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Kyoto Travel Guide: An Excellent Guide to the World

Two Japanese men walking along an old street .

This Kyoto Travel Guide helps you make the most of your two days in the city. It features a well-crafted travel itinerary and a detailed budget for the trip. 

Disclaimer: Some information in this Kyoto Guide changes too often. If you continue reading this article, you agree to cross-check information with concerned authorities. Read the site’s full Terms.

Introduction

Kyoto, Japan ancient city, has a timeless appeal that is hidden behind its ultramodern buildings and tall towers. The cultural center is renowned for its wealth of shrines and temples, charming townhouses, and deep-seated traditions. Thus, going to Kyoto feels like going back in time.

I became engrossed in Kyoto’s historical and cultural richness despite the overcast skies and moderate drizzle. The city is filled with over two thousand Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. It is also the precise spot of the Gion District, which is a modern-day representation of ancient Kyoto.

Indeed, Kyoto is the pinnacle of Japan’s cultural preservation. Its charming buildings and deep-rooted customs have held fast in the face of global advancement.

Kyoto Travel Guide Contents

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Quick Fact About Kyoto

Catch a geisha or geiko, Kyoto’s professional entertainer who attends to their guests during events. They wear thick makeup and colorful kimono, engage in conversations, and perform music, dance, and other Japanese art forms.

Visa in Japan

Holders of foreign passports intending to visit Japan should contact the Embassy of Japan with regards to entry requirements. Otherwise, consult iVisa.com, a reputable and trusted visa service provider.

Philippine passport holders are required to apply for a tourist visa when traveling to Japan for tourism purposes. The Embassy of Japan does not accept in-person Japan visa applications. Thus, an accredited agency collects all the needed visa requirements.

On the other hand, travelers must undergo stringent immigration procedures before departure. Read ‘How to Avoid Getting Offloaded at Philippine Immigration?’

Standard Time in Kyoto

The Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) in Kyoto is UTC +09:00.

Thus, Kyoto is an hour ahead of Manila, five hours ahead of Dubai, and seven hours ahead of Paris. Moreover, Kyoto is eight hours ahead of New York. Conversely, Kyoto is two hours behind Sydney.

Climate in Kyoto

Kyoto Prefecture is located in the Kansai region on Japan’s largest island, Honshu. It enjoys a temperate climate with pleasant temperatures and infrequent rainfalls.

Best Time to Visit Kyoto

Kyoto is also home to numerous gardens, which are more stunning during spring and fall. Yet, tourists flock to eye-witness the colors of cherry blossoms and the vibrant and warm shades of the city’s leafage.

March to May

A visit to Kyoto from March to May offers more striking landscapes. Its pleasant weather and cherry blossoms make these months the ideal time to visit. Sakura trees start to flourish in mid-March and reach their full bloom in April’s first week.

However, expect skyrocketing accommodation rates and crowds of tourists, especially during the observance of ‘Golden Week.’ 

Kyoto Travel Guide Tip: Japanese people observe a public holiday known as the ‘Golden Week.’ Hence, avoid this week-long celebration, from the last week of April to May’s first week, as crowds may likely fill the outdoors.

June to August

The months from June until August are the summer season in Kyoto. While August is the hottest month, June and July, on the other hand, are the rainiest.

If you can endure the summer heat, visit Kyoto and experience the city with fewer crowds in these months.

September to November

One of the best times to visit Kyoto is from September until November, or the ‘fall foliage season.’ During the autumn, the stunning fiery-colored leafage conceals the city’s landscapes.

December to February

The months from December until February is the winter season in Kyoto. Hence, wearing outwears is advised to warm you in the city’s coldest and less touristy months.

Language in Kyoto

Japanese is the widely spoken language in Kyoto. While most locals seldom converse in English, getting around the metro is slightly daunting, especially for first-time visitors.

To help ease your burden in navigating the city, public signs have English translations. Also, most stations and tourist sights have dedicated city tourist information centers.

