Kyoto’s Yasaka Pagoda and traditional rooftops with cherry blossoms and mountains behind

Japan · The Old Capital

Kyoto

Vermilion shrine gates, golden temples, bamboo forests and wooden teahouse streets. Experience Kyoto’s traditions in depth, at the quiet hours, with our Japan specialists.

  • 794 became the imperial capital
  • 17 UNESCO-listed monuments
  • 15 min to Osaka by bullet train

Hassle-Free Dream Travel!

Google ★★★★★ 5.0 · 601 reviews
Patricia DiMichele
★★★★★
I would not have been able to take this trip to Spain with my sons without CeCe's thorough planning. She guided me through all the planning decisions that needed to be made, made all the necessary arrangements and reservations and then helped us when we had some travel issues while we were there. Most importantly she listened to what we wanted and designed the trip around that. And everything we needed on the trip was easily accessed by all of us on the Axus app!
Jim Kelly
★★★★★
Jordan Hall and the Travel Byrds team did a fantastic job helping us plan and execute our recent trip to Octoberfest, Dolomites, Lake Como, and Tuscany. Jordan is very knowledgeable and organized, and guided us all the way through the process. I highly recommend Jordan and her team, and we will definitely use her for all future trips.
Jennifer Polito
★★★★★
Thank you so much to Kika for setting up our vacation and taking all the headache out of getting us ready to go. We love working with you every time and we appreciate you so much!
Jennjfer Metz
★★★★★
Christina was amazing. She was always available for questions or concerns both before and during our trip to Greece. She and her team made sure our trip was exactly what we wanted. We were able to cancel an adventure with no problem while we were already on our vacation. Our trip was so awesome due to Christina and her team! We will use Travel Byrds again!
Sally Purdy
★★★★★
Monica Bowen, from Travel Byrds provided excellent service for our trip to Ireland and Scotland. Everything was perfect from all our hotels and one vrbo/airbnb to the most fabulous driver Loraine Doyle! All the activities we chose to partake in from her numerous suggestions were fabulous! Thank you!
Heidi Loughran
★★★★★
We laid out an idea of a trip to Ireland for a week and then on to Italy for a week. Alex took it from there! She booked our flights, our transfers, our excursions, our hotels, our rental car. She conferred with us every step of the way. She kept within our budget. She had tips and travel wisdom we would have never known on our own. She was completely available for any questions we had even while on our trip. Our excursions were Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse (it was sold out on arrival but we had booked ahead at Alex’s recommendation!) We saw Connemara and Killarney National Park, Kylemore Abbey, the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula, Cork, Blarney Castle. All went without a hitch. In Italy she booked an all day boat ride on the Amalfi Coast that was exquisite. She booked St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican, Vatican museum, colosseum, forum Palantine Hill in Rome with passes that took us to the front of the line, a rental car to drive to Lanciano and the Adriatic. She booked our trains to Rome and Florence. She booked the Uffizi in Florence and a wine tour in Tuscany. All the tickets are held in one place on the Travel Byrds app that you don’t need Wi-Fi to pull up. No scrambling to find tickets. Recommendations and information about each site is provided. Each hotel she booked was absolutely lovely with incredible service. We could not have found these places on our own. I will never travel again without Alex. I want to shout it from the rooftops! You will save money, save headaches and see things, experience the world far better than if you try it on your own! Thank you Alex for your travel wisdom, kindness, and for making our dream come true!
Mary Foster
★★★★★
I met Christina (CeCe) when I joined a group to travel to Madagascar and the Seychelles recently. The trip was action packed, well paced, and entirely enjoyable. CeCe was on the ball each and every day to handle the needs of our group. The accommodations, tour guides, experiences and restaurants she arranged included many local places we visited and allowed us to immerse ourselves in the local cultures and people. It was an unforgettable trip and I will never forget CeCe and all she did for all of us (especially me and my travel partner!). She is a treasure and knows what she's doing!
Loren Wray
★★★★★
Excellent service for folks who love to vacation but hate the details involved. My travel bird researched and booked my entire vacation leaving me to simply show up and enjoy! The price of the service also, cannot be beat. I strongly recommend Erika and Travel Byrds.
Ryan Myers
★★★★★
We used Travel Byrds for the first time this summer to help plan a family trip to Italy and Tera was wonderful! She really took the time to listen to our needs and was patient as we inevitably made several changes to our plan. The trip was amazing and her help did not end when we left. I would highly recommend Tera and the Travel Byrds!
Lauren Merrill
★★★★★
Ashley was amazing to work with while planning our honeymoon! We felt super safe while getting to our resort with the private transportation she booked and we stayed at a beautiful resort that was perfect for us! We highly recommend Ashley!
Melissa Brown
★★★★★
I had never worked with a travel advisor before and wasn't sure what to expect. From my first conversation with Ashley, I immediately felt comfortable. She listened to what I wanted, gave me different options and helped me work through them without making anything feel overwhelming. Once we decided, she handled EVERYTHING. I didn't realize how much time and stress goes into planning a trip until I didn't have to do it myself! No hours of research, comparing endless options, nervously double-checking reservations or keeping track of confirmation numbers. Ashley handled it all, and everything we needed while traveling was organized right in the app. I'm honestly kicking myself for not using a travel advisor sooner. The entire experience was so much easier, and I can't wait to work with her again.
Carina Brown
★★★★★
