Kyoto is one of those cities that charms you instantly — and with a bit of planning, it gets even better. Here is everything you need to know before you go.

The most convenient way to reach Kyoto is to fly into Kansai International Airport in Osaka. From Dubai, Emirates operates a direct flight of about nine hours, while the return takes roughly two hours longer.

A week-long return in February will cost you around 7,000 AED, but if you are open to flying with a connection, the price drops dramatically. For instance, China Eastern can get you there from Dubai for about 3,100 AED — with two pieces of check-in luggage included. The travel time jumps to 13–15 hours each way, but your wallet will thank you.

Another option is flying from Abu Dhabi. Etihad offers a one-stop route from around 4,500 AED, and China Eastern again comes in as the budget hero at around 2,800 AED.

Unlike Tokyo, Kyoto is wonderfully walkable, so if you are keen on exploring on foot (and you probably are), staying downtown is your best bet.

My main accommodation tip: pick a hotel with an onsen. After a long day of sightseeing, soaking in hot springs or unwinding in a sauna feels borderline life-changing — plus it is a beautiful cultural experience. Just remember to book ahead: ideally 2–3 months before your trip.

We stayed at Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku by Candeo Hotels, which has its common areas set inside a stunning traditional Kyoto-style house connected to a modern building with the rooms, and absolutely loved it.

If you are staying central, you may barely touch public transport. But if your accommodation is farther out or you are planning day trips, trains, the metro and buses will come in handy.

The easiest way to pay is by downloading a transport card — SUICA, PASMO, or ICOCA — to your Apple or Google Wallet. They work pretty much everywhere, and you can even pay in some shops with them.

But paying is one thing; navigating is a whole different game. Google Maps does a solid job planning routes, but exits and platforms can be… surprising. You might get lost once or twice, but locals are incredibly kind and always ready to help a confused foreigner. In some stations, there are even staff dedicated to guiding tourists, helping with transfers, and sorting out any extra fees. So no panic!

Let’s address a myth many of us (including past me) truly believed: In Japan, every random restaurant is amazing. Well, not necessarily. To have a truly unforgettable (in a good way) food experience, you will need to do a bit of homework — and, crucially, make reservations.

In Kyoto, this is especially important. It is a popular destination, and you will quickly get used to seeing queues forming outside restaurants long before they open. Unless meditating on a pavement for an hour is your holiday vibe, equip yourself with two essential apps: TabeLog and TableCheck.

TabeLog: shows you hundreds of authentic restaurants you will never find on Google Maps.

TableCheck: helps you book tables, even during peak hours when it seems hopeless.

Pro tip: A waiter in Pontocho taught us this trick — if you see a long line, still check TableCheck. You would be surprised how often a slot appears in 15–20 minutes. It worked for us many times.

Heads-up: TableLog app is in Japanese, but the website offers a slightly broken English version. Also, don’t panic when you see restaurants with ratings around 3.1 — in Japan, anything above 3 is genuinely good.

Le Labo Café for matcha — yes, it is Instagram-famous, but it is genuinely lovely. If you are not buying perfume, simply bypass the queue, tell the staff you are going to the café, and enjoy your drink overlooking a tiny Japanese garden.

Blue Bottle for coffee.

Common Well and Smoothie etc for breakfast or brunch, with vegan options.

Sushi Kizaemon for, well, sushi. Book online, try anything with raw medium-fatty tuna.

Gion Tanto for okonomiyaki — arrive before opening and don’t fear the queue: it moves fast and is totally worth it. Get the seafood okonomiyaki!

Nishiki Market for street food and Gochisou Yakimusubi Onimaru Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi for onigiri (eel and egg one is a must-try).

Gion, Pontocho and the Arashiyama bamboo forest are must-sees — and must-sees for several thousand other tourists too. One lifehack to enjoy them without the crowds: visit outside peak hours, especially when restaurants are closed. You will get the views, the photos, and the peace.

But honestly, the real magic of Kyoto is that the whole city feels like a huge open-air museum. If you are not obsessed with checking off every famous sight, just wander. Get lost in side streets, explore neighbourhood shrines, and try experiences tucked away from the tourist flow — like a tea ceremony at Oboro Tea.

There are planty of daytrip options from Kyoto, but if I had to recommend just one, it would be Nara — mainly for its iconic, adorable, slightly mischievous deer. It is a wholesome, hilarious, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

This could easily turn into a full guide of its own, but let’s show some restraint. My short list of must-visit spots:

Ryuoen Tea Store — the place for matcha and any other Japanese tea. If you want something special, get their Gyokuro.

Kyo Amahare — beautiful ceramics and homeware by Japanese designers, housed in a traditional Kyoto building.

Nuunu — a charming shop offering small-format sketches by local artists, starting around €10.

Katayama Bunzaburo Shoten Kyoto Honten — the flagship of a local fashion brand blending tradition with innovation.

Also, check my guide on Japanese brands you shouldn’t miss.