Kyoto: Culture and Cuisine on a Budget

Unveiling Kyoto's Beauty Without Breaking the Bank

21 June 2023

A trip to Kyoto, Japan on a limited budget can still be rewarding and memorable. There are budget-friendly accommodations available such as capsule hotels and hostels. Exploring the city on foot or by bicycle, visiting free attractions such as temples and parks, and trying local street food can all be done without breaking the bank.

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Day trip plan

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Day

Kyoto on a Budget

  • Welcome to the ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto. Today, we explore the city's cultural and culinary offerings without breaking the bank!
  • Start your day at Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its vermillion torii gates and breathtaking views of the city from the mountaintop.
  • Head over to Gion, Kyoto's historic geisha district, and wander its scenic streets lined with traditional tea houses and shops selling handmade souvenirs.
  • Next up, visit Nishiki Market, also known as "Kyoto's Kitchen." This bustling market offers an array of local street food, from exotic seafood to matcha-flavored sweets.
  • Grab a cheap but delicious lunch at Gogyo Ramen, a popular ramen chain famous for its rich and smoky broth.
  • Spend the afternoon at Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Kyoto's most celebrated temples. Its sprawling complex offers breathtaking views of the city and beautiful traditional architecture.
  • Round off your day with a visit to Yasaka Shrine, a vibrant temple complex often frequented by locals for its festive atmosphere, street food stalls, and seasonal events.
  • Kyoto may be known for its expensive ryokan and kaiseki meals, but as we've discovered today, there's plenty to see and taste on a budget!

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Kyoto by plane is to fly into Kansai International Airport, which is located approximately 100 kilometers from Kyoto. From there, you can take the JR Haruka Express train, which takes approximately 75 minutes and goes directly to Kyoto Station.

Car

If you are driving to Kyoto, the best option is to take the Meishin Expressway, which connects Osaka and Nagoya. The journey takes approximately 1 hour from Osaka and 2 hours from Nagoya.

Train

If you are already in Japan, the best way to get to Kyoto by train is to take the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo Station or Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes from Tokyo and 15 minutes from Shin-Osaka.

Boat

Although there is no direct boat to Kyoto, you can take a ferry from Osaka to the nearby town of Miyazu and then take a train or bus to Kyoto. Alternatively, you can take a cruise ship to Kobe or Osaka and then take a train or bus to Kyoto.

Bus

There are several bus companies that operate between major cities and Kyoto, including JR Bus and Keihan Bus. The journey time varies depending on the departure point, but it typically takes around 5-6 hours from Tokyo and 3 hours from Osaka.

Destination

Kyoto

Welcome to a city where ancient temples meet trendy cafes, where traditional geishas roam the streets alongside modern commuters, and where you can satisfy both your spiritual and shopping needs all in one place. Get ready to say konnichiwa to Kyoto!

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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Kyoto: Culture and Cuisine on a Budget

A trip to Kyoto, Japan on a limited budget can still be rewarding and memorable. There are budget-friendly accommodations available such as capsule hotels and hostels. Exploring the city on foot or by bicycle, visiting free attractions such as temples and parks, and trying local street food can all be done without breaking the bank.