Kyoto Accommodation

Exploring Kyoto

Known for its shrines and spring cherry tree blossoms, Kyoto is one of Japan's most beautiful cities. Having been the capital for more than 1,000 years and having never been bombed in WWII, it has retained many fantastic structures through a collection of intriguing districts backed by a ring of mountains.

Kyoto is a classic blend of ancient and modern, with the ordinary urban sprawl of downtown Kyoto contrasting against the ultra-modern Kyoto Station and other shiny structures. As a whole the town is quite staid, but delve a little deeper and you'll discover a wealth of beauty which sets it apart from the average Japanese center.

Central Kyoto is the most important part for tourists as it contains most of the shops, restaurants and hotels, along with the likes of the Imperial Palace. Off to the east is the ancient and fun Gion district, best known for its geishas and tearooms, and here you will also find the city's most beautiful temples and shrines.

Hotels in Kyoto

There is a range of options for all travelers. The most popular hotel in Kyoto is the Kamuro-an, which has been booked 7 times from our Hotels.com verified guests. Our guests also highly recommended Hotel Ethnography Kikoku no Mori in Kyoto as it has been reserved 48 times.

Sightseeing in Kyoto

Kyoto's main offering to visitors is its amazing collection of shrines, temples and gardens. Although there are plenty of other attractions that all the family can enjoy, the likes of the Kyoto Imperial Palace and the Heian and Fushimi Inari Taisha shrines are must-sees.

- Kiyomizu Temple

Another of Kyoto's must-see temples has a fine mountain setting and great views over the city. It sits over a cliff in Eastern Kyoto, is supported by huge wooden pillars and sports a wonderful, multi-tiered roof. The nearby Jishu Shrine and Otowa Falls are also worth a look. Getting here is by way of bus or via an arduous bike ride.

- Kyoto Imperial Palace

The imperial family used to live here during Kyoto's days as the Japanese capital. It is elegance personified and despite being restored many times owing to the ravaging of fire, it remains true to form. Free, hour-long tours of Kyoto Imperial Palace take in the main buildings and the beautiful Emperor's Garden.

Transportation in Kyoto

There are many flight options to get into Osaka’s Kansai International Airport. Between Kansai Int’l airport and Kyoto, you have the option of choosing between trains, limo buses and taxis, though trains are the fastest. The Itami Airport also services Osaka and is the domestic airport of the city. You will likely fly in here when travelling to Kyoto from other Japanese cities. From Itami airport, take Limousine bus No 15 into Kyoto. From Tokyo, you can arrive at the JR Kyoto station by Shinkansen bullet train.