Our Asheville girls trip was the perfect combination of nature, great food and beautiful scenery. Ashley built the itinerary around exactly what we wanted. We ziplined through the fall foliage, explored the Blue Ridge Parkway, hiked trails that matched our abilities, toured the Biltmore and took in the views from Chimney Rock. She also found amazing local restaurants and handled our reservations. Watching the sunset over the mountains during dinner at the Omni Grove Park Inn was unforgettable. The best part was never having to ask, "What do you want to do today?" Everything was thoughtfully planned, but we still had the freedom to enjoy the trip at our own pace. We could just be present and enjoy our vacation instead of spending it figuring out what to do next.
Cindy Keys
★★★★★
Gina Radar agent and Travel Byrds did an exceptional job making sure everything worked seamlessly during my recent trip to Italy/Greece. Personalized service and worry free! I highly recommend Gina and Travel Byrds!
Alli M
★★★★★
Tera and Flora were absolutely amazing to work with! We could not have had a better experience with them and the amazing trip they planned for us! I wish I could give more than 5 stars. They helped us plan our Honeymoon to Italy and through their app they have everything laid out for you along with guidance and advice depending on where you are going! They were very adaptive to any alternatives we wanted to make and were so quick to make bookings for us. Highly highly recommend Travel Byrds for a perfectly planned trip!!
Kim Kaas
★★★★★
Maggie did it again!! A trip to Hawaii should not be considered without Maggie and Travel Byrds to assist with making it a trip you will never forget! Thank you for helping us create memories to last a lifetime!
Ariyah Robinson
★★★★★
Jeffrei did a wonderful job planning my birthday trip! She gave us wonderful recommendations for Cancun. She listened to our preferences and found us the perfect resort fit within our budget!
Shannon Housley
★★★★★
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Erin at The Travel Birds! This was my first time ever using a travel agent, and as someone who is admittedly a bit of a control freak when it comes to travel, handing over the planning was a big deal for me. I typically spend hours researching and planning every detail of our trips myself. But when we decided to spend 12 days traveling through Ireland—and I knew I would also be driving—I started feeling a little overwhelmed trying to coordinate the itinerary, accommodations, transportation, and all of the details that go along with a trip like this. That’s when Erin stepped in, and I am SO glad she did. She took care of everything and planned an absolutely wonderful vacation for us while staying within our budget. It was such a relief knowing that all of the details had been thought through and taken care of, and I was actually able to look forward to the trip instead of stressing over planning it. Erin was incredible to work with, and the entire experience completely changed my mind about using a travel agent. I would 100% recommend Erin and The Travel Birds to anyone planning a vacation—especially if you want someone you can trust to handle the details and make the process easy. I can confidently say I’m officially converted! Erin and The Travel Birds will be planning our future vacations from here on out. ❤️✈️
Patricia DiMichele
★★★★★
I would not have been able to take this trip to Spain with my sons without CeCe's thorough planning. She guided me through all the planning decisions that needed to be made, made all the necessary arrangements and reservations and then helped us when we had some travel issues while we were there. Most importantly she listened to what we wanted and designed the trip around that. And everything we needed on the trip was easily accessed by all of us on the Axus app!
Jim Kelly
★★★★★
Jordan Hall and the Travel Byrds team did a fantastic job helping us plan and execute our recent trip to Octoberfest, Dolomites, Lake Como, and Tuscany. Jordan is very knowledgeable and organized, and guided us all the way through the process. I highly recommend Jordan and her team, and we will definitely use her for all future trips.
Jennifer Polito
★★★★★
Thank you so much to Kika for setting up our vacation and taking all the headache out of getting us ready to go. We love working with you every time and we appreciate you so much!
Jennjfer Metz
★★★★★
Christina was amazing. She was always available for questions or concerns both before and during our trip to Greece. She and her team made sure our trip was exactly what we wanted. We were able to cancel an adventure with no problem while we were already on our vacation. Our trip was so awesome due to Christina and her team! We will use Travel Byrds again!
Sally Purdy
★★★★★
Monica Bowen, from Travel Byrds provided excellent service for our trip to Ireland and Scotland. Everything was perfect from all our hotels and one vrbo/airbnb to the most fabulous driver Loraine Doyle! All the activities we chose to partake in from her numerous suggestions were fabulous! Thank you!
Heidi Loughran
★★★★★
We laid out an idea of a trip to Ireland for a week and then on to Italy for a week. Alex took it from there! She booked our flights, our transfers, our excursions, our hotels, our rental car. She conferred with us every step of the way. She kept within our budget. She had tips and travel wisdom we would have never known on our own. She was completely available for any questions we had even while on our trip. Our excursions were Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse (it was sold out on arrival but we had booked ahead at Alex’s recommendation!) We saw Connemara and Killarney National Park, Kylemore Abbey, the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula, Cork, Blarney Castle. All went without a hitch. In Italy she booked an all day boat ride on the Amalfi Coast that was exquisite. She booked St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican, Vatican museum, colosseum, forum Palantine Hill in Rome with passes that took us to the front of the line, a rental car to drive to Lanciano and the Adriatic. She booked our trains to Rome and Florence. She booked the Uffizi in Florence and a wine tour in Tuscany. All the tickets are held in one place on the Travel Byrds app that you don’t need Wi-Fi to pull up. No scrambling to find tickets. Recommendations and information about each site is provided. Each hotel she booked was absolutely lovely with incredible service. We could not have found these places on our own. I will never travel again without Alex. I want to shout it from the rooftops! You will save money, save headaches and see things, experience the world far better than if you try it on your own! Thank you Alex for your travel wisdom, kindness, and for making our dream come true!
