JP · Kyoto · 35.01°N 135.77°E

kyoto

Temples, the thousands of red gates at Fushimi Inari and maple season in autumn.

Best time
Late March to early April, and November for autumn leaves. Both are busy.
How long
2–3 days
Getting there
About 75 minutes from Kansai Airport on the Haruka express, or around 15 minutes from Osaka by shinkansen.
JP · Kyotokyoto35.01°N 135.77°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Temples, the thousands of red gates at Fushimi Inari and maple season in autumn.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingKyotoJP, Kyoto

Japan's old imperial capital: well over a thousand temples, wooden machiya houses in Gion and quiet gardens.

Makan

  1. KaisekiA seasonal multi-course meal, Kyoto's speciality.
  2. Matcha sweetsGreen tea everything, with tea from nearby Uji.
  3. YudofuSimmered tofu, a temple-cooking classic.
  4. Nishiki MarketA long covered market for snacks and pickles.

Things to do

  1. Fushimi InariThousands of red torii gates winding up the mountain.
  2. Kiyomizu-deraThe wooden temple on stilts over the hillside.
  3. ArashiyamaThe bamboo grove and the river.
  4. Kinkaku-jiThe Golden Pavilion on its pond.
  5. Gion in the eveningLantern-lit streets of old wooden houses.

Where to stay

Near Kyoto Station for transport, or around Gion and Higashiyama for atmosphere.

Good to know

  • Go to Fushimi Inari early in the morning or late in the day to avoid the crowds.
  • Don't photograph or follow geiko and maiko; some private lanes in Gion are now off-limits to visitors.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.