About Kyoto
Kyoto was designed to be a capital city. Emperor Kanmu transferred the imperial court here in 794, and it remained until 1869. Being the capital also made Kyoto a cultural center. You can feel the length of Kyoto’s enduring influence in everything from the continually refined cultural practices to the buildings and gardens that have stood the test of time.
How to get to Kyoto
Kyoto is located almost in the center of Japan. That makes it easy to access both from Tokyo and from many other parts of Japan. You can often reach Kyoto in just a few hours by plane or the Shinkansen. This includes Shinkansen access from Tokyo to Kyoto with no transfers necessary!
For information on how to get to Kyoto from other parts of Japan, please check the website [here].
Money in Japan
The currency of Japan is the yen. Most major credit cards such as American Express, Visa, Mastercard, and Diners Club are accepted at major stores and facilities. Be aware that some facilities do not accept credit cards at all, and others may accept only certain types, so always carry some cash with you.
Tipping
There is no tipping culture in Japan. Simply pay whatever is on the final bill you receive at cafes, bars and restaurants. A few restaurants will add a fixed percentage service charge to the bill.
Voltage
Since Voltage in Kyoto is 100 V (60 Hz) and varies from many other countries, consider bringing a travel adapter with voltage transformer to charge devices. Shape of outlet (plug) is type A.
Weather in June
June in Kyoto is warm and humid and coincides with the rainy season, typically from early June to mid-July. Expect frequent showers; average daytime highs are around 25–28 °C with muggy conditions—a compact umbrella and a light, breathable layer are recommended.
- Other Useful Information
- Kyoto Travel - The Kyoto City Official Guide