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Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, reflected in its pond, Kyoto

No. 19 Top 100 City Destinations 2025

Kyoto

Japan

Japan's old imperial capital of temples, shrines, gardens and geisha districts.

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Photo: Jaycangel, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Kyoto is No. 19 in Euromonitor International's Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025. It was Japan's imperial capital from 794 to 1868, and the city still has around 1,600 Buddhist temples and some 400 Shinto shrines. Seventeen sites in and around Kyoto form the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto".

Beyond the famous temples, Kyoto is the home of traditional crafts, tea ceremony and kaiseki cuisine, and of the geiko and maiko of its historic entertainment districts. The most popular sights are very busy, so start early and explore quieter temples too.

Rows of vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto
Rows of vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto. Photo: Basile Morin, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Best time to go

Spring cherry blossom (late March to early April) and autumn leaves (mid-November to early December) are the most beautiful and the most crowded seasons. Book accommodation well ahead.

Summer is hot and humid, with the Gion Matsuri festival in July. Winter is cold but quieter, and an occasional snowfall makes the temples especially lovely.

Top sights

  • 1

    Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Thousands of vermilion torii gates line the trails up Mount Inari behind this shrine. Go early or walk higher up to escape the crowds.

  • 2

    Kinkaku-ji

    The Golden Pavilion, covered in gold leaf, is reflected in a pond in its garden.

  • 3

    Kiyomizu-dera

    The temple's wooden stage juts out from the hillside above the city. The old lanes of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka lead up to it.

  • 4

    Arashiyama

    Walk through the bamboo grove and visit Tenryu-ji temple and its garden on the western edge of the city.

  • 5

    Gion

    Kyoto's best-known geisha district, with wooden teahouses along Hanamikoji Street. Some private lanes are closed to tourists, and you should never photograph geiko or maiko without permission.

  • 6

    Nijo Castle

    The shoguns' Kyoto residence has painted screens and 'nightingale' floors that squeak underfoot.

  • 7

    Ginkaku-ji and the Philosopher's Path

    The Silver Pavilion and its sand garden, and a canal-side path lined with cherry trees.

Getting there

Shinkansen trains reach Kyoto Station from Tokyo in about 2 hours 15 minutes on the fastest services.

From Kansai International Airport (KIX), the Haruka limited express takes about 75 minutes. Osaka Itami Airport is linked by limousine bus.

Getting around

City buses reach most sights but are often crowded. Combine them with the two subway lines and the JR, Keihan and Hankyu railways. IC cards such as ICOCA work on most transport.

Walking and cycling are good ways to explore the compact central districts.

Practical tips

Currency
Japanese yen (JPY). Cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for small shops, temples and shrines.
Language
Japanese. English signs are common at major sights and stations.
Etiquette
Keep to marked paths at temples and shrines, follow photography rules, and do not eat while walking in crowded streets.
Safety
Kyoto is very safe. Dial 110 for police and 119 for fire or ambulance.
Visa & entry
Citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and EU countries, can visit Japan visa-free for short stays. Register on Visit Japan Web (vjw.digital.go.jp) before you fly to get QR codes for immigration and customs. Check Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the rules that apply to your passport.
Power
100 V; plug types A and B.

Official information: Kyoto City Official Travel Guide. Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

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