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Quick facts
- Region: Kinki
- Capital: Kyoto
- Population: 2.5 million
- Climate: Inland
- Cherry blossom (average): 26 March
- No. 1 in Japan: Among the most National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties in Japan — Uji tea, Nishijin weaving, 1,200 years as the capital
⭐ Top sights
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Some 10,000 vermilion torii gates wind up the mountain. Head shrine of 30,000 Inari shrines nationwide, open 24 hours and free.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
A three-storey pavilion covered in about 20 kg of gold leaf, mirrored in the pond. Magical on a snowy day.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
A 400 m path walled by 20 m bamboo. The rustling has been named one of Japan's '100 Soundscapes'.
Gion Geisha District
Teahouses line stone-paved lanes where maiko appear at dusk. Photography is banned on private alleys — be respectful.
Nishiki Market
Kyoto's 400-year-old kitchen: a 390 m arcade of pickles, yuba, rolled omelette and soy-milk doughnuts.
Uji Matcha
Home of matcha for 800 years. Grind your own with a stone mill, try matcha parfaits, and see Byodo-in — the temple on the ¥10 coin.
Wagashi & Matcha (Kyoto)
Make seasonal confections with an artisan. Cherry blossoms and maple leaves rendered in sugar, bean paste and agar alone.
Kaiseki Cuisine
A multi-course meal born from the tea ceremony: a dozen seasonal dishes served on chosen tableware. 'Washoku' is UNESCO Intangible Heritage.
Tea Ceremony
Learn to whisk matcha in a tea room and the spirit of 'ichigo ichie' (one meeting, one chance). English classes in Kyoto, Kanazawa and Tokyo.
Kyoto International Manga Museum
300,000 manga in a former primary school. Pull any volume from the 'Wall of Manga' and read on the lawn.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
The 13 m 'stage' is built from interlocking timber without a single nail. Kyoto's most-visited temple, famous for cherry-blossom and autumn illuminations.
Amanohashidate
One of Japan's three most scenic views: a 3.6 km sandbar with 5,000 pines. Bend over and look between your legs from the viewpoint and it becomes a 'bridge to heaven'.
Gion Matsuri
Kyoto's month-long July festival. On the 17th and 24th, 25 m floats are pulled through the streets; the evenings before are filled with stalls and lanterns. Over 1,100 years old.
Nijo Castle
World Heritage Site. Where the shogun returned power to the emperor; the Ninomaru Palace is a National Treasure
🍲 Local food
Yudofu, nishin soba, obanzai, saba-zushi
Yudofu from Kyoto's Buddhist vegetarian tradition, and soba topped with dried herring brought by the Kitamae trading ships
🏮 Festivals & events
- Gion Matsuri — July 1–31 (float processions on the 17th and 24th). Yasaka Shrine's festival, 1,100 years old and one of Japan's three great festivals. Yoiyama evenings and the Yamaboko float procession; UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
- Aoi Matsuri — May 15. A 500-strong procession in Heian-period court dress from the Imperial Palace to Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines. One of Kyoto's three great festivals
- Gozan Okuribi — August 16. Five giant bonfires, including the famous "Dai" character, send off the spirits of Obon
- Jidai Matsuri — October 22. Marks the founding of the Heian capital. A 2,000-strong procession spanning eight eras, from the Meiji Restoration back to Heian
🌸 Flowers & autumn leaves
- Arashiyama and Sagano — Autumn foliage · Late November to early December. Togetsukyo Bridge and a whole mountainside of autumn colour. Sagano scenic railway and Hozu River boat rides
- Tofuku-ji Tsutenkyo Bridge — Autumn foliage · Late November. Look down from the bridge on 2,000 maples filling the Sengyokukan ravine
🏨 Where to stay in Kyoto
The area around Kyoto, the capital, has the best transport links and the widest choice of hotels; a night at a hot-spring town is also worth it.
Other prefectures in the region
Mie · Shiga · Osaka · Hyogo · Nara · Wakayama · 47 prefectures
Frequently asked questions
What is Kyoto famous for food-wise?
Kyoto's best-known local dishes are Yudofu, nishin soba, obanzai, saba-zushi. Yudofu from Kyoto's Buddhist vegetarian tradition, and soba topped with dried herring brought by the Kitamae trading ships
What are the top sights in Kyoto?
Top picks in Kyoto include Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Gion Geisha District.
When do cherry blossoms bloom in Kyoto?
In Kyoto (Kyoto), Somei-yoshino cherry trees usually start blooming around 26 March, reaching full bloom about a week later.
