Kyoto
Kyoto keeps Japan's old capital intact: 1,600 temples, machiya townhouses and the bamboo groves of Arashiyama.
How long to stay
April for blossom, November for maple colour.
Typical daily budget
¥90–¥605
Best time to go
No seasonal guidance published for Kyoto yet
Is Kyoto right for your trip?
Based on what this guide covers, not a score. This is what Kyoto is known for.
Great for
- History & culture
- Couples
Less of a focus
- Food
- Nightlife
- Nature
- Family
- Solo
Build your Kyoto trip
Top things to do
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Free entry · VerifiedKyoto
A short, striking path through towering bamboo on Kyoto's western edge. The grove sits beside Tenryu-ji, a Zen temple that is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO site. The bamboo path is busiest from mid-morning, so early visits are much quieter.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Free entry · VerifiedKyoto
Thousands of vermilion torii gates climbing Mount Inari. The full loop takes two hours. The head shrine of the Shinto god Inari is famous for thousands of vermilion torii gates covering the trails up Mount Inari. The gates are gifts from individuals and businesses. The full loop to the summit takes a few hours.
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Popular activities
- $4,500
Tea ceremony in Gion
A guided hour-long matcha ceremony in a traditional machiya.