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Kyoto

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Kyoto, Japan. May 2024. Yasaka Shrine

Rintaro Kanemoto for Lonely Planet

Overview

Kyoto is old Japan writ large: atmospheric temples, sublime gardens, traditional teahouses and geisha scurrying to secret liaisons.

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Japan’s Golden Route: Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Fuji in 14 Days

highlights

  1. 1Savor Uji matcha from the source during a traditional tea ceremony
  2. 2Meander among peaceful bamboo groves and orange-hued torrii shrines in Kyoto
  3. 3Cross the famous Shibuya Crossing on a four-day tour of Tokyo, past and present
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Must-see attractions

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    (GERMANY OUT) The bell at the Chion-inTemple in the Gion district of Kyoto, Japan (Photo by Forster/ullstein bild via Getty Images)

    Attraction in Southern Higashiyama

    Chion-in

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    Full length of young maikos holding red umbrellas during rainy season. Beautiful geisha girls wearing traditional dress called kimono. They are walking on wet street. 641625768

    Attraction in Southern Higashiyama

    Gion

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    KYOTO, JAPAN - March 27, 2014: The Nijo-jo Castle on March 27, 2014 in Kyoto, Japan. The Nijo-jo Castle was the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns in Kyoto, who had been ruling Japan for over 260 years ancient, asia, asian, blue, building, castle, concentric, cultivated, culture, day, defense, entrance, fortification, garden, heritage, higashi, historic, historical, history, honmaru, japan, japanese, keep, kyoto, landmark, landscape, nijo, nijo-jo, ninomaru, old, oriental, palace, path, precision, protection, structure, tradition, traditional, travel, tree, vintage, wooden

    Attraction in Downtown Kyoto

    Nijō-jō

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    Meditation room, Shoren-in temple.

    Attraction in Southern Higashiyama

    Shōren-in

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Explore the incredible temples in Kyoto with our detailed guide. Experience the tranquility and beauty of these historic sites showcasing Japan's rich culture.

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Best Time to Visit

Kyoto presents a new face with each changing season, from snowy temples to summer parades. These are the best times to visit Kyoto.

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Things to Know

From planning your trip to local etiquette, here are the most important things to know before going to Kyoto.

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Transportation

From buses, trains and the subway to discovering the city on foot or two wheels, here’s everything you need to know about getting around Kyoto.

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Free Things to Do

Get to know Kyoto for free with these top experiences that won't cost you a thing.

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Best Neighborhoods

Venture across Kyoto's distinctive neighborhoods and unwind the tales of this storied city, from kimono-clad dancers in Gion to the shrine in Fushimi.

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Day Trips

Kyoto is a handy base for hopping on a train to see fairy-tale castles, go on a matcha tasting tour or float along canals – all less than 2 hours away.

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Money and Costs

Even in an expensive city like Kyoto, you can find deals to help you enjoy your trip. Here are our top tips for a budget-friendly experience.

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Traveling with Kids

A trip to Kyoto will make unforgettable memories for little one. Here’s a full guide to family-friendly Kyoto activities and traveling to Kyoto with kids.

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