Plan & Book Your Trip to Kyoto

Kyoto is a large, working city with several different transport networks; I recommend combining trains and subways with short walks or bus rides.

Kyoto Station
The massive modern hub for long-distance trains, local railways, and the subway, though the networks use different entrances and platforms.

City Subway and Buses
The most practical way to cross the city basin and connect the major sightseeing districts.

Rail Passes
While useful, be aware that a single rail pass will not cover every operator in the city.

Taxis
A helpful option for specific cross-city journeys, which is exactly how we reached our hotel from the station with luggage.

Walking and Cycling
Highly rewarding within specific neighborhoods, like exploring the narrow streets or walking the paths along the Kamo River.

Kyoto is spread out, so choose a property that balances your transit needs with evening dining when booking hotels, ryokan, or vacation rentals.

Downtown Hotels (Shijo and Sanjo)
Highly convenient for walking to restaurants, shopping streets, and spending evenings by the Kamo River.

Kyoto Station Hotels
The most practical choice if your itinerary relies heavily on Shinkansen bullet trains, regional day trips, or early departures.

Nijo Castle Stays
We stayed right opposite the castle at the ANA Crown Plaza; it offers a quieter atmosphere while keeping you connected to the subway.

Higashiyama and Gion
Consider the eastern side of the river if you want to wake up near the historic streets, temples, and traditional architecture.

My favorite moments here balanced the huge wooden halls of the temples with the green hills and rivers surrounding the city.

Nijo Castle
Explore the painted rooms of Ninomaru Palace and the formal gardens to see how the shoguns displayed their power.

Eastern Temple Walk
Walk from Yasaka Shrine through Maruyama Park to the massive Sanmon gate at Chion-in.

Arashiyama and the Hozu Gorge
Explore the bamboo grove and take the Sagano Romantic Train into the beautiful wooded gorge on the city's western edge.

Kyoto Station Evening
Spend an evening exploring the station's massive illuminated staircase, rooftop area, and excellent restaurant floors.

The Kamo River
Take time to walk the paths along the river, a simple, everyday part of the city that I found highly memorable.

Kyoto works perfectly as a hub for exploring the wider Kansai region, fitting naturally alongside trips to Osaka and beyond.

Nara
A fantastic full-day excursion to see massive historic temple grounds and free-roaming deer; easily reached by JR or Kintetsu rail.

Osaka
A natural onward base, offering a much more modern, neon-lit contrast to Kyoto's historic streets.

Kobe
An easy onward connection from Osaka, featuring green hills, historic Western-style houses, and a working port.

Kanazawa
A great rail connection if you are traveling via Tsuruga, offering samurai streets and one of Japan's most famous gardens.