Make the most of your trip to Kyoto with our comprehensive Kyoto itineraries and rundown of essential attractions in each of Kyoto’s fascinating districts
Kyoto Itineraries
image © Jeffrey Friedl
1-day, 2-day, 3-day, 4-day and 5-day itineraries to explore Kyoto, all worked out for you to make the most of the city. Read More
First Time In Kyoto
image © Chris Rowthorn
First visit to Kyoto? Here’s everything you need to know on one page. Read More
Kyoto Ryokan
image © Chris Rowthorn
Ryokan are traditional Japanese inns and a quintessential Kyoto experience. Read More
Kyoto Hotels
image © Genji Kyoto Hotel
Kyoto has a wide variety of excellent hotels in all budget classes. Here are my top picks. Read More
Kyoto Machiya
image © Old Kyoto
Machiya are traditional Japanese townhouses available as vacation rentals. Read More
Kyoto Places To Eat
image © City Foodsters
Kyoto has a huge mix of places to eat, from haute cuisine to hole-in-the-wall dumplings. Read More
Things To Do In Kyoto
image © Shutterstock | Benny Marty
Our comprehensive list of the best things to do in Kyoto will help you make the most of your time in the city. Read More
Romantic Kyoto
image © Old Kyoto
If you’re in search of a romantic hideaway for your Kyoto trip, here are our top picks for Kyoto’s most romantic places to stay. Read More
Kyoto Walking Tours
image © Chris Rowthorn
Chris Rowthorn Tours offers private guided Kyoto walking tours for groups of 1 to 6 people. Read More
Kyoto Districts
image © Jeffrey Friedl
Explore Kyoto’s famous temples, stunning mountain views, secret alleyways and zen gardens with our easy to follow guides. Read More
Kyoto Events
image © Jeffrey Friedl
See the full rundown of fascinating events happening this month in Kyoto. Read More
Kyoto Photo
image © Jeffrey Friedl
Every week we showcase a beautiful Kyoto photo. Read More
How To Get To Kyoto
image © Jeffrey Friedl
All your options for getting to Kyoto, covering flights and train services. Read More
Japan SIM Cards, Wifi etc
image © Chris Rowthorn
Full details on Japanese SIM cards, wifi, pocket wifi, phone rental etc Read More
Inside Kyoto Blog
image © Chris Rowthorn
Updates on new events in Kyoto and personal reflections on the city. Read More
Getting Around Kyoto
image © Jeffrey Friedl
Make the most of Kyoto’s excellent bus system, taxis and trains. Read More
Japan Travel Guides
There are several must-see destinations in Japan within easy reach of Kyoto. They all make great additions to any Kyoto itinerary. These concise guides provide details about what to see and do.
Tokyo Travel Guide
image © Truly Tokyo
Find Tokyo’s best attractions on my companion website TrulyTokyo.com Read More
Osaka Travel Guide
image © Inside Osaka
Discover Osaka’s amazing sights on my companion website InsideOsaka.com Read More
Nara Travel Guide
image © Damien Douxchamps
Nara is a spectacular contrast to Kyoto – and only half an hour away by express train Read More
Kanazawa Travel Guide
image © _yuki_k_
Sometimes called “Little Kyoto,” Kanazawa is a superb destination in its own right. Read More
Hiroshima And Miyajima
images © globalismpictures and xiquinho
Hiroshima and the nearby island of Miyajima provide some of Japan’s most memorable sights
Read More
Takayama Travel Guide
image © eugen_o
Takayama is a great stopover between Tokyo and Kyoto with its own distinct cultural heritage
Read More
Explore Kyoto On Your Laptop, Smartphone And Tablet
InsideKyoto.com is designed to read on all your devices
- Plan your trip to Kyoto on your laptop – view our Kyoto Itineraries and the Best Times Of The Year To Visit Kyoto, book a Kyoto hotel or Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), and explore Kyoto’s bewitching districts
- Get a Japanese SIM card on arrival in Japan – then you can access all your important online services and use InsideKyoto.com on your phone too to guide you around the city – the same info is on every webpage, and it will resize to be readable on your phone and tablet too
- Nearly every attraction listed on InsideKyoto.com has a Google Map location you can use on your phone to put you right where you need to be. Plus Japanese text to show to taxi drivers, opening times, price of admission and more
- InsideKyoto.com is written by Chris Rowthorn, author of Lonely Planet Kyoto for 7 editions – for more Kyoto travel guide goodness, we recommend you buy Lonely Planet Kyoto
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
Kyoto District Map
Click a Kyoto District for detailed info on attractions, places to eat and accommodation
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We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
