Kyoto
Known as the capital of Japan for centuries, Kyoto is renowned for its beautiful temples, shrines, and traditional streetscapes, letting you experience history as you visit the city’s many World Heritage sites. Each season paints Kyoto in a different light, with the cherry blossoms in spring and the changing leaves in fall being particularly spectacular. Kyoto is also famed for its food culture, with culinary delights such as traditional Kyoto cuisine and matcha-based sweets. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture by experiencing traditional crafts, or even try on a maiko outfit.
Destination Highlights
Amanohashidate
Nature & Outdoors
Beloved by people since time immemorial, Amanohashidate is a beautiful sandbar stretching approximately three kilometers in northern Kyoto Prefecture. It is notable for appearing like a road that connects earth with the heavens. It is dotted with more than 5,000 pine trees, and you can cross it on foot.
Nintendo Museum
Leisure & Attractions
This museum from the Kyoto-based entertainment company Nintendo features displays of various past Nintendo products and interactive exhibits that bring Nintendo's craftsmanship to life, transforming classic entertainment into exciting modern experiences using the latest technology.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Arts & Culture
One of Kyoto's most iconic shrines, Fushimi Inari Taisha features countless vermilion Torii gates known as the “Senbon Torii” (lit. thousand tori gates) lining its mountain paths. This unique setting provides visitors with an unforgettable, mystical experience that almost feels as if they have wandered into another world.
The four seasons of Kyoto
Spring
Spring in Kyoto envelops the entire city in beauty, with cherry blossoms in full bloom. Every one of Kyoto’s famed landmarks harmonizes with the beauty of the blossoms to give a view that is simply spectacular. This is also the perfect season to enjoy a stroll through the quiet temples and gardens in the mild weather.
Summer
In summer, traditional festivals such as the Gion Festival are held on a grand scale in Kyoto, bringing the whole city to life. It’s a pleasant time to stroll in a garden or along a river to enjoy a taste of summer. At night, take in one of the magical events such as the Gozan Okuribi fire festival, a quintessential summer tradition.
Fall
Kyoto’s temples and shrines are painted in gorgeous colors in fall when the changing leaves are at their best. Relax and enjoy a quiet moment with warm food and green tea. The fall nights are magnificent as the leaves are illuminated to show off their beauty.
Winter
Kyoto is a sight to behold in winter, with temples and gardens dusted in a beautiful covering of snow, offering a quiet atmosphere that is particularly appealing. The cold weather makes enjoying warm matcha tea and Kyoto cuisine a special experience. Moreover, there are fewer tourists in Kyoto in winter, making it the perfect season to settle back and relax.
Trip highlights
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Amanohashidate
Nature & Outdoors
Closest station
Fukuchiyama Station -
Nintendo Museum
Leisure & Attractions
Closest station
Ogura Station -
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Arts & Culture
Closest station
Inari Station -
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Arts & Culture
Closest station
Kyoto StationTōfukuji Station -
Byodoin Temple
Arts & Culture
Closest station
Uji Station -
Hozu-gawa River Boat Ride
Leisure & Attractions
Closest station
Kameoka Station -
Arashiyama Monkey Park
Leisure & Attractions
Closest station
Saga-Arashiyama Station -
Kyoto Nishiki Market
Shopping
Closest station
Kyoto Station -
Kifune Shrine
Arts & Culture
Closest station
Tōfukuji Station -
Heian-jingu Shrine
Arts & Culture
Closest station
Kyoto StationYamashina Station -
Kodai-ji Temple
Arts & Culture
Closest station
Tōfukuji StationKyoto StationYamashina Station -
Kyoto International Manga Museum
Leisure & Attractions
Closest station
Kyoto Station -
Ryōan-ji
Arts & Culture
Closest station
Emmachi Station -
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Arts & Culture
Closest station
Emmachi StationKyoto Station -
Shimogamo Jinja Shrine
Arts & Culture
Closest station
Kyoto StationTōfukuji Station
Kyoto route map
Use the route map to find your route and make your trip easier! Use the interactive map to determine the best route for your trip and learn more about your destination and the spots along the route to get there.
Passes valid in this area
Travel and stay with JR-WEST Group
Find convenient hotels near JR-West stations. Enjoy a comfortable stay with easy access, allowing you to relax and make the most of your trip.
Make the most of your trip to West Japan
Useful information about this area
Useful information for sightseeing in this area that you can use to plan your journey and enjoy your trip.
Access from Kansai Airport
Map of train routes (PDF)
