Kyoto is a city in the Kansai Region of Japan, in Kyoto Prefecture. It served as the former imperial capital of Japan, and it is still known by its older name, Heian-kyō, and by its Japanese spelling, Kyōto or 京都.
Visitors come for the sense of continuity that the city keeps. Kyoto is home to thousands of temples, and its streets hold traditional wooden houses that give many neighbourhoods a quiet, old-town character. Its geisha districts remain part of the city's life, and its gardens are a central reason many people make the trip. The city's cultural heritage is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
What a visit offers
- Temples in great number, spread across the city and its surrounding hills
- Traditional wooden houses that line older streets
- Geisha districts, where the traditional arts still have a presence
- Gardens that are among the city's most admired features
Because so much is concentrated in one place, Kyoto suits a slow pace. Many people plan their days around a few areas rather than trying to see everything, leaving time to walk between sights and simply look around.
Planning your trip
Kyoto works well as a base for exploring the wider Kansai Region, and its position makes it a natural stop for anyone interested in Japan's history and traditional culture. Whether you come for a single day or a longer stay, the city rewards curiosity and patience.
