About Kyoto
Responsible Travel
It is important for tourism to contribute to the local community as well as to its visitors. It should enrich the lives of the residents while respecting local culture.
In addition to its historic sites, various arts, and renowned hospitality, Kyoto is also known for its deep serenity and timeless charm. Knowing the value of Kyoto is what drives both local residents and tourists alike to want to preserve it. Learning a little more about traveler etiquette, sightseeing tools, and guidelines is what makes it possible. The actions you take contribute to helping this city be inherited by future generations.
We ask for your understanding and cooperation to keep Kyoto the amazing city that it is.
Sustainable Tourism
Kyoto has nurtured its aesthetics of cleanliness and purity for centuries. Show consideration for the local natural environment and scenic landscape by engaging in environmentally friendly tourism. The city of Kyoto has established guidelines to be implemented by everyone involved in the tourism industry, be they hosts or guests.
Read moreMind Your Manners
These are rules and tips that we hope visitors to Kyoto will keep in mind during their visits. Please show your consideration to local communities and take responsible actions to help keep Kyoto's environmental and cultural heritages sustainable for the future.
Don’t stop geisha on the street
Do not stop, touch, follow, or take unauthorized photos/videos of any geiko (regional term for geisha) or maiko (apprentice geisha) you see walking around. The geiko and maiko are not tourist attractions. There are multiple opportunities to attend their public Kyomai (traditional Kyoto-style dance) shows throughout the year, so if you would like to watch them perform, please inquire at your hotel or with a licensed tour guide.
How to meet maiko and geiko
No photos in prohibited areas
In Kyoto, tourists flock to the picturesque Gion district to glimpse geiko walking along cobbled streets. It's one of the most photographed parts of the ancient capital. But now the people who own some of the alleys are saying enough is enough. Photography is prohibited in many Gion areas, in parts of shrines and temples, and in some restaurants. Please respect the rules and be mindful of where you can and cannot take photos.
Don’t block the road
Popular areas of Kyoto, such as Kiyomizudera Monzen, Nishiki Market, and Arashiyama, are visited by large numbers of people. The same can be said for any street, but especially in places with lots of people on the go, try not to get in the way of people by stopping to talk or getting carried away with taking photos.
No smoking on public streets
Smoking on streets and sidewalks is very dangerous. Kyoto City ordinances have banned smoking outside of designated areas on all streets of the city. Furthermore, persons who smoke in designated non-smoking areas will be fined 1,000 JPY. Please smoke only in designated smoking areas. You can find the locations of public smoking areas on this map.
Map of designated smoking areas Smoking Rules and Regulations in Kyoto
Don't litter
Please always carry your own trash bag in order to be able to take your trash back with you as needed. When buying take-out, do so at restaurants or stalls that have their own garbage disposal containers. Do not litter under any circumstances. You can find the locations of public garbage cans on this map.
Map of trash cans Kyoto City Beautification Promotion Agency Guide for Reducing Waste "Shimatsu no Kokoro" (PDF)
Be careful around cultural heritage & historical sites
These sites are easily damaged! Refrain from touching more than necessary, carry your backpack in front of you when in crowded or narrow places, and remove your shoes when asked. Damaging cultural property may result in steep fines.
Be considerate of the community living in residential areas
Walk and talk quietly when exploring residential areas or religious sites. Remind your traveling companions to use hushed voices too.
Adhere to traffic rules when using bicycles & electric scooters
Refer to the following links to learn traffic rules, how to safely ride a bicycle in Kyoto and how to avoid parking fines.
Cycling in Kyoto Enjoy Bicycling life in Kyoto Traffic Rules for Specified Small Motorized Bicycles
Avoid unlicensed vacation rentals
For your safety, peace of mind, and experience of genuine hospitality when staying in Kyoto, please stay at only licensed accommodations and vacation rentals (minpaku). Vacation rentals are often located in quiet residential areas, so please try to avoid making noise at night and early in the morning.
Kyoto City Vacation Rentals Website
Follow the manners of Gion
This area has been crafted in a way that preserves the customs and beauty of the Gion district that have been passed down from generation to generation. In addition to protecting those customs, this open letter to tourists is part of an effort to retain the everyday life of the neighborhood residents. Please read it to see how you can best show your respect for the area.
Manners in Gion (A Message from Southern Gionmachi)Helpful things you can do
Small choices can make a big difference in how local residents, tourism industry workers, and all other affected people—including visitors like yourself—experience the impact of tourism. While you're sightseeing, we ask that you please take note of our tourism objectives and what you can do to make Kyoto tourism worthwhile for everyone.
Luggage Services
Sightseeing with large pieces of luggage can be a hassle for both you and those around you. Give hands-free travel a try to ensure a more enjoyable Kyoto sightseeing experience for all!
See luggage services
Bring a reusable bottle & shopping bag
In order to reduce the use of disposable plastics, we have prepared a list of the establishments where you can use tumblers and water bottles, and the spots at Kyoto City-related facilities that provide free drinking water.
See where to refill your water bottle (information in Japanese only)
Support local culture
Behaving in accordance with local rules and customs in order to support the transmission and development of the history, culture, and traditions of Kyoto and to respect the daily life of the residents.
Learn more about art and culture
Use public transportation
When exploring Kyoto, take advantage of the city's excellent public transportation, particularly its efficient trains and subways.
Getting Around Kyoto
Show respect
In Kyoto, many residential areas are located very close to tourist attractions. Please maintain good manners and be considerate of local lifestyles and areas when sightseeing.
See all Kyoto City Guidelines
Stay with us longer
Stay longer and enjoy the many attractions of Kyoto by participating in special morning and evening programs, visiting “Hidden Gem” areas, and more.
See accommodationsUseful Links
Manners and Etiquette in Japan
Trains & Buses
Temples & Shrines
Public Bathing (Onsen & Sento）
Rules for Unmanned Aircrafts (UA) & Drones
Kyoto Guidelines
The Kyoto Guidelines lay down values and rules to be cherished and implemented by all persons involved in tourism in Kyoto, thereby promoting mutual respect among tourists, residents, and the tourism industry and its workers, and while facilitating their mutual cooperation in the preservation of this irreplaceable city and the transmission of its culture for future generations.
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Kyoto
Travel
Congestion Forecast
These are tools that will help you have a more convenient and comfortable journey through Kyoto.
Kyoto Travel Congestion Forecast provides useful information for avoiding congestion. It forecasts comfort levels around popular spots, gets real-time information from live cameras, and suggests attractive sightseeing spots that are relatively empty even during the daytime.
Kyoto Smart Navi is a total navigation system that includes useful information for sightseeing, such as tips on what areas are crowded, tourism etiquette, as well as other helpful advice for travelers.
Learn more and explore possibilities
How would you like to craft your upcoming stay in Kyoto? These topics will help you plan where and how to spend your time, whether you are new to Kyoto or a seasoned visitor.
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