Kyoto, Japan Destination Guide
Section 1: Intro to the Destination
Kyoto is the city of tradition and history in Japan. There is so much to see and do in the city, two weeks will barely be enough. You can spend your time visiting the beautiful historical sites that have been well preserved, hiking up the nearby mountains, relaxing in a natural hot spring Onsen, biking around the Gion district in search for a Geisha, or EATING. Kyoto will leave you speechless and lost for words to describe your experience. The city makes quickly makes you feel a part of the Japanese culture and heritage, and will leave you wanting more.
Which of the Following Phrases Best Describes this Destination?
Historic, Beautiful, Unique
What’s the Destination Known For?
Kyoto is a very traditional city and has over 2000 Shrines and Temples
The Geishas (also known as Geiko and Maiko) originate from Kyoto
The Gion district and Pontocho district are great places for exploring and are famous for having many restaurants, shops, and entertainment
The Japanese cuisine is known for its freshness and perfectionism, from incredible sushi to perfectly cooked Ramen noodles
Getting There
Closest airport to Kyoto, 50 minutes away
Location: 3 Chome-555 Hotarugaike Nishimachi, Toyonaka, Osaka Prefecture 560-0036
Visa: American citizens will receive a 90 day tourist visa when they arrive in Japan
Limousine Airport Bus: the best way to get to Osaka from ITM. You can purchase the tickets at the bus stop for around $11.50
Shared Taxi: need to book this at least 2 days in advance, but the taxi will take you straight to your accommodation. The cost is $20.00.
KIX Kansai International Airport
About 90 minutes away from Kyoto by direct train.
Location: 1 Senshukukokita, Izumisano, Osaka Prefecture 549-0001
JR Haruka Airport Express: the train rides takes about 75 minutes, and can sometimes fill up so booking in advance is a good idea but not necessary. The price ranges from $26-$32.00
Limousine Airport Bus: purchase tickets at the transport center in the international arrival hall. The duration is about 90 minutes and will cost around $22.50.
Shared Taxi: need to book this at least 2 days in advance, but the taxi will take you straight to your accommodation. The cost is $32.00.
NGO Central Japan International Airport
Less than 90 minutes to Kyoto by airport express and shinkansen
Location: 1 Chome-1 Centrair, Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture 479-0881
Meitetsu Tokoname Railroad: the duration is about 36 minutes and costs $8.00 (please take note that you cannot use the Japan Rail Pass)
JR Tokaido Shinkansen: the duration is about 30 minutes and costs $50.00 (please take note that you CAN use the Japan Rail Pass)
Can save you A LOT of money on the JR Trains, including the shinkansen (bullet train). However, the pass cannot be used on private train lines and buses, except for the Tokyo Yamanote Loop Line.
Can only be used by people holding a Tourist Visa
Starting March 2019, the rail pass must be purchased outside of Japan
The Japan Rail Pass can be purchased at the following prices:
7 Days: First Class $350, Second Class: $262
14 Days: First Class $566, Second Class: $417
21 Days: First Class $736, Second Class: $534
The pass will definitely save you money if you plan to travel from Narita to Tokyo, then on to Kyoto and back.
Temperatures:
Spring:
High: 75F / 24C
Low: 39F / 4C
Summer:
High: 91F / 33C
Low: 66F / 19C
Fall:
High: 82F / 28C
Low: 46F / 8C
Winter:
High: 52F / 11C
Low: 34F / 1C
Elevation: 3,186 ft / 971 m
The best month for swimming is August. The wettest month of the year is June.
The month with the sunshine lasting longest (5.5 hours) is May. Fantastic months for nice weather and not so many crowds would be in the early spring during the cherry blossom season at the end March and into early April . In winter, the sun will shine only 4 hours a day.
How to dress: the weather can really range in Osaka from very cold in the winter (needing a winter coat) to incredibly warm in the summer. Make sure you check the weather forecast before you go, especially keep an eye out for rain, so that you can bring the appropriate shoes and gear.
