Kyoto keeps the shrines, gardens and geisha districts that Tokyo paved over, wrapped in mountains that turn pink in spring and crimson in autumn. It's compact enough to see on foot and bicycle, and close enough to Osaka and Nara for easy day trips.
Month by month
Best: March, April, May, October, November
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Avoid Poor OK Good Excellent Peak
How long to stay
3–5 days is the sweet spot.
Flight time
About 14h from the US East Coast, 12h from Europe, 9.5h from South Asia.
Good to know
- Buy a one-day bus pass — most sights aren't on the subway lines.
- Temples close their gates early, usually by 5pm; plan the last stop accordingly.
- Remove shoes at temple entrances and ryokan doorways without being asked.
Plan a trip to Kyoto
Pick your dates and Offdays builds a day-by-day itinerary from Kyoto's best places.
Destination