Destination guide

Kyoto

Aster compares live fares across economy, premium economy, business and first - scored against your budget, sleep and legroom, with a straight answer on whether the upgrade is worth it.

Ask Aster for flights to Kyoto

Kyoto was Japan's capital for over a thousand years, and it is still the country's cultural heart. Wooden temples, quiet gardens, geisha districts and tea houses survive among a modern city, and the surrounding hills are green and calm.

It rewards slow exploration. Visit early, walk between sights, and leave time for a garden or a cup of tea.

How many days: 3

Three days covers the main temples, a bamboo grove, a geisha district and a day in the hills. Four lets you slow down or add a day trip.

Start early at the most popular sights, as they fill up by mid-morning.

What to do in Kyoto

Walk the torii gates at Fushimi Inari
Thousands of orange gates line a trail up a wooded hill. Go early or late to avoid the crowds.
Visit Kinkaku-ji
The Golden Pavilion, covered in gold leaf, reflects in a pond. Very popular.
Walk through the Arashiyama bamboo grove
A path between tall bamboo stems. Go early for a calm experience.
Stroll through Gion
A historic district of wooden teahouses. Be respectful, and do not chase or block geisha.
Visit Kiyomizu-dera
A wooden temple on a hillside with a large terrace. The lanes leading up are lined with shops.
See a quiet garden
Kyoto's Zen gardens, such as at Ryoan-ji, are best seen slowly. Sit and look.
Walk the Philosopher's Path
A canal-side path lined with cherry trees. Beautiful in spring.
Join a tea ceremony
A guided ceremony explains the ritual and etiquette. Book through a reputable host.
Climb to a hillside shrine view
Several temples sit above the city, with views over the rooftops. A good way to see how the city fits into the hills.
Visit a Zen temple for a morning meditation
Some temples welcome visitors for short sessions. Check the official site for details.
Take a day trip to Nara
A short train ride away, with a large Buddha and free-roaming deer. Do not feed deer anything other than approved crackers.
Cycle along the river
The Kamo river has flat paths with stepping stones and herons. A relaxed way to see the city.

What to eat and drink

Kaiseki
A multi-course meal of small, seasonal dishes. A special experience.
Tofu and yuba
Kyoto is known for fresh tofu and the skin that forms on soy milk. Often served in temple cuisine.
Matcha sweets
Green tea ice cream, cakes and tea itself are everywhere.
Nishiki Market
A narrow covered market with pickles, seafood and snacks. Eat as you walk, but follow local etiquette.
Ramen
Kyoto's ramen is often rich and savoury. Look for the long queues.
Obanzai
Home-style Kyoto small plates, served in casual restaurants.
Soba and udon noodles
Warm or cold noodles served simply. A light and filling lunch.
Wagashi and sweets with tea
Small, seasonal confections, made to be eaten with green tea.

Getting around

Buses and trains cover the city, and the subway is simple but limited. A contactless transport card works on most.

Cycling is a good way to link nearby sights on flat ground.

Walking is often the best way, especially in the old districts.

Good to know

  • Popular sights are crowded, especially in spring and autumn. Go early.
  • Remove your shoes where asked, and follow the signs in temples and homes.
  • Photography is restricted in some areas, and in Gion on private lanes. Respect the signs.
  • Many small places only take cash, so carry some.
  • Bring a small bag for rubbish, as bins are rare.
  • Spring cherry blossoms and autumn leaves bring the biggest crowds. Book ahead, and plan sights early or late.
  • Kyoto is a city of manners. Keep quiet on trains and in temples, and queue in lines.
  • Luggage forwarding services can send bags ahead to your next stop, making train days easier.

Where to stay in Kyoto

6 neighbourhoods, described the way a friend would - what each is actually like, not the brochure version.

Gion

Gion suits travellers who prioritise traditional streets, atmospheric evenings and immediate access to eastern Kyoto's historic character. It is romantic and highly walkable for sightseeing, but accommodation is expensive and transport is less convenient than around Kyoto Station.

Higashiyama

Higashiyama suits visitors who want temples, preserved streets and early-morning access to some of Kyoto's major sights. It becomes much quieter after day-trippers leave, but hilly streets and weaker rail access make luggage and cross-city journeys less convenient.

Kawaramachi

Kawaramachi is a strong central base for restaurants, shopping, evening activity and transport around Kyoto. It lacks the tranquillity of the temple districts, but its convenience makes it practical for travellers who want varied days and easy dinners.

Kyoto Station

The Kyoto Station area suits travellers prioritising Shinkansen trips, airport transfers, luggage convenience and broad hotel choice. It is exceptionally practical but lacks the historic atmosphere that draws many visitors to Kyoto in the first place.

Arashiyama

Arashiyama suits travellers who value scenery, temples and quiet mornings more than central nightlife. Staying locally lets visitors experience the district outside peak day-trip hours, but evening dining choices are limited and central Kyoto is a train ride away.

Karasuma Oike

Karasuma Oike is a calmer central base that suits business travellers and visitors wanting strong subway connections without Kawaramachi's busiest streets. It has less immediate tourist atmosphere, but its location makes reaching different parts of Kyoto straightforward.

What it costs

A typical day in Kyoto, per person, in pounds.

£38

Shoestring - hostels, street food, public transport.

£84

Comfortable - a decent hotel, restaurants, the odd taxi.

£127

Treating yourself - the good hotel, the good tables.

Ready when you are

Tell Aster when you're thinking of going. It does the comparing; you keep the final word.

Start your search