basic information

Kyoto was Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. It is now the country's seventh largest city with a population of 1.4 million people and a modern face.

Over the centuries, Kyoto was destroyed by many wars and fires, but due to its historic value, the city was dropped from the list of target cities for the atomic bomb and spared from air raids during World War II. Countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures survive in the city today.

Attractions

Central Kyoto

Nijo Castle (5) Former Kyoto residence of the shogun. Kyoto Imperial Palace (7) The Imperial Family's residence until 1868. Nijo Jinya (29) Former inn for visiting feudal lords. Pontocho (20) Narrow lane offering atmospheric dining. Nishiki Market (15) Fresh food market street in central Kyoto. Sento Palace (40) Imperial palace with beautiful gardens. Honganji Temples (21) Head temples of the Shin-Jodo sects. Kyoto Manga Museum (44) Recently opened museum about manga. Kyoto Station (2) Kyoto's futuristic railway station building. Kyoto Tower (32) Modern landmark of Kyoto.

Eastern Kyoto

Kiyomizudera (3) Temple famous for its large wooden terrace. Sanjusangendo (14) Temple with 1001 human sized statues. Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) (6) Beautiful temple not actually covered in silver. Gion (4) Kyoto's most famous geisha district. Kodaiji Temple (13) Built in memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Heian Shrine (8) Modeled after the ancient Imperial Palace. Chionin Temple (23) Head temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism. Nanzenji Temple (19) Zen temple with beautiful stone garden. Philosopher's Path (12) Walking trail famous for cherry blossoms. Yasaka Shrine (16) Popular shrine hosting the Gion Festival.

Northern Kyoto

Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) (1) Temple building covered in gold. Shugakuin Villa (41) Imperial villa at the outskirts of Kyoto. Ryoanji Temple (9) Zen Temple with famous rock garden. Ohara (37) Rural area famous for Sanzenin Temple. Hieizan (30) Mountain temple complex of the Tendai sect. Ninnaji Temple (27) Temple turned former imperial residence. Kurama (36) Rural town with temple and hot spring. Daitokuji Temple (22) Large Zen temple complex. Kitano Tenmangu (31) Popular shrine hosting a monthly flee market. Kamo Shrines (35) Two of Kyoto's most important shrines. Takao (42) Wooded valley with temples north of Kyoto. Toei Uzumasa Eigamura (33) Theme park and film set combined.

Western Kyoto

Kokedera (39) Called moss temple because of its garden. Katsura Villa (34) Imperial villa with stunning landscape garden. Arashiyama (10) Pleasant district at the outskirts of Kyoto. Tenryuji Temple (24) Zen Temple in the Arashiyama district. Yoshiminedera (45) Temple on Kyoto's western mountains.

Southern Kyoto and Uji

Fushimi Inari Shrine (11) The ultimate torii gate experience. Byodoin Temple (18) Temple with a beautiful Pure Land Garden. Tofukuji Temple (26) Temple with spectacular autumn leaves. Daigoji Temple (25) Famous temple southeast of Kyoto. Toji Temple (17) Large temple with Japan's tallest pagoda. Mampukuji Temple (38) Headquarters of the Zen Obaku sect.

Events

Gion Matsuri (28) The most famous festival of Japan. Hanatoro (43) Twice annual light up event.

Side Trips from Kyoto

Mount Koya Atmospheric temple mountain. Nara Japan's first permanent capital. Himeji Site of Japan's most beautiful feudal castle. Osaka Largest city of the Kinki Region. Miho Museum Unique art museum in the mountains. Kinosaki Pleasantly old-fashioned hot spring resort. Amanohashidate One of Japan's three most scenic views. Kobe Harbor city, recovered from 1995 earthquake. Iga Ueno Former castle town famous for ninja.

best of the best    best of Japan    outstanding (1) - (99)    most visited attractions

Orientation

Access and Orientation How to get to and around in Kyoto. Suggestions Suggested day schedules and side trips. About transportation in Japan

