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Where is Kyoto Located? Kyoto Location on Map
Kyoto sits in central Japan, on the main island of Honshu. It’s about 2.5 to 3 hours by bullet train (Shinkansen) west of Tokyo and just under an hour from Osaka by train.
If you're planning to visit Tokyo or Osaka, Kyoto is easy to add to your trip and offers a quieter, more traditional side of Japan.
Kyoto Tourist Attractions Map: 20 Best Kyoto Spots on Map
Kyoto is home to more than 1,000 unique Japanese gardens, temples, and shrines. Our Japan Attractions Map highlights 20 of the best ones to check out, sorted by area. All can be covered in 2-3 days.
Higashiyama District: Day Tour Must-see Spots
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple (清水寺): A UNESCO temple with sweeping city views in cherry and maple trees from its famous wooden stage.
- Yasaka Pagoda (八坂塔): An iconic landmark near the Gion district, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.
- Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka Streets: Charming preserved streets lined with traditional shops and cafes.
- Hanamikoji Street (花见小路): Historic street lined with traditional tea houses.
- Gion Corner (祗园角): Cultural center showcasing traditional arts like tea ceremonies and geisha performances.
- Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine (伏见稻荷大社): Kyoto’’s most iconic shrine, with thousands of vermilion torii gates.
- Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社): Vibrant shrine hosting Gion Matsuri, one of Japan's most famous festivals.
- Maruyama Park (圆山公园): Famous for cherry blossoms and the iconic weeping cherry tree.
Arashiyama & Sagano: Train Cross Autumn Foliage Spot
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (岚山竹林): A serene pathway through towering bamboo stalks.
- Tenryu-ji Temple (天龙寺): UNESCO Zen temple with a celebrated landscape garden by Muso Soseki.
- Togetsukyo Bridge (渡月桥): Picturesque bridge spanning the Katsura River.
Northern Kyoto (Kita Ward): Tranquil Yard (in-depth tour)
- Kinkaku-ji (金阁寺): A Zen temple covered in gold leaf.
- Ryoan-ji Temple (龙安寺): Famous for its Zen rock garden.
- Daitoku-ji Temple (大德寺): A large temple complex with beautiful gardens.
Northern Suburbs: Remote Quieter with Stunning Autumn Scenery
- Kifune Shrine (贵船神社): Scenic Shinto shrine known for its beautiful setting in the mountains.
- Kurama-dera Temple (鞍马寺): Mountain temple with hiking trails and panoramic views of Kyoto.
Top 10 Things to Do in Kyoto | Kyoto Destinations & Must-See (for First Timers)
Kyoto City Map - Map Guide for Getting Around Kyoto
Kyoto’ public transportation is efficient. However it can be a bit overwhelming for first-time visitors. Let’s see how to get around Kyoto after your arrival with the simple Kyoto City transportation Map.
Kyoto does not have an international airport. The nearest one is Kansai International Airport in Osaka, about 80 kilometers away. Kyoto Station is the city’s main railway station and transportation hub. It connects to subways, buses, JR lines, and local trains.
Kyoto Subway (Simple & Limited)
Kyoto has only two subway lines, but they’re useful for certain routes:
- Karasuma Line (Green) – Runs north-south (Kyoto Station → Shijo → Karasuma-Oike → Imadegawa).
- Tozai Line (Red)– Runs east-west (Keage → Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae → Nijō Castle → Yamashina).
Kyoto Popular Scenic Slow Trains
Sagano Scenic Railway (嵯峨野観光鉄道)
Route: Torokko Saga Station → Torokko Kameoka Station (7.3 km, ~25 mins one way).
Key Feature: Kyoto’s most picturesque rides, especially during cherry blossom season (April) and autumn foliage (November) through Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Togetsukyo Bridge along the Hozugawa River.
Eizan Electric Railway (叡山電鉄, Eiden)
Two Routes:
- Eizan Main Line (from Demachiyanagi → Yase-Hieizanguchi).
- Kurama Line (from Takaragaike → Kurama).
Key Feature: Slow, picturesque rides through rural Kyoto, especially stunning in autumn foliage and summer greenery.
Fast Trains (For Specific Attractions & Day Trips)
- JR Sagano Line (San-in Line): From Kyoto Station to Arashiyama (Saga-Arashiyama Station).
- JR Nara Line:Goes to Fushimi Inari Taisha (Inari Station) and Uji (Byodo-in Temple).
Buses (The Most Useful for Tourists) Not on the Map
- #100 (Raku Bus 100):Kyoto Station → Kiyomizu-dera → Ginkaku-ji.
- #101 (Raku Bus 101):Kyoto Station → Nijo Castle → Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).
- #17:Kyoto Station → Kinkaku-ji → Ryoan-ji.
