Kyoto travel guide
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Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto travel guide

From Wikipedia and maps · Wikipedia · OpenStreetMap · Open-Meteo

Golden temples, geisha districts and serene bamboo groves. The best time to visit Kyoto is April, May, October and November. A mid-range trip runs roughly $150/person/day before flights.

Best time
April, May, October
Ideal length
4 days
~Cost/day
$150
Currency
USD
Plan Kyoto
Days, budget, and flights. You can edit it after.
Build my Kyoto trip
Best day trips from Kyoto → More in Japan → Where to stay in Kyoto →

Best time to visit Kyoto

The best time to visit Kyoto is April, May, October and November. Here's the average temperature through the year:

4°
J
3°
F
8°
M
14°
A
18°
M
23°
J
29°
J
29°
A
26°
S
19°
O
11°
N
7°
D
Planning a specific month?
Kyoto in AprilKyoto in MayKyoto in OctoberKyoto in November

Top things to do in Kyoto

Highlights from Wikipedia and OpenStreetMap.

Culture & sights

Kyoto Prefecture
Kyoto Prefecture
Kyoto Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of Honshu. It has a population of 2.58 million and has a geographic area of 4,612 square kilometres (1,781 s
~$5 · 1.5h
Agency for Cultural Affairs
Agency for Cultural Affairs
The Agency for Cultural Affairs is a special body of the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). It was set up in 1968 to promote Japanese
~$5 · 1.5h
Heian Jogakuin University
Heian Jogakuin University
Heian Jogakuin University also known at St. Agnes' University, is a private women's college with campuses in Kyoto, Kyoto and Takatsuki, Osaka in Japan.
~$5 · 1.5h
K
Kyoto International School
Kyoto International School (KIS), formerly Kyoto Christian Day School, is an international school in Kyoto, Japan, founded in 1957. It serves students from 3 to 16 years old. The s
~$5 · 1.5h

Nature & outdoors

Itsukushima Shrine (Kyoto)
Itsukushima Shrine (Kyoto)
Itsukushima Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, Kyoto, Japan.
Free · 2h
Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
Kyoto Gyoen National Garden is a 65-hectare national garden of Japan that was established after the Japanese capital was transferred from Kyoto to Tokyo. It is situated around the
Free · 2h

Food & markets

L
Local food tour of Kyoto
Taste the signature dishes of Kyoto.
~$25 · 2h
C
Central market & street-food lunch
Grab lunch where locals do.
~$12 · 1.3h

A sample 4-day Kyoto itinerary

1
Day 1
09:00 · Kyoto Prefecture12:30 · Itsukushima Shrine (Kyoto)16:00 · Central market & street-food lunch
2
Day 2
09:00 · Agency for Cultural Affairs12:30 · Kyoto Gyoen National Garden16:00 · Kyoto International School
3
Day 3
09:00 · Heian Jogakuin University12:30 · St. Agnes Cathedral (Kyoto)16:00 · St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Nishijin, Kyoto
4
Day 4
09:00 · Kinmon incident12:30 · Marutamachi Station16:00 · Jurakudai

A sample plan. See the full 4-day Kyoto itinerary →

Kyoto travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Kyoto?+

The best months to visit Kyoto are April, May, October and November, when the weather is most comfortable for sightseeing.

How many days do you need in Kyoto?+

Most travellers find 4 days ideal for Kyoto, enough to see the highlights without rushing. Add a day or two if you want day trips.

Is Kyoto expensive to visit?+

Budget roughly $150 per person per day for a mid-range trip in Kyoto (accommodation, food and activities), before flights. Costs scale up or down with your travel style.

What are the top things to do in Kyoto?+

Popular highlights include Kyoto Prefecture, Agency for Cultural Affairs, Heian Jogakuin University and Kyoto International School. There's a longer list above, or start a plan and swap things in.

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Getting to & from Kyoto

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