Here are essential Japanese words and phrases to learn before your trip to Kyoto, Japan.

  • Konnichiwa – Hello
  • Hajimemashite – Nice to meet you
  • Excuse me – Excuse me
  • Eigo wo hanasema suka? – Do you speak English?
  • Sukoshi – a little
  • Tetsudatte kuremasen ka? – Could you help me?
  • Doko desu ka? – Where is it?
  • Basutei – Bus stop
  • Sayounara – Goodbye

Currency in Kyoto

The Japanese yen, abbreviated as JPY, is the official currency in Japan. As of March 31, 2023, the exchange rate is JPY 1, PHP 0.41, or USD 0.0075.

Kyoto Travel Guide Tip: To save money, convert your currency to yen in downtown Kyoto, which offers better exchange rates. Otherwise, convert sufficient cash at the destination’s airport to cover your fare to the city center.

Modes of Payment in Kyoto

Hard cash, debit and credit cards, and prepaid cards are accepted modes of payment in Kyoto.

Cash

Numerous commercial establishments in Kyoto prefer cash payments, especially for purchases made in small shops, convenience stores, and eateries. If you run short, local banks and cash dispensing machines are spread across Kyoto.

Bank Cards

Using the debit and credit cards can be an alternative option to cash payment. These are honored in many upscale hotels, as well as in shopping malls and restaurants.

Transit Pass

The most convenient way to make payments on public transportation is through IC Card or the Integrated Circuit Card. The preloaded smart card can be used in trains, buses, and other merchant stores in Kyoto.

Hence, the ICOCA is a convenient tool that can be used for Japan Rail West trains and other transports in the Kansai region.

Kyoto Travel Guide Tip: Rail passes are reliable tools to pay your fares in Kyoto and the rest of Japan.

  • Grab a One-Day Bus Pass – a cheaper and more convenient way to explore various places in Kyoto. Or, purchase a Subway and a One-Day Bus Pass for unlimited usage of subways and buses.
  • Avail of a Kansai Thru Pass. This non-JR pass provides limitless use on the subway, tramway, and bus across the Kansai region.
  • Or, use the JR West Kansai Rail Pass. The unlimited and JR-exclusive rail pass encompasses the region of Kansai. But, this pass must be used for consecutive days.
  • Are you visiting Tokyo and other cities in Japan? Reserve a JR Nationwide Pass instead.

Ways of Getting to Kyoto

Japan is an archipelago surrounded by vast bodies of water. Thus, the only viable way to reach this Asian destination is via air and water. However, air travels offer a faster and more convenient way to get into Japan.

Kyoto Prefecture has no dedicated airport. Instead, Osaka’s Kansai International Airport is the point of entry to Kyoto and the rest of the Kansai region. From Kansai Airport, Kyoto City is roughly an hour and thirty minutes travel via train and bus.

Getting Around Kyoto

Kyoto is dotted with at least 2,000 temples and shrines. But, getting to these cultural-important sights is made possible through its efficient and reliable transport network.

Train

The Kyoto Station, the central railway terminal, serves various rail lines in and out of the city. Japan Rails, including JR Tokaido Shinkansen and other private trains, route to far-off places in Kyoto and other cities in Kansai.

While Karasuma and Tozai lines – the two Kyoto subways traverse to various places within the city. The former subway line runs east-west, while the last-mentioned rail line bounds north-south of Kyoto.

Kyoto Travel Guide Fact: Aside from being a transportation hub, Kyoto Station also shelters numerous retail outlets, diners, and lockers. In addition, the ultra-modern 15-story train station features a rooftop, skydeck, theater, museum, and hotel – the Hotel Granvia Kyoto.

Bus

Due to its convenience, many commuters are dependable on trains for intracity transfers. However, some tourist sights in northern Kyoto, such as Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji temples, are inaccessible via trains. Rely on its extensive bus networks to reach these equally appealing Buddhist temples. 