Accommodation

Sponsored Listings:

Ryokan Motonago A real traditional inn at Gion with 11 rooms, friendly staff. Walking distance of Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka-jinja and more. Gion Shinmonso A fine ryokan in the Gion near geisha streets. Easy access to Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka-jinja. Special offers available. Kyoto Ryokan Yachiyo Experience Kyoto at Yachiyo Ryokan. Taste delicious kaiseki dishes, and relax in traditional and modern Japanese rooms. Gion Hatanaka A real Japanese inn in a quiet area of Gion, famous for Geisha. 15min walk to Kiyomizu-dera. 5min to Yasaka-jinja. Ikoi-no-Ie Just between Kyoto Station (12-min walk) & downtown. Cafes, bus stops & subway station for most Kyoto sightseeing spots nearby. Japanese hotel, Ryokan Nishiyama Experience the real Japan at our affordable ryokan. Close to major tourist spots in Kyoto. Guest house Yahata Bed and breakfast with dormitories from 2500yen. One stop from Kyoto Station by subway. Walking distance to downtown Kyoto.

Search a Hotel in Kyoto:

From 12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec 2009 2010 for 1 night 2 nights 3 nights 4 nights 5 nights 6 nights 7 nights from JAPANiCAN AsiaRooms.com Hostel World Japan Hotels Online More about accommodation in Japan

Shops

Mimuro- Original Kimonos When VIPs from around the world come to Kyoto, they visit this little known hideaway of a specialty shop. From... Ichizawa Hanpu Ichizawa Hanpu is a store in Kyoto well known for its canvas bags. "Hanpu" is a tough thick woven fabric used for... More shops...

Restaurants

Select area Tokyo-Yokohama Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe Nagoya Kyushu Hokkaido Tohoku Hokuriku Chugoku Okinawa Select type Japanese dishes Western dishes Chinese dishes Asia, ethnic style, borderless Cafe Japanese Izakaya Western style Izakaya Asian, borderless style Izakaya Dining bar, Beer Restauran Bar, pub Space, entertainment Family dining, fast food

All of Kyoto Kyoto Station Gion Kawaramachi/Pontocho

More about restaurants in Japan

Tours and Packages

Kyoto Tours Various tours and travel packages for Kyoto and surroundings. River Terrace Dining with Kyoto Maiko Gourmet Kyoto cuisine and a rare chance to see maiko perform.

Any advice or questions? Voice them in the forum!

news and reports

	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 15, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 12, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 7, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 4, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 1, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report March 30, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report March 25, 2009

travel community

Users who have been to Kyoto: 1600
Most visited: Ranked 2nd out of 106 destinations

Rating by users:		highly recommended (97/100, 861 votes)
Rating by staff:		highly recommended
Overall Rating:		best of the best

User Feedback We constantly strive to keep japan-guide.com up-to-date and accurate, and to find ways to improve the user experience. If you have any updates, suggestions, corrections or opinions, please let us know:

question forum

Day trip to Kyoto from Tokyo	1 reaction	updated 18 hours ago
Would love your opinion	2 reactions	updated 14 days ago
Kyoto Hostel Recommendation	6 reactions	updated 18 days ago
Bus Fare to Kinkakuji	3 reactions	updated 16 hours ago
Gion Corner Kyoto	5 reactions	updated 20 hours ago
Kinkaku-ji from Kyoto Station	4 reactions	updated 6 days ago
The Gion Matsuri	3 reactions	updated 9 days ago
Help needed on Hozugawa trip	3 reactions	updated 11 days ago
Gion Matsuri - Kyoto	4 reactions	updated 13 days ago
Cheapest shinkansen tickets	2 reactions	updated 17 days ago

english links

product links

Lonely Planet Kyoto Book by Chris Rowthorn Exploring Kyoto: On Foot Through the Ancient Capital Book by Judith Clancy Old Kyoto: A Guide to Traditional Shops, Restaurants, and Inns Book by Diane Durston

japanese links