KYOTO
Kyoto is the ancient heart of Japan, a city where centuries of imperial tradition, art, and religion have been exquisitely preserved. It blends solemn wooden temples with vibrant modern life, offering a profound glimpse into Japanese culture.
This region is a spiritual and cultural treasure chest, boasting 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is a land of iconic Zen gardens, mystical bamboo forests, and the timeless elegance of the geisha districts.
Most Popular Attractions
Temples, Shrines & Spiritual Sites
Fushimi Inari Taisha: An iconic Shinto shrine famous for its mesmerizing network of thousands of vibrant red torii gates leading up a mountain trail.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple: The “Pure Water Temple,” known for its massive wooden stage built without a single nail, offering stunning panoramic views of the city.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): A Zen Buddhist temple whose top two floors are entirely covered in gold leaf, beautifully reflected in the surrounding pond.
Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion): A Zen temple with a beautiful dry sand garden and moss garden, marking the start of the Philosopher’s Path.
Nanzenji Temple: One of the most important Zen temples in Japan, featuring a massive main gate and a striking red-brick aqueduct on its grounds.
Sanjūsangendō Temple: A temple famous for its main hall containing 1,000 statues of the Buddhist deity Kannon lined up in rows.
Ryoanji Temple: Home to Japan’s most famous and enigmatic Zen rock garden, whose design remains a mystery.
Tenryu-ji Temple: A major Zen temple in the Arashiyama district and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an impressive landscape garden.
Tōfuku-ji Temple: Known for its stunning Zen gardens and a wooden bridge that offers spectacular views of autumn foliage.
Heian Shrine: A Shinto shrine with a massive red torii gate and a beautiful, extensive garden complex.
Chion-in Temple: The head temple of the Jōdo (Pure Land) sect of Buddhism, with the largest wooden gate in Japan.
Kennin-ji Temple: The oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, known for its superb ink paintings and beautiful dry landscape gardens.
Kodai-ji Temple: A temple built in memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, featuring beautiful gardens and a small, enchanting bamboo grove.
Kurama-dera Temple: A temple located on Mount Kurama, offering a spiritual mountain hike connecting to Kibune.
Kifune Shrine: A shrine dedicated to the god of water, famous for its stone steps lined with red lanterns in a wooded valley.
Daitoku-ji Temple: A large Zen Buddhist temple complex containing numerous smaller sub-temples with unique gardens and tea houses.
Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji Temple: Known for its spectacular autumn colors and the rare, backward-glancing Buddha statue.
Yasaka Shrine: A popular Shinto shrine in the Gion district, famous for hosting the annual Gion Matsuri festival.
Shisendō Temple: A peaceful temple known for its meticulously maintained landscape garden.
Kōzan-ji Temple: A secluded temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its beautiful forested setting and old scroll paintings.
Historic Districts, Nature & Modern Sites
Gion District: Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses and the chance to spot geiko (geisha) and maiko (apprentices).
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: A magical forest of towering bamboo stalks that creates a cathedral-like canopy.
Nishiki Market: Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” a lively narrow street lined with over a hundred shops and restaurants selling local food, produce, and tools.
Nijō Castle: A UNESCO World Heritage site and a sprawling castle complex that served as the residence of the Tokugawa Shoguns.
Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku no Michi): A peaceful stone path that follows a canal, lined with hundreds of cherry trees, connecting Ginkaku-ji and Nanzenji.
Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho): The former residence of the Imperial Family of Japan until 1868, located within the large Kyoto Gyoen National Garden.
Pontocho: A narrow, atmospheric alley running parallel to the Kamo River, famous for its traditional wooden facades and restaurants.
Kyoto Tower: A modern landmark and observation tower providing panoramic views across the city, located directly opposite Kyoto Station.
Iwatayama Monkey Park: Located in the Arashiyama hills, where visitors can see over a hundred wild Japanese macaques and enjoy views of the city.
Shirakawa Canal: A beautiful, picturesque waterway in the Gion district lined with willow trees, traditional tea houses, and occasional geiko.
Activities & Experiences
Participate in a Traditional Tea Ceremony: Experience the peaceful and intricate ritual of Chanoyu (Japanese tea ceremony) in a traditional tearoom or historic temple setting.
Wander through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Walk beneath the towering stalks of bamboo, an iconic, meditative natural experience on the western outskirts of the city.
Hike the Fushimi Inari Shrine Trail: Trek up the mountain through thousands of vibrant orange torii gates that lead to beautiful viewpoints overlooking Kyoto.
