Kyoto
A thousand temples, moss gardens and geisha districts wrapped around a slow river.
Best time to visit
Late March–April (blossom) and November (autumn colour)
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Language
Japanese
Time zone
Asia/Tokyo (UTC+9)
Kyoto was Japan's capital for over a thousand years, and it still holds the country's cultural centre of gravity. There are more than 1,600 Buddhist temples here, from the gold-leafed pavilion of Kinkaku-ji to the 1,001 statues of Sanjūsangen-dō.
The city is best explored on foot and by bicycle. Cycle the Philosopher's Path in cherry season, wander the vermilion torii tunnels of Fushimi Inari at dawn before the crowds arrive, and finish with a kaiseki dinner in Pontochō, a lantern-lit alley barely wide enough for two people.
Postcards
Kyoto in pictures
A glimpse of what the days look like once you're there.
Trips here
Journeys in Kyoto
Handcrafted itineraries our planners have run before — adaptable to your own dates and pace.
Build a trip around Kyoto
Add a hidden beach, a longer stay, a private guide — we'll shape the itinerary around how you actually like to travel.