Mary Foster
★★★★★
I met Christina (CeCe) when I joined a group to travel to Madagascar and the Seychelles recently. The trip was action packed, well paced, and entirely enjoyable. CeCe was on the ball each and every day to handle the needs of our group. The accommodations, tour guides, experiences and restaurants she arranged included many local places we visited and allowed us to immerse ourselves in the local cultures and people. It was an unforgettable trip and I will never forget CeCe and all she did for all of us (especially me and my travel partner!). She is a treasure and knows what she's doing!
Loren Wray
★★★★★
Excellent service for folks who love to vacation but hate the details involved. My travel bird researched and booked my entire vacation leaving me to simply show up and enjoy! The price of the service also, cannot be beat. I strongly recommend Erika and Travel Byrds.
Ryan Myers
★★★★★
We used Travel Byrds for the first time this summer to help plan a family trip to Italy and Tera was wonderful! She really took the time to listen to our needs and was patient as we inevitably made several changes to our plan. The trip was amazing and her help did not end when we left. I would highly recommend Tera and the Travel Byrds!
Lauren Merrill
★★★★★
Ashley was amazing to work with while planning our honeymoon! We felt super safe while getting to our resort with the private transportation she booked and we stayed at a beautiful resort that was perfect for us! We highly recommend Ashley!
Melissa Brown
★★★★★
I had never worked with a travel advisor before and wasn't sure what to expect. From my first conversation with Ashley, I immediately felt comfortable. She listened to what I wanted, gave me different options and helped me work through them without making anything feel overwhelming. Once we decided, she handled EVERYTHING. I didn't realize how much time and stress goes into planning a trip until I didn't have to do it myself! No hours of research, comparing endless options, nervously double-checking reservations or keeping track of confirmation numbers. Ashley handled it all, and everything we needed while traveling was organized right in the app. I'm honestly kicking myself for not using a travel advisor sooner. The entire experience was so much easier, and I can't wait to work with her again.
Carina Brown
★★★★★
Our Asheville girls trip was the perfect combination of nature, great food and beautiful scenery. Ashley built the itinerary around exactly what we wanted. We ziplined through the fall foliage, explored the Blue Ridge Parkway, hiked trails that matched our abilities, toured the Biltmore and took in the views from Chimney Rock. She also found amazing local restaurants and handled our reservations. Watching the sunset over the mountains during dinner at the Omni Grove Park Inn was unforgettable. The best part was never having to ask, "What do you want to do today?" Everything was thoughtfully planned, but we still had the freedom to enjoy the trip at our own pace. We could just be present and enjoy our vacation instead of spending it figuring out what to do next.
Cindy Keys
★★★★★
Gina Radar agent and Travel Byrds did an exceptional job making sure everything worked seamlessly during my recent trip to Italy/Greece. Personalized service and worry free! I highly recommend Gina and Travel Byrds!
Alli M
★★★★★
Tera and Flora were absolutely amazing to work with! We could not have had a better experience with them and the amazing trip they planned for us! I wish I could give more than 5 stars. They helped us plan our Honeymoon to Italy and through their app they have everything laid out for you along with guidance and advice depending on where you are going! They were very adaptive to any alternatives we wanted to make and were so quick to make bookings for us. Highly highly recommend Travel Byrds for a perfectly planned trip!!
Kim Kaas
★★★★★
Maggie did it again!! A trip to Hawaii should not be considered without Maggie and Travel Byrds to assist with making it a trip you will never forget! Thank you for helping us create memories to last a lifetime!
Ariyah Robinson
★★★★★
Jeffrei did a wonderful job planning my birthday trip! She gave us wonderful recommendations for Cancun. She listened to our preferences and found us the perfect resort fit within our budget!
Shannon Housley
★★★★★
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Erin at The Travel Birds! This was my first time ever using a travel agent, and as someone who is admittedly a bit of a control freak when it comes to travel, handing over the planning was a big deal for me. I typically spend hours researching and planning every detail of our trips myself. But when we decided to spend 12 days traveling through Ireland—and I knew I would also be driving—I started feeling a little overwhelmed trying to coordinate the itinerary, accommodations, transportation, and all of the details that go along with a trip like this. That’s when Erin stepped in, and I am SO glad she did. She took care of everything and planned an absolutely wonderful vacation for us while staying within our budget. It was such a relief knowing that all of the details had been thought through and taken care of, and I was actually able to look forward to the trip instead of stressing over planning it. Erin was incredible to work with, and the entire experience completely changed my mind about using a travel agent. I would 100% recommend Erin and The Travel Birds to anyone planning a vacation—especially if you want someone you can trust to handle the details and make the process easy. I can confidently say I’m officially converted! Erin and The Travel Birds will be planning our future vacations from here on out. ❤️✈️

