City, Japan
Kyoto
Japan's best-preserved old capital for temples, gardens and slow walks. Great for a first solo trip, but central hotels cost more than Osaka and main sights are crowded most of the year.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$1,580–2,410Comfortable, one person · ¥250,000–380,000Details
- Value for money58/100Better value than 57% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar–May, Oct–NovWarmest: Aug, 31°CDetails
- Air quality10.8 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2019) · ModerateDetails
- Internet234 MbpsFixed broadband, Japan medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe; Kyoto is known for soft water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel5/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$25–63Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGOVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in hotels, department stores and chains.Details
Where to stay in Kyoto
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Kawaramachi–Gion | First-timers: restaurants, nightlife, walk to Higashiyama temples |
| Kyoto Station area | Short stays, trains to Nara and Osaka, budget hotels |
| Arashiyama | Quiet nature stays; mornings before tour groups |
| Demachiyanagi–Kitashirakawa | Long stays near Kyoto University, cheaper cafés |
Apps that work in Kyoto
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: LINE
- Visit Japan Web: Immigration and customs QR codes
- Suica or PASMO: Trains, buses and konbini payments
- Safety tips: Official quake, tsunami and weather alerts in English
- Taxis: Taxis are metered, clean and plentiful in the center; app or street hail. Tipping is not done; drivers may not speak English.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Japan.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in hotels, department stores and chains. Temples, small eateries, markets and some tea houses are cash-only.
- Currency: Yen (JPY). US$1 ≈ ¥157.82 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: 7-Eleven, Japan Post and AEON ATMs take foreign cards; ¥100,000 per withdrawal at 7-Eleven; small fee; decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not done and can confuse staff. Some restaurants add a 10% service charge, and izakaya often add a small seating charge (otoshi).
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay, Google Pay and contactless cards widely accepted; Suica or PASMO in Apple Wallet; PayPay shops take Alipay+ wallets.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Register on Visit Japan Web before flying to get immigration and customs QR codes instead of paper forms.
- JESTA, an online pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors, is planned by fiscal 2028; it is not required yet.
- The International Tourist Tax rose to ¥3,000 per departure on 1 July 2026, normally included in airfares.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 050-3816-2787
Plugs
Type A, B. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Data-only SIMs and eSIMs sold at airports and Bic Camera or Yodobashi, about ¥2,000–6,000; voice numbers need a residence card. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Japan
Going to Kyoto solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Kyoto meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.