Tourist Bus

Raku Bus is an express tourist bus service that encompasses all major tourist sights in the city. The bus is designed for tourists for convenient navigation.

On board are electronic signages with English translations, helping you understand essential directions. Raku Bus operates on three main routes;

Bus No. 100, or the pink-colored bus
Operating Hours: 7:40 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Route:  Kyoto Station – Kyoto National Museum – Sanjusangen-do Temple – Kiyomizu-dera – Gion – Heian-Jingu Shrine – Ginkakuji Temple
Bus Stop – Kyoto Station Platform D1

Bus No. 101, or the green-colored bus
Operating Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Route: Kyoto Station – Nijo Castle – Kitano Tenmanggu Shrine – Kinkakuji Temple – Daitokuji Temple – Kitaoji Bus Terminal

Bus No. 102, or the yellow-colored bus
Operating Hours: 8:04 a.m. to 4:34 p.m.
Route: Ginkakuji-michi Bus Stop – Kinkakuji Temple – Kyoto Imperial Palace – Kitano Tenmanggu Shrine – Daitokuji Temple – Kitaoji Bus Terminal

A single-journey costs JPY 230, PHP 93.88, or USD 1.73 for adults ages twelve and up. While children, ages six to eleven, have to pay JPY 120, PHP 48.98, or USD 0.90.

Otherwise, avail of the One-Day Bus Pass for JPY 700.00, PHP 285.73, or USD 5.26. You may include unlimited subway rides for JPY 1,100, PHP 449.00.00, or USD 8.27. It is sold at tourist information centers, ticketing counters, and vending machines in Kyoto Station.

Regular Bus

Unlike Raku Bus, which runs through Kyoto’s major tourist sights, the regular buses traverse more extensive routes. The fare for a single ride is JPY 230, PHP 93.88, or USD 1.73.

Kyoto Travel Guide Reminder: Pay once you board at the front door and disembark using the rear door when using the tourist bus.

When using the regular bus, embark at the back door and pay before dropping off at the front door.

Taxi

If arriving late in Kyoto with tons of luggage, riding a cab is a better transfer option. However, most taxi operators in the city impose a 20% surcharge between 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Hailing a four-seater cab usually costs JPY 600, PHP 244.84, or USD 4.51. Also, JPY 80, PHP 32.65, or USD 0.60 is charged for succeeding distances.

Bicycle

Riding a bicycle under a clear sky and on flat terrains is another enjoyable alternative for navigating the city. Hence, bike rentals are available in the metro at a reasonable price.

All aboard! Get on the Skybus that will take you around the main tourist sights in Kyoto, such as Nijo Castle. Reserve a seat and relish this hassle-free Sky Bus Sightseeing Tour.

Areas to Stay in Kyoto

Kyoto is one of Japan’s most visited cities for its rich profusion of captivating tourist sights and fascinating attractions. Accommodations, such as Japanese traditional inns and lifestyle luxury hotels, are widespread to serve sizeable proportions of tourists visiting the city.

Downtown Kyoto

Covering an expanse portion of Central Kyoto, Downtown Kyoto is peppered with hotels and lodges surrounding the rail station. It is also a convenient venue for a great selection of shops, restaurants, and bars.

While the cultural and historical sights are a few in this hectic neighborhood, it offers unmatched shopping and dining experience. It is home to malls, shopping arcades, and Kyoto’s well-liked marketplace, Nishiki Market.

North Higashiyama

Northern Higashiyama is a cultural-important district. It is home to several art museums and Ginkakuji, or silver pavilion, a Buddhist temple in the northernmost part of Higashiyama.

Moreover, home rentals and traditional inns are widespread across this quieter neighborhood. 

South Higashiyama

Kyoto’s most famous sightseeing district, South Higashiyama, boasts a wealth of cultural sights and historical landmarks. This neighborhood in Kyotos’s east portion is famed for alleys of old-fashioned wooden townhouses and teahouses.

