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Kyoto TRAVEL GUIDE AND DEALS

Its thousand year reign as capital city may have ended in 1868 but Kyoto remains Japan’s cultural jewel. In addition to sheltering countless glittering temples and ancient shrines, visitors can explore traditional arts, sample Japanese delicacies, perhaps even catch a glimpse of geisha gliding along the streets.

Why Go

For the numerous temples and shrines, lovely landscaped parks and lively urban atmosphere.

Kyoto Travel Guide: Deals to Kyoto | Kyoto Neighborhoods | Things to do in Kyoto | Kyoto Hotels | Kyoto Restaurants | Kyoto Nightlife | Kyoto Shopping | Kyoto Day Trips | When to go to Kyoto | Getting to Kyoto | Kyoto Tips | Kyoto Additional Resources

See Also: Asia | Japan | Kyoto

Kyoto Travel Deals

$266/nt+: 4-star The Westin Miyako Kyoto Expedia

$81/nt+: BJ Family House Expedia

$285/nt+: 4-star Grand Prince Hotel Kyoto Expedia

Kyoto Hotels

Accommodation in Kyoto falls roughly into two categories. The first are western hotels, complete with all the usual amenities. The second are ryokan, traditional Japanese inns decorated with tatami matt flooring, paper screen doors and futon beds (prices are generally higher but the experience is priceless). Rates range from over $300 to less than $60 per night.

= Smart Splurge

= Great Value

ALL
BUDGET
MODERATE
LUXURY

Crossroads Inn
This small, simple ryokan provides three basic tatami rooms with shared shower and toilet. Still, owner Ms. Sachiko...

Yuhara Ryokan
Travelers on a budget will appreciate this no-frills ryokan. No meals are served, but rooms do overlook the Takasegawa canal.

Gion Hatanaka
Set in the Eastern mountains, this lovely ryokan has stone-paved corridors lit by lantern light and relaxing hot spring baths. hot springs

Hotel Granvia
Built on top of Kyoto’s train station, this hotel is both convenient and comfortable, with 13 restaurants and a swimming... location

Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Kyoto’s newest luxury hotel opened in March 2006 with a spa blending shiatsu, acupuncture, moxibustion, and aromatherapy... family | expensive

Kinmata
Guests are treated to impeccable service at the city’s top ryokan. Stay in traditional tatami matt rooms and enjoy the... smart splurge | expensive

Crossroads Inn
This small, simple ryokan provides three basic tatami rooms with shared shower and toilet. Still, owner Ms. Sachiko...

Yuhara Ryokan
Travelers on a budget will appreciate this no-frills ryokan. No meals are served, but rooms do overlook the Takasegawa canal.

Gion Hatanaka
Set in the Eastern mountains, this lovely ryokan has stone-paved corridors lit by lantern light and relaxing hot spring baths. hot springs

Hotel Granvia
Built on top of Kyoto’s train station, this hotel is both convenient and comfortable, with 13 restaurants and a swimming... location

Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Kyoto’s newest luxury hotel opened in March 2006 with a spa blending shiatsu, acupuncture, moxibustion, and aromatherapy... family | expensive

Kinmata
Guests are treated to impeccable service at the city’s top ryokan. Stay in traditional tatami matt rooms and enjoy the... smart splurge | expensive

Kyoto Restaurants

Kyo-ryori (Kyoto cuisine) is famous for fresh ingredients, delicate flavors and beautiful presentation. Kaiseki, a multi-course banquet with up to 20 dishes, is the most refined dining experience. Many restaurants and ryokan also feature shojin ryori, plates of no-meat, fish diet followed by Buddhist monks. Although children are welcome everywhere, separate kids’ menus are rare.

= Smart Splurge

= Great Value

ALL
EXPENSIVE
BUDGET
MODERATE

Izusen Daijiin
Sample top-quality shojin ryori cuisine in the idyllic gardens of Daitokuji Temple. family

Kyoto Kitcho
Kyoto’s best kaiseki restaurant is well worth the dent it will put in your wallet. Guests enjoy menus catered to their... family | smart splurge

Kyohyakusai
It may lack the ambience of older buildings but Kyoto station is filled with great value eateries. Head to the 11th floor for... family

Omen
This old-fashioned building is home to some of the best Udon noodles in the city. Try some of their famed tempura (deep fried... family

Nanzenji Gimmond
Come for their simple yet delicious yudoufu, a tofu-based meal made famous by nearby Nanzenji temple. For the ultimate zen... family

Tagoto Meigetsuan
A mouth-watering kaiseki meal doesn’t always spell an eye-watering check. This simple, traditional restaurant offers "mini... family