Luxury Travel to Kyoto made for you
Start Planning
A city of ancient culture and exquisite scenery
When you think of Japan, it’s Kyoto you’re picturing. Multi-tired pagodas rising above the skyline. Elegant landscape gardens with minimalist rock features and stone bridges over serene ponds. Kimono-clad geisha shuffling along narrow, lamp-lit streets lined with wooden machiya townhouses.
Previously the capital for over a thousand years, Kyoto remains Japan’s cultural heart. We’ll arrange for you to take private workshops in activities such as calligraphy, origami, ikebana (flower arranging), karate and samurai swordsmanship.
And Kyoto has a modern side too. It boasts world-class museums, contemporary art galleries and upmarket department stores alongside its traditional markets, craft workshops and sake breweries.
The city is perhaps most famous for its temples and shrines, and we’ll create a bespoke itinerary that takes you to the most mesmerising sights. The seemingly endless tunnels of vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha. The gilded hall of Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) shining above its reflection in the surrounding lake. And the meticulously raked sand garden at Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion).
You’ll also join private chefs and gastronomic experts to explore Kyoto’s culinary scene. You can go on a food tour of Gion or Nishiki Market, enjoy multi-course kaiseki ryori cuisine, learn how to make mochi (rice cakes), and take part in an authentic tea ceremony.
One of our favourite things to do in Kyoto is explore its natural beauty, and there are plenty of walks to choose from. These include short strolls through Arashiyama’s ethereal bamboo grove and along the riverside Philosopher’s Path, plus longer hikes in the surrounding mountains.
We also recommend taking a day trip to the nearby city of Nara. In addition to picturesque temples and shrines, it’s home to hundreds of friendly free-roaming deer who are fed special shika senbei crackers. Speak to our expert team and start planning your luxury trip to Kyoto today.
Experiences picked by our destination specialists
Luxury accommodation in Kyoto
There are many incredible places to stay in Kyoto. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip inspiration
Get inspired with our Kyoto example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
14-Day Trip
A Cultural Discovery of South Korea and Japan
14-Day Trip
A Cultural Discovery of South Korea and Japan
14-Day Trip
Art, Gardens and Temples: A Luxury Cultural Tour of Japan
14-Day Trip
Art, Gardens and Temples: A Luxury Cultural Tour of Japan
9-Day Trip
Classic Japan Explorer: A Luxury Introduction to Japan
9-Day Trip
Classic Japan Explorer: A Luxury Introduction to Japan
Where to go in Japan
Hakone
Endowed with more than its fair share of natural beauty, Hakone in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a town with water at its heart.
Hiroshima and Miyajima Island
Hiroshima has emerged from its nuclear past as a thriving and internationally minded community.
Ise Shima National Park
From its magnificent vistas, to its peaceful coves, to it’s stark mountains and dense forest, the park is a cultural and culinary landmark in Japan.
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Jigokudani is the ultimate and privileged location to watch snow monkeys interact, bond and just chill out.
Kanazawa
A thriving historical centre, Kanazawa escaped destruction in World War II leaving it standing as a beautifully preserved example of medieval Japan.
Matsumoto
The charming town of Matsumoto offers an attractive departure point for hikes in the beautiful deep mountain domain of Kamikochi.
Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is Japan‘s highest mountain, a picture-perfect snow-capped cone that dominates the landscape of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Mount Koya
Revered as a dwelling place of the gods since ancient times, Mount Koya rises mysteriously from the Kii peninsula.
Naoshima Island
Its laid back pace, beaches and bright weather give it a wonderfully Mediterranean atmosphere, but it’s art enthusiasts more so than sun-seekers that flock here.
Okinawa
With a dreamy subtropical climate and some of the best beaches in Japan, most come to Okinawa for its sunny weather and beachside relaxation.
Osaka
Osaka is a full bodied metropolis brimming over with contemporary architecture, animated nightlife and delicious street food.
Sado Island
Sado is a rural summer getaway of rocky coasts, green hills and quaint fishing ports far away from the frenzy of the mainland.
Shikoku
A wonderful place to appreciate some of Japan’s most beautiful natural scenery and sacred sites.
Takayama
Takayama's remote location means that it’s remained somewhat isolated from the rest of Japan, creating and conserving a unique cultural character.
Tokyo
A city of excitement and bright neon lights set against the backdrop of the vast and towering Mount Fuji.
Yamashiro and Yamanaka
For more than a thousand years, Japanese holiday makers have been coming here to sooth body and mind in their warm therapeutic waters.
Meet your Asia team
When to visit Kyoto
The best time to visit Kyoto is in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). Pleasant temperatures and low humidity make these months ideal for exploring the city.
Summer (June to August) is hot and humid, with June and July seeing the most rain. The city’s biggest festival, Gion Matsuri, takes place in July. Winter is the quietest time to visit Kyoto. Lots of shops, restaurants and attractions close around the New Year holiday, and the weather is dry but chilly.
Cherry blossom season is usually from late March to early April. This is arguably when Kyoto is at its most beautiful, with otherworldly pink and white blossoms bursting into life around its landmarks. Another mesmerising time of year to visit is from late October to early December. This is the fall foliage season, when the mountains and temple gardens are festooned in vibrant shades of crimson and gold.
Cherry blossoms
March–April
Autumn leaves
November
Gion Matsuri festival
July
Japan travel guides
Plan your trip to Kyoto
Whatever you want from your adventure in Kyoto, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Don't take our word for it
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
