Kyoto
Japan
- Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Kinkaku-ji
- Kiyomizu-dera
- Arashiyama
- Gion
About Kyoto
Kyoto was Japan's imperial capital for about a thousand years, from 794 to 1869. Set in a basin ringed by mountains, it holds temples and shrines listed by UNESCO as the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.
Fushimi Inari with its thousands of red torii gates, the gold-covered Kinkaku-ji, the wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera and the traditional streets of Gion are its emblems.
Natural phenomena and seasons
- Cherry blossoms (March–April) — Cherry trees usually bloom from March–April; the bloom lasts only a week or two and its timing varies from year to year. Parks are crowded and accommodation is harder to find.
How many days do you need?
Allow at least three days: one starting early at Fushimi Inari, then Kiyomizu-dera and the stone lanes of Higashiyama down to Gion; one for Kinkaku-ji, Ryōan-ji and the temples of the northwest; and one for the Arashiyama bamboo grove and Tenryū-ji. With an extra day you can visit Nara.
Where to stay
- Around Kyoto Station — The most practical base for airport trains and day trips.
- Kawaramachi and Karasuma — Central, near Nishiki Market, restaurants and the subway.
- Gion and Higashiyama — Traditional atmosphere, with temples within walking distance.
From the airport to the city
Kyoto has no airport. The nearest international airport is Kansai (KIX) near Osaka; the JR Haruka express reaches Kyoto Station in about 75–80 minutes. Airport buses run to Kyoto from Osaka Itami Airport (ITM). From Tokyo, take the Tokaido Shinkansen.
Getting around
The city's subway lines (Karasuma and Tōzai) and buses are used together with JR, Keihan and Hankyu trains. City buses get very crowded on tourist routes, so use subways and trains where you can. IC cards such as ICOCA or Suica are accepted.
Good to know
- Fushimi Inari is open around the clock; go early in the morning to avoid crowds.
- Photography is banned in some private lanes of Gion; do not approach geiko and maiko for photos.
- Cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and autumn leaves (November) are the busiest periods. The currency is the Japanese yen.
Useful links
- Kyoto City Official Travel Guide kyoto.travel
- Kyoto City Transportation Bureau (bus and subway) www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/kotsu/webguide/en/
- Kansai International Airport kansai-airport.or.jp
When to go?
Best time to visit for the weather: April–June and August–November. The warmest month is August (average high 86 °F); the wettest is July (8.9 in).
Monthly climate
| Month | Avg. high °F | Rain in | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 43.2 | 3.51 | Cool or rainy |
| February | 45.3 | 3.63 | Cool or rainy |
| March | 52.9 | 4.67 | Cool or rainy |
| April | 62.4 | 5.18 | Good |
| May | 70.9 | 5.98 | Good |
| June | 77.2 | 7.59 | Good |
| July | 83.8 | 8.92 | Cool or rainy |
| August | 85.8 | 6.53 | Good |
| September | 79.5 | 7.36 | Good |
| October | 69.4 | 5.93 | Good |
| November | 59.0 | 3.68 | Good |
| December | 47.8 | 4.08 | Cool or rainy |
Source: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), 2005–2024 monthly averages of daily high temperature and total rainfall. Values are estimates for an area of about 50 km and may differ from the city-centre weather station.
Public holidays 2027
- New Year's DayJanuary 1
- Coming of Age DayJanuary 11
- Foundation DayFebruary 11
- Emperor's BirthdayFebruary 23
- Spring Equinox DayMarch 21
- Showa DayApril 29
- Constitution DayMay 3
- Greenery DayMay 4
- Children's DayMay 5
- Marine DayJuly 19
- Mountain DayAugust 11
- Respect-for-the-Aged DaySeptember 20
- Autumnal Equinox DaySeptember 23
- Sports DayOctober 11
- Culture DayNovember 3
- Labor Thanksgiving DayNovember 23
Sources: date-holidays and python-holidays open data projects; for Northern Cyprus, its public holidays law.
Practical info
- CurrencyJapanese Yen (¥)
- Dialling code+81
- Plugs & voltageType A, B · 100 V · 50/60 Hz
- EmergencyPolice 110 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 119
- DrivingOn the left
Sources: IEC plug types, Wikidata, Wikipedia; unverified details are left blank.