Kyoto Travel Guide

Kyōto (京都) was the capital of Japan for over a millennium, and carries a reputation as the nation's most beautiful city and its cultural capital - even the national government's Agency for Cultural Affairs moved there in 2023. However, visitors may be surprised by how much work they will have to do to see Kyoto's beautiful side. Most first impressions of the city will be of the urban sprawl of central Kyoto, around the ultra-modern glass-and-steel train station, which is itself an example of a city steeped in tradition colliding with the modern world. Nonetheless, the persistent visitor will soon discover Kyoto's hidden beauty in the temples and parks which ring the city center, and find that the city has much more to offer than immediately meets the eye. The city has a multi-lingual Official Travel Guide site.

You can also hop on a bus from Narita Airportdirectlyto Kyoto. Nankai Bus and Chiba Kotsu operate a daily overnight bus service, leaving Narita Airport's terminals at around 21:35 and arriving in Kyoto at around 6:25 the next morning. The return leaves Kyoto at 22:15, arriving at Narita at around 6:50. If and when returning to Narita, arrive with plenty of time for your flight! The one-way bus fare starts from ¥7,370 per person.

Kyoto has a wide range of accommodation, much of it geared towards foreign visitors. Since Kyoto is a major tourist destination, demand is high and prices follow suit. During peak seasons, such as the cherry blossoms in April or duringGolden Weekwhen accommodation is difficult to get, consider staying inOsakaor satellite towns likeTakatsukiandHirakata. A 30-minute train ride from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station will cost you ¥540 one way.