It can be hard to decide what to do in Kyoto when you’re planning your adventure. The city is steeped with history and traditional Japanese culture. Between that and all of the amazing food it can be easy to fill up a week in the city. We were able to spend a week in Kyoto and surrounding area but would return in a heartbeat!
Keep reading to find out how to get to Kyoto, where to stay in Kyoto, and what to do in Kyoto for a truly memorable experience. We cannot recommend the city enough especially if you’re ready to take a step back from the hustle-and-bustle of Tokyo or Osaka. You’ll also be able to take a lot of amazing day trips from Kyoto when you travel with your JR Pass.
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How To Get to Kyoto
Where is Kyoto?
The City of Kyoto is the capital of the Kyoto Prefecture in the Kansai Region of Japan. It’s part of the Golden Route in Japan which is the group of cities tourists usually take on their first trip to Japan. You can easily reach Kyoto from just about anywhere in Japan.
Getting to Kyoto from Tokyo
Tokyo to Kyoto By Car
You can make the trip from Tokyo to Kyoto by car if you decide to rent one while in Japan. To be honest, we wouldn’t recommend this option unless you really want to drive. The trip will take you about 5 or 6 hours not including stops along the way. Japan’s highways also have notoriously high tolls so expect to spend about ¥10,000 ($119 CAD/$94 USD) on that. Add the cost of the rental and gas for the trip and it’s really not a bargain.
Tokyo to Kyoto By Bus
The bus will take you a bit longer (6-9 hours) depending on the traffic and what time you leave. On the other hand, you’ll be saving money, you won’t be driving yourself, and buses in Japan can be surprisingly comfortable! The bus is a great option if you’re not in a rush and you’ll have more time to plan what to do in Kyoto.
You can book your Tokyo to Kyoto bus tickets online by visiting the Kosoku Bus website. They have a lot of options at an average of ¥6,000-¥9,000 depending on the type of bus you take. You can even take an ultra-comfortable overnight bus so you can sleep during the journey and arrive for a full day in Kyoto.
Tokyo to Kyoto By Shinkansen
The best way to get from Tokyo to Kyoto is definitely the Shinkansen. These high-speed trains will get you between the two cities in about 2hrs and 45mins. A one-way trip costs ¥13,320 ($159 CAD/$125 USD) for a non-reserved seat or around ¥14,000 ($167 CAD/$131 USD) for reserved. The trains are incredibly comfortable with tons of arm and leg room.
This trip, including reserved seats, are covered by the JR Pass if you decide to pick one up (which you really should!). A return trip between Tokyo and Kyoto is about the same as a week-long JR Pass so it’s a must-have if you plan on visiting both. If you add the other local JR Train trips within each city you’ll be saving a lot of money with the JR Pass!
Getting To Kyoto from Osaka
Osaka to Kyoto by Car
Osaka is only about 55km (31 miles) from Kyoto. So, if you want to drive from Osaka to Kyoto it would only take you about 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. You also won’t be able to escape the tolls so expect to pay another ¥2,500 ($30 CAD/$23 USD) for the trip. Even though it’s not a far drive, we still don’t recommend it because there are much better options.
Osaka to Kyoto by Bus
Just like the bus from Tokyo to Kyoto, this is a good option if you really don’t want to take a train. The bus from Osaka to Kyoto will take you about 2 hours and cost only ¥900 ($11 CAD/$9 USD). The main downside to this is you can only get the bus from the Universal Studios Japan station. It’s not the most convenient way to get from Osaka to Kyoto but it will save on travel costs if you don’t have a JR Pass.
Osaka to Kyoto by Train
You have two options if you want to take the train from Osaka to Kyoto. The first option is taking local trains because the two cities are pretty close to each other. Keep an eye out for either the JR Line or the Hankyu Line for the fastest way to get to Kyoto. Get yourself to either Osaka Station (JR Line) or Hankyu Umeda Station (Hankyu) and you’ll get to Kyoto with no transfers. Use your JR Pass for the JR Line or your SUICA Card for Hankyu.
The absolute fastest way to get from Osaka to Kyoto is on the Shinkansen. These high-speed trains will get you from Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station in about 35 minutes and cost ¥1,420 ($17 CAD/$13 USD) for a non-reserved seat. This is another great reason to get the JR Pass because it includes unlimited rides on the Shinkansen between Osaka and Kyoto! We took full advantage of this during our trip to Japan.
