Q: How to Get to Kyoto

The easiest and fastest way to get to Kyoto is by: Plane Kyoto does not have its own airport. The closest airport to this city is the two airports in Osaka. From the airport, you can continue the journey overland to Kyoto by train or car. Train Shinkansen or fast train lines are one of the most common and popular modes of transportation here. Generally, tourists will leave for Kyoto after traveling in Tokyo or Osaka. And of the two cities, and also other major cities in Japan, the fastest way to reach Kyoto is by train. You can buy train ticket passes (JR Pass) that you can use to ride trains in the city or inter-city trains. This canal ticket will greatly save your travel costs both in traveling around the city or to reach other cities. Bus You can use the bus to reach Kyoto if you want to pay a lower fare. However, the journey will certainly take much longer. Because Kyoto is one of the main tourist cities, there are many buses that serve routes to Kyoto every day from many major cities in Japan.

Q: Best Time to Visit Kyoto

Season Kyoto is one of the cities in the world that has 4 seasons. Because of the cleanliness of the city, you can visit any season and still get an unforgettable tourist experience. Even so, the favorite of tourists is spring (March-May), autumn (October-November), and winter (end and beginning of the year). In all three seasons, there are plenty of tourist sites and exciting activities that you can anticipate, like watching cherry blossoms and skiing. Summer is also not a bad season, but in certain months, the weather here can be very hot and not suitable for traveling around the city. Average Temperature Kyoto's average temperature in winter (end and beginning of the year) is 5 degrees Celsius (40 degrees Fahrenheit). Meanwhile, when entering spring, the average temperature rises to 14 degrees Celsius (40 degrees Fahrenheit). In summer, the average temperature here can reach 29 degrees Celsius (83 degrees Fahrenheit). Next, in fall, the average temperature here is 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit). Festival Kyoto hosts a variety of exciting festivals that reflect the local culture which you can attend to explore the amazing culture of Kyoto and Japan. Some of them are Setsubun (February 3 or 4), a large Shinto ceremony at Yoshida Shrine, Gion Matsuri (July 17), mikoshi parade on the streets, Daimonji Gozan Okuribi (August 16), the northwestern slope of Kyoto decorated with lights at night and also floating lanterns in Hirosawa Pond.

Question 1

What is tiket CLEAN in Kyoto?

Accepted Answer

Do you miss traveling but still worried about the COVID-19 pandemic? We understand completely. Now, you can have a great trip with your loved ones to your favorite places in Kyoto without worrying! Adapting to the current situation, various tourist sites are now setting new regulations and policies regarding cleanliness and social distancing at the site. We certainly want all t-mates to enjoy a pleasant time while still maintaining health, cleanliness, and safety together.

To find out which tourist attractions in Kyoto have implemented this new policy, tiket.com presents "tiket CLEAN"!

Tourist attractions that have “tiket CLEAN” logo on tiket.com’s To Do page mean that they have implemented standard rules and protocols to prevent and reduce transmission of COVID-19. Starting from checking the body temperature of all staff and visitors, setting a new requirement to wear face masks and gloves, increasing the frequency of cleaning using disinfectants, providing healthcare and hygiene supplies, to social distancing regulations, such as capacity restrictions or minimum distance when waiting in line.

For more information, you can check the Highlight section of each product page with the “tiket CLEAN” logo. There, you will find a full explanation of the new regulations at the attraction.

Make sure you and your loved ones understand and follow the rules. This way, you, other visitors, and also the staff on duty can both enjoy a pleasant day without worries!

Keep Spirit! We’re All in This Together!

Question 2

What to Expect in Kyoto

Accepted Answer

Kyoto is a city that has a reputation as the most beautiful city and is the center of cultural tourism in Japan. Here, you can visit various tourist attractions in Kyoto that offer beautiful scenery and iconic and historical locations. Kyoto is also a great tourist location if you want to relax and look for a place that is more peaceful and quiet when traveling.

This city is a city that is very suitable for a romantic and quiet honeymoon and as a solo traveling destination who wants to relax during the tour.

Question 3

How to Get to Kyoto

Accepted Answer

The easiest and fastest way to get to Kyoto is by:

Plane

Kyoto does not have its own airport. The closest airport to this city is the two airports in Osaka. From the airport, you can continue the journey overland to Kyoto by train or car.

Train

Shinkansen or fast train lines are one of the most common and popular modes of transportation here. Generally, tourists will leave for Kyoto after traveling in Tokyo or Osaka. And of the two cities, and also other major cities in Japan, the fastest way to reach Kyoto is by train. You can buy train ticket passes (JR Pass) that you can use to ride trains in the city or inter-city trains. This canal ticket will greatly save your travel costs both in traveling around the city or to reach other cities.

Bus

You can use the bus to reach Kyoto if you want to pay a lower fare. However, the journey will certainly take much longer. Because Kyoto is one of the main tourist cities, there are many buses that serve routes to Kyoto every day from many major cities in Japan.

