Kyoto skyline view — top attractions and sightseeing

Kyoto Travel Guide

Japan

About Kyoto

Kyoto ( or ; Japanese: 京都, Kyōto [kʲoꜜː.to] ), officially Kyoto City (京都市, Kyōto-shi; [kʲoː.toꜜ.ɕi] ), is the capital city of Kyoto Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan's largest and most populous island of Honshu. As of 2020, the city had a population of 1.46 million, making it the ninth-most populous city in Japan. More than half (56.8%) of Kyoto Prefecture's population resides in the city. The city is the cultural anchor of the substantially larger Greater Kyoto, a metropolitan statistical area (MSA) home to a census-estimated 3.8 million people.

Best time to visit: March, April, May. Language: Japanese. Currency: JPY.

Learn more about Kyoto on Wikipedia.

Top Attractions in Kyoto

From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Kyoto offers world-class sightseeing. Whether you're exploring cultural heritage, dining, or capturing the city skyline, there's something for every traveler. Use our map below to plan your visit and discover the best things to do in Kyoto.

Map of Kyoto