Getting Around Kyoto
Keep Your Suica Card Close
Japan has an amazing public transportation network and Kyoto is no different. You can get just about anywhere in the city pretty fast by using the bus, train, or subway. Most of the main attractions in Kyoto are either right next to a stop or within a short walk.
We’ll talk more about where to stay in Kyoto next but we do recommend staying close to Kyoto Station. This is the city’s main hub so you’re guaranteed to find a way to where you need to go. You’ll be able to use your SUICA Card for most trips but the JR Pass is still very handy. You can use your JR Pass to get to places like Fushimi Inari Shrine or Arashiyama Forest in no time!
Taking a Taxi in Kyoto
If you want a more direct route from Point A to Point B you can take a taxi in Kyoto. You can get one right outside of Kyoto Station to your hotel or sightseeing spot. Also, you can ask the front desk of your hotel to call a cab for you and it will be outside in no time.
There are two things to keep in mind when taking a taxi in Kyoto (or Japan in general). First, taxis can be very expensive especially when public transport is cheap and readily available. We only suggest taking a taxi in Kyoto if there is no other option. Second thing to know is that many taxi drivers speak little to no English. You should either get your hotel to write down the address or have it on your phone so you can just show the driver where you want to go.
Where to Stay in Kyoto
Better Value Than Tokyo
If you’re planning to stay in Tokyo for part of your trip to Japan then you already know how pricey hotels can be. The city is always in high-demand so even the smallest rooms can go for a premium. You can expect to pay an average of $200 CAD ($158 USD) per night for a mid-range hotel.
Kyoto, on the other hand, is much easier on your trip budget. There are a few fancy hotels but you can get a mid-range hotel in Kyoto for about half of Tokyo’s prices. No matter what type of hotel you’re planning on booking, your best bet is to stay near-ish to Kyoto Station. You’ll be close to the main transport hub so you can get almost anywhere in the city.
Citadines Hotel Kyoto
If you’re looking for a great hotel with big rooms then we recommend the Citadines Karasuma-Gojo Hotel in Kyoto. The hotel is located just steps from Gojo Station which is one stop away from Kyoto Station. You can either take the subway between stations or walk in less than 15 minutes. It is also about 15 minute walk from Nishiki Market and the Gion District. It really is the perfect location!
The Citadines Karasuma-Gojo Hotel has all of the amenities you’d need including a gym and self-serve laundry. The rooms are also HUGE with a kitchenette, private bathroom, and balcony included with your Single, Queen, or King bed. The room we chose was at least triple the size of our room at the Tokyu Stay Ginza for less than half the price!
What to Eat in Kyoto
One of the hardest decisions you have to make while you’re in Japan is what to eat because everything is amazing! Restaurants in Kyoto are no different with tons of options for ramen, sushi, okonomiyaki, and yakiniku. No matter where you are in Kyoto you are not far from some truly delicious options.
Ramen in Kyoto
We became obsessed with ramen during our trip to Japan. Ramen restaurants in Kyoto are similar to the rest of Japan where you can find anything from large chains to small, family-owned ramen shops. You can find just about any type of noodle in any type of broth all around Kyoto.
Best Ramen near Citadines Karasuma-Gojo Kyoto
If you’re staying near our recommended hotel, the Citadines Karasuma-Gojo Kyoto, then there is a great ramen shop nearby. Make the 5 minute walk from your hotel (or get to Gojo Station first) and head to Taihou just North of Higashi-Honganji Temple. This little ramen restaurant in Kyoto has an amazingly rich broth with fresh noodles and mouth-watering karaage.
Soba Noodles in Kyoto
Another great restaurant in Kyoto that happens to be by the Citadines Karasuma-Gojo is Sobanomi Yoshimura. This tasty spot is located right at Entrance/Exit 1 of Gojo Station and makes a Kyoto speciality – soba. There might be a line depending on when you visit but it is so worth the wait. You can even watch the noodles being made while you wait!
Soba noodles are made from buckwheat so they have a bit of a different taste and texture than the usual ramen noodles. High-quality soba is notoriously hard to work with so you’ll want to find a place like Sobanomi Yoshimura for the best experience. You can order a bowl a la carte or as part of a meal for the best value. Sobanomi Yoshimura is a must-try if you find yourself in the area.
Omurice in Kyoto
If you’re not familiar with omurice (pronounced oh-moo-rice) then let us introduce you to this hybrid dish. The dish is essentially a fluffy or slightly runny omelette served over a mound of rice. It’s then smothered in a beef demi-glace or tomato-based sauce. It’s really hard to truly describe the taste but the flavours come together beautifully!
