About Kyoto

Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, still breathes in the rhythm of wooden teahouses, quiet shrines, and the soft rustle of kimono silk brushing down narrow stone lanes. Once the heart of imperial Japan for over a thousand years, it’s where tradition doesn’t just survive. It quietly insists on being noticed. Between temple bells and the hum of vending machines, Kyoto balances old-world calm with modern edges that sneak up on you like a discreet whisper from the past reminding you to slow down.

Every visit feels like reading a long poem written in seasons. Cherry blossoms in spring frame the Kamo River like soft pink punctuation marks. Come summer, cicadas sing through humid afternoons while locals sip cold matcha in shaded gardens. Autumn dyes the temple hillsides crimson and gold, while winter brings the clean stillness of snow settling over Zen gardens. Whether you’re planning a cultural deep-dive or a slow, restorative retreat, Kyoto has the quiet power to change the way you see time.

If planning feels overwhelming, akbartravels.com simplifies Kyoto tour packages that take care of flights, stays, and even guided temple walks, so you spend less time comparing deals and more time wandering.

Kyoto Airport Address

Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Location: 1 Senshukukokita, Izumisano, Osaka Prefecture, about 75 km from Kyoto City
Contact: +81 72-455-2500
Website: www.kansai-airport.or.jp

Most international travelers land here before heading to Kyoto via express train or airport limousine. There’s also Osaka Itami Airport (ITM), about 55 minutes away; smaller, quieter, and convenient for domestic connections. Taxis from Kansai to central Kyoto cost around ¥25,000–¥30,000, but the JR Haruka Express train is far quicker and roughly ¥3,800 one way.

The Best Time to Visit Kyoto

Kyoto wears its seasons loudly. Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) are the postcard months; temples glow under cherry blossoms or maple leaves, and streets near Maruyama Park feel dreamlike. But expect hotel prices to surge by 30–40% during peak bloom.

For cooler weather and cheaper rates, December through February is ideal. You’ll trade the crowds for quiet temples and discounted stays about ¥6,000–¥8,000 saved per night in mid-range hotels. Summers (June–August) can be humid, but Gion Matsuri, the grand summer festival, fills streets with color and floats. If you can bear the heat, it’s an unforgettable sight.

Tip: Booking the best hotels in Kyoto 40–50 days before arrival gives the best mix of price and choice. Last-minute rooms in spring vanish faster than sakura petals in the wind.

How to Reach Kyoto

By air:

Land at Kansai International or Itami Airport. Trains and airport buses connect smoothly.

By train:

From Tokyo, the Shinkansen (bullet train) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The Nozomi service is fastest; reserve seats early during weekends.

By road:

Highways from Osaka and Nara are scenic, lined with small noodle shops and occasional vending machines selling surprisingly good coffee.

By bus:

Long-distance buses from Tokyo or Nagoya are the cheapest way—starting around ¥3,500—but slower (8–9 hours).

Pro tip: If landing at Kansai late at night, stay at an airport capsule hotel or near JR Tennoji before heading to Kyoto the next morning. It’s cheaper and spares you midnight taxi fares. akbartravels.com often bundles airport transfers in Kyoto tour packages, which helps avoid these small hiccups.

Things to Do in Kyoto

Kyoto’s charm lies in contrasts, silence beside noise, simplicity beside grandeur.

• Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) – A shimmering Zen temple reflected in still water.
• Fushimi Inari Taisha – Thousands of orange torii gates winding up a sacred hill.
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – A surreal bamboo forest where the wind sounds like whispering rain.
• Nijo Castle – Wooden floors that chirp softly (literally) to guard against intruders.
• Gion District – Narrow alleys, teahouses, and the chance to glimpse a geiko (Kyoto’s geisha).
• Philosopher’s Path – A quiet stone walkway by a canal lined with cherry trees.
• Nishiki Market – The kitchen of Kyoto, filled with pickles, fresh tofu, and matcha sweets.
• Kiyomizu-dera – A grand temple perched on stilts, offering city views and wooden charm.
• Kyoto Imperial Palace – The former home of emperors surrounded by calm gardens.
• To-ji Temple – Known for its five-story pagoda and Sunday flea market.
• Kyoto Railway Museum – Surprisingly fun even for non-rail fans; kids love the simulators.
• Pontocho Alley – Tiny restaurants and lantern-lit nights along the Kamogawa River.
• Heian Shrine – Bright vermilion torii and wide open courtyards that glow in the sun.

A local note: visit Fushimi Inari early morning before 8 a.m., it’s nearly empty then, just the scent of cedar and the sound of your footsteps.

