It may still be chilly, but the first warmth of spring comes to Kyoto in February, and with it, the first plum blossoms too. There’s also the fascinating Setsubun festival, which is celebrated at shrines around the city. Continue reading

Just down the hill from Ginkaku-ji Temple, Omen is one of our favorite restaurants in Kyoto. They serve some of Kyoto’s best udon noodles. Continue reading

An inexpensive hotel within walking distance of downtown Kyoto, the Fauchon Hotel Kyoto (formerly Hotel Sunroute) offers great value for the money. Continue reading

If you’re wondering where to stay in Kyoto, check our comparison of Kyoto’s key areas for places to stay and our rundown of the types of accommodation available in Kyoto. Continue reading

How to catch a taxi in Kyoto: how much they cost, how to flag them down and how to make payment Continue reading

Should you buy a Green Car Japan Rail Pass or an ordinary pass? What’s the difference between JR Green cars and ordinary cars? Read on to find out the best way to use Japan Rail trains. Continue reading

Two of Kyoto’s most attractive streets are Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka, a pair of gently sloping lanes that lead down from Kiyomizu-dera Temple toward Nene-no-Michi Lane Continue reading

Crowds in Japan are back to pre-pandemic levels and the weak yen almost guarantees that they’ll only get worse. Luckily, with a little extra planning, you can avoid the crowds and lines almost entirely. Here are all the details. Continue reading

For those with a little cash to splash, consider staying at Nanzenji Sando Kikusui. A night here won’t come cheap, but it’s worth it for a sublime ryokan experience. Continue reading

Located down a quiet side street slightly west of the main shopping district, Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei is a lovely hotel at the upper end of the mid-range category. Rooms here are beautifully outfitted, the staff are great, and breakfast is delicious! Continue reading