Stay a day or two in Southern Higashiyama, and you are steps closer to Gion, an entertainment district in Kyoto. 

Kyoto Travel Guide Tip: Spend a night in a traditional Japanese inn or a ryokan. It features tatami-matted floorings, futon beds, communal baths, and zen gardens. Experience the Japanese way of life as though you are slipping back in time.

Arashiyama

Roughly a 30-minute journey from the Kyoto Station, Sagaarashiyama gains prominence for Bamboo Forest Grove. This neighborhood is the perfect place to get closer to nature. Moreover, spend lesser on accommodation due to its distance from the city center.

Internet in Kyoto

While most Kyoto accommodations offer free WIFI, it is essential to have on-the-go internet. A stable and reliable internet connection may prevent you from having a hard time navigating unfamiliar places.

Power Adaptor in Kyoto

Kyoto operates on a 100 V supply voltage with a frequency of 60 Hz and has two types of power adaptor:

  • A or has two flat parallel pins
  • B or has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin

Explore the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ in 9 days! But first, read the Osaka Travel Guide for a complete and comprehensive Japan itinerary.

Kyoto Travel Guide Itinerary

Kyoto Travel Guide Highlights: Sights and Attractions
Highlights: Gion, Geiko, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

Day 1 - South Higashiyama and Gion

Kyoto Travel Guide Reminder: It takes about 700 meters to walk from point A to point B.

08:50 am Arrival in Kyoto from Nara

08:50 am – 09:00 am Head to accommodation

  • From Kyoto Station
  • Walk toward accommodation

09:00 am – 09:50 am Confirm reservation and check-in at Ebisu Ryokan, and prepare for the tour

Kyoto Travel Guide Tip: Alternatively, stay in a hostel. A hostel is an inexpensive lodging facility that provides basic amenities, such as bunk beds and shared bathrooms. Thus, if you are on a tight budget, book a hostel in Kyoto.

09:50 am – 10:15 am Head to the Kiyumizu-dera Temple

  • From Kyoto Station Bus Terminal
  • Take the Raku Bus No.100 toward Ginkakuji Bus Stop
  • Alight at Gojozaka Bus Stop
  • Walk toward Kiyumizu-dera Temple

10:15 am – 05:30 pm Explore areas in South Higashiyama, Gion, and have lunch

Kiyumizu-dera Temple

Kyoto’s most renowned, Kiyumizu-dera, or ‘pure water’ Temple, is a Buddhist temple erected on the grounds of Otawa Falls. The UNESCO World Heritage Site highlights its main hall with an elevated wooden viewing deck facing jungle-like vegetation. A picturesque woodland welcomes visitors when the cherry blossoms and autumn leaves ornate the landscape.

The temple grounds are open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and extend until 9:00 p.m. for special events. Visitors must pay the admission fee of JPY 400, PHP 163.24, or USD 3.01 to see the temple’s top attractions.

Kyoto Travel Guide Tip: Head toward the Otawa Falls and sip its pouring water. It is believed it brings good fortune to those who drink from the stream.

Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka

The slopes of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka are well-liked dining and shopping streets in South Higashiyama. Alongside the alleys is a stretch of quaint and well-kept traditional townhouses transformed into restaurants, cafès, bars, and souvenir shops.

Yasaka Pagoda

Erected on Honkan-ji Temple grounds, Yasaka Pagoda, or Yasaka Tower, is a five-story wooden structure west of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. It is South Higashiyama’s most photogenic and eye-catching landmark and the third-tallest in Kyoto.

This stunning pagoda is open from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. daily. However, visitors under 12 are not allowed to enter the temple grounds. The admission fee is JPY 400, PHP 163.24, or USD 3.01.

Kodai-ji Temple

The temple of Kodai-ji is a Buddhist temple constructed in 1606 in honor of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan’s most influential rulers. This temple, located amid Kiyumizu-dera temple and Yasaka Shrine, highlights its two aesthetically arranged zen gardens, teahouses, a mausoleum, and a museum.