Shopping in Kyoto

1. Nishiki Market – Try yuba rolls or sesame mochi; the aroma alone tempts you.
2. Teramachi & Shinkyogoku Arcades – Covered lanes of quirky boutiques and prayer bead shops.
3. Kyoto Handicraft Center – For lacquerware, fans, and hand-painted ceramics.
4. Kyoto Station Isetan – Great for last-minute souvenirs and local sweets.
5. Daimaru Kyoto – Elegant department store with a basement full of gourmet bento.
6. Aeon Mall Kyoto – Air-conditioned relief on humid days.
7. Takashimaya Kyoto – Upscale brands with polite staff who gift-wrap everything beautifully.
8. Kyoto Design House – Local minimalist crafts perfect for small suitcases.
9. Kawaramachi Street – Best street for window shopping and late-night crepes.
10. Toji Temple Flea Market – Happens monthly; antique fans and weirdly beautiful trinkets.
11. Sou Sou – Modern Kyoto brand with quirky tabi socks.
12. ShinPuhKan – Reimagined shopping complex blending modern design with historic walls.
13. Kyoto Avanti – For fashion and local youth brands.
14. Kyoto Tower Sando – Compact mall under Kyoto Tower; surprisingly good wagashi stalls.
15. Aritsugu – Centuries-old knife shop at Nishiki Market, sharp in every sense.

Famous Restaurants in Kyoto

Food here is not just flavor, it’s philosophy on a plate.

1. Gion Karyo – Elegant kaiseki dining near Hanamikoji Street.
2. Giro Giro Hitoshina – Modern twist on traditional Kyoto cuisine.
3. Omen Kodai-ji – Handmade udon near Kiyomizu-dera.
4. Nishiki Warai – Okonomiyaki so good it feels homemade.
5. Izuju Sushi – A 100-year-old sushi shop specializing in Kyoto-style pressed sushi.
6. Yudofu Sagano – Simple hot tofu served in temple gardens better than it sounds.
7. Kikunoi Honten – Michelin-starred Kyoto kaiseki; reservation-only but worth the wait.
8. Ramen Sen no Kaze – Thick broth, quiet corner, late-night lifesaver.
9. Ippudo Nishikikoji – Reliable ramen chain when hunger strikes unexpectedly.
10. Musashi Sushi – Conveyor-belt sushi that locals actually visit.
11. Arashiyama Yoshimura – Soba with river views and calm music.
12. Katsukura – Tender tonkatsu served with mountain cabbage.
13. Cafe Bibliotic Hello! – Books, espresso, and locals who don’t rush you.
14. Okakita – Old-school udon near Heian Shrine.
15. Pontocho Misoguigawa – French-Japanese fusion in a renovated machiya townhouse.

Tip: Dinner hours are short in Kyoto, most kitchens close by 9 p.m. Plan meals accordingly, or keep convenience store sandwiches as late-night insurance.

Popular Hotels in Kyoto

1. The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto – Quiet luxury by the Kamo River; unmatched service, discreet elegance.
2. Hotel Granvia Kyoto – Inside Kyoto Station, ideal for quick getaways and seamless transport.
3. The Thousand Kyoto – Sustainable design, refined minimalism, strong espresso at breakfast.
4. Cross Hotel Kyoto – Stylish and central near Kawaramachi.
5. Kyoto Tokyu Hotel – Refined, slightly formal, with a courtyard garden worth lingering in.
6. Kyoto Century Hotel – Mix of classic charm and modern convenience.
7. Noku Kyoto – Artsy interiors near Imperial Palace.
8. Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel – Hidden in Arashiyama with onsen-style baths.
9. Ace Hotel Kyoto – Young, creative, full of energy; rooftop bar buzzes on weekends.
10. Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo – Compact yet thoughtful details, good lighting, soft yukata robes.
11. Sakura Terrace – Great for solo travelers; free evening drink ritual adds warmth.
12. Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo – Reliable mid-range choice near subway access.
13. Hotel Kanra Kyoto – Tatami meets luxury; wooden bathtubs are pure bliss.
14. Hotel Mystays Kyoto Shijo – Consistent comfort at fair rates.
15. Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto – Clean, efficient, and good breakfast spread.

Check akbartravels.com for deals on these properties, rates drop 15–20% outside cherry blossom season, especially mid-week.