Getting Around
In-city transportation:
Train: there are a total of 6 train lines that can get you around the city.
Subway: there are 2 subway lines going north to south, and west to east.
Buses: there are buses everywhere in Kyoto, and can be a great option if you want to go at the pace of the locals.
Taxi: a great way to get around the city quickly!
Bikes: The BEST way to get around and explore Kyoto! Definitely recommend renting bikes or finding an accommodation that will provide them.
Walking: Kyoto is not small enough to walk from one side to the next, but it is great for walking around certain historical site area or for going on a hike.
City Card: there are several bus and subway passes that you can get for 1 to 2 days.
Section 2: What to See, Do, and Eat
Breakfast
Cafe
$$
Location: 140 Doyucho, Nakagyoku, Nakagyo, Kyoto 604-8118
Times: Daily 8:00-20:00
Casual Dress
The best coffee in Kyoto but relatively small breakfast menu
Traditional Cafe
$
Location: 5 Nish Kujo Kawarajocho, Minami-Ku, Kyoto 601-8424
Times: daily 7:00-19:00
Casual Dress
An authentic Japanese diner, small and friendly
serves a set Western breakfasts of eggs, sandwiches, and toast made from thickly sliced bread
Traditional Cafe
$$
Location: 276 Ogisakayacho Higashinotoindori Ayanokoji Sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8095
Times: Monday to Sunday: 8:00-10:00, 11:00-16:00, 17:00-23:00
Casual Dress
The Cafe serves a classic Japanese breakfasts in a buffet style using organic, locally produced vegetables, fruits, and grains.
The traditional oriental choices include rice porridge, miso soup, and obanzai, as well as bread and fruits.
Brunch
Japanese
$$
Location: 3-17 Oe Tsukaharacho Nishikyo-ku, Nisikyo, Kyoto 610-1105
Times: daily 11:30-24:00
Casual Dress
Known for serving the best okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancakes cooked on a griddle at your table)
Japanese
$
Location: 845 Higashishiokoji Mukaihatacho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 600-8213
Times:
Casual Dress
Known for their Ramen noodles, a traditional start to the morning
Always a line out the door, but definitely worth it!
Japanese, French
$$
Location: 176-1 Minoyacho Kiyachodori Matsubara Agaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8015
Times: Monday to Sunday: 10:00-24:00
Casual Dress
A very intimate, beautiful restaurant on the Kamo-kawa River
Serves both French and Japanese food, but the set brunch menu includes a smooth omelette, a croissant or other bread, a small salad, and a drink.
Lunch
Japanese
$$
Location: 653-1 Bantoyacho, Nishikokoji Higashi-iru, Higashi-no-Toin, Nakagyo-ku | Nishiki Bldg 1F, Nakagyo, Kyoto 604-8143
Times: Monday to Sunday: 11:00-2:00am
Causal Dress
Ippudo Ramen first started in Fukuoka, Kyushu, in 1995 and has spread not only across Japan but Internationally to the United States, Hong Kong, the UK and Singapore.
The noodles are cooked just right and a plate of gyoza (dumplings) on the side is a perfect addition
Japanese
$$
Location: B1 Daimaru department store, Shijo-Takakura Parking Building, 581 Obiya-cho, Takakura-dori Nishikikoji sagaru, Nakagyo-ku
Times: Monday to Friday: 11:30-15:00, 17:00-22:00, Saturday & Sunday: 11:30-22:00
Casual Dress
Restaurant/Cafe Fun Fact
Fantastic sushi spot in downtown Kyoto
It’s located on the basement level of the building opposite the east side of Daimaru Department Store
Japanese
$$
Location: 74 Jodoji Ishibashicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8406
Times: Monday to Sunday: 11:00-21:00
Casual Dress
Famous for their thick udon noodles, served with either hot or cold broth, but there is also a large a la carte menu to go along the side
There is also an English menu!
