Kyoto Prefecture

Asia

/

Japan

/

Kyoto Prefecture

Kyoto is a city that is full to the brim with enchanting destinations. As a former capital of Japan, majestic gardens, colorful shrines, and sacred temples, dotted this city. It is here in Kyoto where you get to witness Geishas in vibrant-colored kimono roam the streets of Gion area. While in Kyoto, it is obligatory to visit Fushimi – an area famous for its sake brewery and the iconic Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Higashiyama – the center of Kyoto’s sightseeing district with classic Japanese architecture along the street, and Arashi-yama – a place renowned for its serene bamboo forest. In addition to its scenic landscape, Kyoto also hosts impressive museums, art shows, and of course, shopping areas that will complete your Kyoto experience.

Get to Know Kyoto Prefecture

Take a tour of this destination's highlights

Travel Tips for Kyoto Prefecture

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Kyoto Prefecture

A guide to Kyoto Prefecture's local transportation

Train

Bus

Subway

Bicycle

Kyōto has an efficient public transport system of trains, buses, and subways. Kyōto’s train system comprises the national JR Line and several local private lines.

JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line connects Kyōto with Tōkyō, Ōsaka, Nara, Nagoya, Kobe, and Hiroshima. Nozomi trains require about 140 minutes to get from Kyōto to Tōkyō, and the bullet train (shinkansen) requires 12 minutes from Kyōtō to Ōsaka. To travel on the JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line, you will need the JR Rail Pass that can be valid for one, two, or three weeks.

While the train represents the fastest way to get to and from Arashiyama, Uji, Tsukuji-ji, they aren't the best modes of transport within the city. If you're planning to visit the iconic sites, the best way to reach them is by bus or subway.

A variety of tickets and passes are on offer to make it easier than buying individual tickets for every trip. Consider also buying a prepaid Suica Travel pass that can be used on trains, buses, and subways.

Practical Tips for Kyoto Prefecture

Things to prepare and best way to visit

Passport/Visa Policies

Japan may be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of all European Union member states, Australia, Canada, the USA, as well as several other world countries. The up-to-date list of visa exemptions by country may be found at: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html

Citizens of countries listed as requiring visas will need to apply in advance via a Japanese mission or consulate closest to them.

Special visa requirements apply to citizens of China and the Philippines, and travellers visiting Japan as part of a cruise journey.

Best Time to Visit

Though you can visit the picturesque city of Kyōto any time of the year thanks to its mild weather, the best months to enjoy it to its fullest are October to November and March, April, and May. In spring, the cherry blossoms (sakura), make the city the perfect setting for a romantic getaway, while in autumn, the "maple hunting" (momijigari) makes it a true delight to explore. If you're travelling during Golden Week (end of April/beginning of May) be aware that the city is jam-packed with tourists and hotel rates are doubled. Summer is the rainy season in Japan; The moisture in the air makes it a soggy, sweaty visit.