Attend a Zen Meditation Session: Many temples, particularly those of the Rinzai and Soto Zen schools, offer public seated Zazen (meditation) sessions, often with an introductory lesson.
Explore Gion’s Hanami-koji Street at Dusk: Stroll the historic wooden streets of the Gion district, Kyoto’s famous geisha quarter, for a chance to spot geiko (Kyoto term for geisha) or maiko (apprentice geiko).
Take a Japanese Cooking Class: Learn to prepare classic Kyoto-style cuisine, known as Kyo-ryori, which focuses on fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients, including tofu and pickled vegetables.
Visit Nishiki Market (‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’): Explore this lively, narrow street market, sampling local delicacies, unusual pickles, fresh seafood, and traditional sweets.
Rent a Kimono or Yukata for the Day: Enhance your sightseeing experience by dressing in traditional Japanese attire while visiting temples and historic districts.
Stroll the Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku no Michi): Walk this scenic canal-side path lined with hundreds of cherry trees, named after a famous Japanese philosopher who used it for his daily meditation.
Discover the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji): Marvel at the stunning Zen Buddhist temple completely covered in shimmering gold leaf, set against a tranquil pond.
Visit an Artisan Workshop: Seek out workshops in areas like Kiyomizu-dera to learn about traditional crafts such as Kyoto ceramics (Kiyomizu-yaki) or intricate Japanese dyeing techniques (Yuzen).
Local Tips & Transport
Excellent Public Transport is Key: Kyoto has an extensive and reliable public transportation system, primarily relying on buses and two subway lines.
Bus is the Primary Way to See Sights: Due to the dispersed nature of Kyoto’s attractions, the bus network is often the most direct route. Consider purchasing a One-Day Bus Pass for unlimited rides, which is very cost-effective if you plan more than three bus trips.
Subway for Major Routes: Kyoto’s two subway lines (Karasuma and Tozai) are excellent for quickly traveling north-south or east-west, often avoiding street traffic. They are great for accessing major stations like Kyoto Station.
Rail for Day Trips: The Japan Rail (JR) lines and private railways (like Keihan and Hankyu) are essential for travel to nearby destinations like Osaka, Nara, and Arashiyama. JR Kyoto Station is the city’s main hub.
Taxis are Convenient but Pricey: Taxis are readily available and can be a good option for groups or late-night travel, but they are significantly more expensive than public transport. Be sure to have the destination address written in Japanese for ease of communication.
IC Cards are a Must: Purchase an IC card (such as ICOCA, Suica, or Pasmo) for seamless travel. You can tap to pay on all buses, subways, and trains (excluding Shinkansen) across the city and most of Japan.
Temple and Shrine Etiquette: Always show respect. At shrines, follow the purification ritual (temizu) before entering. At temples, often remove your shoes before entering the main halls. Silence is valued, particularly in inner sanctums and while meditating.
Respect the Geiko and Maiko: If you are lucky enough to spot them in Gion, do not chase, block, or take photos without permission. Treat them with respect; they are going to work. There are cultural rules against photographing private residents without consent.
Dining Customs: Tipping is not customary and can even be considered rude. Wait to be seated and use the small towel (oshibori) provided to clean your hands. It’s polite to say “Itadakimasu” (I humbly receive) before eating and “Gochisousama deshita” (It was a feast) afterward.
The Power of Seasons: Kyoto is deeply tied to the seasons. Visiting during cherry blossom (sakura) season (late March/early April) or autumn leaves (koyo) season (mid-November) offers breathtaking beauty, but also peak crowds and prices.
Hidden Gems:
- Daitoku-ji Temple Complex: A vast complex of Zen temples north of the city center. It’s less touristy, perfect for a peaceful exploration of quiet gardens and sub-temples.
- Kurama-dera and Kifune Shrine: Take a scenic train ride north to these two mountain-top shrines. The hike between them through a cedar forest is stunning, offering an escape from the city bustle.
- Pontocho Alley: A narrow, atmospheric alley running parallel to the Kamo River, lined with traditional restaurants and bars, often less crowded than Gion.
- Moss Gardens: Seek out temples known for their stunning moss gardens, such as Saiho-ji (which requires a reservation) or the less-restrictive Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) area.
Cash is Still King: While credit cards are accepted in major hotels and department stores, many smaller temples, traditional restaurants, shops, and guesthouses only accept cash. Always carry enough Japanese Yen.
Public Speaking and Volume: Japanese culture values quiet, especially in public spaces like trains and buses. Avoid loud phone calls and large, noisy conversations to be courteous to locals.
