Q1. Which is the best Kyoto tour package for a family?

We offer several family-friendly packages that include visits to interactive sites like the Toei Kyoto Studio Park and the Kyoto Railway Museum, alongside classic temples. We can customize any tour to include activities suitable for all ages.

Q2. Do I need a visa to travel to Kyoto in Japan?

Visa requirements for Japan vary depending on your nationality. Many countries have visa-exemption agreements for short-term tourism. Please check with the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate for the most current information.

Q3. Can I customize my Kyoto tour package from Regency Holidays?

Yes, Regency Holidays specializes in creating personalized itineraries. Whether you want to add a specific experience, extend your stay, or combine your Kyoto trip with other destinations from our Japan tour packages, our team is here to help design your perfect holiday.

Q4. Are meals included in Kyoto tour packages from Regency Holidays?

Most of our Kyoto tour packages include daily breakfast and some lunches or dinners as specified in the itinerary. This provides a good balance, allowing you the flexibility to explore local restaurants on your own.

Q5. What kind of transportation is used during the tours in Kyoto?

We use a mix of transportation to give you the best experience, including comfortable private coaches for group tours and efficient public transport like trains and subways for a more local feel. Your itinerary will specify the modes of transport used.

Explore gems of Japan with Kyoto Tour Packages from Regency Holidays

Discover Timeless Beauty of Japan with Our Kyoto Tour Packages

Kyoto is a treasure trove of cultural riches, a city that has preserved the spirit of old Japan like no other. From its iconic golden temples to its hidden Zen gardens, there is a sense of wonder around every corner.

A City of Shrines and Temples: With over 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, Kyoto is a spiritual epicenter. You can feel a palpable sense of history and devotion at world-famous sites like Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Fushimi Inari-taisha.
The Geisha District: The historic Gion district offers a rare glimpse into the exclusive world of geishas. The beautifully preserved wooden machiya houses and charming teahouses transport you back to a bygone era.
Natural Serenity: The beauty of Kyoto extends to its meticulously designed gardens, the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and the scenic Philosopher's Path. These natural escapes provide a peaceful contrast to the vibrant city life.
Culinary Capital: As the home of traditional kaiseki dining, Kyoto is a paradise for food lovers. The city’s cuisine is an art form, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients and exquisite presentation.

What makes Kyoto truly stand out is its ability to maintain its rich heritage while embracing the new. It’s a city where you can attend a traditional tea ceremony in the morning and explore a futuristic train station in the afternoon. This unique blend of past and present is what makes our Japan tour packages, especially those centered on Kyoto, so unforgettable.

Travel with Regency Holidays: Your Perfect Kyoto Tour Packages

Choosing Regency Holidays means choosing a hassle-free, enriching, and personalized travel experience. With our thoughtfully designed Kyoto holiday packages, we offer:

Comprehensive Inclusions: Our packages typically include comfortable accommodations, guided tours of key attractions, transportation within the city, and specified meals, ensuring a seamless journey from start to finish.
Packages for Every Traveler: We cater to all travel styles. Whether you are looking for a romantic honeymoon escape, a fun-filled family adventure, a luxurious cultural immersion, or a solo exploration, we have a package for you.
Personalized Support and Experiences: Our travel experts work with you to customize your itinerary. Want to take a cooking class, try on a kimono, or discover a hidden gem? We can arrange unique experiences tailored to your interests. With 24/7 support, you can travel with complete peace of mind.

How to Reach Kyoto

While Kyoto does not have its own airport, it is easily accessible through two major international airports nearby.

By Air: The city of Kyoto is served by two international airports, which receive regular flights operated by airlines like Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA), and many international carriers.

Major Airports Serving Kyoto

Kansai International Airport (KIX), located 96.5 km away
Osaka International Airport (Itami, ITM), located about 50 km away
Central Japan International Airport (NGO), located around 152 km away

From Kansai Airport, the most convenient way to reach Kyoto is by taking the JR Haruka Limited Express train, which takes approximately 75 minutes. From Itami Airport, limousine buses offer a direct and comfortable 50-minute ride to Kyoto Station.

Best Time to Visit Kyoto

Kyoto is a stunning destination year-round, with each season offering a unique experience.

Peak Season (March to May & October to November)

Weather: Mild Temperatures with Spring Cherry Blossoms (sakura)/Vibrant Fall Foliage (koyo)
Events: Arashiyama Hanatoro, Fuji Matsuri (Wisteria Festival)

Shoulder Season (June to September)

Weather: Hot and Humid with Occasional Rainfall
Events: Gion Matsuri, Gozan no Okuribi (Daimonji Fire Festival)

Off-Season (December to February)

Weather: Cold with Heavy Snowfall
Events: Christmas, New Year (Oshogatsu), Toka Ebisu Winter Festival, Setsubun Festival, Yamashina Gishi Festival

Other Information to Know About Kyoto

Currency Used in Kyoto: Japanese Yen (JPY)
Languages Spoken in Kyoto: Japanese (Official), English
Time Zone in Kyoto: Japan Standard Time (JST) UTC +9

Top Places to Visit in Kyoto

Kyoto is filled with iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Here are the ten attractions in Kyoto that definitely should be on every traveler's list:

1. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Officially the Rokuon-ji, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) is a stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully in a serene pond.

2. Fushimi Inari Taisha

Founded in 711 AD, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. The site is famous for its 4,000 red-colored torii gates that wind up a mountainside.

3. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (Sagano Bamboo Forest)

Located in the village of Sagano, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is an enchanting and otherworldly path through towering bamboo stalks.

4. Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Set at the foothills of Mount Otowa, Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a historic Buddhist temple with a large wooden stage offering panoramic views of the city.

