KYOTO TRAVEL TIPS FOR FIRST TIMERS | 20+ Must-Knows Before Visiting Kyoto + What NOT to Do!
Discover the magic of Kyoto, Japan, with this comprehensive guide covering everything from ancient temples and serene gardens to vibrant markets and modern attractions. Perfect for first-time visitors, this collection offers essential tips, insider insights, and highlights what not to miss in this captivating city.
Ace Hotel
Ace Hotel in Downtown Kyoto is recommended for its convenience to shopping, imperial sites, Nishiki Market and main shopping streets.
Hotel Ethnography Kiyomizu Gojo
Hotel Ethnography Kiyomizu Gojo is located near Higashiyama and is recommended for being affordable, comfortable, and within walking distance of popular sites.
Higashiyama
Higashiyama is a district in Kyoto home to popular temples and attractions like Yasaka Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple, known for iconic photo opportunities and being a great base for experiencing Kyoto's iconic locations without the crowds.
Kiyomizu Temple
Kiyomizu Temple is a popular temple in Higashiyama, known for being crowded, but best visited early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds.
Sagano Romantic Train
The Sagano Romantic Train is a popular train ride for which tickets can be purchased one month in advance, with the 'Rich car' recommended for better photos.
Nara
Nara is a city near Kyoto famous for its bowing deer.
Nintendo Museum
The Nintendo Museum requires entering a booking lottery three months in advance to secure tickets.
Gion district
Gion district is Kyoto's largest geisha district, known for Machiya townhouse buildings now housing restaurants, tea houses and shops, and is part of the larger Higashiyama ward.
Yasaka shrine
Yasaka Shrine is an iconic shrine in Higashiyama.
Ninenzaka
Ninenzaka is a street near Kiyomizu Temple that is very busy but recommended to visit early in the morning.
Sanenzaka streets
Sanenzaka is a street near Kiyomizu Temple that is very busy but recommended to visit early in the morning.
Nijō Castle
Nijō Castle is a main site located in downtown Kyoto.
Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace is a main site located in downtown Kyoto.
Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market is a popular place to get food for tourists in Kyoto, but it is super crowded and prices tend to be higher.
Uji
Uji is a town south of Kyoto known for its matcha.
Lake Biwa
Lake Biwa is a nice natural site close to Kyoto.
Kurama
Kurama is a nice natural site close to Kyoto.
Kibune
Kibune is a nice natural site close to Kyoto.
Amanohashidate
Amanohashidate is a nice natural site close to Kyoto.
Karasuma subway line
The Karasuma subway line runs north to south in Kyoto.
Tozai subway line
The Tozai subway line runs east to west in Kyoto.
JR
JR is a train line in Kyoto.
Keihan line
The Keihan line is a train line in Kyoto.
Hankyu line
The Hankyu line is a train line in Kyoto.
Kintetsu line
The Kintetsu line is a train line in Kyoto.
Shijo-Dori
Shijo-Dori is a main shopping street that can be a nightmare due to congestion, but the parallel roads are quieter with smaller restaurants and bars.
KCTP
KCTP is a popular option for renting bikes in Kyoto.
Obanzai
Obanzai is homestyle cooking specific to Kyoto, where at least half the ingredients have to be produced or processed in Kyoto and is based more on small dishes full of fresh seasonal ingredients.
Kyozushi
Kyozushi is a local take on sushi that's made with cured rather than raw fish.
Kamehameha
Kamehameha is a good okonomiyaki place near Nishiki Market.
Otowa Saryo
Otowa Saryo is a restaurant near Kiyomizu Temple with great views of the mountains and surrounding area.
Fushimi
Fushimi is in the south of Kyoto and known for its sake spots and breweries.
Fushimi Sake Village
Fushimi Sake Village is a food market with food vendors and a bar that does sake specials.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
The Fushimi Inari Shrine is a popular place to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon/early evening to avoid crowds; walking upwards will lead to fewer crowds.
Kinkaku-Ji Temple
Kinkaku-Ji Temple (Golden Temple) closes at 5 PM, so visiting late is not an option; going super early would probably be the best option to avoid crowds.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a popular site where going super early is the best option to avoid crowds; shops and restaurants in Arashiyama start closing around 5 PM.
Arashiyama
Arashiyama is an area in Western Kyoto with many sites like the Bamboo Forest and Tenryu-Ji Temple.
Tenryu-Ji Temple
Tenryu-Ji Temple is a temple located in Arashiyama.
Aoniyoshi Sightseeing Limited Express
The Aoniyoshi Sightseeing Limited Express to Nara is a fancier train that sells out quickly, with tickets released 30 days in advance.
GEAR
GEAR is a non-verbal theater that you have to book a few weeks in advance.
International Manga Museum
The International Manga Museum is a main site located in central Kyoto.
Genko-an
Genko-an is a temple famous for its ceilings that use repurposed floorboards from a warrior suicide.
Kodai-ji Temple
Kodai-ji Temple in Higashiyama has a small bamboo forest.
ShinPuhKan Shopping Area
The ShinPuhKan Shopping Area is near the Ace Hotel and has cool shops.
Samurai Ninja Museum
The Samurai Ninja Museum has different Samurai Crest stamps.
Traveller's Factory store
The Traveller's Factory store has stationery, travel goods and a stamp station.
Kyoto Station
Kyoto Station is where the airport limousine bus from Itami arrives.
Osaka
Osaka is the location of the Itami and Kansai airports, which are the closest to Kyoto.