Question 4

Accommodation in Kyoto

Accepted Answer

Kyoto has a number of large and well-known hotels such as Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and ibis. Even so, as a city full of local culture that is also modern, accommodations in Kyoto are also full of hotels or apartments in simple buildings and rooms with simple and soothing decorations. The facilities offered are also complete and ready to ensure your comfort.

Question 5

Instagramable Spots in Kyoto

Accepted Answer

You might have seen some Instagram-able spots in Kyoto on the internet or Japan travel brochures. Call it the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Higashiyama District (Yasaka Pagoda), and Arashiyama. However, you can also collect lots of cool photos in other places, such as Kyoto Tower, Gion (Geisha District), Toji Temple, Kinkakuji Temple, and Kiyomizudera Temple.

Question 6

Culinary in Kyoto

Accepted Answer

Like many other cities in Japan, Kyoto is a great place to try Japanese specialties that you have often encountered, such as tempura, takoyaki, ramen, sushi, udon, and unagi. However, besides that, you can also try local foods that have unique tastes, such as Japanese tofu, Yoba (skim tofu), Kyo-wagashi (sweets from Kyoto), Kaiseki (Japanese haute food), and Yudofu (tofu which is cooked with soup).

Vegan / Vegetarian Food

Because of the many basic ingredients of Kyoto cuisine that are suitable for vegetarians and vegans, like tofu, you will have no trouble finding a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes here. Restaurants that specialize in vegan or vegetarian Japanese food are also easily found here.

Question 7

Shopping in Kyoto

Accepted Answer

Kyoto has a well-known market among tourists and also local residents, the Nishiki Market. Here, you can shop for various fresh food ingredients, especially seafood. But, you can also take a culinary tour here at affordable prices. In addition, you can also stop by the Flea Market at Toji Temple which is held every 21st of the month. Here, you can buy various antique and unique Japanese products at affordable prices. If you want to shop for items such as books, artworks, and clothes, you can visit Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcade, which is more popular among young people.

Question 8

Best Time to Visit Kyoto

Accepted Answer

Season

Kyoto is one of the cities in the world that has 4 seasons. Because of the cleanliness of the city, you can visit any season and still get an unforgettable tourist experience. Even so, the favorite of tourists is spring (March-May), autumn (October-November), and winter (end and beginning of the year). In all three seasons, there are plenty of tourist sites and exciting activities that you can anticipate, like watching cherry blossoms and skiing. Summer is also not a bad season, but in certain months, the weather here can be very hot and not suitable for traveling around the city.

Average Temperature

Kyoto's average temperature in winter (end and beginning of the year) is 5 degrees Celsius (40 degrees Fahrenheit). Meanwhile, when entering spring, the average temperature rises to 14 degrees Celsius (40 degrees Fahrenheit). In summer, the average temperature here can reach 29 degrees Celsius (83 degrees Fahrenheit). Next, in fall, the average temperature here is 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit).

Festival

Kyoto hosts a variety of exciting festivals that reflect the local culture which you can attend to explore the amazing culture of Kyoto and Japan. Some of them are Setsubun (February 3 or 4), a large Shinto ceremony at Yoshida Shrine, Gion Matsuri (July 17), mikoshi parade on the streets, Daimonji Gozan Okuribi (August 16), the northwestern slope of Kyoto decorated with lights at night and also floating lanterns in Hirosawa Pond.

Question 9

How to Get Around in Kyoto

Accepted Answer

For convenience, you can buy a number of canal tickets that will give you unlimited access to all or some public transportation in this city for a certain duration.

The main public transportation in this city is subway, train, bus and bicycle (rental or private). The most used and the one that reaches the most corners of the city is the train. While you can use the subway to reach just a few parts of the city. Buses are generally used to directly reach famous tourist attractions in Kyoto.

You can rent bikes at affordable prices in this city. Besides having safe roads, this is also the best mode of transportation during peak season where other public transportation is full of tourists.

Question 10

How Big is Kyoto

Accepted Answer

Kyoto has an area of 827.8 square kilometers officially and to travel here fully, you should ideally spend 2 days and 2 nights. During this time, you can try various exciting activities in Kyoto, such as taking pictures at the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, participating in tea ceremonies, enjoying views of the city from Kyoto Tower, relaxing at the Mount Kurama hot spring, visiting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, shopping at Nishiki Market, and visiting various temples in Kyoto, such as Kinkakuji Temple, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Eikando Zenrinji Temple.

Question 11

Kyoto / Japan Currency

Accepted Answer

JPY (Japanese Yen).

Question 12

Language(s) in Kyoto

Accepted Answer

The main and national language here is Japanese. However, like all regions, Kyoto has its own dialect. There are some vocabularies and ways of speaking that are somewhat different from formal Japanese. Even so, you will have no trouble interacting with local people using ordinary Japanese.

Question 13

Kyoto Time Zone

Accepted Answer

Question 14

Kyoto Plug Type

Accepted Answer

There are 2 types of plugs in Japan, type A and B. Type A has 2 flat parallel pins, while Type B has 2 flat parallel pins but with a grounding pin.