The Kodai-ji Temple is open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. (and the final admission is at 5:00 pm). Moreover, the entrance fee is JPY 600, PHP 244.94, or USD 4.51, including an entry to Sho Museum.

Maruyama Park

Kyoto’s famous venue for cherry blossoms viewing, Maruyama Park, is often thronged by visitors during spring. Its main attraction, the weeping Sakura tree, offers an incredible view, especially when cherry blossoms reach their full bloom.

Maruyama Park is open 24 hours a day and requires no entry fees.

Yasaka Shrine

Located next to Maruyama Park is the Yasaka Shrine or Gion Shrine. It is among Kyoto’s most visited Shinto shrines between Higashiyama and Gion.

The complex houses a few structures, which include small shrines, a gate, and a stage with arrays of traditional lanterns. Entering the shrine is free and open 24 hours a day.

Kyoto Travel Guide Tip: Visit Kyoto in the summer to witness Japan’s most famous and celebrated annual festival, the Gion Matsuri. The thousand years old festivity parade colorful and giant floats and is joined by hundreds of participants. Gion Festival happens in July.

Wait for a second! Before you dive into your  Gion tour, smarten yourself up by wearing a traditional garment. Rent a kimono and feel like you are stepping back in time.

Gion

Gion, Kyoto’s well-known geisha entertainment district, occupies a large area of Shijo Avenue between Higashioji and Kawabata streets.

Alongside Hanami-koji Street to Kenninji Temple are traditional merchant houses, or ‘machiya’ turned into restaurants and cafès. Teahouses, or the ‘ochaya’, where geisha entertain their guests, are also found along the alleyway.

Kyoto Travel Guide Tip: Chances are that you can spot a ‘geiko’ or ‘maiko’, a ‘geiko’ apprentice in Hanami-koji Street. Behave yourself, and do not interfere. You can capture photos of them, however, for an acceptable gap.

05:30 pm – 07:30 pm Head to Pontocho Alley and have dinner

  • From Hanami-koji Street
  • Walk toward Pontocho Alley

Pontocho Alley

Sited on the west bank of the Kamo-gawa river, Pontocho Alley is a popular dining place in Kyoto. The stretch of this narrow lane between the streets of Shijo and Sanjo are cafès and restaurants serving various cuisines.

The alleyway livens at night as colorful lanterns light up the rustic shopfronts, which creates a dreamy atmosphere. Establishments are open from 5:00 a.m. until midnight.

07:30 pm – 07:45 pm Head to Kyoto Station

  • From Pontocho Alley
  • Walk toward Shijo Kawaramachi Bus Stop
  • Take the Kyoto City Bus Nos.17 or 205 toward Kyoto Station
  • Alight at Kyoto Station Bus Terminal
  • Walk toward Kyoto Tower

07:45 pm – 09:00 pm Gazing at Kyoto Station

Kyoto Tower

Constructed in 1964, the Kyoto Tower is the tallest structure in Kyoto, with a towering height of 131 meters. It is erected above the 9-story building, which houses commercial spaces like the Kyoto Tower Hotel.

An enclosed observation deck, nestled 100 meters high, offers a 360-degree view of the city and its nearby Osaka. Kyoto Tower’s viewing platform is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The admission fee is JPY 800, PHP 326.78, or USD 6.01 for adults, while the students are granted discounts.

Can’t get enough of Umeda Sky Building and Harukas 300 of Osaka? Well, ascend to Kyoto Tower’s Observation Deck and eye-witness the 360-degree views of Kyoto and Osaka from above. Get your Kyoto Tower tickets now!

09:00 pm – 09:30 pm Head to accommodation

  • From Kyoto Tower
  • Walk toward accommodation

09:30 pm Prepare and sleep

Day 2 - Fushimi, Nijo, and Arashiyama

Kyoto Travel Guide Reminder: It takes about a kilometer to walk from point A to point B.

