14 essential insights for visiting Kyoto

Kyoto represents the heart of traditional Japanese culture.

This city is where time-honored crafts thrive, and historic temples and teahouses adorn the quaint streets. It's no surprise that etiquette plays a significant role here.

Prepare for your trip with this list of important things to consider before heading to Kyoto.

1. Embrace the seasons

Kyoto is a distinctly seasonal destination, so tailor your visit to the time of year. Spring's cherry blossom season showcases the city's beauty, but it's also the peak tourist period. If you're planning to visit then, securing accommodations well in advance—up to a year ahead—is crucial, often at higher prices. The fall foliage season is busy too, though not as extreme. Summer bursts with vibrant festivals, while winter offers a more tranquil experience. The New Year period sees many businesses close from December 29 to January 3 for the holiday.

2. Carefully consider your accommodation options

Kyoto boasts a variety of wonderful neighborhoods, with southern Higashiyama and downtown Kyoto being particularly convenient for sightseeing. Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses to luxurious international hotels. For a truly authentic experience, think about staying in a ryokan, where you’ll sleep on tatami mat floors with traditional meals served right in your room.

3. Bring easy-to-remove shoes

While visiting Kyoto, you'll often need to take your shoes off, so opt for footwear that’s easy to slip on and off, and don’t forget to wear nice socks! Outdoor shoes are typically not permitted in tatami mat rooms, homes, traditional temples, restaurants, or ryokan inns. Look for a raised step indicating a change in flooring to know when to remove your shoes. You'll often see other guests' shoes lined up, and slippers may be provided for indoor use. Remember, there are usually special slippers for the bathroom—make sure to switch back afterward!

4. Discover the city on foot

Kyoto is incredibly walkable, and exploring its streets by foot allows you to uncover hidden gems that are just as remarkable as the main attractions. From cozy little restaurants and bars with limited seating to historic shops selling wagashi sweets, tofu, or local crafts, many of Kyoto’s fascinating spots are tucked away. You may stumble upon charming shrines in narrow alleyways, discover street vendors selling freshly made mochi rice cakes, or spot a kimono-clad maiko (apprentice geisha).

5. Expect crowds in the city

Kyoto boasts some of Japan's most iconic and stunning sights, drawing in large crowds of both domestic and international visitors. Must-see locations like Kinkaku-ji temple, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and Kiyomizu-dera temple are absolutely worth the trip. To beat the hustle and bustle, plan your visits for early morning or late afternoon. At Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine, venture further up the mountain to enjoy a bit more space among the famous red torii gates.

6. Kyoto offers more than just temples and shrines

As the spiritual center of Japan, Kyoto is home to around 2000 temples and shrines, leading many to believe that’s all the city has to offer. However, there's a wealth of experiences waiting to be uncovered. Visit Nishiki Market for a taste of local delicacies, take an evening stroll through the enchanting streets of Gion, and explore the impressive Nijō-jō castle. Additionally, Kyoto is rich in renowned museums, lovely parks, and tranquil walking paths to discover.

7. Set aside time to explore the surrounding region

While it's easy to spend your entire visit in Kyoto, consider extending your itinerary with day trips to nearby areas. The surrounding prefecture offers incredible hiking trails that showcase the area's breathtaking natural beauty, along with serene temples like Kurama-dera and Enryaku-ji. Charming towns, such as the coastal Kinosaki Onsen and tea-loving Uji, also make for delightful day trips.

8. Be mindful of etiquette

Politeness is a cornerstone of Japanese culture. While tourists may occasionally slip up, it's best to practice good manners. This includes keeping your voice down on public transport, refraining from eating while walking, and allowing space for others on narrow paths. Littering and cutting in line are particularly frowned upon. Smokers should use designated areas, as many places in the city are now no-smoking zones.

9. Use cash, and remember that tipping is not expected

Tipping is not a common practice in Japan and can even be considered rude. If you try to leave a tip, it's likely to be refused. In most restaurants, you'll pay at the front counter rather than at your table. Cash is the preferred method of payment, and it's customary to place your money in the small tray provided, rather than handing it directly to the cashier (this applies in shops, hotels, and other venues as well). Your change will be returned in the same tray once the transaction is finished.

10. Geisha are not for show

Many visitors hope to catch a glimpse of geisha, or geiko as they are referred to in Kyoto, especially in the historic Gion district. However, it’s crucial to approach this respectfully. Any geiko you encounter will likely be on their way to an appointment and may not appreciate being crowded by onlookers! If you wish to take a photo, ask politely rather than acting like paparazzi.

11. Kyoto is an exceptionally safe city

With low crime rates, clean tap water, and a high likelihood of recovering lost items, Kyoto is a secure place to explore. It's safe to stroll through the streets at night, even if you're traveling alone, and the city is friendly to LGBTIQ+ visitors. Nevertheless, it’s wise to exercise common sense and take the usual precautions you'd observe at home. For assistance, you'll find police boxes, or kōban, at most intersections, though the officers may have limited English skills.

12. Be mindful of cyclists

Biking is a popular mode of transportation in Kyoto, making it a practical way to navigate the city. Many cyclists ride on the sidewalks, so be alert when walking or exiting shops and eateries. If you hear a bell, it usually means a cyclist is approaching from behind and is attempting to pass.

13. In case of emergency, call 119

In case of a medical emergency, call 119 for ambulance services, which also covers the fire department. Medical care in Kyoto is affordable and of high quality, but it's wise to obtain travel insurance prior to your trip to ensure access to treatment at local hospitals or clinics if needed. For police assistance, dial 110.

14. Earthquakes are a regular occurrence; severe ones are rare

Japan experiences a number of earthquakes, but most are mild and inflict minimal damage. You'll find guidelines in your accommodation detailing what to do in the rare event of a significant quake.