Meet the city

The Kyoto Highlights

Kyoto rewards early starts and slow days. Tap through to explore its highlights.

Two women in kimono walking through the vermilion torii gates of Fushimi Inari in Kyoto

Thousands of vermilion gates

Fushimi Inari Taisha is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Thousands of vermilion torii gates, donated by businesses and individuals, form tunnels up the sacred Mount Inari.

Go at dawn for near-empty paths, and climb beyond the first gates where most visitors turn back.

  • Sunrise visits with a guide
  • Hike to the summit viewpoints
  • Fox statues and hidden sub-shrines
Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, reflected in its pond in Kyoto

Kinkaku-ji

The top two floors of Kinkaku-ji are covered in gold leaf, reflected in the Mirror Pond. The current building dates from 1955, rebuilt after a fire in 1950.

Combine it with the Zen rock garden of Ryoan-ji nearby.

  • Ryoan-ji’s famous rock garden
  • Best in morning light
  • Easy to pair with Arashiyama
A path winding through the tall green stalks of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Bamboo, river and temples

The towering stalks of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove are one of Kyoto’s most magical sights, especially early in the morning.

Nearby, Tenryu-ji’s garden, the Togetsukyo Bridge and riverside cafes make this a full and relaxing day.

  • Early-morning bamboo walk
  • Tenryu-ji’s UNESCO-listed garden
  • Sagano scenic train or river boat
The Yasaka Pagoda rising above Kyoto’s Higashiyama rooftops at sunset

Lanterns, teahouses and geiko

Gion is Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, where geiko and apprentice maiko still entertain in traditional teahouses. Please photograph respectfully, and never block their path.

The stone lanes of Higashiyama lead past the Yasaka Pagoda to Kiyomizu-dera.

  • An evening with a maiko, arranged privately
  • Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka lanes
  • Kaiseki dinner in Gion
Kiyomizu-dera temple and pagoda surrounded by red autumn maples in Kyoto

A wooden stage above the city

Founded in 778, Kiyomizu-dera is famous for its huge wooden stage, built without nails, looking out over maple and cherry trees.