Dinner
Japanese
$$
Location: 135 Matsushitacho, Tomikojidori, Oike Sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8093
Times: Monday to Sunday: 11:00-14:00, 17:00-20:30
Casual Dress
The most amazing Tempura served in an old beautiful wooden building
Dinners are usually served in private tatami mat rooms
Japanese
$$
Location: 101 Sanjo Dori Kawaramachi Higashiiru Nakajimacho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8004
Times: Monday to Sunday: 11:00-23:00
Casual Dress
Fantastic and easy to find sushi restaurant in downtown Kyoto
Recommend ordering off the a la carte menu, it’s a little more expensive but you get better quality sushi.
Japanese
$$$
Location: 58, Susukinobaba, Saga Tenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616−8385
Times: Wednesday: closed, Thursday to Tuesday: 11:30-15:00, 16:30-21:00
Dressy Casual
One of THE top notch restaurants in Kyoto, the food is fantastic and the presentation is exquisite!
However, take note that you will need a reservation and the price can range from $500-$1,000 for a couple
Other
Cafe
$$
Location: 264 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0073
Times: Monday: closed, Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00-18:00
casual
A traditional sweet shop in the Gion district, where you can also enjoy a cup of thick matcha tea
Kasagiya
Tea House
$
Location: 349 Masuyacho Higashiyamaku, Kyoto 605-0826
Times: Tuesday: closed, Wednesday to Monday: 11:00-17:30
Causal
A very tiny, traditional tea house that serves amazing sweets and matcha tea
In winter, the hot tea and an azuki-bean sweet hit the spot and in summer, a cup of Uji-kintoki (a mountain of shaved ice covered with sweetened green tea) is perfect!
Top things to See and Do
One of the most stunning gardens that is considered very romantic covered in moss with a lovely pond.
Location: 30 Goshonodan-cho, Shishigatani, Sakyo-ku
Time Open: Monday to Sunday: 6:00-16:00
Price: Free
There are over 1600 Temples in Kyoto!
Fushimi Inari is the most important shrine dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, and predates the capital’s move to Kyoto in 794. Foxes are thought to be Inari's messengers, leading to fox statues everywhere.
The shrine gates include thousands of vermilion torii gates spread across an entire mountain in Southeast Kyoto
Location: 68 Yabunouchi-cho, Fukakusa, Fushimi-ku
Time Open: every day from dawn to dusk
Price: Free
There are over 400 Shinto Shrines in Kyoto!
One of Japan’s most famous rock gardens, converted to a Zen temple in 1450. There are 15 randomly placed rocks on a sea of pebbles, that unfortunately come with no real meaning of the garden’s layout and is up to each visitor to create their own interpretation.
Location: 13 Goryonoshitamachi, Ryoan-ji, Ukyo-ku
Time Open: March to November: 8:00-17:00, December to February: 8:30-16:30
Price: $4.50 for adults, $2.70 for children
Check out some of the other Gardens in Kyoto!
“Tea ceremony (the way of tea) is one of Japan's traditional cultural practices, and is a name given to an art that synthesizes the preparation and drinking of tea together with spirituality, history, architecture, the appreciation of handmade tea utensils.”
Location: 272 Matsubaracho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0063, Kyoto Prefecture
Time Open: Open every day except for New Years. The group tea ceremony lasts 45 minutes and takes place at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00
Price: $22.50 per person and reservations are needed for the morning ceremonies
Brief History/Description: Geisha Entertainment
Gion is the famous Geisha district in Kyoto. The district is made up of shops, restaurants and teahouses, where you can experience the entertainment of the geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha) and maiko (geiko apprentices).
Located around Shijo Avenue between Yasaka Shrine and the Kamo River
Time Open: all day
Price: free to explore
While in the area, check out a local geiko show, daily at 18:00 and 19:00
The Kyoto National Museum opened in 1897 and is one of Japan's oldest and most prominent museums.
