Kyoto

Kyoto is a city of shrines, wooden lanes and gardens tuned to the seasons. Early mornings at famous sites, long afternoons in quieter temples and evenings over small plates make the most of it.

Places we love here

• Nature

  Arashiyama bamboo grove

  A bamboo path on the city's western edge, best very early.

• Culture

  Fushimi Inari Taisha

  The mountain shrine of thousands of vermilion gates. Go at dawn and climb past the crowds.

• Experiences

  Fushimi sake district

  Old breweries and canals in the south of the city; some offer tastings.

• Culture

  Gion evening walk

  Historic streets of teahouses. Respect posted rules on photography and private lanes.

• Culture

  Kiyomizu-dera

  A hillside temple with a wooden stage over the trees.

• Lesser-known · lesser-known

  Kurama to Kibune hike

  A forested mountain trail between two shrine villages north of the city.

• Food

  Nishiki Market

  A covered market of pickles, skewers and sweets. Etiquette discourages eating while walking.

• Nature

  Philosopher's Path

  A canal-side walk linking quieter temples in the northern Higashiyama area.