Kyoto Travel Guide

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Photo: Naomi Hasegawa/iStockphoto.com

The astonishing number of temples, shrines, and palaces that adorn the city make Kyoto's architecture its most famous feature abroad. Japan's capital for more than 1,000 years, Kyoto was the center not only for politics, but religion, philosophy, art, culture, and cuisine. Every one of Japan's refined cultural arts blossomed from seeds that were planted here, including the tea ceremony, Kabuki theater, Zen, and Tantric Buddhism.

Hotels

Kyoto Hotels

No other Japanese city can compete with Kyoto for style and grace. For the ultimate experience of Kyoto hospitality, stay in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese...read more

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Restaurants

Kyoto Restaurants

Attuned to subtle seasonal changes, Kyoto cuisine emphasizes freshness and contrast. From the finest ryotei (high-class Japanese restaurants) to the smallest...read more

Fodor's Choice

Things To Do

Things To Do in Kyoto

Explore the best sights, entertainment, and shopping with our top choices and insider tips.

Travel Deals in Kyoto

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Hotels

Kyoto Experiences

  • Top Reasons to Go to Kyoto

    Architecture: Despite modernization, about 27,000 traditional houses remain. The preservation districts include Sannen-zaka, Gion Shin-bashi... Read more

  • A Brief History of Kyoto

    Although Kyoto was Japan's capital for more than 10 centuries, the real center of political power was often elsewhere, be it Kamakura (1192... Read more

  • On the Menu

    Compared with the style of cooking elsewhere in Japan, Kyoto-ryori (Kyoto cuisine) is lighter and more delicate, stressing the natural flavor... Read more

  • Getting to Know Gion

    Japan's traditional and modern worlds intersect where Shijo-dori crosses Hanami-koji-dori in the district of Gion. To the south, cobblestone... Read more

  • Kyoto Crafts

    Temples, shrines, and gardens can't be taken home with you. You can, however, pack up a few omiyage (mementos) for which this city is famous... Read more

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