Why visit
Kyoto is 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, Arashiyama bamboo, Gion's geisha district, and a food culture that defined Japanese cuisine.
Kyoto at a glance
City population
1.5 million
Metro: 3.8 million
Elevation
56 m
184 ft
Time zone
UTC+9
Asia/Tokyo
Airport
KIX
Kansai International (Osaka, 75 min by train)
Founded
794 CE (Heian-kyō)
Getting around
Metro (2 lines), extensive bus network, bike-friendly
Signature dish
Kaiseki, yudofu, matcha sweets, obanzai (Kyoto home cooking)
Neighborhoods for travelers
GionHigashiyamaArashiyamaPontochoKawaramachi
Japan at a glance
Country center
36.0°, 138.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
377,930 km²
145,920 mi²
Country population
123.3 million
326/km²
Subregion
Eastern Asia
Currency
Japanese yen (¥)
JPY
Dial
+81
Language
Japanese
Demonym
Japanese
Internet
.jp
UN
Member state
ISO code
JP / JPN
Where in the world
36.0° · 138.0°
Japan
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Did you know
- Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan for over 1,000 years (794-1869).
- The city has 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, more than any other Japanese city.
- Kyoto was spared from WWII bombing largely because US officials considered its cultural value.
- Japan has 6,852 islands: only 430 are inhabited.
- There are more vending machines per person in Japan (1 per 23 people) than anywhere else on earth.
Traveler notes
- Fushimi Inari's 10,000 torii gates. Go at dawn
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) + Ginkaku-ji (Silver)
- Nishiki Market for kyo-yasai (Kyoto vegetables)
Plan checks
- Build a three-day plan before extending. Most travel cities are easy to undersell to yourself.
- Check seasonal timing: high season can triple costs on some coastal destinations.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Kyoto
What currency is used in Kyoto?
Kyoto uses the Japanese yen (¥), ISO code JPY.
What languages are spoken in Japan?
The primary language is Japanese.
What is the international calling code for Japan?
The calling code is +81.
What airport serves Kyoto?
Kansai International (Osaka, 75 min by train) (IATA: KIX).
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