City guides / Kyoto
Kyoto travel guide
Temples, machiya streets and the tightest cherry-blossom calendar anywhere.
Kyoto, Japan · Local currency JPY · Time zone Asia/Tokyo
Best time to visit Kyoto
Flights and hotels are cheapest in January, February, December. Expect to pay the most in April, July, August, October, November.
Post-New Year lull.
Cold weather deters visitors.
Sakura (cherry blossom) season begins late month.
Peak cherry blossom season attracts many tourists.
Moderate crowds with pleasant weather.
Start of the rainy season, but still a popular time.
Summer festivals bring in visitors despite the heat.
Hot and humid, but festivals continue to attract tourists.
Typhoon season begins, but tourism remains stable.
Popular season for autumn leaves viewing.
High tourist activity for autumn colors.
Winter season starts, fewer visitors.
Getting around Kyoto
Public transport
Public transportation is highly reliable with frequent trains and buses. Payments can be made using IC cards like Suica or PASMO, which are convenient for travel.
Driving and parking (8/10 difficulty)
Parking in Kyoto can be difficult due to limited spaces and high fees. It’s advisable to use public transport instead, as many areas are not car-friendly.
How locals get around
Locals primarily use public transport for commuting. It's polite to remain quiet on public transit and give up seats for the elderly or disabled.
Local customs in Kyoto
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Japan. Service charges are included in bills, so it's best to show appreciation through polite words instead.
What to wear
Visitors should dress modestly, especially at religious sites. For shrines and temples, it's polite to wear attire that covers shoulders and knees.
Cards and cash
Cash is the most widely accepted payment method in Kyoto, although cards are increasingly accepted in major establishments. It's advised to carry yen, particularly for small vendors or in traditional districts.
Phrases worth knowing
- Arigatou gozaimasu
- — Thank you very much. Use this after receiving service or assistance.
- Sumimasen
- — Excuse me/I'm sorry. Use this to get someone's attention or to apologize for a minor inconvenience.
- Eigo o hanasemasu ka?
- — Do you speak English? Use this when you need assistance in English.
- Koko wa doko desu ka?
- — Where am I? Use this when you need to identify your location.
- Oishii desu
- — It's delicious. Use this to compliment food that you enjoy.
Plan a Kyoto trip in a couple of minutes
Journi builds a day-by-day Kyoto itinerary around how you travel — stays, food near each day's activities, hidden gems and a packing list, with costs as you go.
Plan a trip to Kyoto