The Famous Kichi Kichi Omurice Kyoto
No conversation about omurice in Kyoto is complete without at least mentioning Kichi Kichi Omurice. This speciality spot has been made world famous after being featured on Buzzfeed’s Worth It and other foodie shows. The restaurant is tiny and notoriously difficult to get in to, so like us, you might not get lucky. The upside is that there are other great omurice restaurants in Kyoto to satisfy your craving.
Omurice in Kyoto Station
One great option for omurice, especially if you’re at or near Kyoto Station, is Touyoutei located in the Porta area. Follow the signs leading you to the Porta area located on one of the lower levels. The area is full of shops and restaurants but the one you’re looking for is Touyoutei in the North-West corner.
Touyoutei specializes in Yoshoku which is Japanese fusion cuisine with a Western influence. This type of cooking is where we get food like omurice and hamburg steak. Touyoutei has mouth-watering versions of both but go for omurice if you have to choose.
Touyoutei Kyoto Station is also home to the Best. Tomato. Ever. I know it sounds strange to be raving about a single tomato but honestly it is out of this world. It comes as part of a prix fixe menu or ordered separately. Either way, you really need to try this tomato!
Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market in Kyoto is a great place to go if you’re not sure what you’re in the mood to eat. There is just about any type of food you can think of from sushi to steak and from breakfast to a late-night snack. We recommend wandering until you find a truly unique treat: mini-octopus stuffed with egg. It might sound strange but trust us it’s worth trying!
There is a lot to discover in the market so plan to spend at least half a day exploring. You will love getting lost in the seemingly endless rows of shops, restaurants, activity centres, and food stalls. We recommend stopping at a few smaller stalls so you can sample a lot of different dishes to give you energy to discover more of Nishiki Market.
Fluffy Pancakes In Kyoto
Nishiki Market in Kyoto is also home to a restaurant that serves fluffy, Japanese-style pancakes. Well, technically it’s on the outskirts of the market so it’s actually a great place to go before your Nishiki Market exploring. Make your way to the Northeast corner of Nishiki Market and have breakfast at A Happy Pancake.
Now, even though you have the address for A Happy Pancake, the Kyoto location is still a bit tricky to find. When you arrive at the address you need to head inside to take the elevator (or stairs) to the 2nd floor. You’ll find A Happy Pancake at the end of a narrow corridor lined with chairs for waiting customers. We strongly recommend arriving at or a little before opening to avoid a long line. On busy days, the line will stretch all the way along the hall and down the stairs!
Once inside, treat yourself to one of their many different sweet or savoury pancakes. Kailey chose the Black Tea Pancake with Granola while Mark went for the Seasonal Berry Pancakes – both were so good we couldn’t decide which was best! The pancakes take about 20 minutes to cook so get yourself a matcha latte to sip on while you wait.
Yakiniku in Kyoto
Yakiniku is a type of self-serve Japanese BBQ that you must try at least once during your trip to Japan. You sit at a table with a grill or hotplate, order the types of meat and vegetables you want, and cook it to your liking. The staff are usually very friendly and able to help you figure it out if you’re not exactly sure what to do or how long to cook your items.
Family-Run Yakiniku in Kyoto
We tried a few different Yakiniku restaurants during our trip to Japan but our meal in Kyoto stands out as a favourite. After a long day of exploring Kyoto, we decided to find something close to our hotel. Luckily, we found Kaneko just around the corner from the Citadines Karasuma-Gojo for a truly memorable meal. We were also able to get right in since we visited Japan in the winter.
This small, family run restaurant serves high-quality ingredients without emptying your wallet. We were greeted by the owner, his wife, and their daughter before being led to one of their two grill-top tables. They have an English Menu with pictures so it is really easy to order. We recommend getting the Prime Sampler Platter for a great selection or order a la carte if you already have a favourite.
What to Do in Kyoto
So Much To See, So Little Time
We spent a week in Kyoto and saw a lot but still didn’t get to see it all. Granted, we took a few day trips to Hiroshima, Osaka, and Universal Studios Japan but they were so worth it. We recommend you spend at least a week in Kyoto to include all you want to see plus any day trips.