Top Restaurants
Komedokoro Inamoto [$20-$40] – Named “place of rice,” this Michelin Bib Gourmand izakaya centers its menu around perfectly cooked white rice, complemented by a daily changing array of small, seasonal plates and local sake.
Jyuni-danya [$25-$50] – Claimed to be the originator of shabu-shabu, this restaurant in Gion offers a classic and authentic experience with thinly sliced meat dipped in a hotpot, ideal for a traditional meal in a no-fuss setting.
Chikuyuan Taro no Atsumori [$15-$30] – A rustic soba shop specializing in Atsumori Soba, a hot soba dish served with its own starchy water, known for the dark, earthy flavor of its fresh-milled buckwheat.
Menami [$30-$60] – Highly popular with locals for over 75 years, this spot is an excellent choice for authentic Obanzai (Kyoto-style home cooking) platters, featuring different small, seasonal dishes daily. Reservations are highly recommended.
Honke Owariya [$15-$30] – As Kyoto’s oldest restaurant, established in 1465, it’s known for its exquisite soba noodles, especially the Hourai-soba, offering a deep dive into local culinary history.
Matsuba [$15-$30] – Located in Gion, this historic restaurant is famous for being the original creator of Nishin Soba, a uniquely Kyoto dish of soba noodles topped with simmered herring.
Hisagozushi [$20-$40] – An unassuming spot on the busy Kawaramachi street, known for its selection of sushi types, including a great saba sushi (mackerel sushi) that provides a traditional, unique Kyoto flavor.
Chidoritei [$25-$45] – A small, family-owned restaurant in Gion, celebrated for its unique and authentic saba sushi and eel sushi, representing a less common type of sushi from the region.
Totoraku [$15-$30] – A hidden gem where you can find top-notch and reasonably priced kaisen-don (seafood rice bowls), with the popular Maguro Nishoku Don (two-colored tuna rice bowl) being a standout.
Akagakiya [$20-$40] – An ultra-local izakaya near Sanjo that offers a slice of old-school Kyoto atmosphere, serving up tasty classics with a deep-rooted, non-touristy vibe.
Renkon-ya [$20-$40] – A cozy izakaya near Sanjo Station popular with locals, known for its delicious homestyle food and welcoming, centrally located atmosphere.
Saryo Tesshin [$25-$45] – This unique spot offers a creative take on soba, most famously the “Daigo Soba,” which is a fusion dish slathered in a snowfall of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and finished with olive oil.
Cenci [$70-$150] – A critically-acclaimed restaurant in Sakyo-ku known for its innovative Japanese-Italian fusion dishes with a strong focus on sustainability and seasonal, local ingredients. Reservations are essential.
Dainana-tei [$30-$60] – Offers a modern and sophisticated take on classic Japanese dishes, often focusing on seasonal produce with an elegant presentation.
La Partita [$50-$100] – Known for its modern Japanese cuisine that subtly incorporates international techniques, focusing on high-quality, seasonal ingredients in a refined, contemporary setting.
Torisho Sai [$40-$70] – A modern yakitori spot with a Michelin Bib Gourmand, specializing in high-quality grilled chicken skewers served in an elegant and focused setting.
Vena [$60-$100] – A Michelin-rated Italian restaurant in Kyoto that is highly regarded for its innovative Italian dishes using fresh, local Japanese ingredients.
Kombu to Men Kiichi [$10-$20] – A Michelin Bib Gourmand ramen shop located above a centuries-old kelp shop, known for its unique “Kombu Ramen” with a broth focused purely on the umami of high-quality kombu.
Wajouryoumen Sugari [$10-$20] – A well-known and locally loved ramen restaurant, located in a renovated traditional machiya (old Japanese house), famous for its unique wagyu beef ramen.
Muteppou Honten [$10-$20] – Located outside the city center, this popular ramen shop is renowned for its extra-rich, high-quality pork-bone (Tonkotsu) soup, a favorite among locals.
Yamazaki Menjiro [$10-$20] – Highly regarded for its salt ramen, this spot is a local favorite for a simple yet deeply flavorful bowl of noodles.
Gyoza ChaoChao (Shijo-Kawaramachi Branch) [$10-$25] – A popular, cozy spot with a simple menu focused on delicious, pan-fried gyoza (dumplings), and offering a separate vegan menu.
Nishiki Warai [$10-$25] – A great spot for Okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) where you can cook the dish on a griddle at your own table, offering a fun, casual, and affordable meal.
Suiba Shijo Kawaramachiten [$10-$25] – A great choice for a fun, inexpensive night out, this standing izakaya offers good, cheap food and drink, popular for its vibrant atmosphere.
