Kyoto Travel Guide - The Best Things to Do in Kyoto
Found in a creator's video — every stop mapped and ready to remix.
Dreamfare Finds @dreamfarefindsFrom YouTube
This trip was folded from @AllanSu (Allan Su)'s video.
Kyoto Travel Guide - The Best Things to Do in Kyoto Get my 14 Days in Japan Itinerary: https://shop.allansu.com/b/0Y5f9 • eSIM data plan for Japan: https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=37988&aff_adid=893133&k_site=https://www.klook.com/activity/109393-japan-esim-high-speed-internet-qr-code-voucher/ • Buy JR Shinkansen Bullet train tickets here: https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=37988&aff_adid=1001837&k_site=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fjapan-rail%2Fshinkansen%2F • Follow me on https://instagram.com/allanwsu https://www.tiktok.com/@allanwsu • Timestamps 00:00 - Intro 01:27 - The best time to visit Kyoto 01:54 - How many days do you need in Kyoto 02:11 - Transportation 02:42 - Overview of Kyoto 03:51 - Explore the streets of Gion 05:15 - Nishiki Market 06:49 - Temples of Kyoto 08:17 - Pontocho 10:01 - Arashiyama 13:24 - Kinkakuji - The Golden Pavilion 14:23 - Fushimi Inari 16:20 - Outtro • Hotel Recommendations for Kyoto Kabin Kyoto: https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/kabin-kyoto.en.html?aid=1435889&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA The Pocket Hotel: https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/the-pocket-jing-du-si-tiao-wu-wan.en.html?aid=1435890&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A,A Hotel Granbell Kyoto: https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/jing-du-guranberuhoteru-kyoto12.xu.html?aid=2308890&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A,A • Other Kyoto information Kansai Thru Pass: https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=37988&aff_adid=1001894&k_site=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F1329-kansai-thru-pass-osaka%2F Hyperdia - What I use to route plan: https://www.hyperdia.com/ Hozugawa Boat Ride: https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=37988&aff_adid=1001891&k_site=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F74947-kyoto-arashiyama-hozugawa-river-boat-ride%2F Sagano Romantic Train: https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=37988&aff_adid=1001893&k_site=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F17066-sagano-romantic-train-ticket-kyoto%2F • What I use to Film Full Gear list: https://allansu.com/gear/ • Where I get my Music Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/j7niZ Epidemic Sound: https://share.epidemicsound.com/CjV6D • Credits Additional images provided by: https://unsplash.com/ Icons by: https://www.flaticon.com/ https://www.freepik.com/ • Disclaimer This video and description contain affiliate links. Any purchase made through the links helps support the channel and allows me to continue making videos. Thank you for the support! ______________________________________________ #kyoto #visitkyoto #travelkyoto #kyotoguide
Know before you go 🧳
The practical stuff for Kyoto, Japan — check these before you book and pack.
Entry & documents
- Visa patterns — Many passports receive short visa-free stays for Japan (commonly 90 days for tourism), but rules vary by nationality. Verify your passport's requirements on your government site, the destination’s immigration site, or IATA Travel Centre.
- Passport validity — Rule of thumb: many countries ask for 6+ months validity beyond arrival or return. Confirm Japan's requirement for your passport with official sources before travel.
- Entry checks — Immigration and customs procedures are strict—have onward/return ticket, accommodation details, and proof of funds ready if asked.
Health & safety
- Vaccinations & COVID — Routine vaccines should be up to date. Entry vaccination/testing rules can change—check your government health advice and Japan’s official health ministries before travel.
- Medication — Bring prescription meds in original packaging and a copy of the prescription. Some drugs restricted in Japan require prior permission—check embassy guidance for specifics.
- Travel insurance — Carry travel insurance covering medical evacuation and hospital care—Japanese healthcare can be costly for non-residents.
- Emergencies — Police: 110. Ambulance/Fire: 119. For consular help, locate your embassy/consulate contact before you go.
Money & payments
- Currency code — Currency: Japanese yen (JPY).
- Cash vs cards — Japan is cash-forward—small shops, markets and some ryokan prefer cash. Major cards accepted at many hotels, department stores and restaurants, but not everywhere.
- ATMs — International-friendly ATMs: 7-Eleven and Japan Post (post office) machines generally accept foreign cards. Check ATM compatibility before travel.
- Tipping norm — Tipping is not customary and can cause confusion. A sincere thank-you or small gift is the polite alternative.
Connectivity & power
- Plug & voltage — Plugs: Type A (two flat pins) and sometimes Type B. Voltage: 100V; frequency 50Hz (east) / 60Hz (west). Bring a suitable adapter and check device compatibility.
- Mobile data — eSIMs and prepaid SIM cards are widely available at airports and online. Check compatibility with your carrier and buy before arrival if needed.
- Public Wi‑Fi — Public Wi‑Fi exists but is patchy outside major transport hubs and hotels. Consider a portable Wi‑Fi or local data plan for reliable internet.
Local customs & etiquette
- Shoes & indoor rules — Remove shoes where requested (homes, ryokan, some temples). Use indoor slippers if provided and follow signs.
- Quiet & queues — Keep voices low on public transport, form orderly lines, and avoid talking on phones in trains.
- Bowing & manners — Bowing is common; a slight bow and polite language go a long way. Respect shrine/temple rules and photography restrictions.
Climate & what to pack
- Best months — Best times: spring (Mar–Apr) for cherry blossoms and fall (Oct–Nov) for autumn color. These are peak tourist periods.
- Weather patterns — Rainy season typically in June–July; hot and humid in Aug; typhoon risk in late summer/early autumn. Winters are cool, especially inland.
- What to pack — Pack layered clothing, a compact umbrella or rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and chargers/adapters for 100V outlets.
Language & useful phrases
- Official language — Official language: Japanese. English signage exists in major areas, but English fluency varies.
- Hello / Hi — Konnichiwa — "Hello" (use during daytime; polite and widely understood).
- Thank you — Arigatou gozaimasu — "Thank you" (polite). Useful in shops, restaurants and trains.
- Excuse me / Sorry — Sumimasen — "Excuse me" or "Sorry" (use to get attention or apologize).
Arrival & getting around
- Airports serving Kyoto — Kyoto is served primarily via Kansai International (KIX) and Osaka Itami (ITM). Choose based on flight options and onward connections.
- To central Kyoto — From KIX: options include airport express trains to Osaka then JR limited express/Haruka to Kyoto, direct airport limousine buses to Kyoto Station, or taxis. From Itami: airport limousine buses to Kyoto Station or taxis.
- Local transport — Trains, subways, buses and taxis are efficient. Buy or top up IC cards (ICOCA, Suica, Pasmo) for convenient travel across modes.
- Bikes & walking — Kyoto is very walkable and bike-friendly for short distances—rentals are common. Observe cycling rules and park only in designated areas.
General guidance, not legal advice — entry and health rules depend on your passport and change often. Verify with official sources before you fly.
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