Some of the most famous spots for cherry blossom viewing include Maruyama Park, the Philosopher’s Path, the Toji Temple, and Arashiyama. The latter, located on the outskirts of Kyoto, offers truly breathtaking and harmonious views of the blossoms against a mountainous backdrop. If you want to experience the full palette of autumn colors, visit the Tofukuji Temple, the Kifune Shrine, or the Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

In Kyoto, where the term geiko is used instead of geisha as it is elsewhere in Japan, the traditional geiko culture is exceptionally well-preserved. However, despite this tradition being very well-known, there are only around 200 geikos in Kyoto, mainly in the Gion district (remember to be respectful). They usually work in private tea houses, though you can still experience the traditional tea ceremonies at the public tea houses scattered all around Kyoto.

No tipping is expected

Just like in the rest of Japan, there is no tipping culture in Kyoto, whether you are at a restaurant, hotel, or taxi. Instead, a simple 'thank you' is enough. However, if you go on a private guided tour, you may choose to give a tip to your guide. While tipping is not required, it is appreciated.

Purchase the Japan Rail Pass

JR Pass is specifically made for foreign tourists to travel throughout Japan. It provides unlimited train and long-distance JR bus route rides for 7, 14, or 21 days and is valid on nearly all trains operated by Japan Railways, including the Shinkansen. However, as of 2023, the prices have increased, so purchasing the pass may not be convenient. Make sure you calculate the travel expenses to ensure it offers good value for your money. Depending on your itinerary, it might be more affordable to buy individual train tickets.

Know the local customs

Japan has a lot of customs, and it's important to learn them so you don't accidentally offend the locals! You might learn some of them during your stay in Tokyo but just in case here are some things to bear in mind:

• Taxi doors are remotely opened by the taxi drivers. Don't attempt opening them yourself.
• Don’t eat while walking in public places. Instead sit down at designated areas, like restaurants or rest areas.
• There are not many trash bins in public but it does not mean you can dispose of the waste anywhere. You are expected to carry trash with you until you find a bin.

• JR Bus Kanto: the cheapest tickets start from around $39 (€36 or ¥6,100). It takes around 7 hours to reach Kyoto.
• Willer Express: the tickets start from around $31 (€29 or ¥4,900), and the journey takes around 8 to 9 hours.

Both companies mainly offer overnight routes. If you want to travel by day, you should opt for a train or other below-mentioned options.

From Tokyo to Kyoto by bullet train

As the local train’s travel time is similar to the buses, let’s look into the famous bullet trains which are the most popular way to get from Tokyo to Kyoto. You can pick from three types of bullet trains:

• Nozomi: it takes just 2 hours and 15 minutes to reach Kyoto. While it is the fastest of all, it is not fully covered by JR Pass. The full price (without the pass) is around $96 (€86 or ¥14,800) but with the JR Pass the ride costs around $31 (€29 or ¥4,900)
• Hikari: it is the second quickest bullet train, with the journey time being 2.5 hours. It is covered by the JR Pass, but otherwise, tickets cost $84 (around €77 or ¥13000).
• Kodama: the slowest of all high-speed trains. It takes 3 hours and 40 minutes, and the tickets for this train also cost around $84 (around €77 or ¥13000).

Most Shinkansen trains usually depart from the Tokyo Station, although some also depart from the Shinagawa Station.

From Tokyo to Kyoto by private car service

While buses offer the most cost-effective mode of transportation and bullet trains provide the quickest route from Tokyo to Kyoto, Daytrip’s private car service ensures flexibility. If you're looking for more than just a transfer between cities and want to explore along the way, Daytrip is an excellent choice. As you approach Kyoto, you can visit stops like Gumyoji Temple, Sakitori Shrine, the town of Gotemba with its spectacular views of Mount Fuji, or even the Southern Beach in Chigasaki.

Without sightseeing stops, the drive takes around 5.5 hours. Your experienced driver will handle your luggage and ensure a comfortable, air-conditioned ride. As our drivers speak English, your driver, who is local to the area, can offer insider recommendations on what to see or do during your stay in Kyoto. No matter the distance of the trip, with Daytrip, you can leave all worries behind, as you won’t need to navigate public transport.

Hike the Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine

Like Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the famous Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine was also established in the 700s. It is one of Kyoto’s major attractions, formed by red torii gates that create a tunnel leading up Mount Inari. Visitors are invited to walk through these gates on a trail that winds its way to the summit. The hike covers about 12,000 steps and usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the top, so be sure to wear comfortable footwear.

Get a taste of Kyoto

Japan is famous worldwide for its rich cuisine, and Kyoto is no exception. Kyoto is known for kaiseki which is a luxurious traditional full-course Japanese meal. All the dishes are made of high-quality seasonal products. Some of the dishes kaiseki includes are saizuke, nimono, yakimono, and others.

If you're looking for a sweet souvenir to bring home, search for yatsuhashi. This traditional sweet is made from rice flour, sugar, and nikki (Japanese cinnamon), and you will find it in many places in Kyoto.

Try the authentic Japanese matcha from Uji

Uji, located in the Kyoto Prefecture, is worth a day trip if you are a true matcha lover, as Uji is only around 13 miles (22 km) away from Kyoto. Although you will find high-quality matcha in Kyoto itself, the tea grown in Uji is known for its exceptional quality and rich flavor. A visit to Uji allows you to experience matcha at its finest, whether you're sampling it at a traditional tea house, exploring local tea farms, or purchasing some to take home.