Kyoto Stand Kiyokiyo Kiyamachi Main Branch [$15-$30] – A convenient and relaxed spot that’s ideal for a casual drink and light meal, offering a selection of Obanzai and local Kyoto sake.
Gion Fukushi [$150-$300] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in the historic Gion district, offering exquisite Kyoto-style Kaiseki (traditional multi-course dinner) using organic, pesticide-free vegetables and local seafood.
Otagi [$200-$350] – A Michelin-rated Kaiseki restaurant known for its refined dishes that capture the essence of the season, offering a classic and high-quality Japanese dining experience.
KOKE [$150-$250] – An innovative, fine-dining spot highly praised for its phenomenal food and a tasting menu experience that blends different culinary techniques. Lunch courses are often a more affordable option.
Noguchi Tsunagu [$150-$250] – A Michelin-starred Kaiseki restaurant offering an intimate and highly-rated dining experience, focusing on traditional techniques and seasonal ingredients.
Tsujifusa [$75-$150] – A Michelin Bib Gourmand Kaiseki restaurant that provides a high-quality, authentic multi-course experience at a relatively more accessible price point.
Wagokoro Izumi [$100-$280] – A Michelin-starred, reservation-only Japanese restaurant known for its dedication to seasonal ingredients and pure dashi broth that brings out the ingredients’ true flavors.
Kinobu [$120-$300] – A multi-generational family-run Kaiseki restaurant that makes fine dining approachable, offering both traditional dinner courses and beautiful Kyoto bento box lunches.
Gion Maruyama [$130-$300] – A two-Michelin-starred Kaiseki restaurant with a welcoming, traditional atmosphere, known for excellent value, especially for its lunch courses.
Shimmonzen Yonemura [$150-$300] – An innovative, Michelin-starred restaurant where the chef blends Japanese and Western styles, offering a creative omakase (chef’s choice) experience.
Shigetsu [$25-$50] – Located in the Tenryu-ji Temple complex, this Michelin-starred restaurant specializes in Shojin Ryori (traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), offering a serene, high-quality, and surprisingly affordable experience.
Izusen [$25-$45] – Located next to the quiet Daitoku-ji Temple, this highly-regarded spot specializes in Shojin Ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), offering an authentic and serene dining experience centered on seasonal vegetables and tofu.
Shoraian [$35-$70] – Located in Arashiyama, this restaurant specializes in tofu-based Kaiseki meals, providing a unique and affordable fine-dining-style experience with beautiful views of the Katsura River.
Gion Kyomen [$10-$20] – Located across from Yasaka Shrine, this simple spot is a local favorite for its extensive menu of affordable and delicious soba and udon noodles.
Hikiniku to Come [$15-$30] – A casual, popular spot known for its delicious and satisfying hamburger patties, a unique and modern take on Japanese comfort food.
Genpinfugu [$20-$40] – A chain that provides an accessible way to experience Fugu (puffer fish) for those looking for a quick taste of this famous, expertly prepared delicacy.
Yakitori Kyoto Tachibana [$80-$150] – A Michelin-rated yakitori restaurant that focuses on high-quality, skillfully prepared skewered chicken in an elegant setting.
Sushi Rakumi [$150-$250] – A Michelin-rated sushi restaurant, offering a high-quality, intimate omakase experience in an easily reservable setting.
Tempura Marufuku [$150-$250] – A fine dining tempura experience, offering perfectly executed, light, and crispy deep-fried seasonal ingredients in an intimate atmosphere.
Nihonshu to Obanzai no Kyosakaba Kensui Nishiki [$30-$50] – An izakaya near Nishiki Market offering a variety of dishes including sashimi and tempura, known for its focus on Obanzai and diverse seating options suitable for solo diners or groups.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Bar Rocking Chair: Tucked away in the Shimogyo Ward, this classic, award-winning Japanese bar offers a cozy, wood-paneled atmosphere with a few namesake rocking chairs. It’s famous for its expertly crafted drinks by a master bartender.
Bee’s Knees: A highly-regarded speakeasy in the Nakagyo Ward, famously hidden behind a yellow door marked “The Book Store.” It has a Prohibition-era New York vibe, plays ’90s hip-hop, and serves both classic and innovative cocktails.
L’Escamoteur Bar: Located in the Shimogyo Ward, this bar has a unique, magical, and steampunk-inspired theme. The owner, a French bartender and magician, serves creative cocktails like the “Kyoto Garden” in a memorable, playful setting.
