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Kyoto

Ancient capital of Japan — temples, shrines, and living tradition.

GEOGRAPHY—CITIESJPKYOTO

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35.0116°N, 135.7681°E

ABOUT

Japan's ancient capital for nearly 1,000 years from 794 CE. Home to numerous World Heritage sites — Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari — where traditions like the Gion Festival, tea ceremony, and geisha culture remain vibrant today.

WHERE TO STAY

Compare hotels, ryokan and guesthouses in Kyoto (京都) on Booking.com — free cancellation on most stays.

Search Kyoto hotels ↗

THINGS TO DO

Guided tours, day trips and experiences in Kyoto, booked through GetYourGuide (free cancellation up to 24h before on most).

Browse all Kyoto experiences ↗

CITY DATA

PopulationPOPULATION

Approx. 1,460,000 (largest city in Kyoto Prefecture)

AreaAREA

827.90 km²

ClimateCLIMATE

Inland humid subtropical climate — scorching summers (over 35°C) and bitterly cold winters, annual rainfall: approx. 1,500mm

TransportTRANSPORT

AIRPORTKansai International Airport (→ Kyoto Station: ~75 min by limited express) / Itami Airport (→ Kyoto Station: ~55 min by bus)

SHINKANSENKyoto Station (Tokaido / Sanyo Shinkansen)

LOCALJR, Kyoto Municipal Subway, Hankyu, Keihan, Kintetsu — buses also cover all major sightseeing spots

SightsSIGHTS

Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama, Nijo Castle, Gion & Hanamikoji

GETTING TO KYOTO

From Tokyo~2 h 10 m · ≈ ¥14,000

Tokaido Shinkansen

From Shin-Osaka~15 m · ≈ ¥1,450

Tokaido Shinkansen

From Kanazawa~2 h 5 m · ≈ ¥7,000

Limited Express Thunderbird

From Hiroshima~1 h 40 m · ≈ ¥11,300

Sanyo + Tokaido Shinkansen

Fares are one-way estimates. If you are hopping between several cities by shinkansen, a Japan Rail Pass can come out cheaper than paying per trip — check whether the maths works for your route.