Kyoto

Kyoto is best known for its thousands of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, which shows Japan’s deep traditional culture and history. The city is filled with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Nijo Castle. You can walk through beautiful gardens, attend a tea ceremony, or explore the Gion geisha district.

You might be surprised, Kyoto is not as expensive as you think. In fact, it’s generally cheaper than Tokyo, with plenty of great mid-range and budget options for hotels, food, and attractions. You can enjoy a local meal near Kyoto Station for around £6–£12, or stay in a traditional guesthouse in Downtown Kyoto for about £40–£90 per night without spending much.

If you only have time for one sight, make it Fushimi Inari Shrine in Southern Kyoto. This world-famous Shinto shrine is known for its thousands of bright red torii gates that wind up Mount Inari, creating one of the most photographed trails in Japan. It’s open 24 hours a day and free to enter, so it’s best to visit early to avoid the crowds.

Kyoto's must-try dish is kaiseki ryori, a traditional Japanese multi-course meal made from seasonal ingredients and served with artistic presentation. You can also try yudofu (boiled tofu), yuba (tofu skin), and shojin ryori, a Buddhist vegetarian meal served in temples like Nanzen-ji or Tenryu-ji Temple. Don’t miss Kyoto’s green tea culture, especially Uji matcha tea!

The best times to visit are spring (March–May) for cherry blossom season, and autumn (September–November) for colorful leaves. These are busy seasons, so book early. If you prefer fewer crowds, visit in winter for peaceful temples or early summer for festivals.

For first-time visitors, the Kyoto city center is the best base. Stay near Kyoto Station for easy access to trains, buses, and day trips to Osaka or Nara (about an hour away). The Downtown Kyoto and Kawaramachi areas are perfect if you want shopping, dining, and nightlife within walking distance.

For a more traditional stay, book a ryokan in the Gion district or Northern Kyoto, where you can experience old wooden houses and quiet garden views.

You’ll need at least three days in Kyoto, Japan to visit the main sights, like Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkaku-ji Temple, and Nishiki Market. To truly enjoy Kyoto, plan to stay five to seven days. This gives you time to join a tea ceremony, visit hidden gems like the Moss Temple (Saiho-ji), and take a day trip to nearby Arashiyama Bamboo Groves or Uji, home of Kyoto’s best green tea.

Kyoto is easy to explore by bus, train, or on foot. The Kyoto Station area connects to major lines like the JR Nara Line and Sagano Line, great for day trips. Many temples and attractions are within walking distance or a short ride from Gion Shijo Station.