Bar K6: An upscale whisky and cocktail bar in the Nakagyo Ward, boasting an extensive collection of over 1,200 bottles, including rare single malts. It provides a formal yet comfortable atmosphere for connoisseurs.
APOTHECA: Styled after an old-fashioned apothecary and found in the Kyoto Tower Building, this contemporary cocktail haven focuses on unique concoctions and herb-infused spirits, with no menu—the bartenders craft drinks based on your preference.
K36 The Bar & Rooftop: Situated in the Higashiyama District at The Hotel Seiryu, this bar offers one of the best panoramic rooftop views of Kyoto, making it a spectacular spot for sunset cocktails.
Nokishita 711: An experimental gin and cocktail lab in the Shimogyo Ward specializing in unusual house-made gins, tinctures, and syrups, with a menu that changes seasonally based on local ingredients.
Bar Ixey: Located in the historic Gion district, this intimate bar is known for its vintage ambiance and a focus on botanical herbs in its innovative drinks. The bartender is adept at accommodating different dietary needs.
The Roots of all evil: Created by the founder of Nokishita 711 and located in the Kyoto Tower Building, this standing gin bar focuses on botanical and herb-infused spirits, resulting in extravagant and earthy cocktails.
Scotch & Branch: An intimate, whiskey-focused cocktail bar named after the traditional Scottish term for a ‘whiskey and water.’ It’s a great spot for pure whiskey-based cocktails, including their classic “Scotch and Branch Cocktail.”
SilentThird: A pricey but high-quality cocktail bar in Kyoto, praised for its great atmosphere and the visible care and creativity that goes into the construction of each drink, making it a memorable experience.
Bar Alchemist: A super cool bar found in Pontocho Alley, featuring a hidden door and offering tasty drinks with an engaging, moody vibe along the popular nightlife street.
Grace Note: A very nice, intimate cocktail bar tucked away on the east side of the Kamo River, a few blocks above Gojo. It’s known for inventive cocktails like the Obento Sazerac.
Kazubar: A truly hidden, candle-lit bar (no sign, located on the third floor behind a door with no sign) near the city center, known for its super chill atmosphere and very basic, inexpensive spirits, popular with young local Japanese revelers.
Finlandia: An intimate, sleek bar in a former geisha house in the Nakagyo Ward, inspired by Scandinavia and specializing in vodka, including curious concoctions like wasabi vodka.
Bar K-ya: A dimly-lit and atmospheric bar popular among locals and tourists, inspired by machiyas (traditional Kyoto wooden townhouses) and offering a view of a peaceful courtyard.
Atlantis: A sophisticated and friendly shot bar located in the heart of Pontocho Alley, famous for having an outdoor bar counter and riverside kawadoko patio seating in the summer.
SENT JAMES CLUB: A veteran Kyoto bar near the Gion Neighborhood and Pontocho Alley, featuring a calm, renovated early-American brick warehouse feel, jazz music, and a view of the Kamogawa River.
FORTUNE GARDEN KYOTO: Housed in a beautifully renovated retro building from 1927, this spot offers a sophisticated side of Kyoto’s nightlife with an architectural history.
WORLD KYOTO: A massive nightclub in the Shimogyo Ward, one of Kyoto’s biggest and most famous, that regularly hosts local and international DJs with a focus on techno, house, and electronica across multiple floors.
Club Metro: Located in the basement of Ebisu Building in the Sakyo Ward, this is one of the oldest and most respected nightclubs in Japan. It’s an eclectic, underground venue known for hosting a wide range of events, from international DJs to indie bands and art exhibitions.
Kitsune Kyoto: An 800-capacity, popular club in the heart of the city (near the Kawaramachi area) with a festival-like atmosphere. It features two themed dance floors (“land” and “sea”), a top-notch sound system, and dazzling lights, focusing on electronic dance music.
Chambers: A club known for being very foreigner-friendly and hosting a variety of live performances and DJ sets, typically running until the early morning hours in the Nakagyo Ward.
UNDERBAR-kyoto: An accessible nightclub in the Nakagyo Ward with good vibes, friendly staff, and neon light decor. They host a live DJ playing EDM, pop, and more, and often take song requests.
Taku Taku: A historic live music venue in a renovated traditional Japanese storehouse (kura) since 1974. While not a typical dance club, it is a key nightlife spot for local crowds and hosts major Japanese and occasional international rock and blues bands.
Live Spot Rag: One of the most interesting nightlife venues for live music in Kyoto, offering intimate performances in a cozy ambiance, featuring genres from rock to jazz and acoustic ballads.