Neighborhood guide
Where to Stay in Kyoto
The 4 areas worth basing yourself in Kyoto, Japan — ranked by our editors, with walking distances from the center. First-timers: start with Gion.
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We’ll match Kyoto’s neighborhoods to how you travel — and show you why.
Top pick
Gion
Geisha district, wooden tea houses, evening lantern light.
16 min walk from center
#2
Higashiyama
Kiyomizu-dera, narrow stone lanes, the most-photographed strip.
28 min walk from center
#3
Arashiyama
Bamboo forest, monkey park, riverboat afternoons.
7.7 km from center
#4
Pontocho
Riverside dining alley — atmospheric for dinner.
11 min walk from center
Getting around
City buses and a walkable old city; bicycle in spring/autumn.
Buy the 1-day bus pass for ¥700. The subway is small but handy for north-south.