Kyoto travel guide

The currency in Kyoto is the Japanese yen (JPY). Prices on TripRadr for tours and activities are shown in Canadian dollars (CAD). Check the current exchange rate before you travel.

Japan Standard Time all year, nine hours ahead of UTC, with no daylight saving. Toronto is on Eastern Time, so check the difference for your travel dates. Toronto changes its clocks in spring and autumn, so the gap can shift during the year.

There are 2 seasons to plan around in Kyoto. Best weather: March to May. Autumn colour: October to November. Check the weather and any local events for your dates.

Major airports include Kansai (KIX) and Osaka Itami (ITM). Routes and flight times depend on the season and the airline. Check with the airline or travel site you book with.

The Government of Canada publishes travel advice and advisories for Japan. Check it before you book and again before you leave. The advice can change, so TripRadr links to it instead of repeating it.

TripRadr does not take bookings. The things-to-do section shows tours and activities from Viator when they are available for Kyoto. You book on Viator, and TripRadr may earn a commission.

The main language is Japanese. Signs, menus and tours may also be available in English in places that welcome visitors. Learning a few local phrases is a polite way to start a conversation.

Popular things to do in Kyoto include walk the Fushimi Inari gates, see Kinkaku-ji and Arashiyama, stroll through Gion and join a tea ceremony or cooking class. The things-to-do section on this page shows tours and activities from Viator. Open one to see its details and price, then book on Viator.