Updated December 8, 2020
We have compiled the ultimate list of tips for visiting one of Japan's most beautiful cities: Kyoto!
No trip to Japan would be complete without spending a few days in Kyoto. As there is so much to see and do, it can be confusing trying to prioritize everything. Once you give the article a read feel free to message us directly with any questions you still have about visiting Kyoto!
For those traveling to Kyoto soon, here are some tips that will change your trip:
Not everyone who visits this famous shrine understands that it includes a long hike up a mountain. To complete the entire vermilion torii gate path takes 2-3 hours on foot. If you are planning to visit, wear comfortable shoes and allow several hours at the site.
If you’re hoping to view traditional Japanese architecture while in Kyoto, don't miss the Nishijin neighborhood. This area is known for its classic teahouses, preserved streets, wooden houses, and fabric stores.
Whether you’re using it to block out rain, or just to protect your skin from the summer sun, you’ll be glad you had a small umbrella on you while traveling in Kyoto. The weather can be very unpredictable in this city.
If you purchased a JR pass online before arriving in Japan (which we'd highly recommend as it's much cheaper), take advantage of all the awesome cities and towns that are just a short train ride away from Kyoto. This guide to Kyoto day trips will map out all of the "can’t-miss" areas in the region.
In Kyoto, geisha are known as geiko. Gion is Kyoto’s “geiko district.” You’ll have the best chance of seeing a geiko in Gion if you visit the neighborhood at night. This is the time when geikos will be running around from appointments.
First, you'll hear the clomping of wood shoes on cobblestone, then you'll see one run past.
It is always important to do your research before visiting a new city...but it is equally important to know when to throw your research out the window, and deviate from a plan.
Kyoto is the perfect city to get lost in and truly discover a new side of Japan.
To say thank you, the locals in Kyoto say “Okini.” Adapt to this local dialect and thank others by saying “Okini.”
When in Japan…drink sake! If you’re hoping to have a fun night out, be sure to enjoy a glass of sake with your meal. It’s the easiest way to drink up the local culture.
Have a Kyoto-style breakfast and seek out a ramen bar. This soup is the perfect way to start your day. It is filling and flavorful, and you may be surprised how much you enjoy slurping noodles in the morning. Many travelers start eating ramen for breakfast when they return from Japan.
The most popular times to visit Kyoto are the spring and fall. Prices rise in these seasons, and it can be very hard to find accommodations. To save money and make bookings more painless, plan to visit Kyoto in the summer and winter. Also, Kyoto under a thin layer of snow is absolutely stunning.
If you’re looking for a great place to get a souvenir in Japan, look no further than Kyoto. This town has an amazing collection of markets selling discounted trinkets and foods.
It is not uncommon for establishments to be closed off to the public in Japan, and many restaurants will not allow tourists inside. Because of this, be sure to look up if the place you're going allows visitors. For example, tourists are not allowed to enter the famous Ichiriki Teahouse.
Kyoto is known for its unparalleled collection of ancient temples. Know your limits when you set out on a day of exploration. Many visitors to Kyoto who do not properly pace themselves suffer from “temple fatigue.”
This ailment occurs when your interest in temples quickly declines in relation to how many temples you’ve seen. It is suggested that you see no more than three in one day, and break up the experiences by eating sushi and sipping sake.
Buses are the easiest and cheapest way to get around Kyoto.
Kyoto is a great place to explore “old Japan,” but with places like Japan Handmade, it is also a great place to see the “new Japan.”
Japan Handmade is a collaborative craft guild that applies new techniques to traditional crafts. Working with Danish Design Studio, Japan Handmade provides wares like ceramics, metal-knitting, and teaware—all created with a modern twist. Several showrooms can be found in Kyoto.
Toilets in Japan range from ultra high tech to tiny holes in the ground. Expect to see both on a trip to Kyoto. It isn’t a bad idea to carry around your own toilet paper...you know, just in case.
As one of the most colorful cities in Japan, there is always something exciting going on in Kyoto. When visiting, be sure to investigate if a festival is happening while you are there.
A “kaiseki” is a multi-course Japanese meal. Served in the traditional manner, the dishes are supposed to delight every sense and present unique tastes, textures, and colors. In Kyoto, popular places to have an affordable kaiseki meal include Kinobu and Hitomi.
Forget about that packaged, soggy tofu you know from home. In Japan, producing tofu is a noble craft.
Don’t miss this delicacy when visiting Kyoto.
Known as “Kyoto's Kitchen,” there is no better place to get a cheap, fast, and delicious meal. The Nishiki Market crams over one hundred shops and restaurants into five short blocks. Everything sold at the market is locally produced. Be sure to arrive hungry.
South of Kyoto is the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery, Japan's first single malt whiskey distillery. Stop by to sip the original Japanese whiskey, and learn more about the beverage.
Japan is known for having green tea flavored everything, and soft-serve is no exception. Don’t miss this frosty treat when in Kyoto.
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