It’s spectacular in spring and autumn, and during special evening illuminations.

  • Evening illuminations in season
  • Otowa waterfall
  • Combine with Higashiyama on foot

In and around Kyoto

Experiences and Day Trips

Kyoto is a perfect base for western Japan. Filter by what you love, then tap “Read more” for our tips.

A deer standing among bright autumn trees in Nara ParkAbout 45 min

Nara

Japan’s first permanent capital, where friendly deer roam the park around Todai-ji and its giant bronze Buddha.

Read moreShow less

Bring a little patience with the deer: they bow for crackers, but they can be pushy!

Osaka Castle rising above autumn trees under a blue sky15 min by bullet train

Osaka

Japan’s kitchen: street food in Dotonbori, Osaka Castle and a lively nightlife scene.

The vermilion torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine standing in the water at MiyajimaAbout 1.5 hrs

Hiroshima & Miyajima

The moving Peace Memorial and the famous “floating” torii of Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima island.

Read moreShow less

We usually suggest an overnight on Miyajima to enjoy the island after the day visitors leave.

A traditional ryokan room with tatami floor opening onto autumn treesOvernight

A night in a ryokan

Sleep on tatami, wear a yukata and enjoy a seasonal kaiseki dinner in a traditional inn.

Red paper lanterns glowing outside a traditional Japanese wooden buildingEvenings

Gion by lantern light

A private evening walk through Kyoto’s geisha district, with stories of its traditions and teahouses.

Read moreShow less

We can also arrange a private dinner with a maiko, which includes conversation, dance and games.

Know before you go

How to Do Kyoto Well

Kyoto is busy in peak seasons. These tips help you enjoy it at its most peaceful.

Timing

Start early

The famous sights are calmest at opening time. We plan your days around the quiet hours.

Getting around

Taxis and private drivers

Kyoto’s buses get crowded. Taxis and private drivers are the most comfortable way to hop between temples.

Where to stay

Central or by the river

Stay near the Kamo River or Higashiyama for walkable evenings, or in Arashiyama for peace.

Etiquette

Respect Gion

Some private lanes in Gion are closed to tourists. Never stop or photograph geiko and maiko without permission.

Temples

Shoes off

Many temple halls ask you to remove your shoes, so wear socks and easy-to-remove footwear.

Seasons

Spring and autumn are busy

Cherry blossoms and autumn leaves are breathtaking, and hotels fill months ahead.

Work with One of Our Travel Experts

The average person takes over 11 hours researching their vacation. Take that time back and let us handle the nitty gritty of reading reviews, asking questions, comparing hotels and more.

Mount Fuji rising behind the red Chureito Pagoda

After a true deep dive into your requests, your travel agent will come back with a variety of suggested hotels, activities, and surprise experiences. You tell us which ones fit you best and we'll work through the logistics!

The vermilion gate of Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto

You'll be equipped with an itinerary complete with the details of your trip. If anything happens along the way, you can relax knowing your travel agent will take care of everything!

The vermilion torii of Itsukushima Shrine standing in the water at Miyajima

Good to know

Kyoto FAQs

How many days do I need in Kyoto?

Three to four days for Kyoto itself, plus a day each for Nara or Osaka. Kyoto rewards a slower pace.

Can I see a geisha in Kyoto?

Yes, often in Gion at dusk, but please be respectful. The best way is a private dinner or tea ceremony with a maiko, which we can arrange.

When is the best time to visit Kyoto?

Late March to early April for cherry blossoms, and mid to late November for autumn leaves. See our best time to visit Japan guide.

Should I stay in a ryokan in Kyoto?

We recommend at least one night. Many travelers combine a ryokan with a Western-style hotel for the rest of their stay.

Is Kyoto or Osaka a better base?

Kyoto for temples and tradition, Osaka for food and nightlife. They’re just 15 minutes apart by bullet train.

Your Japan journey

Keep exploring Japan

Begin your journey

Your Dream Japan Getaway

Kyoto is best experienced with someone who knows its quiet corners. Tell us about the trip you’re dreaming of, and one of our Japan specialists will start designing it with you.

  • A tailor-made itinerary, designed around you
  • Bullet trains, guides and luggage forwarding handled
  • Hand-picked hotels and ryokans with exclusive perks

Complimentary consultation

Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Trip by Contacting One of Our Japan Specialists

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2Trip type
3Date & time

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