05:30 am – 07:30 am Wake up, prepare for the tour, have breakfast, early check out, and drop off the baggage at the hotel
07:30 am – 08:00 am Head to the Fushimi Inari Shrine

  • From accommodation
  • Walk toward Kyoto Station – Platform 9
  • Take the JR Nara Local Line toward JR Nara Station
  • Alight at Inari Station
  • Walk toward Fushimi Inari Shrine

08:00 am – 10:00 am Explore the Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Located in southern Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of good harvest, Inari. It is famed for over a thousand vibrant orange-colored torii gates lining up toward Mount Inari.

These thousands of torii gates or the ‘senbon’ gates are donations coming from individuals and private sectors. Hence, donors’ names are engraved on each gate. The Fushimi Inari Shrine is open 24 hours, and admission is free.

10:00 am – 10:15 am Head to Nijo Castle

  • From Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • Walk toward Inari Station – Platform 1
  • Take JR Nara Local Line toward Kyoto Station
  • Alight at Kyoto Station
  • Change line – Platform 32
  • Take JR San In (Sagano) Rapid Line toward Sonobe Station
  • Drop off at JR Nijo Station
  • Walk toward Nijo Castle

10:15 am – 12:15 pm Explore Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle

Erected in 1603, Nijo Castle is the official Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Leyasu, the Edo Period’s first shogun. This well-kept castle once served as an imperial palace and was eventually designated a historical site.

The 27.5 hectares UNESCO World Heritage Site is partitioned into separate strongholds; the outer wall, or ‘Ninomaru,’ and the inner defense wall, or ‘Honmaru.’ Both wards are adorned with gardens and dotted with Sakura trees which are stunning during spring and fall.

Nijo Castle is open to the public from 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visitors must pay JPY 800, PHP 328.00, or USD 6 to enter the castle grounds. In addition, Ninomaru Palace requires a separate admission fee of JPY 500, PHP 205.00, or USD 3.75.

Learn more about the rich history of Japan during its military rulership through this well-preserved fortified structure. Skip the queues! Book Nijo Castle and Ninomaru Palace tickets.

12:15 pm – 12:30 pm Head to Arashiyama

  • From Nijo Castle
  • Walk toward Nijo Station – Platform 2
  • Take JR San In (Sagano) Line toward Sonobe Station
  • Alight at the JR Saga-Arashiyama Station – Southwest Exit
  • Walk toward Tenryu-ji Temple

12:30 pm – 05:30 pm Explore Arashiyama and have lunch

Tenryu-ji Temple

Completed in 1345, the Tenryu-ji Temple is classified as the prime temple among the five Zen Buddhist temples in Arashiyama. This UNESCO World Heritage Site shelters other temples, panoramic gardens, and the Michelin-starred traditional Buddhist vegan restaurant, Shigetsu.

The Tenryu-ji Temple is open from Monday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. While, admission to the temple grounds is JPY 500, PHP 205.00, or USD 3.75. Moreover, entry to other temples requires a separate fee of JPY 300, PHP 123.00, or USD 2.25.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is among Kyoto’s most photographed sights. This tunnel-like arrangement of tall bamboo stalks offers striking views as you walk past and to other equally appealing spots in Arashiyama.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is open to the public 24 hours a day and requires no admission fee.

Before heading to our last stop, consider these exciting ways to explore Arashiyama. Get into Sagano Romantic Train or lounge in the comfy rickshaw seats and relish the dramatic views of this idyllic neighborhood. 

Otherwise, reserve a full day Kyoto Tour and wander into the city’s top tourist sights. 

Iwatayama Monkey Park

The Iwatayama Monkey Park is a refuge for over a hundred-roaming Japanese Macaques, or snow monkeys. They dwell on the crest of Mount Iwata, which is about a 20-minute trail to reach the park.

