Kyoto, Japan - Travel Guide

Kyoto is a city steeped in tradition and natural beauty, offering an unparalleled glimpse into classical Japan. Visitors can explore ancient temples, serene gardens, vibrant geisha districts, and participate in traditional tea ceremonies, making it a culturally rich and visually stunning destination.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$70/day

Mid-range$100/day

Luxury$500/day

Known For

KyoHeian-kyōHistoric CapitalCultural CityGionArashiyamaFushimi Inari-taisha

🇯🇵 Country Information: Japan

CapitalTokyo

CurrencyJapanese yen (¥)

LanguageJapanese , English,Korean,Chinese

Phone Code+81

Electricity100V (Type A, B)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

\* Tipping is not common and may be considered rude

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available
Credit cards accepted in cities but less so in rural areas
Cash is still common
No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Bowing is a common greeting
Shoes must be removed indoors
Talking on phones in trains is frowned upon

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. LGBTQ+ rights are improving, but legal marriage is not yet recognized

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 20
Drug laws are very strict, even for small amounts of marijuana

Special Laws

Tattoos may bar entry to hot springs
No public smoking outside designated areas

Common Phrases

HelloKonnichiwa (koh-nee-chee-wah) こんにちは

Thank youArigatou (ah-ree-gah-toh) ありがとう

Climate

Climate Zone: Humid Subtropical

Best Time to Visit

Monsoon: Jun
Jul (rainy season, can cause floods)
Typhoon season: Aug
Oct

Getting There

Fly into Kansai International Airport (KIX) then take JR Haruka train to Kyoto Station (75 mins, \~¥3,000)
Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo (2
5h, \~¥13,000) or Osaka (15 mins, \~¥1,500)

Getting Around

Excellent public transportation: extensive bus network, subway lines (Tozai and Karasuma), and JR trains
Taxis are widely available
Ride
sharing apps like Uber are present but less common than taxis
Bicycles are a popular way to explore many areas

Health & Vaccinations

No specific vaccines required for entry
Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, Varicella) are recommended
No altitude sickness concerns
No malaria concerns
Probiotics are generally not necessary

Staying Connected

eSIMs are readily available from major Japanese providers like NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and au
Airalo, Nomad, and Holafly eSIMs work well for international travelers

Local Cuisine

Kaiseki must_try

This is a traditional, multi-course Japanese haute cuisine that emphasizes seasonality, careful preparation, and artistic presentation. It is consider

Yuba (Tofu Skin) regional_speciality

Yuba is the delicate skin that forms on the surface of heated soy milk. Due to Kyoto’s soft water, yuba is exceptionally fresh and mild, often served

Kyoto Sake alcohol

Sake from Kyoto, particularly the Fushimi district, is renowned globally. Its smooth, clean flavor is attributed to the region's famously soft and pur

Matcha Green Tea Desserts dessert

Kyoto, particularly the nearby Uji region, is famous for high-grade matcha. This ingredient is used in various desserts, including soft serve, parfait

Saba-Zushi (Mackerel Sushi) regional_speciality

A local Kyoto-style sushi made by pressing vinegared rice and cured mackerel together. Historically, this dish was a way to enjoy seafood in the inlan

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Katsura Imperial Villa or Shugakuin Imperial Villa Tour Attraction

Book 1–3 months in advance

Visits require a guided tour with limited capacity, necessitating application through the Imperial Household Agency far in advance.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

High-end Dining (Kaiseki, Omakase Sushi, Wagyu) Dining

Book 2–3 months in advance

Michelin-starred or high-demand restaurants have limited seating and often book out weeks or months ahead, especially for dinner reservations.

Sagano Romantic Train (Scenic Train) Transport

Book 1 week to 2 months in advance

Seats, particularly on the open-sided Car 5 (The Rich), sell out quickly for the popular scenic ride through the Arashiyama gorge, especially during peak viewing seasons.

Saihoji (Kokedera) Moss Temple Visit Attraction

Book exactly 2 months in advance

This is a strictly regulated temple requiring advance booking, typically opening 2 months before the desired entry date.

Fun Facts

1. Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years, from 794 to 1868, making it a pivotal center of Japanese culture and history for more than a millennium.
2. The city was originally saved from destruction during World War II because it was taken off the list of potential targets for the atomic bomb due to its cultural significance and beauty.
3. Kyoto is home to over 3,000 temples and shrines, including 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, showcasing its profound spiritual heritage.
4. Historically, Kyoto was one of the most populous cities in the world, estimated to have had half a million people by the 16th century, a size few European cities reached at the time.

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