Popular Resorts in Kyoto

1. Hoshinoya Kyoto – A boat-access luxury resort along the Oi River; silence feels sacred here.
2. Suiran Kyoto – Riverside elegance with private open-air baths.
3. Roku Kyoto, LXR Hotels & Resorts – Nestled in Takagamine mountains, near ancient temples.
4. Fufu Kyoto – Intimate rooms, hand-crafted interiors, subtle seasonal cuisine.
5. Ryokan Yoshida-sanso – Traditional family-run stay with real Kyoto hospitality.
6. Arashiyama Benkei – Riverside ryokan with tatami floors and multi-course dinners.
7. Nazuna Kyoto Gosho – Private courtyard baths, candlelight serenity.
8. Yuzuya Ryokan – Hidden near Yasaka Shrine, scented with fresh yuzu.
9. Momijiya Bekkan Kawanoiori – In the mountains of Takao, surrounded by maple forests.
10. Yama no Ie – Simple mountain retreat; low frills, high peace.
11. Kyonoyado Gekkoan – Converted machiya, perfect for small families.
12. Hiiragiya Ryokan – Historic inn favored by writers; refined, understated.
13. Gion Hatanaka – Steps from Yasaka Shrine, with Geiko performances during dinner.
14. Kurashiki Ryokan – Modest charm near Nishijin district.
15. Hanaikada Ryokan – Beside Togetsukyo Bridge; breakfast with river mist views.

These resorts are experiential; half accommodation, half slow-time immersion. akbartravels.com lists Kyoto tour packages that include several of them with flight combinations for easier planning.

Where to Stay in Kyoto

If convenience matters, base near Kyoto Station, most hotels here are connected to subways and bullet trains. For atmosphere, Gion or Higashiyama offer narrow alleys, paper lanterns, and proximity to major shrines. Arashiyama suits those seeking calm river views and nature walks. Nakagyo (downtown) offers the most mid-range hotels with nightlife nearby.

Kyoto’s layout is compact but layered; a taxi from Gion to Kyoto Station costs roughly ¥1,800–¥2,200. Staying central saves not just time but also sanity; late-night buses end early. akbartravels.com filters hotels by neighborhood vibe, which helps narrow choices quickly.

Places to Stay in Kyoto Near Popular Attractions

• Near Fushimi Inari – Stay at Hotel Anteroom Kyoto or Sakura Terrace for quick train access.
• Near Gion District – Cross Hotel Kyoto and Gion Hatanaka keep you steps from evening strolls.
• Near Arashiyama – Suiran or Arashiyama Benkei gives the riverside calm after sightseeing.
• Near Kyoto Station – Hotel Granvia and The Thousand Kyoto ensure seamless transit.
• Near Nishiki Market – Hotel Resol and Cross Hotel are practical, walkable choices.
• Near the Imperial Palace – Noku Kyoto offers quiet mornings with soft temple bells in the distance.

Budget Hotels in Kyoto

Even budget stays in Kyoto are cleaner than expected, Japan’s obsession with order helps.

• Ibis Styles Kyoto Station – Across the station; small rooms, huge convenience.
• Sakura Terrace The Gallery – Affordable design hotel with open-air onsen.
• Hotel Mystays Kyoto Shijo – Good midrange deal year-round.
• Guest House An – Wooden interiors, warm host, local breakfast of rice and miso.
• K’s House Kyoto – Backpacker favorite; quiet dorms, sociable kitchen.
• Capsule Ryokan Kyoto – Private pods with tatami touches, quirky yet comfortable.
• Piece Hostel Kyoto – Minimalist, spotless, and near the station.
• Nine Hours Kyoto – Futuristic sleep capsules with white noise and pod lighting.
• Centurion Cabin & Spa Kyoto – Capsule-style with sauna access, great after long walks.
• Hotel M’s Plus Shijo-Omiya – Compact rooms, great train connection.

akbartravels.com helps compare these properties easily with cheap flights to Kyoto, sometimes, you’ll find combo savings that beat individual bookings.

Kyoto Hotels by Star Rating

• 5-Star – The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, Suiran, Roku Kyoto, Hotel Kanra Kyoto.
• 4-Star – The Thousand Kyoto, Cross Hotel, Tokyu Hotel, Kyoto Century Hotel.
• 3-Star – Hotel Resol, Mystays Kyoto Shijo, Daiwa Roynet, Noku Kyoto.
• 2-Star – Ibis Styles Kyoto Station, Hotel M’s Plus, Guest House An.

A practical rule: 5-star properties near rivers or mountains tend to charge a 20–25% premium over downtown equivalents but breakfast buffets and views justify it.

