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THE CAN’T MISS LIST

for

KYOTO, JAPAN

Last updated, [April 2026]

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Kyoto is the cultural heart of Japan, one of the top travel destinations in the world, and one of our personal favorite cities in the world.

If we could only recommend seeing one city in Japan, Kyoto is it. …okay, tied with Tokyo.

However, it also serves as an amazing home-base for day trips with a great web of shinkansen routes to choose from!

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THINGS TO KNOW,

BEFORE YOU GO

Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years, and remains known as the cultural center of Japan.

Boasting around 2,000 shrines and temples, a thriving geisha district, an unbelievable food scene, and far more than you could see in even a year.

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WHERE TO STAY

We recommend spending at least 3 full days in Kyoto, if not more, and even longer in the Kansai region.

KYOTO NEIGHBORHOODS

Neighborhoods we recommend staying in, due to their cultural architecture and more traditional aesthetic.

GION & PONTOCHO

HIGASHIYAMA

IN A RYOKAN

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GETTING THERE

PLANES

Fly into Osaka airport

From there take the train to Osaka, then Kyoto. Or take the bus from the airport to Kyoto.

There are two airports near Osaka.

Make sure you know which airport code is closest

TRAINS

If coming from Tokyo, we recommend using the shinkansen (ballet train)

Coming from Kyoto? Try finding a cute train like Kyoto Garaku!

AUTOMOBILES

Rent a car, take a bus, hail or hire a taxi or private transfer.

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GETTING AROUND

SUBWAY

Download the Suica app for the easiest use.

TAXI

Red means available. Have your address ready.

WALKING

The best way to see most areas

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PLACES TO VISIT

BAMBOO FOREST

Arishiyama

GEISHA

Kyoto and Tokyo are the only cities with a thriving Geisha culture, today.

WANDER GION AND PONTOCHO

Next-door neighborhoods in Kyoto known for Geisha. Along with many other cultural traditions.

Particularly beautiful at night, with its glowing lanterns.

MARKETS

See below.

SHRINES

With around 400 Shinto Shrines, in Kyoto this is the most well known and our “can’t miss”.

FUSHIMI INARI TAISHA

TEMPLES

Kyoto boasts over 1600 Buddhist temples. These were our favorites!

KIYOMIZU-DERA

OTAGI NENBUTSU

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TOP DAY TRIPS

Spend a day or two traveling around these nearby cities.

GIFU

HIMEJI

KOBE

LAKE BIWA

OSAKA

NARA

… and much more if you can afford to spend the night!

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MARKET FOOD

OUR FAVORITE MARKET FOODS

Marinated Octupus with Quail Egg

Kyoto Furikake

Sushi

Seared Wagyu

Sugar Strawberries

WE TRIED AND DIDN’T LIKE, Sorry!

Hanami Dango 🍡

Takoyaki Balls

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RESTAURANTS

The food here blew us away. And with over 180 Restaurants with a Michelin Star, it’s no wonder.

Everywhere we tried was great.

Michelin Rated Locations

Black Pearl Restaurant Guide

Check out Tabelog for Rated Restaurants

Eat along the river near Pontocho

Pop into a shop in Gion

Book a local guide to get to eat at the best spots!

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TRAVEL TIPS

Check closing times of temples and shrines ahead of time. As they may be closed certain days or close early.

Use the Suica app for easy subway travel.

Bring a handkercheif for hand-drying.

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