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Things to see in Kyoto (Japan): 205 places and when to go

Kyoto is a major city in Japan with around 1,805,000 inhabitants, and this site lists 205 places in and around it, mainly Temples (87), Hiking (40), History (37). The best known are Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji and Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. The best time to come is February to May and October to November; also possible: December to January and June to September. In June there are 14 h 21 of daylight, and in December, 9 h 39. Here is what there is, when to go, how to get there and what else is nearby.

Reviewed on 6 min read

In a nutshell

Where
Japan · 35.0319, 135.7481
Population
About 1,805,000
Places
205 places on this site, in the town and around it.
What people come for
Temples (87) · Hiking (40) · History (37) · Nature (26) · Mountains (22) · Museums and art (11)
Best time
February to May and October to November.
Also possible
December to January and June to September.
Nearest airport
KIX Osaka, 82 km as the crow flies
Highest point
Mount Mikuni, at 959 m.

What to see in Kyoto

The places in and around Kyoto, best known first, each with its own page: what it is, when to go and what is next to it. Distances are from the centre, as the crow flies.

And the other 181, by what you come to do:

When to go to Kyoto

The best time to visit Kyoto is February to May and October to November; also possible: December to January and June to September. This comes from its own places: a month counts as the town's best time when it is the best time for half of what there is to see.

  1. JanPossible9:53
  2. FebBest time10:44
  3. MarBest time11:44
  4. AprBest time12:53
  5. MayBest time13:50
  6. JunPossible14:21
  7. JulPossible14:08
  8. AugPossible13:19
  9. SepPossible12:12
  10. OctBest time11:06
  11. NovBest time10:07
  12. DecPossible9:39

Best timePossibleBetter notHours of daylight

In June there are 14 h 21 of daylight, and in December, 9 h 39. In April, 203 of the 205 places are at their best.

When to go to Japan in general, with its festivals and peak seasons, is in its country guide.

Getting to Kyoto

The nearest main airport is Kansai International Airport (KIX, Osaka), 82 km as the crow flies. How to get around Japan (train, car, bus) is in its country guide, and what to sort out before you leave is in its checklist.

Where it is (opens in a new tab)Directions (opens in a new tab)

Other towns nearby

And all of Japan, in its country guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is there to see in Kyoto?

The best known: Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, Fushimi Inari-taisha, Kyoto Imperial Palace. In all, 205 places in the town and around it, all on your trip map from day one.

When is the best time to visit Kyoto?

February to May and October to November; also possible: December to January and June to September. In June there are 14 h 21 of daylight, and in December, 9 h 39.

How do you get to Kyoto?

The nearest main airport is Kansai International Airport (KIX), 82 km away. From there, directions opens the route on the map.

How do I add it to my trip?

Create a trip with Kyoto as the destination and these 205 places are on your map, each with its category. The ones you like go into a day's plan with one tap, and Kokai reminds you when you pass nearby.

Keep reading

Data from OpenStreetMap, licensed under the ODbL, from Wikidata, CC0, cities from Natural Earth and airports from OurAirports. Daylight hours are calculated from the latitude. More in credits.