days and 18,900 Yen! From Tokyo - 2 days Shinkansen round trip and hotel from only 19,500 Yen! From Nagoya - 2 days Shinkansen round trip and hotel from only 11,400 Yen!

Guided City Tours:

Kyoto 1 Day Guided full-day city tour of Kyoto. Kyoto Morning Guided half-day city tour of Kyoto. Kyoto Afternoon Guided half-day city tour of Kyoto. Walking in Sagano Arashiyama Guided half-day tour in the Arashiyama district.

Individual Excursions from Kyoto:

Tokyo 2 days Hotel and round trip by shinkansen from only 21,500 Yen! Hiroshima 2 days Hotel and round trip by shinkansen from only 20,500 Yen! Takayama 2 days Hotel and round trip by shinkansen from only 21,500 Yen!

Guided Day Trips from Kyoto:

Nara Afternoon Guided half day trip to Nara. Himeji Castle and Kobe Guided full day trip to Himeji and Kobe. Walking Tour Osaka Guided full day trip to Osaka.

Other:

Maiko Night Dinner and entertainment by geisha apprentices. Hiei-zan and the Experience of Zazen Visit Mount Hieizan and participate in zazen meditation. Kyoto Special Night Tea ceremony, dinner and a traditional performance in Kyoto. Kaiseki Lunch and Sweets Making Enjoy a kaiseki lunch and then try to make Yatsuhashi, the famous local sweets of Kyoto. More vacation packages Individual or guided.

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travel community

Users who have been to Kyoto: 950
Most visited: Ranked 2nd out of 93 destinations

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product links

Lonely Planet Kyoto Book by Chris Rowthorn Exploring Kyoto: On Foot Through the Ancient Capital Book by Judith Clancy Old Kyoto: A Guide to Traditional Shops, Restaurants, and Inns Book by Diane Durston

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