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Holidays to Kyoto

Holidays to Kyoto

Kyoto is unquestionably one of Japan’s leading destinations for history, cultural sites and natural beauty. Largely untouched by the ravages of World War II, Kyoto still boasts an incredible array of architectural delights, having played host to Japan’s Emperors and rulers for over 1,000 years. Imperial palaces, temples, shrines, and magical gardens of moss-covered bridges and trickling streams are commonplace throughout this now-cosmopolitan city. Visit the iconic 14th century Golden Pavilion for a taste of once regal life, or the Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjūsangen-dō and Nishi Honganji Temples as a tranquil escape from the city. And of course there’s no leaving Kyoto without having wandered the streets of the ancient Gion district - keep an eye out, and you might even spot a geisha girl here.

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Kyoto Travel Information

There are no direct flights to Kyoto from the UK – you’ll need to fly to Osaka (with a stopover) and then carry on to Kyoto by land.
  • Currency: Yen 
  • Time difference: GMT +9 
  • Flight from UK: 13 and a half hours to Osaka 
  • Visa: Not required for UK passport holders 
  • Language: Japanese 
  • National drink: Beer or sake 
  • National dish: Sushi
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Travel Tips & Advice for Kyoto

Kyoto Activities


Kyoto is – in our opinion – the place to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. The city is the birthplace of many crafts including tea ceremonies and flower arrangement, so there’s no better place to take part in or learn about these traditions. You’ll also find plenty of places to stroll whether its beneath cherry blossoms and maple trees along Philosopher’s Path or through 10,000 orange torri gates at the Fushimi Inari Shrine. And if you’re looking to sample Japan’s premium alcoholic drink, there’s tastings at the Shotoku Shuzo Sake Distillery.

Kyoto Food & Drink


The basis of kyō-ryōri, or Kyoto cuisine, is the use of fresh, seasonal vegetables and subtle flavours and the cannot-be-missed way to experience this is sitting down to kaiseki, Japanese fine dining composed of several small courses – though be warned the menus are pricey! For cheaper eats head to a casual noodle bar serving ramen. The city is also famed for its tofu dishes, wagashi (sweets and cakes) and high quality green tea. Our top dining etiquette tip? It’s considered ban manners to fill your own glass, so top up your neighbours and wait for them to do the same.

Kyoto Attractions


There are over 2,000 temples and shrines to discover and explore in Kyoto – we recommend visiting a few of the lesser known ones alongside the big-name favourites including the gold-leaf covered Kinkaku-ji to avoid the crowds. Looking to spot a white-faced, red-lipped geiko – the Kyoto name for geisha? The Gion district is the go-to place in the city to try and see one of these female entertainers going to and from their appointments. Other attractions in Kyoto include peaceful Zen gardens, the Nishijin textile district and the Arashiyama Bamboo Groves on the outskirts of the city.

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