Kyoto’s transit may seem complex at first, but once you understand the basics, it’s very manageable. Stick to buses for temples, subways for downtown, and trains for longer trips, and you’’ll have a smooth experience!
Or choose Kyoto tour packages from Asia Odyssey Travel. We’ve covered attractions, transportation, hotels with breakfast to make your Kyoto Travel hassle free.
Kyoto Travel Map - Travel to Kyoto with Maps
Kyoto to Nearby Osaka, Nara, Kobe (1-2 hours)
From Kyoto, you can travel to nearby Osaka, Nara, or Kobe in just 1-2 hours.
This map shows the distance between Kyoto and other nearby destinations, including the Kansai International Airport (KIX), and the travel time by train or overland.
How to Get to Kyoto from Osaka: Shinkansen, By Train & More
To clear the complex train route details, let’s see some basic information in the table sheet below:
| Route | Operator | Departure Station (Kyoto) | Arrival Station | Time | Cost (Yen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyoto → Osaka | JR West | Kyoto Station | Osaka Station | 28-30 min | 580 |
| JR Central/West | Kyoto Station | Shin-Osaka Station | 12-15 min | 1,420 | |
| Hankyu | Kawaramachi/Shijo | Umeda (Osaka) | 40 min | 400 | |
| Keihan | Sanjo/Kiyomizu-Gojo | Yodoyabashi/Namba | 50 min | 410 | |
| Kyoto → Nara | JR West | Kyoto Station | Nara Station | 45 min | 720 |
| Kintetsu | Kyoto Station | Kintetsu Nara Station | 35 min | 1,130 | |
| Kintetsu | Kyoto Station | Kintetsu Nara Station | 50 min | 640 | |
| Kyoto → Kobe | JR West | Kyoto Station | Sannomiya (Kobe) | 50 min | 1,080 |
| Hankyu | Kawaramachi (Kyoto) | Kobe-Sannomiya | 65 min | 620 | |
| Shinkansen | Kyoto Station → Shin-Kobe | Shin-Kobe Station | 30 min | 1,950 |
Kyoto to Tokyo
Tokyo is about 450 kilometers (280 miles) east away from Kyoto. Train is the best way to travel from Kyoto to Tokyo.
How to Get to Kyoto from Tokyo: 5 Ways from Tokyo to Kyoto
How to Plan a Kyoto Trip in Japan?
Option 1: A Day in Kyoto
Morning: Start your day with the iconic Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), a stunning structure covered in gold leaf. Afterward, explore the historic Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its intricate architecture and nightingale floors.
Afternoon: Enjoy a delicious lunch at Nishiki Market, a lively food market offering a wide variety of local specialties. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the traditional atmosphere of Gion, Kyoto's geisha district. Visit Yasaka Shrine, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets, and the world-famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple, known for its wooden stage overlooking the city.
Option 2: Two Days in Kyoto
Day 1: Explore the southern part of Kyoto. Start with the iconic Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates. In the afternoon, visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets, and Yasaka Shrine. Stroll through the charming Gion district and Hanami-koji alley, known for its traditional wooden houses and geisha.
Day 2: Focus on the western part of Kyoto. Visit the stunning Kinkaku-ji Temple and the historic Nijo Castle in the morning. In the afternoon, head to Arashiyama. Take a scenic ride on the Sagano Romantic Train through the bamboo forest, visit the Tenryuji Temple and stroll along the Hozugawa River with the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge as your backdrop.
Kyoto Itinerary: How to Spend 1 Day, 2 Days, 3 Days, 4 Days in Kyoto
Travel to Kyoto with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT)
Discover the serene beauty and deep cultural heritage of Japan's ancient capital. With years of experience guiding travelers through Asia, AOT is your ideal partner to tailor a journey that fits your preferences.
Useful Kyoto Travel Guide: Top 10 Things to Do in Kyoto, Kyoto Temples & Shrines, Kyoto Autumn Foliage, Kyoto Itinerary, How to Get to Kyoto from Tokyo, How to Get to Kyoto from Osaka, Kyoto Osaka Nara Itinerary, Kyoto Maps, Japan Travel Guide, Japan Travel Tips & FAQs
Tour Packages: AOT offers specialized Kyoto tours that can be customized to include cultural experiences like tea ceremonies and kimono fittings, ensuring a deeply personal and immersive experience. Whether you're planning a budget journey, a cherry blossoms tour, an autumn tour, or a family holiday, AOT crafts itineraries delve deeply into the heart of Kyoto's heritage.
Embark on a journey of discovery with Asia Odyssey Travel and experience the unique blend of ancient traditions and modern conveniences in Kyoto. Contact us today to begin crafting your unforgettable Kyoto adventure.
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