Konnichiwa, adventurers! Welcome to Kyoto, the city of a thousand temples, where every turn is a brushstroke in a painting of the beautiful harmony between tradition and modernity. Once the imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years, Kyoto is a city steeped in history, brimming with rich cultural heritage, stunning gardens, and mouthwatering cuisine. If you're ready to be charmed by old-world Japan while savoring the benefits of the new, Kyoto is just the ticket!
| Rank | Booking Site | Price Compared to Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cheapest | Booking.com | -4% | |
| 2. Cheap | Hotels.com | -2% | |
| 3. Average | Expedia | -1% | |
| 4. More Expensive | Agoda | 1% | |
| 5. Most Expensive | Trip.com | 3% |
• Higashiyama: This area transports you back to the olden days with its well-preserved historic districts, traditional wooden houses, and winding cobblestone streets.
• Gion: Known as the geisha district, Gion is filled with ochaya (teahouses), exclusive restaurants, and beautiful traditional buildings.
• Arashiyama: Nestled at the base of Kyoto's western hills, this area offers stunning natural beauty and some of Kyoto's most famous temples.
• Kyoto Station Area: Modern and bustling, this area provides convenient access to major transportation, shopping malls, restaurants, and modern hotels.
• Downtown Kyoto (Kawaramachi): The city's commercial heart, it offers a great mix of shopping, dining, and nightlife.
• Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion): A Zen Buddhist temple, whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, beautifully reflecting on the surrounding pond.
• Fushimi Inari Shrine: Known for its iconic pathway lined with thousands of vermillion torii gates, it's dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice.
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: One of Kyoto's top sights, this otherworldly bamboo forest is not to be missed.
• Kiyomizu-dera: This ancient Buddhist temple offers stunning views of the city and is particularly beautiful in cherry blossom and autumn seasons.
• Nijo Castle: A flatland castle featuring beautiful gardens and stunning interiors decorated with screen paintings.
• Kaiseki: A traditional multi-course meal showcasing the artistry and culinary skills of the chef, with dishes that change seasonally.
• Yudofu: Simple and warming, it's a dish of tofu simmered in a kelp-based broth, often served in temples.
• Matcha (Green Tea) Treats: Whether it's ice cream, sweets, or a traditional tea ceremony, Kyoto is famous for its superior quality matcha.
• Saba-zushi: A Kyoto specialty, it's sushi made with mackerel and vinegared rice, typically served in a rectangular block.
• Yuba: Known as tofu skin, it's a byproduct of the tofu-making process. Kyoto's yuba is renowned for its delicate taste and texture.