Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Kyoto

Kyoto is beautiful year-round, but if I have to pick two seasons I would recommend the cherry blossom season (March - April) and autumn foliage season (November). These are especially popular.

You should spend at least three to four days exploring Kyoto’s main attractions, but a week allows for a deeper experience.

Must-see attractions include Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Nanzen-ji Temple, Gion district, and Ryoan-ji Zen Temple.

Yes, it’s quick and easy to travel between Kyoto and Osaka via the JR train, which takes about 15-30 minutes.

Kyoto’s buses and subway system are efficient, and I usually rent a bike for nearby sightseeing. Walking is also great for exploring areas like Gion, Higashiyama, and Arashiyama.

Daily budgets vary but can range from around 8000 - 15000 yen per day for moderate travelers, depending on accommodation and food preferences. My total budget for a week (7 days) in Kyoto is usually 100000 yen.

Please check out this page for the Best Ryokans in Kyoto by our partner Expedia.

Please check out this page for the best Machiya Houses in Kyoto by our partner Expedia.

It is always good to speak some basic Japanese phrases, but many tourist areas have English signage, and staff in popular spots often speak some English. Taxi drivers are always a big help if you should get lost.

Try at least one-time kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal), yudofu (tofu hot pot), matcha sweets, Kyoto-style ramen, and sushi. I had one of my best dining experiences in Japan during my visit to the Pontocho Alley in Kyoto.

Yes, Kyoto is one of the safest cities in the world and is very welcoming for solo travelers. I never had any bad experiences in the city.

Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), and Ryoan-ji Zen Temple are the top temples and shrines to visit. If you would like to know more check out my pages Most Popular Buddhist Temples in Kyoto and Most Popular Shinto Shrines in Kyoto.

Many temples have small entrance fees, typically around 300 - 600 yen, which helps with maintenance and preservation.

Many tea houses in Gion and Higashiyama offer traditional tea ceremony experiences; some temples also provide them. You can book a tea ceremony with the help of our partner GetYourGuide here.

The fastest and easiest way is by Shinkansen (bullet train), taking about 2.5 hours from Tokyo Station.

Popular day trips include Nara (for temples and deer), Lake Biwa (the largest freshwater lake in Japan), and Osaka (for food and shopping). More tips can be found on my page Best Day Trips from Kyoto.

Some historic sites have steps and uneven paths, but larger temples and main attractions like Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine have ramps and accessible paths.

Kimono rental shops can be easily found in areas like Gion and Higashiyama. Prices typically range from 3000 to 6000 yen per day. Or you can book a kimono experience with the help of our partner GetYourGuide here.

If possible go there early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. Try to avoid national holidays.

Yes, Kyoto has a strong vegetarian tradition, and many restaurants offer shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) and other plant-based options.

Kyoto has a quiet nightlife, besides the cherry blossom season, compared to Tokyo and Osaka, but you can find bars, izakayas (Japanese pubs), and a few nightclubs around Pontocho Alley and Gion.

Gion and Pontocho Alley are the best places to spot geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha), especially in the early evening around 6 - 7 pm. Check out my page Five Geisha Districts (Gokagai) in Kyoto for more details. For a closer experience, book a geisha performance dinner with the help of our partner GetYourGuide here.