You will need to prioritize what you want to see for your Kyoto itinerary. Having a SUICA Card and a JR Pass will definitely be a big help to get you around town so make sure to keep them close. Here’s our list of the Kyoto highlights and some tips to get the most out of your visit:
Fushimi Inari-Taisha
Fushimi Inari-taisha is probably the most famous site in Kyoto that draws millions of visitors every year. It’s easy to see why it is so popular with the seemingly endless rows of torii gates surrounded by natural beauty. This is an absolute must-see during your trip to Kyoto.
You can get there by using your JR Pass on the Nara Line to Inari Station. The Shrine grounds are open 24hrs a day so you can visit whenever you want. It does get really busy starting at 8am so be there early or after sunset for a quieter experience. We arrived at 7:15 AM and felt like it was the perfect time. The grounds were so much busier by the time we left at 9 AM.
You can walk up the mountain through the thousands of torii gates and serene forest. The hike all the way up takes about 2-3 hours but there is a path back down after 30-40 minutes. There is a beautiful panoramic view of Kyoto at this point so we suggest hiking up to there then following the downward path.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
The next iconic image that comes to mind when you think of what to do in Kyoto is the seemingly endless trail lined with towering bamboo. This is the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest located in the Northwest of Kyoto. Grab your JR Pass and get to Kyoto Station in order to hop on the San-In Line towards Saga-Arashiyama. From there, you have a short 10 minute walk to one of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest entrances.
There are many shrines and temples around and inside the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove but they are huge tourist magnets. If temples are your thing, be sure to get there early (8am at the latest) to get your fill and then wander through the forest. The forest paths can get busy too but there are kilometres of them so you can find some space. Most tourists tend to congregate near the entrances so head deeper into the forest to feel like you have it to yourself.
Kimono Forest Kyoto
One of Kyoto’s most underrated attractions is just a 10 minute walk from Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. On your way back to Saga-Arashiyama Station be sure to stop at Arashiyama Station (heads up it’s a different station) to wander through Kyoto’s Kimono Forest. This was definitely a highlight of our trip to Japan and we recommend you check it out!
This permanent art exhibit is amazing! Each acrylic post has samples of kimono textiles made by a company that has been making garments for over 100 years. Wandering through the 600+ pillars really gives you a new appreciation for how intricate kimonos are up close. If you arrive between sunset and about 9pm they will be illuminated for an even more magical experience. Another great part of the Kimono Forest is that it’s free!
Kinkaku-Ji Temple
Ever thought to yourself “Yeah, these temples are great and all but what if they were covered in gold??”. If so, you need to head to the Kyoto’s famous Golden Temple: Kinkaku-ji. This gilded temple is quite the sight to see nestled amongst the green trees and tranquil pond. The top two stories of this temple are completely covered in over 20lbs of pure Kanazawa Gold Leaf!
Admission to the grounds is ¥400 and is worth every penny. After soaking in the glory of Kinkaku-ji you can wander the gardens, take in the natural beauty, and explore other shrines on the grounds. The Kinkaku-ji temple grounds can get busy but there are dozens of great vantage points for photos. There is no train station nearby but you can still use your SUICA Card to hop on a bus that will drop you off a few blocks away.
Gion District Kyoto
For a truly traditional Japanese architectural experience then head to Kyoto’s Gion District. Most of Kyoto is a modern, concrete city but walking through the Gion District is like stepping back in time. The roads are lined with traditional Japanese homes and shops surrounding the famous Yasaka Pagoda at Hokan-ji Temple.
This is another tourist-heavy area of Kyoto so try and get there early to have the streets to yourself. Also, keep your eyes open for “No Photography” signs as some of the private roads really discourage tourists taking snapshots. You’ll be fine taking a quick photo on your phone but don’t expect to be able to get your tripod out and pose for the ‘gram.
Be sure to also stop at Kongo-ji Temple while wandering around Kyoto’s Gion District. This Temple is decorated with thousands of kukurizaru that are quite the sight. You can even make a donation to the temple and write your wish on one of these colourful balls to see if it comes true!
What to Do in Kyoto? Enjoy it!
You will really enjoy any time you spend in Kyoto whether it is a few days or a few weeks. There is so much to do and see in the city and surrounding area that you can fill up just about any Kyoto itinerary. No matter if you are looking for what to do in Kyoto, what to eat in Kyoto, or where to stay in Kyoto there will always be tons of great answers!
Our trip to Kyoto is one of our most treasured travel memories. We hope our guide and recommendations help you have a similar experience that you will keep with you forever. Let us know your favourite things to do in Kyoto in the comments below!
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