Kyoto Complete Guide
Japan's cultural heart. A city of 2,000 temples, ancient traditions, and beauty that has inspired artists for over a millennium.
Population
1.5 million
Getting There
2h15m Shinkansen from Tokyo
Best Duration
3-5 days
Temples
2,000+ temples and shrines
Must-See Sights
With 2,000+ temples, you can't see everything. These are the essentials.
Fushimi Inari
2-4 hoursGo at dawn or dusk to avoid crowds. The full hike takes 2-3 hours.
Kinkaku-ji
1 hourGolden Pavilion. Best on clear days when it reflects in the pond.
Arashiyama Bamboo
Half dayArrive at 7am for photos without crowds. Combine with Tenryu-ji.
Gion District
EveningWalk Hanamikoji at dusk. Respect geiko/maiko - no chasing for photos.
Kiyomizu-dera
2-3 hoursWalk up through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. Beautiful at any time.
Nijo Castle
1-2 hoursFamous 'nightingale floors' that chirp when walked on.
Beyond the Crowds
Lesser-known spots that locals love.
Daitoku-ji
Zen templesCluster of sub-temples, most tourists miss this
Philosopher's Path
WalkEspecially beautiful during cherry blossom season
Nishiki Market
FoodMorning visit best. Sample pickles, sweets, tofu
Pontocho
Dining alleyNarrow alley of restaurants. Best at night
Kurama-Kibune
Day tripMountain village with onsen and hiking
Kyoto Cuisine
Kyoto cuisine emphasizes seasonal ingredients and delicate preparation.
Kaiseki
Multi-course traditional meal. The pinnacle of Japanese cuisine.
Where: Gion, specialty restaurants
Yudofu
Simple simmered tofu. Kyoto's tofu is exceptional.
Where: Nanzenji area, Sagano
Obanzai
Home-style Kyoto cooking. Small seasonal dishes.
Where: Local restaurants throughout
Matcha Everything
Green tea sweets, parfaits, and drinks.
Where: Uji, Gion, everywhere
Saba Sushi
Pressed mackerel sushi. Kyoto's signature sushi style.
Where: Nishiki Market, specialty shops
Sample 5-Day Itinerary
Arrive, explore Gion and Pontocho in evening, kaiseki dinner
Fushimi Inari (early), Nishiki Market, Downtown shopping
Arashiyama bamboo (early), Tenryu-ji, Monkey Park, riverside lunch
Higashiyama temples: Kiyomizu, Ninenzaka, Kodai-ji
Northern temples: Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, day trip to Nara
Day Trips from Kyoto
Nara
45 minFriendly deer, giant Buddha, ancient temples
Osaka
15 minStreet food, nightlife, Dotonbori
Uji
20 minMatcha capital, beautiful Byodoin temple
Himeji
50 minJapan's most beautiful castle
Kurama-Kibune
30 minMountain village, onsen, hiking
Practical Tips
Rent a bike
Kyoto is flat. Cycling is the best way to explore at your own pace.
Bus system
Day pass (¥700) covers most tourist areas. Trains less useful here.
Temple fatigue is real
Don't over-schedule. 2-3 temples per day maximum.
Book ahead for kaiseki
Top restaurants need reservations weeks or months ahead.
Avoid peak crowds
Cherry blossom and autumn foliage = extreme crowds. Book months ahead.
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