Kyoto is the cultural heart of Japan — a city that preserves centuries-old traditions, Shinto and Buddhist temples, perfectly arranged Zen gardens, and historical districts filled with narrow streets and glowing red lanterns. I had been curious about this city for years, often hearing it described as the most beautiful place in Japan, and it truly lived up to every expectation.
After a week spent in the urban chaos of Tokyo, a few days in Kyoto felt like a breath of fresh air — more calm, more authenticity, more tradition. It’s a place where every corner offers a window into old Japan, where culture and spirituality are part of everyday life.
How to Get to Kyoto
Reaching Kyoto is very easy, whether you’re coming from Tokyo or Osaka. We traveled from Tokyo in about two hours using the Nozomi Shinkansen. The trip cost around €120 per person each way and required two physical tickets: one for the base fare and one for the Shinkansen express service.
We didn’t know about the two-ticket system at first, so when we tried to scan our Shinkansen ticket from the vending machine, station staff directed us to another counter where we purchased the additional ticket.
If you want to save money, I recommend buying Shinkansen tickets in advance on platforms like Klook, where discounts are often available.
Getting from Tokyo to Kyoto
The fastest option is the Nozomi Shinkansen, which gets you to Kyoto in about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Other options include:
- Tokaido Shinkansen – Nozomi: ~2h15 (approx. €80–150)
- Shinkansen Hikari: ~2h40 (included in the JR Pass)
- Shinkansen Kodama: ~3h50 (slowest, stops everywhere)
Departure: Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station.
A cheaper alternative is an overnight bus, starting around €20.
- Duration: 7–9 hours
- Operators: Willer Express, JR Bus, Keio Bus
- Departure from Shinjuku / Tokyo Station
Getting from Osaka to Kyoto
- Shinkansen: ~15 min (~€8) from Shin-Osaka Station
- JR Special Rapid Service: ~30 min, covered by the JR Pass
- Hankyu Railway: 40–45 min (Umeda → Kawaramachi)
- Keihan Railway: 45–55 min (Yodoyabashi/Kyobashi → Gion-Shijo)
Where to Stay in Kyoto
The most convenient area is around Kyoto Station — ideal for transportation, shopping, and day trips. However, it is also the most expensive. A great alternative is to stay near a station with direct access to Kyoto Station.
We stayed just two minutes from Fushimi Inari, with two stations nearby:
- Fushimi Inari Station (direct connections to Gion, Higashiyama, Osaka)
- Inari Station (JR Nara Line, 5 min to Kyoto Station)
For a more traditional experience, consider spending 1–2 nights in a ryokan in Gion, Higashiyama, or Arashiyama.
Recomandari cazare in Kyoto
What to Eat in Kyoto
Kyoto is a paradise for lovers of traditional Japanese cuisine. Don’t miss kaiseki, a multi-course traditional meal beautifully prepared and presented. Other specialties include:
- Yudofu (hot tofu)
- Matcha desserts
- Kyo-tsukemono (Kyoto-style pickles)
- Yuba (tofu skin)
- Soba (buckwheat noodles)
- Saba sushi (mackerel sushi)
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Transportation in Kyoto
Kyoto’s transportation system is well organized, but different from Tokyo or Osaka. We used the bus the most, because routes cover nearly all tourist spots.
- Bus fare: ¥230 for adults, ¥120 for children.
The metro has just two lines — Karasuma (north–south) and Tōzai (east–west).
- Metro fares: ¥220–360 for adults, ¥110–180 for children.
Available passes:
- Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass: ¥1,100 (adults)
- Subway 1-Day Pass: ¥800 (adults)
IC cards are widely accepted across Kyoto.
15 Must-See Attractions in Kyoto
- Fushimi Inari Taisha — famous for its thousands of red torii gates
- Kiyomizu-dera — a Buddhist temple with panoramic views of the city
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Gion District — Kyoto’s traditional geisha neighborhood
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
- Nijō Castle
- Philosopher’s Path — a scenic canal walk, especially beautiful in spring
- Tō-ji Temple — home to Japan’s tallest five-story pagoda
- Heian Shrine
- Nanzen-ji Temple
- Ryoan-ji Temple — with its famous Zen rock garden
- Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Fushimi Sake District — breweries and sake tastings
- Eikan-do Temple — stunning in autumn
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Best Day Trips from Kyoto
Kyoto is an ideal base for exploring nearby cities:
- Nara (45 min) — famous for friendly deer and UNESCO temples
- Uji (30 min) — the birthplace of premium matcha
- Osaka (30–50 min)
- Himeji (1h30) — home to Japan’s most beautiful castle
- Wakayama (1h)
- Kobe (50 min) — known for Kobe beef
Unique Experiences to Try in Kyoto
- Traditional tea ceremony (especially in Higashiyama or Gion)
- Kimono rental — around €15–20, including hairstyle and accessories
- Kaiseki dinner
- Matcha tasting and wagashi (traditional sweets)
- Samurai/Kendo experience — train with professionals and try a practice match
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Happy travels! 🥰