The permanent collection the consists of a wide variety of cultural properties, including archaeological relics, sculptures, ceramics, calligraphy, costumes and paintings. However, the temporary special exhibitions will make all the difference during your visit.
Location: 527 Chaya-machi, Higashiyama-ku
Time Open: Monday: closed, Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30-17:00
Price: $4.50 for adults, $2.25 for children
A fantastic photo op with the soothing bamboo sticks high above in the sky
Famous for the sound that the swaying bamboo makes
Location: Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo-ku, Ukyo, Kyoto 616-8394, Kyoto Prefecture
Time Open: Sunday: closed, Monday to Thursday: 12:00-24:00, Friday: 10:00-1:00am, Saturday: 9:00-17:00
Price: free
This is an experience you cannot miss while you are in Japan!
Tenzan-no-yu is an actually onsen with the water coming from a natural hot spring. Men and women are seperated in the bath areas, which include hot pools, cold pools, showers, and saunas. If you need a break, you can always put on your robe and enjoy a nice traditional japanese meal in the restaurant.
It can be a little confusing your time, since most of the signs are in Japanese, but here are a few tips on what to do.
Location: 55_4-7 Saganomiyanomotocho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-8315
Time Open: every day 10:00-1:00 am
Price: $10 for adults, $5 for children
Festivals/Parades
Gion Matsuri (Gion Festival）
1000 year old festival, where the mikoshi portable shrines and yamahoko wooden floats are moved round the city
Main Attraction: the parade of the wooden floats on July 17 and 18
There is an event called Yoiyama, which happens in the evening 3 days before the wooden float parade, and is a fantastic celebration in the streets with amazing food
Location: the main streets of Kyoto like Shijo-dori Street
Date: July 1-31
Price: free
Aoi Matsuri (Aoi Festival）
Oldest festival in Kyoto and goes back as far as 1500 years. “Aoi” means Hollyhock, which are the leaves used to decorate the celebration and bring about protection against natural disasters.
Main Attraction: the elegant processional of the Heian period imperial court walking from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to the Kamigamo Shrine. This is a very traditional festival with beautiful outfits.
Date: May 15
Price: free
Kyoto Jidai Matsuri (Kyoto Jidai Festival)
The procession, traditional outfits, and equipment are to represent when Kyoto became the capital of Japan
Main Attraction: the procession is full of an array of floats with more than 2000 people representing around 1200 years of Kyoto’s history and different eras. The newest come first and then the oldest last.
Location: Heian Jingu Shrine
Date: October 22
Price: free
Nightlife
Fantastic place to drink the traditional Sake and learn more about it
Location: 35-1 Matsuyacho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-0831
Time Open: Sunday to Tuesday: closed, Wednesday to Saturday: 18:00-24:00
$$
The location is small so sometimes there can be a line, but well worth the wait
Known for its 1200 varieties of Sake and Scottish whisky with around 600 single malts
Location: 2F, 481 Higashiikesu-cho, Kiyamachi Higashi-iru, Nijo-dori, Nakagyo-ku
Time Open: Sunday to Thursday: 18:00-3:00 am, Friday & Saturday: 18:00-5:00
$$
Very friendly and relaxed atmosphere
Hidden Gems
Nishiki Market or “Kyoto’s Kitchen” is a five block long shopping street with more than one hundred shops and restaurants. The market focuses on all things food related - fresh seafood, produce, knives and cookware, and seasonal specialties - Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood and sushi.
Location: 604-8054 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward
Time Open: Monday to Sunday: 9:30-18:00, some stores are closed on Sunday and Wednesday
Price: free admission
Kinkakuji, formally known as Rokuonji, is a Zen temple in northern It officially became a Zen temple in 1409 with two floors completely covered in gold leaf.
Location: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 603-8361
Time Open: Everyday 9:00-17:00
Price: $3.50 per adult