The electric voltage in Tokyo and Japan is 100V. While the frequency of the electric current in the eastern part of Japan (including Tokyo, Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Yokohama) is 50Hz and in the western part of Japan (including Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Kyushu) is 60Hz.

Question 15

Good to Know About Kyoto

Accepted Answer

If you visit in the spring, you should wear a layered shirt with long sleeves, long pants, and covered shoes. You should also bring an outer and scarf if the weather gets colder.
If you visit in the summer, you should wear thinner clothes, skirts or shorts, and comfortable walking shoes. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the heat.
Autumn in Kyoto is also quite cold, especially in the morning and evening, so it's better to wear a long-sleeved shirt, long skirt or trousers, and comfortable covered shoes.
In winter, suitable clothes are long-sleeved shirts or thick sweaters, thick trousers, and special winter boots. Bring gloves, earplugs, and a scarf too. Don't forget to wear clothing that is layered and easily removable outers because public transportation and buildings are equipped with heaters.
Don't speak loudly or talk on the phone while on public transportation.
Don't eat or smoke while walking.
Learn a little basic Japanese because locals are generally not fluent in foreign languages.
Avoid visiting during Golden Week (between the last week of April to the first week of May) which is a Japanese national holiday. At this time, many residents are also on vacation out of town and many shops and restaurants are closed.

Explore the most popular things to do in Kyoto

Try these activities to make your trip more memorable

Sagano Romantic Train

Kyoto: Eizan Cable Car ticket

Uzumasa Kyoto Village Ticket

UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE Ticket

Nidec Kyoto Tower Ticket

Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Fufu-no-Yu Ticket

Kyoto:Exclusive Maiko & Geisha Show with Dinner, Games & Open Bar

Kyoto Ankoan Tea House

MEET MAIKO: Meet-&-Greet, Maiko Show & Experience in Kyoto

1-Hour Geisha/Maiko Show in Kyoto

Ultimate Kyoto Arashiyama Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Zen Gardens & Gems

Play with Dogs at Dog Cafe Rio Kyoto[Dog Cafe Rio Kyoto]

Garden Museum Hiei

Non-Verbal Theatre GEAR Show Admission

Kyoto Half-Day Temple Tour: Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera

No hassle, no worries. Arrange your trip easily with tour packages

[Kyoto & Nara Twin Ancient Capital World Heritage Tour] Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Nara Park Day Trip (Osaka/Kyoto Departure)

Kyoto: Gion Hidden Gems & Geisha Culture Tour

A day trip to Amanohashidate, Ine no Funaya, and Miyama's Gassho-style Village

Jelajahi Kyoto: Destinasi Unggulan dan Hidden Gems dengan Tur Privat Lokal

Kyoto and Nara Day Tour(Optional upgrade to Wagyu “Kobe Beef” lunch)

Kyoto by the Sea: Amanohashidate & Ine no Funaya Bus Tour from Osaka

Amanohashidate Ine Boathouse Miyama Gassho Village Day Tour

Kyoto Private Tour: Custom Highlights with a Licensed Guide

Kyoto Gion Night Tour: Experience Japan's Traditional Culture

Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour at a Zen Temple

Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Garden Half Day Guided Walking Tour

Full-Day Private Guided Tour to Amanohashidate and Ine, from Kyoto

Pamper and refresh yourself with massage and spa treatments

Ultimate Japanese Head Spa Experience in Kyoto near Arashiyama

Gyokko-yu Hijiri-no-Ne Fushimi Branch

Fu Fu No Yu Onsen Admission Ticket in Kyoto

[PullulantEsthe Kyoto]: Spa, Massage & Facial Treatments

Kyoto Bamboo Village Onsen Manyo-no-Yu Admission Ticket

[Kyoto, Kurama] KURAMA Onsen Admission Ticket

Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Fufu no Yu

Kurama Hot Spring

Amanohashidate & Ine Fishing Village Day Tour from Kyoto or Osaka Day Tours

1-day tour to Amanohashidate, Ine Fishing Village & Kayabuki No Sato in Kyoto, Japan [Three Hidden Scenic Spots] Day Tours

Kyoto Amanohashidate + Ine Fishing Village Day Tour [Departure from Osaka/Kyoto] Day Tours

Hidden Gems Day Tour: Amanohashidate, Ine Boat Houses, and Kayabuki-no-Sato in Miyama Village with Free Shrimp Snacks Day Tours

Kyoto Amanohashidate & Ine Fishing Village & Kayabuki No Sato Day Tour Day Tours

Amanohashidate Sandbar & Ine Funaya Village Tour with Optional Sea Cruise Day Tours

Kyoto in One Day: Amanohashidate, Ine Funaya & Miyama Thatched Village Day Tours

Wanna keep your body fit or get your adrenaline rushing? Let's go!

Kyoto Arashiyama Rickshaw Tour

Kyoto Gion Night Tour: Exploring the Geisha District and Hidden Gems

Kyoto Higashiyama Rickshaw Tour

Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour : Escape the Crowds

Hiking Kyoto's Highest Mountain: Unravel the Mystery of Mt. Atago

City cycle (no gear change)

Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available) Day Tours

Favorite international destinations

Must-visit domestic destinations