Kyoto was Japan’s capital and the emperor’s home from 794 until 1868, and it’s still the country’s best place to see old temples, gardens and craft traditions. It has about 1.5 million inhabitants and a modern city around its historic core. This guide covers what to see by district, how to reach Kyoto, a three-day plan and the day trips people add.
Why Kyoto looks the way it does
Over the centuries, wars and fires destroyed much of the city. In the Second World War, though, Kyoto was dropped from the list of target cities for the atomic bomb because of its historic value, according to japan-guide, so many temples, shrines and old streets survived. Today it has countless historic buildings across the city.
Kyoto by district
The easiest way to plan is by district, because sights in the same area can be seen together.
| District | Top sights |
|---|---|
| Eastern Kyoto | Kiyomizu-dera, the Higashiyama streets, Ginkaku-ji, Nanzen-ji |
| Central Kyoto | Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market, Pontocho, the Imperial Palace |
| Southern Kyoto | Fushimi Inari Shrine, Daigo-ji, Tofuku-ji, To-ji |
| Northern Kyoto | Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji area temples, Ohara, Kurama and Kibune |
| Western Kyoto | Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji, Kokedera, Katsura Villa |
How to get to Kyoto
Kyoto Station is the city’s main gateway. It’s the only Shinkansen stop in Kyoto Prefecture, all Tokaido Shinkansen trains stop there, and about 600,000 people a day use it. The current station building opened in 1997.
| From | How | Time (Japanese Wikipedia) |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Tokaido Shinkansen, Nozomi | Tokyo to Shin-Osaka is typically 2 h 27 to 30 min in the daytime. Kyoto is the stop before Shin-Osaka, so it’s a little shorter. |
| Kansai Airport | JR Haruka limited express | 80 min in the daytime, 85 to 90 min in rush hours, up to 100 min for the slowest train |
Kyoto has no airport of its own, so overseas visitors usually fly into Kansai International and take the Haruka. Check the timetable for your day, because the travel time varies by train.
A 3-day plan
Japan-guide suggests itineraries by area, and they combine into three days:
- Day 1, Eastern Kyoto. A full day on the eastern highlights: temples and shrines, the Higashiyama streets and a walk along the Philosopher’s Path. Finish in Gion and Pontocho for dinner.
- Day 2, Arashiyama. A full day in the west: the bamboo groves, the monkey park, and the temples and gardens. Go early for the bamboo.
- Day 3, North and South. A half day in the north for Kinkaku-ji and nearby temples, and a half day for Fushimi Inari in the south, or swap in Nijo Castle and Nishiki Market in the center.
Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama are among the busiest sights, so go early in the morning if you can. Carry some cash for entrance fees and market stalls.
Day trips from Kyoto
Japan-guide’s list of side trips from Kyoto includes Nara, Osaka, Himeji, Koya-san, Uji and Kinosaki. Nara is the easiest: see our Nara guide, and for Osaka and Kobe see our Kobe guide and Hiroshima and Miyajima.
Culture to try
The gardens, tea houses and workshops are a big part of Kyoto. Read our guide to the Japanese tea ceremony before you book one.
Lodging tax and costs to know in 2026
Kyoto City revised its accommodation tax on 1 March 2026. The top rate is 10,000 yen per person per night for a stay priced at 100,000 yen or more per person, and it’s usually paid at the hotel. See our Japan honeymoon guide for the other 2026 taxes and entry rules.
Private tours of Kyoto
Many visitors ask about guided tours and packages. A private tour lets you set the pace, skip the queues at the busiest sights and add a tea ceremony or a day trip. See our Kyoto private tour guide, our Japan tour packages and our luxury Japan itinerary.
Planning Kyoto with Absolute Asia Tours
Absolute Asia Tours has planned private trips in Asia since 1989. For Kyoto that means a hotel in the district that fits your plans, early starts at the crowded sights, a private guide and a driver for the day trips. We’re rated 4.8 out of 5 across about 900 traveler reviews. Have a look at our Japan tours or tell us your dates.
Sources: japan-guide.com, Kyoto travel guide. Read in Japanese, Japanese Wikipedia: 京都市, 京都駅, 伏見稲荷大社, 鹿苑寺, 嵐山. Last checked November 2026.
Kyoto: FAQ
How many days do you need in Kyoto?
Three days cover the main districts. Add more for day trips.
How do you get from Tokyo to Kyoto?
By Tokaido Shinkansen. The Nozomi from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka typically takes 2 hours 27 to 30 minutes in the daytime, and Kyoto is the stop before Shin-Osaka.
How do you get from Kansai Airport to Kyoto?
By the JR Haruka limited express, which takes about 80 minutes in the daytime.
Why was Kyoto spared in the Second World War?
It was dropped from the list of target cities for the atomic bomb because of its historic value.
Where should you start in Kyoto?
Eastern Kyoto, with Kiyomizu-dera and the Higashiyama streets, then Arashiyama on the second day.
What are the best day trips from Kyoto?
Nara, Osaka, Himeji, Koya-san, Uji and Kinosaki, according to japan-guide.
Is there a tourist tax in Kyoto?
Yes. The accommodation tax was revised on 1 March 2026, with a top rate of 10,000 yen per person per night for stays priced at 100,000 yen or more per person.