Kyoto Travel Guide
Ancient capital with 2,000+ temples, geisha districts, and bamboo groves.
Best Time
March – May (cherry blossoms), October – November (autumn)
Budget/Day
$47–$67
Mid-Range/Day
$80–$147
Getting Around
Bus / Bike
Kyoto Guides
Shinkansen Osaka-Kyoto: I Wasted $28 Doing This
The shinkansen from Osaka to Kyoto costs $28 but takes 15min. I'll show you the $5 alternative that's almost as fast.
Kyoto to Osaka Bullet Train? I Spent $200 Learning This
The bullet train from Kyoto to Osaka costs $28 but there's a faster, cheaper option. I learned this after wasting money.
Top Things to Do
1Fushimi Inari Shrine
Thousands of vermillion torii gates winding up a mountain. Go early.
Free
2Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Towering bamboo forest that creates an otherworldly atmosphere.
Free
3Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Zen temple covered in gold leaf reflected in a mirror pond.
$3
Where to Eat
Japanese street food$2–$7
1Nishiki Market
Ramen$6–$9
2Ippudo Ramen
Kaiseki (multi-course)$100–$200
3Kikunoi
Where to Stay
Budget · Kyoto Station
1Piece Hostel Kyoto
Mid-Range · Gojo
2Hotel Kanra Kyoto
Luxury · Kamogawa River
3The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
Getting Around
Bus day pass $5. Bike rental $7/day. JR trains for longer distances.