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I’d include Nijo Castle for a bit of local history.

Japan is one of the most unique places in the world where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with cutting-edge modernity. And did I mention cherry blossoms, exquisite cuisine, and landscapes that will leave you enchanted?

Nijō Castle is one of Kyoto’s most important historic landmarks and a powerful symbol of Japan’s feudal era. Built in the early 17th century, it served as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, and was designed to showcase authority, wealth, and political power.

The castle is best known for its elegant Ninomaru Palace, featuring beautifully painted sliding doors, detailed wood carvings, and expansive tatami rooms where major political decisions once took place. Walking through the palace offers a rare glimpse into the life of Japan’s ruling elite during the Edo period.

One of Nijō Castle’s most famous features is its “nightingale floors,” which chirp softly underfoot to alert guards of intruders. Surrounding the palace are landscaped gardens, stone walls, and a wide moat that create a calm, spacious atmosphere in the heart of Kyoto.

Today, Nijō Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for travelers interested in Japanese history, architecture, and traditional garden design.

TIP: Wear quiet, flat shoes — you’ll notice the nightingale floors more clearly as you walk.

TIP: Spring and autumn are especially beautiful, with cherry blossoms and fall foliage in the castle gardens.

Nijo Castle

Epic exploration of Japan's vibrant capital metropolis.

Immersive Tokyo

Appreciate Japan's most picturesque and peaceful seaside village.

Ine Village Retreat

The grand tour of Japan's cultural kaleidoscope with must-see regions.

Japan Highlights

An enchanting journey through Japan's cultural heart and modern pulse.

Kyoto & Osaka

Step into a living postcard where traditional tea houses and the serenity of Zen gardens are nestled among modern cafes and art spaces. Walking through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at sunrise is like entering another world, and you've got to try wearing a kimono for a day to truly feel the spirit of the city.

Kyoto

Japan’s iconic Shinkansen is the best way to travel between Tokyo to Kyoto. With high-speed service that can get you there in just over two hours, it combines speed, convenience, and comfort in a way that air or car travel simply can’t match.

The fastest and most popular line is the Tokaido Shinkansen, which offers three types of trains: the Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama. The Nozomi is the quickest, covering the distance in about 2h 15m with limited stops. The Hikari is slightly slower at around 2h 40m, while the Kodama takes about 4 hours due to its numerous stops.

Once onboard, you’ll enjoy a comfortable ride with spacious seating, large windows, and a clean environment. Food and drinks can be purchased from onboard vendors, or you can bring along your own ekiben, a boxed meal available at train stations.

TIP: If you are traveling between Tokyo, Kyoto, and other cities via bullet train, and also use subway and ferrys, it's totally worth it to buy a 7-day JR Pass. It brings hundreds of dollars in savings for all of Fyno's multi-city Japan itineraries.

TIP: We recommend booking your ticket in advance, especially if you're traveling during busy seasons like spring’s cherry blossom or the autumn leaf-viewing season. Tickets are available from automated machines at the station, where English language options are provided, or at staffed counters for extra assistance.

TIP: As you depart from Tokyo, keep an eye out for Mount Fuji on the right side of the train if weather permits.

Japan Rail Pass Reservations

Bullet Train to Kyoto

The most efficient way to get from Mount Fuji region to Kyoto is by taking Direct Highway Bus from Kawaguchiko Station to Mishima (1.5h), then Shinkansen to Kyoto (2h). The full trip will cost around 10,000 yen.

This is usually a relatively stress-free journey since the buses depart every 10 to 15 minutes, there are 1-2 bullet trains from Mishima to Kyoto every hour, and all the transportation is on time pretty much always.

Alternatively, you can take Fujikyu Railway to Tokyo and then Shinkansen to Kyoto, but it's more expensive and time consuming.

TIP: If you primarily use trains, buses, and subway on your trip to Japan, we recommend buying Japan Rail Pass. It brings hundreds of dollars in savings for all of Fyno's multi-city Japan itineraries.

TIP: The bus to Mishima is reservation-only (book from the Expert links section below), and bullet trains are usually sold out during peak season, so we recommend booking your seats in advance.

Website

Bus & Bullet Train to Kyoto

BnA Alter Museum Hotel is a unique and innovative art-focused hotel that combines contemporary accommodations with an immersive art experience.

Each guest room within the hotel is designed as a standalone art installation, created by different artists, making each stay a one-of-a-kind artistic adventure. BnA Alter Museum Hotel creates a dynamic and creative environment that showcases the vibrant art scene in Kyoto.

This hotel is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a blend of contemporary design, artistic inspiration, and a memorable stay in Kyoto, where the lines between accommodation and art gallery blur, providing a truly unique and immersive experience.

