Yudofu湯豆腐
Silken tofu gently simmered in kelp broth, a temple-area speciality around Nanzenji and Arashiyama.
Kansai
Kyoto Travel Guide
Local tips, regional food and places off the tourist trail
Japan’s imperial capital for over a thousand years, packed with temples and shrines. Headline draws include Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, the Gion district and the bamboo groves of Arashiyama.
Open Kyoto on the map75 places on the map · 10 local favourites
Local tips
- TipCity buses get packed; combine the subway and JR, Keihan or Hankyu trains to reach major sights faster.
- DoVisit the most famous sights early in the morning, before tour groups arrive.
- AvoidDon’t chase or photograph geiko and maiko, and respect signs banning photos on Gion’s private lanes.
- Heads upSummers are very hot and humid, and cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons bring heavy crowds.
- TipFor fewer crowds, head north to Ohara or Kurama and Kibune in the hills.
What to eat
Nishin sobaにしんそば
Hot buckwheat noodles topped with sweet simmered herring, a Kyoto classic.
Obanzaiおばんざい
Kyoto home-style side dishes of seasonal vegetables and tofu, often served as a set of small plates.
Local favourites
Places mostly visited by people who live here — quieter, and often the highlight of a trip.
Rurikei Gorge
るり渓 Nature & SceneryA quiet gorge in the Nantan highlands with a streamside trail past waterfalls and deep pools. A cool escape in summer and good autumn colour, rarely visited by…
● Mostly localsKiyomizuyaki Danchi
清水焼団地 ShoppingExperiencesA pottery village in Yamashina where Kyoto's Kiyomizu ceramics are made and sold direct from workshops. Several studios offer wheel-throwing classes, and a big pottery…
● Mostly localsWazuka Tea Fields
和束町 石寺の茶畑 Nature & SceneryRolling green tea terraces in Wazuka, the heartland of Uji tea production. The Ishitera slopes are the most photogenic; stop at the local tea cafés for fresh-brewed leaf.
● Mostly localsSanjo-kai Shotengai
三条会商店街 ShoppingLocal FoodA long covered neighbourhood arcade near Nijo Castle with butchers selling croquettes, pickle shops and old coffee houses. A great place to snack like a local.
● Mostly localsKotohiki-hama Beach
琴引浜 Nature & SceneryA clean Sea of Japan beach in Kyotango whose fine sand squeaks or 'sings' as you walk. Walk barefoot on dry sand to hear it best.
● Mostly localsDemachi Masugata Shotengai
出町桝形商店街 ShoppingLocal FoodA retro covered shopping arcade near Demachiyanagi full of local grocers, fishmongers and tiny cafés. It feels like everyday Kyoto, a world away from the tourist streets.
● Mostly localsYunohana Onsen
湯の花温泉 Hot SpringsA hot-spring village in the hills above Kameoka, easily paired with the Hozugawa boat ride. Several inns open their baths to day visitors.
● Mostly localsMaizuru Port Toretore Center
舞鶴港とれとれセンター Local FoodShoppingA seafood market by Maizuru Bay where you pick fish and shellfish from the stalls and have them grilled or served as sashimi on the spot. A popular stop for domestic…
● Mostly localsMaizuru Red Brick Park
舞鶴赤れんがパーク Sights & HistoryA row of former naval warehouses built in red brick beside the harbour, now housing exhibitions and a café. Combine with the harbour cruise that passes working navy…
● Mostly localsMukai Shuzo
向井酒造 Local FoodA small family brewery standing right on the water among the boathouses of Ine. Taste Ine Mankai, a rosy sake made from ancient red rice that tastes almost like a…
● Mostly localsThe famous sights
The places most visitors come for. Worth it — just go early.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
伏見稲荷大社 Temples & GoshuinchoSights & HistoryThousands of vermilion torii gates climbing Mount Inari. The lower gates are packed; keep climbing past the Yotsutsuji crossing and the crowds thin out fast.
Kiyomizu-dera
清水寺 Temples & GoshuinchoSights & HistoryA hillside temple famous for its wooden stage jutting out over the trees, with views across Kyoto. Drink from the Otowa waterfall streams, then walk down through…
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
嵐山 竹林の小径 Nature & SceneryThe famous path through towering bamboo stalks in Arashiyama. Arrive at dawn for the rustling calm, then continue to Okochi Sanso villa or the quiet temples of Sagano.
Kinkaku-ji
鹿苑寺 (金閣寺) Temples & GoshuinchoSights & HistoryThe Golden Pavilion, a gilded hall reflected in a mirror pond, one of Japan's most photographed sights. The loop path is one-way and short.
Sannenzaka
産寧坂 Sights & HistoryShoppingA stone-stepped slope of traditional shops leading up to Kiyomizu-dera, joined by the Ninenzaka lane below. Come early in the morning to see the street before the…
Hanamikoji Street, Gion
花見小路通 Sights & HistoryGion's main geisha street of wooden teahouses and restaurants. Wander the quieter side lanes and Shirakawa canal nearby, and never chase or block maiko for photos; some…
Nijo Castle
元離宮二条城 Sights & HistoryThe shogun's Kyoto residence, famous for its 'nightingale floors' that chirp underfoot and for richly painted sliding doors. Allow time for the gardens and the inner…
Togetsukyo Bridge
渡月橋 Sights & HistoryArashiyama's landmark wooden bridge spanning the Katsura River against forested hills. Walk upstream along the river path for quieter views and rental rowboats.