13 Tips for a FANTASTIC Trip to Kyoto

Kyoto Station is a major transportation hub in Kyoto, accessible by train from Kansai International Airport and a stop for the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo.

Hotel Granbell Kyoto is a cozy hotel located in Kyoto, offering comfortable accommodations and a public bath.

Gion Yoshi-Ima is a beautifully preserved ryokan built in the 1700s, featuring rooms that overlook a private garden.

Fushimi Inari Taisha is a famous shrine known for its thousands of bright orange Tory Gates that wind up a mountain.

Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a building covered in gold leaf reflected in a pond.

Kiyomizu-dera is a temple complex with iconic structures and a wooden stage that juts out over the hillside, especially beautiful in autumn.

Heian Jingu is a shrine known for its towering Tory gate, featured in the movie Lost in Translation.

Ginkaku-ji, also known as the Silver Pavilion, is a temple complex with serene Zen gardens.

Nanzen-ji is a grand Zen temple complex featuring an aqueduct bridge.

Daigo-ji is a UNESCO world heritage site, a sprawling temple complex on a mountainside with old wooden buildings.

Kodai-ji is a temple that offers seasonal illuminations.

To-ji is a temple that offers seasonal illuminations.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a bamboo forest that is a popular spot.

Monkey Park Iwatayama is a park where you can find monkeys and views of Kyoto.

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji features over a thousand unique stone statues.

The Sagano Scenic Railway runs along the Hozugawa River.

The Hozugawa River offers a boat ride experience.

Kimono Forest is an art installation of glowing kimono-covered poles.

Gion is known for its historic geisha houses and preserved atmosphere.

Ninenzaka features cobblestone streets, wooden buildings, and food stalls.

Sannenzaka features cobblestone streets, wooden buildings, and food stalls.

Kyoto Imperial Palace is the former residence of Japan's Emperors.

Nijō Castle is a UNESCO world heritage site and a masterpiece of Samurai era architecture.

Downtown Kyoto is centered around the Kawaramachi Station and home to the Nishiki Market.

Nishiki Market is a food market.

Teramachi is filled with boutique stores.

Daimaru Kyoto is a department store.

Pontocho Alley is a narrow lane lined with restaurants and bars that overlook the Kamo River.

Gion Tanto is famous for its okonomiyaki and yakisoba.

Omen specializes in hand-pulled udon noodles.

Ichiran Ramen is a chain known for its tonkotsu ramen.

Engine Ramen is known for its spicy signature bowl and vegetarian options.

Honke Daiichi Asahi is a local institution near Kyoto Station that has been dishing out ramen for decades.

Kyo-no Yakiniku Hiro Pontocho serves grilled meat, including Kobe sirloin.

Wagyu Yakiniku Waya is a restaurant with grilled meat.

Roan Kikunoi offers kaiseki, a traditional multi-course meal.

Gion Sushi Matsumoto offers sushi with fresh seasonal fish.

Sushitetsu is an affordable sushi spot.

Ebisugawa-Gyoza Nakajima is known for its gyoza.

Chao Chao Gyoza serves gyoza with flavors like garlic and parmesan cheese.

Katsukura Tonkatsu Sanjo serves tonkatsu.

Gohan-ya Isshin Kyoto serves homestyle food.

Maccha House serves matcha soft serve ice cream.

Kirakuan Okamoto Sanneizaka serves karage.

Camellia Tea Ceremony offers a traditional tea ceremony experience.

Philosopher’s Path is a trail that follows a canal lined with trees.

Osaka Castle is surrounded by a moat.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum walks you through the aftermath with humanity and unflinching honesty.

Itsukushima Shrine features a floating Tory gate.

Kyoto Gyoen National Garden is a wide open space.

Maruyama Park is a park where locals picnic.

Kamo River is where locals picnic, bike, and play music.