Best Hotels in Kyoto Based on Location

• Downtown/Nakagyo – Cross Hotel, Ace Hotel, and Resol Kyoto.
• Gion/Higashiyama – Gion Hatanaka, Kanra Kyoto, and Yuzuya Ryokan.
• Arashiyama – Suiran, Hoshinoya, and Benkei.
• Kyoto Station Area – Hotel Granvia, The Thousand, and Ibis Styles.
• Imperial Palace Area – Noku Kyoto and Nazuna Gosho.

If splitting your stay, spend two nights downtown for convenience, two near Arashiyama for scenery, it’s like seeing two different Kyotos without leaving town.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Kyoto

Kyoto may feel quiet, but it’s surprisingly family-friendly.

• The Thousand Kyoto – Family suites, modern amenities, kid-friendly breakfasts.
• Hotel Granvia Kyoto – Easy train connections, spacious rooms.
• Roku Kyoto – Open gardens where kids can safely roam.
• Cross Hotel Kyoto – Central, lively, near shopping and casual dining.
• Sakura Terrace – Warm service and relaxed communal vibe.
• Piece Hostel – Private family rooms at hostel prices.
• Kanra Kyoto – Deep bathtubs perfect for post-temple tiredness.

Family hack: Buy an ICOCA transport card for each member, it saves queuing at ticket machines. akbartravels.com can include these cards in selected Kyoto tour packages when pre-booking.

Kyoto Hotels Tariff

Hotel tariffs fluctuate like temple bells; seasonal, and sometimes surprising.

• Luxury (5-star): ¥55,000–¥90,000 per night.
• Mid-range (3–4 star): ¥15,000–¥30,000.
• Budget: ¥6,000–¥12,000.

During cherry blossom season (late March–mid-April) and autumn leaves (November), add roughly 35% to those numbers. Off-season (June, January) drops rates by 20–40%. Most hotels open bookings 90 days ahead, but early birds around 60 days and catch better prices. Checking akbartravels.com regularly helps track tariff dips across Kyoto’s hotels.

Kyoto Travel Tips

1. Book Flights Early: Kyoto doesn’t have its own major airport. The nearest international airport is Kansai International Airport (KIX), about 75 km away. To secure the best fares, it’s advisable to book cheap flights to Tokyo/Osaka well in advance roughly 40–50 days before travel.
2. Public transport is king: Kyoto’s buses and trains cover nearly every temple and district. Buy a one- or two-day bus pass if sightseeing heavily; it usually pays for itself after three trips.
3. Walk early in the morning: Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Arashiyama are magical at sunrise, and crowds are thin. Many hotels start breakfast service late, so pack a small snack for stamina.
4. Bicycle rentals are efficient: Around ¥800–¥1,000 per day, bikes let you bypass crowded streets. Beware: some narrow alleys require dismounting, and pedestrian traffic is surprisingly brisk.
5. Cash still rules: Smaller temples, street stalls, and traditional ryokans often refuse cards. Carry ¥5,000–¥10,000 for small expenses.
6. Book ryokans early: Iconic places like Gion Hatanaka and Ryokan Yachiyo fill months ahead. Early booking secures river-view rooms or private baths.
7. Respect temple etiquette: Silence is valued. Some areas prohibit photography entirely. Notices are sometimes only in Japanese, so observe local visitors for cues.
8. Season matters for cherry blossoms or autumn colors: Late March to early April and mid-November are peak windows. Hotels in central Kyoto increase rates by roughly 30–50% during these periods.
9. Plan for luggage transfer if taking trains: If hopping from Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen, services like Yamato Transport can forward bags for ~¥1,500–¥2,000 per suitcase, avoiding crowded platforms.
10. Language isn’t a barrier, but signage can confuse: Subway maps include English, but local bus signs sometimes don’t. Ask the driver politely; most will gesture or speak minimal English.
11. Tap water is drinkable: Unlike many Asian cities, Kyoto’s water is safe, but bring a reusable bottle for long temple walks.
12. Local snacks are worth the detour: Yatsuhashi, matcha sweets, and pickled vegetables are cheaper in markets than souvenir shops near shrines.
13. Wi-Fi can be patchy in historical districts: Some traditional ryokans offer only limited connectivity; download maps and guides beforehand.
14. Seasonal festivals shift traffic: Gion Matsuri in July can make central streets nearly impassable. Book accommodations 2–3 months ahead or plan alternate routes.
15. Ask for a late checkout politely: Many small ryokans or hotels allow 30–60 minute extensions if occupancy is low. One guest once scored an extra hour for free, staff friendliness makes a difference.

Applying for a Japan visa online is simple and convenient with Akbar Travels; allowing travelers to submit documents and track approval from home.