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A traditional street in Kyoto's Higashiyama district at dusk, wooden houses leading to the Yasaka Pagoda
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Kyoto

Japan35.0116° N · 135.7681° E5 stories

Japan's capital for over a millennium: some 1,600 Buddhist temples, hundreds of Shinto shrines, zen gardens and the geisha district of Gion — the cultural heart of Japan.

When to go

March–April, November

Budget level

Mid-range

Typical cost profile for visitors

At a glance
  • 2 highlighted sights
  • 0 recommended stays
  • 0 places to eat
On the map

Finding Kyoto

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The stories

Reading Kyoto

A traditional street in Kyoto's Higashiyama district at dusk, wooden houses leading to the Yasaka Pagoda01
Hidden Gems

Hidden Kyoto: 6 Quiet Corners Away From the Crowds

Beyond the packed sights there is another Kyoto — silent, green and ancient. A guide to the corners locals keep for themselves, and exactly when to go.

Japan · 7 min
A traditional street in Kyoto's Higashiyama district at dusk, wooden houses leading to the Yasaka Pagoda02
The List

The Most Beautiful Streets and Lanes of Kyoto, Ranked

Kyoto's genius is at street level: stone-paved slopes, lantern-lit alleys and canal-side paths that have barely changed in a century. These are the seven walks that define the city.

Japan · 6 min
A Japanese pagoda above the Kyoto skyline at sunset, framed by red autumn foliage03
Stays

Where to Stay in Kyoto: The Right Neighborhood, the Classic Addresses

Ryokan or grand hotel, temple district or downtown buzz — in Kyoto, the neighborhood you sleep in decides the trip you have. A district-by-district guide.

Japan · 6 min
A traditional street in Kyoto's Higashiyama district at dusk, wooden houses leading to the Yasaka Pagoda04
Itineraries

One Perfect Day in Kyoto

Vermilion gates at dawn, temple lanes by mid-morning, market snacks at noon and Gion at dusk — how to spend a single flawless day in Japan's old capital.

Japan · 5 min
A cup of vivid green matcha latte with leaf-pattern latte art served on a saucer at a wooden cafe table05
Food

The Sweet Side of Kyoto: Matcha, Mochi and Market Stalls

Japan's old capital takes dessert as seriously as it takes temples. A dish-by-dish guide to Kyoto's confections — from tea-ceremony wagashi to towering matcha parfaits.

Japan · 5 min
In pictures

Kyoto, framed

A traditional street in Kyoto's Higashiyama district at dusk, wooden houses leading to the Yasaka Pagoda
A traditional street in Kyoto's Higashiyama district at dusk, wooden houses leading to the Yasaka Pagoda
A cup of vivid green matcha latte with leaf-pattern latte art served on a saucer at a wooden cafe table
A traditional street in Kyoto's Higashiyama district at dusk, wooden houses leading to the Yasaka Pagoda
A Japanese pagoda above the Kyoto skyline at sunset, framed by red autumn foliage
A Japanese pagoda above the Kyoto skyline at sunset, framed by red autumn foliage
A Japanese pagoda above the Kyoto skyline at sunset, framed by red autumn foliage
A traditional street in Kyoto's Higashiyama district at dusk, wooden houses leading to the Yasaka Pagoda
A Japanese pagoda above the Kyoto skyline at sunset, framed by red autumn foliage
A traditional street in Kyoto's Higashiyama district at dusk, wooden houses leading to the Yasaka Pagoda
Don't miss

Sights & experiences

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

park

The famous bamboo avenue in western Kyoto — with Okochi Sanso and rural Sagano beyond.

Sagatenryuji, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Taisha

landmark

Thousands of vermilion torii gates climbing Mount Inari. Open 24 hours — go at sunrise.

68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto