Higashiyama and Gion
A full day on foot
The eastern hills and the old streets below them. Kiyomizu-dera, the stone lanes of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, Kodai-ji, Yasaka Shrine and Gion join up as one downhill walk, best finished in Gion around dusk.
Kyoto at a Glance
- region
- Kansai
- best For
- Culture, history, temples, cherry blossoms, autumn foliage
- best Time
- Late Mar–early Apr (blossom), mid-Nov–early Dec (foliage)
- suggested Stay
- 3–4 days
- main Station
- Kyoto Station (Tokaido Shinkansen)
- nearby Destinations
- Osaka, Nara, Kobe
Visiting Kyoto: Japan's Ancient Capital of Temples and Tradition
Kyoto, Japan's former imperial capital, rewards planning by area rather than by a list of sights. Its best-known places sit in four clusters that take real time to cross: Higashiyama in the east (Kiyomizu-dera, Gion and Yasaka Shrine), Arashiyama in the west, the northwest temples around Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji, and the south near Kyoto Station, where Fushimi Inari is two stops away by train. With three to four days, give Higashiyama and Arashiyama most of a day each and fit Fushimi Inari into a morning. With one day, choose one cluster plus Fushimi Inari rather than trying to cross the city.
•5 min read
Top Attractions in Kyoto
Ranked for a first trip by how much each place shows of Kyoto and how easily it fits a day in its area. Half-day trips out of the center (Kurama and Kibune, Uji, Daigo-ji) and specialist sights are under All Attractions.
View all Kyoto attractions →
1
Fushimi
Fushimi Inari Taisha
- Entry
- Free
- Best time
- Early morning
- Time needed
- Under 1 hour
2
Kita / Northern Kyoto
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Entry
- ¥500 adults
- Best time
- At the 9:00 AM opening
- Time needed
- 1 to 1.5 hours
3
Higashiyama
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Entry
- ¥500 adults
- Best time
- At the 6:00 AM opening
- Time needed
- 1.5 to 2.5 hours
4
Arashiyama
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Entry
- Free
- Best time
- Early morning
- Time needed
- Half a day
5
Gion / Higashiyama
Gion District
- Entry
- Free to walk the public streets
- Best time
- Early evening
- Time needed
- 1 to 2 hours on foot
6
Central Kyoto / Kawaramachi
Nishiki Market
- Entry
- Free
- Best time
- Weekday late morning
- Time needed
- 1 to 1.5 hours
7
Higashiyama
Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka
- Entry
- Free
- Best time
- Early morning
- Time needed
- About an hour to walk and browse
8
Okazaki / Higashiyama
Philosopher's Path
- Entry
- Free
- Best time
- Cherry blossom season
- Time needed
- About an hour for the walk
9
Okazaki / Higashiyama
Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
- Entry
- ¥1,000 high school and older
- Best time
- At opening
- Time needed
- About 30 minutes
10
Central Kyoto
Nijo Castle
- Entry
- ¥800 castle grounds
- Best time
- At the 8:45 AM opening
- Time needed
- 1.5 to 2.5 hours
11
Arashiyama
Tenryu-ji Temple
- Entry
- Garden ¥500
- Best time
- At 8:30 AM opening
- Time needed
- 1 to 2 hours
12
Northwest Kyoto
Ryoan-ji Temple
- Entry
- ¥600 adults
- Best time
- at the opening hour on a weekday
- Time needed
- About 1 hour, including the pond
Plan your Kyoto days
Kyoto rewards planning by area. Sights inside one area are close enough to walk between; moving between areas means a bus or train ride that eats into the day. Choose areas first, then the sights inside them.
First time in Kyoto?
- Do these first
- Walk up to Kiyomizu-dera and down through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka toward Gion, and climb at least part of Fushimi Inari early in the morning, before the lower torii tunnels fill.
- Decide early
- Whether to give Arashiyama a whole day. It sits on the western edge of the city, so it works as its own outing rather than a stop between other sights.
- Add if you have time
- Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji in the northwest, the Philosopher's Path from Ginkaku-ji toward Nanzen-ji, and Nishiki Market for lunch in the center.
- Fine to skip on a short trip
- Kyoto Tower, and the half-day trips north to Kurama and Kibune or south to Uji. They reward a longer stay but cost a first visit most of a day.
How much time do you have?
- One day
- Fushimi Inari first thing (a 5-minute JR Nara Line ride from Kyoto Station to Inari Station), then the rest of the day in Higashiyama: Kiyomizu-dera, the Sannenzaka lanes, Yasaka Shrine and Gion at dusk. Adding Arashiyama or Kinkaku-ji as well would mean more time on buses than in temples.
- Two days
- Day one as above. Day two in Arashiyama: the Bamboo Grove early, then Tenryu-ji beside it and the riverside.
- Three or four days
- Add the northwest temples (Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji) one morning, the Philosopher's Path with Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji another, and central Kyoto (Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market, Pontocho in the evening). A fourth day fits Nara or Uji. Kyoto in 5 Days lays this out day by day.
How Kyoto fits together
These six areas hold the sights most first trips are built around. Walk within an area; take a train, the subway or a bus between them.
Arashiyama
A full day
On the western edge of the city. The Bamboo Grove runs beside Tenryu-ji, so the two pair naturally; go early for the grove. The JR Sagano Line, the Randen tram and the Hankyu line all reach the area.
Kyoto Station and the south
Mornings and travel days
Fushimi Inari is two stops (5 minutes) from Kyoto Station on the JR Nara Line. Toji, Kyoto Tower and the Kyoto Railway Museum are close to the station, which makes them easy on arrival and departure days.
Northwest temples
A morning
Kinkaku-ji opens at 9:00 AM. Ryoan-ji and its rock garden lie to the southwest along the same road. No train station is close, so most visitors arrive by city bus.
Northern Higashiyama and Okazaki
Half a day
The Philosopher's Path follows a canal from Ginkaku-ji toward the Nanzen-ji area, and Heian Shrine is a short walk further, in Okazaki. The path is at its best in cherry blossom season and autumn.
Central Kyoto
Around the other areas
Nijo Castle, the Imperial Palace, Nishiki Market and Pontocho sit on the subway or a short walk from Karasuma and Kawaramachi, so they fit around the other areas. Nishiki Market is a covered arcade, useful on a rainy day.
Choose by situation
- With children
- The Kyoto Railway Museum is the easiest family morning. Pair one distant temple with a walkable area rather than stacking several bus rides into one day.
- Rainy day
- Nishiki Market is covered, and Nijo Castle's palace is seen indoors. Keep the Bamboo Grove and the Fushimi Inari climb for a dry day.
- Peak blossom or foliage weeks
- Go to the busiest sight of your day at opening time and leave the afternoon for a quieter area. The Best Time section below lists the weeks to avoid.
Kyoto has no single line that connects every area quickly. City buses reach temples that trains do not, but routes toward Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera crowd from late morning; trains and the subway are faster for Arashiyama, Fushimi and central Kyoto. Getting Around Kyoto covers each option.
Why Visit Kyoto?
Quick Answer
Kyoto, Japan's imperial capital for more than a thousand years, has over a thousand temples and shrines and about a fifth of Japan's National Treasures. It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants culture on foot. Plan by area and start early to avoid the worst crowds.
The vermilion torii of Fushimi Inari Taisha, the bamboo of Arashiyama and the wooden townhouses of Gion are not isolated sights but parts of a city that kept much of its old character.
The trade-off is crowds. The famous sights are busiest from late March to early April, from mid-November into early December, and from late morning on almost any day. The Kyoto visitors remember usually comes from timing: the headline sight at opening time, then a quieter area for the afternoon.
Kyoto suits travelers who want temples, gardens, crafts and food in one place and are happy to walk. It is slower than Tokyo or Osaka and quiet at night outside Gion and Pontocho. If nightlife and shopping matter most, base yourself in Osaka and visit Kyoto by train.
How to Get to Kyoto
Quick Answer
Most international visitors reach Kyoto via Kansai Airport on the JR Haruka Express (¥3,060 non-reserved, ~75–80 min, JR Pass covered) directly to Kyoto Station. From Tokyo, the Tokaido Shinkansen reaches Kyoto in about 2 hours 10 minutes on the fastest Nozomi.
Kyoto has no international airport of its own; most travelers arrive via Kansai International Airport (KIX) near Osaka, about 75–90 minutes away, or by Shinkansen directly from Tokyo, Osaka, or other major cities. For most international travelers, Kansai International Airport is the most convenient gateway to Kyoto.
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
- Travel time
- 75–90 minutes
- Distance
- 95 km (59 miles)
- Best for
- Most international visitors
Osaka Itami Airport (ITM)
- Travel time
- 50–55 minutes by airport bus
- Distance
- 50 km (31 miles)
- Best for
- Domestic flights within Japan
Tokyo Haneda/Narita
- Travel time
- 2–3 hours by Shinkansen
- Distance
- 450+ km (280+ miles)
- Best for
- Travelers combining Tokyo and Kyoto
Choose Kansai Airport: if Kyoto is your first destination in Japan. It offers the fastest and simplest access to the city.
From Kansai International Airport (KIX)
From Osaka Itami Airport (ITM)
Getting to Kyoto from Tokyo
The Tokaido Shinkansen connects Tokyo Station directly with Kyoto Station and is one of the busiest high-speed rail routes in the world.
Nozomi (fastest)About 2 hours 10 minutes; ¥14,170 with a reserved seat
HikariAbout 2 hours 50 minutes
JR Pass Coverage
- Hikari Shinkansen: Fully covered by the JR Pass
- Kodama Shinkansen: Fully covered by the JR Pass
- Nozomi Shinkansen: Requires a separate discounted supplement ticket available only to JR Pass holders, rather than being fully covered
Flights between Tokyo and Osaka are available, but when airport transfers and security procedures are included, the Shinkansen is usually faster and more convenient.
Arriving at Kyoto Station
Kyoto Station is the city's main transportation hub and provides direct access to local JR trains, Kyoto City Buses, subway lines, airport buses, and regional trains to Osaka, Nara, Kobe, and Uji. Many major hotels are located within walking distance of the station.
- •Local JR trains
- •Kyoto City Buses
- •Subway lines
- •Airport buses
- •Regional trains to Osaka, Nara, Kobe, and Uji
Recommended
For most international visitors, the JR Haruka Express from Kansai Airport is the best way to reach Kyoto. It offers a direct connection to Kyoto Station, comfortable seating, luggage space, and full coverage under the Japan Rail Pass. Travelers coming from Tokyo should take the Tokaido Shinkansen, which provides the fastest and most convenient connection between Japan's two most popular tourist destinations.
Landing at Kansai Airport? Kansai Airport to Kyoto: routes, fares and luggage
This covers airport access only. For subway lines, IC cards, tickets, and rush hour, see the full transportation guide.
Read the full Getting Around Kyoto guide →Best Time to Visit Kyoto
Quick Answer
Spring (late March–early April) for cherry blossoms and autumn (mid-November–early December) for foliage are Kyoto's best seasons. Avoid Golden Week (late April–early May) and Obon (mid-August) when attractions are most crowded and hotel rates spike.
Kyoto's two best seasons are also its most crowded: cherry blossom from late March to early April, and autumn color from mid-November to early December. Book rooms early for either and reach the famous sights at opening time. Summer is hot and humid but has the Gion Matsuri; winter is the quietest season.
Spring (March to May)
Cherry blossoms typically bloom from late March to early April at Maruyama Park, the Philosopher's Path, Heian Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera. Temperatures are mild, generally 50°F–75°F (10°C–24°C), good for walking between temples. Peak bloom brings the largest crowds and highest hotel prices of the year.
Summer (June to August)
Hot and humid, often 85°F–95°F (29°C–35°C). June is part of Japan's rainy season. July brings the Gion Matsuri, with large decorated floats and processions through the month. Sightsee early in the morning and in the evening.
Autumn (October to November)
October is comfortable and less crowded than the foliage weeks. Color peaks from mid-November through early December at Tofuku-ji, Eikando, Arashiyama, Nanzen-ji and Kiyomizu-dera, where weekend lines at the major temples can be long.
Winter (December to February)
The quietest season, generally 35°F–55°F (2°C–13°C). Occasional snow on Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera is worth watching the forecast for. Gardens are less colorful, but crowds and hotel prices are lower.
Times to avoid if you can
- Golden Week (late April to early May): one of Japan's busiest holiday periods; attractions are crowded and trains and hotels book out early.
- Peak blossom and foliage weekends: Gion, Maruyama Park and the Philosopher's Path are hard to enjoy at midday.
- Obon (mid-August): crowded trains, fully booked hotels and higher prices.
Best overall months
- Late March to early April for cherry blossoms
- Mid-November to early December for autumn foliage
- October for comfortable weather and fewer crowds
- February for thinner crowds in the coldest month
For a first visit, November is the safest choice: mild days and autumn color, as long as you book rooms early and reach the famous sights at opening time.
Where to Stay in Kyoto
Quick Answer
Gion is the best base if you want to walk to the Higashiyama temples and be in the old streets after the day crowds leave. Kyoto Station area suits day-trippers and JR Pass users, Kawaramachi is best for food and shopping, and Arashiyama is quiet in the evening but a long ride from everything else.
Choose a base by how you will spend your days: near Kyoto Station for arrival, departure and day trips, Gion or Kawaramachi for walking to Higashiyama and eating out, Arashiyama for quiet evenings. Each card below gives the trade-off.
Gion
Best for: first-timers who want to walk to Higashiyama and be out in the evening
Trade-off: the lanes are crowded by day, and Kyoto Station is a bus or taxi ride away.
Kyoto Station Area
Best for: arrival and departure days, JR Pass users and day trips to Nara or Osaka
Trade-off: modern and less atmospheric; Higashiyama and Gion are a bus ride away.
Downtown Kyoto (Kawaramachi)
Best for: restaurants, Nishiki Market and Pontocho on foot
Trade-off: busy and commercial, with no JR station; Kyoto Station trips go by subway or bus.
Arashiyama
Best for: quiet evenings and the Bamboo Grove before the crowds
Trade-off: a long ride from Higashiyama and Fushimi Inari, so better as a second base than a first.
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