Although these Japanese-native primates are aggressive, you may hand-feed them from an enclosure. A bag of sliced fruits is sold at JPY 100, PHP 41.00, or USD 0.75.

Iwatayama Monkey Park is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and up until 4:00 p.m. from November to March. To see up close this snow monkeys, an admission fee is collected at JPY 600.00, PHP 246.00, or USD 4.50. 

05:30 pm – 07:10 pm Head to Kyoto Station, have dinner and prepare for departure

  • From Iwatayama Monkey Forest
  • Walk toward JR Saga-Arashiyama Station 
  • Take JR San In (Sagano) Line toward Kyoto Station
  • Alight at Kyoto Station 
  • Walk toward accommodation

Kyoto Travel Guide Tip: Head to Odawara, Kanagawa, via JR Shinkansen Kodama in three hours. The JR Nationwide Pass is valid for the JR Kodama bullet train. Please refer to the concerned authorities regarding the updated train schedules. 

07:10 pm – 10:10 pm Head to Hakone

  • From Kyoto Station
  • Take JR Shinkansen Kodama toward Odawara Station
  • Get off at Odawara Station

Budget for Kyoto Trip

In 2022, I spent P 5,200.90 for two days and one night in Kyoto. However, the costs may still vary depending on your travel lifestyle. Please read ‘35 Excellent Tips to Save Money on Travel.’

Below is the Kyoto travel guide budget for your reference. 

Pre-Departure

  • One day and one-night accommodation with complimentary breakfast, PHP 1,626.30 x 2, PHP 813.00
  • Kyoto Tower – Observation Deck entrance fee, PHP 312.00
  • Nijo Castle and Ninomaru Palace admission tickets, PHP 897.00

1st Day

  • Kyoto Station to Kiyimizu-dera Temple via the Raku Bus No. 100, PHP 89.70
  • Kiyumizu-dera Temple entry fee, PHP 156.00
  • Lunch, PHP 400.00
  • Kodai-ji Temple entrance fee, PHP 234.00
  • Dinner, PHP 400.00
  • Pontocho Alley to Kyoto Station via Kyoto City Bus No. 205, PHP 89.70

2nd Day

  • Lunch, PHP 400.00
  • Tenryu-ji Temple entrance fee, PHP 195.00
  • Iwatayama Monkey Park admission fee, PHP 214.50
  • Dinner, PHP 400.00

Kyoto Travel Guide Resources

To help you with your travel plans, I’ve gathered a checklist of carefully chosen travel resources. These are the trusted online marketplaces that I highly endorse because of their excellent deals.

Passport icon

Looking for an easy-peasy solution to process your visa application and other travel documents? Consult iVisa!

Insurance icon

SafetyWing is your safeguard for travel medical and health insurance while away from home. 

Flight icon

The sky is the limit with Skyscanner if you are looking for better and cheaper flight options for your next trip.

Hotel icon

Reserve a room on one of the largest online hotel booking platforms, Agoda. It offers unbeatable hotel deals!

Hostel icon

Explore the world with HostelWorld! Make a reservation and share a space with newfound buddies. 

Car rental icon

Drive your way to undiscovered places! Book a car via Discover Cars and experience hassle-free road trips. 

Tour icon

Would you like to visit your favorite museum and theme park? For discounted attraction tickets and tours, look for Klook!

Transportation icon

For transfers from point A to point B, go for 12Go! It has an extensive coverage of ground transports and ferries, too.

Kyoto Travel Guide Question: What is the most famous and celebrated festival in Kyoto? 

Please drop your answers or messages in the comment section. Thank you, and see you on the road!

traveledictorian-blogger

About the Author

J. Sac is the author of ‘Kyoto Travel Guide: An Excellent Guide to the World.’ He is also the founder of Traveledictorian – a travel blog that publishes well-thought-out travel content. 

His passion for writing, photography, and travel fueled him to explore Asia and the rest of the world. He also plans to undertake humanitarian work in his travels. Read his inspiring story and follow him on social media!

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