BnA Alter Museum

Good Nature Hotel Kyoto offers a unique and peaceful retreat in the bustling city of Kyoto, making it a top choice for travelers seeking an environmentally conscious and centrally located accommodation.

The hotel is situated on the iconic Kawaramachi-dori street in the Shimogyo-ku area of Kyoto, placing it in a prime location for exploring the city. It is conveniently close to major attractions and just 400 meters from Gion Shijo Station.

Good Nature Hotel Kyoto is known for its clean, elegant design and a strong plant aesthetic. The hotel is a part of the Good Nature Station complex, which emphasizes an environment-friendly approach and special care for its visitors' well-being. The ecological and Zen-like atmosphere of the hotel provides a serene and rejuvenating environment for guests​​​​.

Good Nature Hotel

Mercure Kyoto Station is a contemporary hotel conveniently located near Kyoto Station, one of the city's major transportation hubs. This well-appointed hotel offers easy access to Kyoto's cultural and historical attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring the city.

The hotel features comfortable and stylish rooms with modern amenities, ensuring a pleasant and relaxing stay for both leisure and business travelers. Some rooms may offer scenic views of the city or Kyoto Tower.

You can enjoy a variety of dining options at the hotel's restaurants, which serve a range of Japanese and international cuisine. The hotel's bar is also a great place to unwind with a drink after a day of sightseeing.

Mercure Kyoto Station provides a combination of modern comfort and convenience, making it a popular choice for travelers looking to explore Kyoto's rich heritage while enjoying comfortable accommodations.

Mercure Kyoto Station

Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu stands out as a modern hotel deeply rooted in the local culture and art of Kyoto, offering a unique experience for those seeking both comfort and a deeper connection with the city.

Nestled in Kyoto's Higashiyama Ward, the hotel enjoys a prime location ideal for exploring the city. It's a short walk from iconic sites like Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Sanjusangen-do Temple, and is conveniently close to Gion Shijo Station. 

Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu's design philosophy revolves around showcasing the "dynamic and edgy side" of Kyoto. The hotel's interiors are adorned with artworks and craftworks created by local Kyoto artists, embodying the city's artistic heritage.

The guest rooms are simple yet refined, featuring furniture, tableware, and lighting crafted by Kyoto's artisans, and upcycled local products. This attention to detail helps guests deepen their understanding and appreciation of Kyoto's culture​​​​.

The hotel is known for its excellent service, quality food options, and a bakery. It also boasts a rooftop dining and bar area, providing a unique perspective of the city.

Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu

Nol Kyoto Sanjo is a chic and contemporary hotel located in the heart of Kyoto. Situated in the vibrant Sanjo district, the hotel provides easy access to Kyoto's cultural treasures, including temples, gardens, and traditional markets.

The hotel boasts well-appointed rooms with modern amenities and sleek design, ensuring a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. Some rooms offer views of the charming streets of Kyoto. Nol Kyoto Sanjo's minimalist yet cozy design reflects the essence of Japanese aesthetics.

You can savor a variety of culinary delights at the hotel's restaurant, which serves a blend of Japanese and international cuisine. The hotel's central location allows you to immerse in the local food scene and explore the nearby attractions, making Nol Kyoto Sanjo an excellent choice during your Kyoto adventure.

nol kyoto sanjo

Ryokan Genhouin is a remarkable and historic accommodation that offers an authentic Japanese experience. It is more than a century old, originally built in the Higashiyama area that was historically a favored retreat for aristocrats and emperors.

Located in Kyoto's Sakyo-ku Okazaki Hoshojicho, the ryokan's setting combines historical charm with accessibility, being just a short walk from major cultural sites like Heian Shrine and Eikan-do Zenrin-ji Temple​​​​.

The ryokan features a sukiya-style building that covers an area of about 1,700 square meters, reflecting traditional Japanese architectural elegance. A significant highlight is its magnificent Japanese garden, offering a serene and beautifully landscaped environment that enhances the overall tranquil experience of staying here. The property has been updated with modern amenities while retaining its elegant historical character​​​​.

Ryokan Genhouin

The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa by Hulic is a contemporary and stylish hotel renowned for its prime location along the scenic Takase River, offering picturesque views and easy access to Kyoto's cultural attractions.

It offers comfortable and well-appointed rooms with modern amenities, providing a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. Many rooms feature large windows, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area.

One of the hotel's highlights is its rooftop terrace, which provides panoramic views of Kyoto's cityscape and the Takase River. It's an ideal spot to unwind and take in the city's beauty, especially during the cherry blossom season.

The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa by Hulic offers a blend of contemporary design, comfort, and cultural charm, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a memorable stay in the heart of Kyoto.

The Gate Hotel