Kyoto: Japan's ancient capital

Who Kyoto suits

Kyoto is for those who want to see the Japan of books and films: mountain temples, gardens, wooden teahouses, the tea ceremony and kimono. History lovers, photographers, couples and laid-back families will all enjoy it. Younger kids may get bored, but the deer in nearby Nara and the trail through thousands of gates usually win everyone over.

Kyoto is typically the second half of a trip to Japan after Tokyo. Together they give the full picture: a modern megacity and an ancient capital.

When to go

Late March to early April is cherry blossom time, and November is maple season. These are the most beautiful and the busiest periods. If you are choosing where to go in autumn for nature and culture, Kyoto in November is one of the best options.

Summer is hot and humid and June is rainy, but July brings the Gion Matsuri festival. Winter is cold but quiet, and on the rare snowy days the temples look especially beautiful.

Where to stay

Around Kyoto Station

The most practical choice: direct access to the shinkansen, buses and trains to Nara and Kansai Airport. Not much atmosphere, but perfect logistics for a short stay.

Kawaramachi and Gion

The city centre by the Kamo River: restaurants, Nishiki Market and evening walks in Gion. Higashiyama is within walking distance. The best option if you want to be in the thick of things.

Higashiyama

The eastern hills with old lanes and temples. You can stay in a ryokan, a traditional inn with tatami floors and dinner. Expensive and in demand, so book early. More on choosing in our guide on how to choose a hotel.

Arashiyama

The western edge by the bamboo grove. Quiet in the evening, but far from the rest of the city. Good for one night in a ryokan with hot springs.

What to see

• Fushimi Inari. A trail through thousands of orange torii gates up the mountain. Come at dawn or climb past the first viewpoints, where it is less crowded.
• Kiyomizu-dera. A wooden temple on stilts with city views, reached via the Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka lanes.
• Gion. The teahouse district. Photographing geisha without permission and entering private alleys is not allowed, and there are fines for it.
• Kinkaku-ji. The Golden Pavilion above a pond.
• Ryoan-ji. The famous rock garden.
• Arashiyama. The bamboo grove, Tenryu-ji temple and the monkey park on the mountain.
• The Philosopher’s Path. A walk along a canal between temples, especially lovely in spring.
• Nara. Half a day to a full day: Todai-ji temple with its giant Buddha and the deer in the park.

How many days to plan

• 3 days: Fushimi Inari, Higashiyama, Gion, Kinkaku-ji and Arashiyama.
• 4–5 days: add Nara and unhurried gardens.
• 10–12 days in Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and sometimes Hiroshima.

Good to know

The main sights are crowded from 10 am, so start your day as early as you can. City buses are packed in high season, and the metro or a taxi is often faster.

Many temples ask you to take off your shoes, so make sure your socks are clean and without holes. Most temples charge an entrance fee, and it is handy to carry cash.

Flights from Tashkent usually go to Tokyo or Osaka; our manager will find direct and connecting options. Citizens of Uzbekistan generally need a visa to enter Japan. Rules are given as of October 2026 and may change: check with our manager or the official embassy website before you travel.

Kyoto’s cuisine

Kyoto is known for traditional kaiseki, a dinner of many small seasonal dishes, as well as tofu, yuba and matcha from nearby Uji. Nishiki Market is the best place to try a little of everything local. Shojin ryori, vegetarian Buddhist cuisine, is served at some temples. Dinner starts early in Kyoto and many restaurants close by 9 pm, so plan your evening meal ahead, especially in Gion.

Let’s plan your trip

Send a request or message us on Telegram @GlobalDestination1, or call +998 99 760-82-88. Our manager will find flights, hotels and a ryokan, and work out the transfers between cities and a day-by-day route for your dates and budget.