Kyoto
Japan’s ‘cultural capital’, Kyoto, is located on Honshu Island within the Kansai region. Filled with awe-inspiring shrines, temples, and Zen gardens, as well as a host of extraordinary modern attractions and numerous things to do, the city offers a plethora of experiences. First stops include the other-worldly Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shinto shrine; Kiyomizu-Dera, offering a ‘love providing’ ceremony and jaw-dropping views, and Buddhist Tōfuku-Ji, famous for its glorious garden.
It is also entirely possible to visit Kyoto for the sake of food alone; hubs like Nishiki Market provide a dizzying array of culinary adventures. Culture enthusiasts can attend a traditional tea ceremony; soak up the striking displays at the Kyoto International Manga Museum; or head to Gion, the vibrant downtown district, to visit artisan studios or watch a Kabuki show. Exquisite hikes and natural hot springs await just outside the city.
ITINERARY INSPIRATION FOR KYOTO
Grand Tour of Japan
16 nights
Japan - Off the Beaten Track
15 nights
Japan by Train
16 nights
Highlights of Japan & China
24 nights
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN KYOTO
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Walk through thousands of vermillion torii gates at this famous Shinto shrine, leading you up the sacred Mount Inari with breath-taking views of Kyoto.
Nishiki Market
Discover Kyoto’s culinary delights at this lively market, sampling everything from fresh sushi to matcha sweets and traditional yuba (tofu skin) dishes.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Stroll through towering bamboo stalks in this enchanting forest, then explore the nearby Iwatayama Monkey Park for panoramic views of Kyoto.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
A UNESCO-listed temple famous for its large wooden stage that offers spectacular views, especially during cherry blossom season and autumn.
Gion & Higashiyama Districts
Experience Kyoto’s historic charm in these preserved districts, where traditional wooden machiya houses line the streets, and geisha culture thrives.
Kinkaku-ji
One of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks, this stunning Zen temple is covered in gold leaf and set against a beautiful reflective pond and tranquil gardens.
OUR FAVOURITE HOTELS IN KYOTO
Four Seasons Kyoto
Kyoto
5 star
Aman Kyoto
Kyoto
5 star
Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Kyoto
5 star
SPEAK TO A JAPAN EXPERT TO START PLANNING YOUR TAILOR-MADE JOURNEY
WHY BOOK WITH TAILORED JOURNEYS?
AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES
Every holiday is tailor made to the finest detail to match your preferences
We offer unique experiences to help create truly rewarding memories
Your interests are our priority and we handpick activies accordingly - whether its cycling through rice fields in Vietnam or a special dinner under the stars for your honeymoon
HANDPICKED HOTELS
All hotels are handpicked based on individual specifications
The hotels we choose are ones where we have either personally stayed or visited
We make sure that you will have some of the most incredible views from your hotel that will surely stay in your memory forever
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
All of us here are from, have lived and/or worked in your chosen destination
Our local, qualified guides are courteous, knowledgeable and always willing to go the extra mile for every Tailored Journeys client
We have built special relationships with incredible people who help us bring an authentic element to our holidays
SUPPORT & TECHNOLOGY
You will have the same specialist look after your trip from start to finish
You will have the support of a local office in each destination and access a 24 hour mobile number here in the UK
You will also have access to an interactive app so you can view your itinerary offline