location.beaches.districts_subtitle
Historic geisha district with traditional teahouses, Yasaka Shrine, and Hanamikoji Street.
Traditional hillside district with historic streets, temples, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka lanes.
Scenic western district with Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryuji Temple, and monkey park.
Iconic shrine with thousands of vermillion torii gates, mountain hiking trails, and fox statues.
Golden Pavilion Zen temple with reflecting pond, stunning gardens, and World Heritage status.
Hillside temple with famous wooden stage, Otowa waterfall, and panoramic city views.
UNESCO Shogunate castle with nightingale floors, painted screens, and beautiful gardens.
Atmospheric narrow alley with traditional restaurants, bars, and riverside terraces.
Kyoto's Kitchen with 400 years of history, local delicacies, and traditional food stalls.
Scenic canal-side path with cherry blossoms, Ginkakuji Temple, and peaceful atmosphere.
Modern architectural hub with shopping, observation deck, Kyoto Tower, and Isetan department store.
Former residence of emperors with extensive gardens, historic buildings, and park grounds.
Kyoto is Japan's cultural heart, a city of a thousand temples where geishas still glide through narrow lanes and golden pavilions reflect in mirror-still ponds. This comprehensive guide unlocks all the secrets of the former imperial capital: from the best times to visit to hidden gardens, from exquisite kaiseki cuisine to staying in an authentic ryokan.
faq.subtitle Kyoto
Minimum 3 days: north (Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji), south (Fushimi Inari), west (Arashiyama), center (Gion)
In Gion in evening, but don't photograph closely—it's disrespectful. Maiko (apprentices) more visible
Useful tips for visiting Kyoto
Get ICOCA card - works on all transport
Rent bicycle - best way to explore temples
Visit temples early morning to avoid crowds
Cherry blossom (Apr) and autumn (Nov) most crowded
Gion district for geisha spotting evenings
Average temperature by month
3°
12°1°7°2°11°-1°13°5°13°4°10°1°12°0°location.transport.subtitle
| location.transport.title | location.transport.price | location.transport.app | location.transport.note |
|---|---|---|---|
location.transport.bus | 230 ¥ ~1.5 $ | Kyoto Bus | Main transport in Kyoto. Day pass ¥700 good value. |
location.transport.metro | 220 ¥ ~1.4 $ | Kyoto Metro | 2 lines only. ICOCA card works. |
location.transport.taxi | 680 ¥ ~4.3 $ | JapanTaxi, GO | Base fare ¥680. Good for temple-hopping. |
Cost of food, accommodation and services
Prices are approximate and may vary by season and area.
Hotels and rental prices
Prices are approximate. Book in advance during high season.
location.payment.subtitle
Cash essential for traditional shops, shrines, small restaurants
Best rates at 7-Eleven ATMs - accept foreign cards 24/7. Banks: MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho - ATMs but may not accept foreign cards. Post Office (Yucho) ATMs reliable for international cards. Kyoto Station area has exchange. Cash essential for traditional shops, shrines, small restaurants.
Never tip - considered rude in Japan
Tourist area with low crime rate
Very safe city, low crime, respectful atmosphere
Attractions and points of interest
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