Japan · On my bucket list
Kyoto
Kyōto (京都) was the capital of Japan for over a millennium, and carries a reputation as the nation's most beautiful city and its cultural capital - even the national government's Agency for Cultural Affairs moved there in 2023. However, visitors may be surprised by how much work they will have to do to see Kyoto's beautiful side. Most first impressions of the city will be of the urban sprawl of central Kyoto, around the ultra-modern glass-and-steel train station, which is itself an example of a city steeped in tradition colliding with the modern world.
Photo: Cosmin Georgian / Unsplash
Quick facts
- Currency
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)- Language
- Japanese
Language
Japanese - Time zones
UTC+9
UTC+9- Power plugs
- Type A/B
Power plugs
Type A, B · 100 V - Getting around
Drive on the left
Drive on the left
- Visa (US citizens)
Check entry requirements for U.S. citizens before you go
Entry requirements on travel.state.gov
Kyoto Prefecture, Japan · Population: 1.5M · Calling code: +81
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Where to stay in Kyoto
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Map of Kyoto
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Sources: Wikivoyage · Wikidata · U.S. State Department · CDC Travelers' Health. Experiences from Viator, hotels from Nuitee. Facts refresh weekly.