5. Gion District

Situated along the banks of the Kamo River, Gion District is a vibrant geisha neighborhood in Kyoto. It features traditional wooden houses, teahouses, and exclusive restaurants.

6. Nijo Castle

Built in 1603, Nijo Castle is the former residence of the shogun of the Edo Period. The UNESCO-listed castle is known for its "nightingale floors" that chirp when walked upon.

7. Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Dating back to the late 15th century, Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) is a sublime Zen temple with a beautiful moss garden and a unique sand mound shaped like Mount Fuji.

8. Philosopher's Path (Tetsugaku no michi)

First opened in 1890, Philosopher's Path is a picturesque stone path that follows a canal lined with hundreds of cherry trees.

9. Ryoan-ji Temple

Established in 1450, Ryoan-ji Temple is one of the most significant religious and scenic sites in Kyoto. Recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it is home to Japan's most famous Zen rock garden and a yudofu restaurant.

10. Nishiki Market

Also known as ‘Kyoto's Kitchen’, Nishiki Market is a bustling shopping street, offering all sorts of culinary delights. This 390-meter-long market features five blocks and has more than 135 open shops selling seafood, souvenirs, and Japanese snacks.

10 Must-Do Activities in Kyoto

Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony
Rent a kimono or yukata and stroll through the historic streets
Take a Japanese cooking class to learn the art of local cuisine
Walk through the magical Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Try to spot a geiko or maiko (apprentice geisha) in the vibrant Gion District
Visit a sake brewery and enjoy a tasting session
Meditate in a Zen garden at a temple like Ryoan-ji
Enjoy a traditional multi-course kaiseki dinner
Cycle along the Kamo River for a scenic view of the city
Explore the Pontocho Alley for dinner and drinks at night

Popular Hotels to Stay in Kyoto

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
Park Hyatt Kyoto
Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto
Aman Kyoto
The Thousand Kyoto
Cross Hotel Kyoto
Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Hotel Okura Kyoto
The Screen

Hotels Near Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport
First Cabin Kansai Airport
Star Gate Hotel Kansai Airport
Kansai Airport Washington Hotel
Oriental Suites Airport Osaka Rinku

Top Restaurants in Kyoto

Vegetarian Restaurants

Shigetsu (within Tenryu-ji Temple)
Mimikou
CHOICE Cafe & Restaurant
AIN SOPH. Journey Kyoto
ZIRAEL Vegan Restaurant

Non-Vegetarian Restaurants

Kikunoi Roan
Giro Giro Hitoshina
Hafuu Honten
Menbaka Fire Ramen
Honke Owariya – The Restaurant

Best Cuisines to Try in Kyoto

Kaiseki (A traditional multi-course Japanese dinner)
Yudofu (Simmered tofu in a hot pot, a Kyoto specialty)
Shojin Ryori (Traditional vegetarian Buddhist cuisine)
Kyo-Tsukemono (Kyoto-style pickled vegetables)
Nama Fu (Gluten cakes made from wheat, often served in various dishes)
Yuba (Tofu skin, enjoyed either fresh or dried)
Saba Zushi (Pickled mackerel sushi, a local delicacy)
Matcha Sweets (Kyoto is famous for its high-quality green tea, used in ice cream, cakes, and more)
Kitsune Udon (Thick wheat noodles in a dashi broth, topped with sweetened deep-fried tofu)
Hamo (Dagger-toothed pike conger, a summer delicacy in Kyoto)

Top Things to Buy in Kyoto

Matcha (Green Tea) and Tea Ceremony sets
Kiyomizu-yaki (local pottery)
Yatsuhashi (a popular cinnamon-flavored sweet)
Japanese folding fans (Kyo-sensu)
Oil-blotting paper from Yojiya
Sake from the Fushimi district
Handmade washi paper products
Kimono and yukata
Japanese incense (Kyo-koh)
Furoshiki (traditional clothes)

Top Places for Shopping in Kyoto

Nishiki Market
Shijo Street
Kawaramachi Street
Teramachi Shopping Arcade
Kyoto Station Building
Porta Underground Shopping Mall
The Cube Shopping Mall
Shin-Kyogoku Shopping Street
Daimaru Department Store
Takashimaya Department Store

Experience Nightlife in Kyoto

Kyoto may be known for its serene temples, but the city offers a vibrant nightlife scene as well. From traditional pubs to modern clubs, there is something for everyone after the sun goes down, especially around the Pontocho and Kiyamachi areas. Listed below are some of the most popular venues in Kyoto that offer glamorous nightlife experiences:

L'Escamoteur
Bar Rocking Chair
Sake Bar Asakura
WORLD KYOTO
Kitsune Kyoto
The Pig & Whistle
Cafe Independants
Youss
Ki Bar
GHOST

Travel Tips for Your Kyoto Trip

Get a Japan Rail Pass if you plan to travel between cities
Purchase an ICOCA card for easy payment on local buses and trains
Rent a Pocket Wi-Fi or get a local SIM card to stay connected
Always carry some cash (Yen) for payments in many smaller shops and restaurants
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases like "Arigato" (Thank you) and "Sumimasen" (Excuse me)
Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking
Be respectful, speak softly, and follow rules for photography
Don’t eat or drink while walking in public

Kyoto Tour Packages

Tokyo and Kyoto 6 Days 5 Nights Tour Package

QAR 5,796

QAR 6,665

SAVE QAR 869

Charismatic Tokyo 7 Days 6 Nights Tour Package

QAR 8,828

QAR 10,152

SAVE QAR 1,324

Magical Japan 9 Nights 10 Days Tour Package

1+Cities

QAR 10,839

QAR 12,464

SAVE QAR 1,625

Delightful Japan 7 Nights 8 Days Tour Package