Exploring Kyoto on a Budget
Kyoto has a reputation as an expensive city to visit, but it’s much more affordable than you might realize. In addition to high-end kaiseki restaurants and luxury ryokan hotels, Kyoto offers numerous options for accommodations, dining, and exploration that won’t break the bank – you just need to know where to look.
Check Different Airports to Find the Best Deal
Kyoto doesn’t have an airport of its own, but two are located in the neighboring Osaka prefecture: Itami (Osaka International Airport) and Kansai International Airport (KIX). Itami is closer, but KIX is larger, so check flights to both to find the best deals.
If you’re arriving at KIX and don’t have a JR Pass, the Icoca & Haruka card will get you a big discount on the JR Haruka train to Kyoto. Depending on where you’re flying from, it might be cheaper to fly to Tokyo and then take the Shinkansen (bullet train) the rest of the way.
Look into the JR Pass if You’re Traveling from Tokyo
For those heading to Kyoto from the capital, the Shinkansen is the quickest and most convenient option. It’s not necessarily the cheapest, but the Japan Rail Pass will cover the entire trip. The JR Pass gives tourists unlimited travel on all JR trains (apart from the Nozomi Shinkansen) for seven, 14, or 21 days. This won’t save you money if you’re staying in Kyoto for your entire trip, but if you’re traveling across the country, it’s worth considering. It’s cheaper to buy the JR Pass outside of Japan, so get yours in advance to enjoy maximum savings.
Avoid Major Events
The amount you spend on a trip to Kyoto will depend on the time of year, particularly when it comes to accommodations. The spring cherry blossom season (between March and May) is by far the most expensive period, followed by the fall foliage season from October to mid-December. Rooms often sell out a year in advance during these times, and prices increase dramatically. By traveling outside of these months, you’ll benefit not only from cheaper costs, but the crowds will also be smaller.
Make the Most of Transport Passes
Kyoto has an excellent public transport system, which makes renting a car in the city an unnecessary expense. The buses, trains, and subway are all relatively inexpensive and efficient. You can save even more money with transport passes if you’re doing a lot of traveling. All-day passes are available for unlimited travel on buses in the city center, as well as one- and two-day passes for unlimited travel on the subway and city buses. These passes also offer discounts at certain attractions.
Explore by Bike or on Foot
As a relatively compact city that’s mostly flat and easy to navigate, Kyoto is a great place to explore by bicycle or on foot. Bike rental stores are all over the city, and renting one for the day can be a cost-effective way to reach sightseeing spots outside the city center. Walking is another affordable method to discover central Kyoto, allowing you to experience more of the city’s charm.
Lots of Kyoto’s Top Attractions are Free
Many of Kyoto’s most famous attractions don’t charge an entrance fee. For example, the ethereal Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, colorful Yasaka Jinja shrine, and the endless red torii gates of Fushimi Inari-Taisha are completely free to explore. Similarly, several temples allow visitors free access to the grounds, charging only for entry to specific buildings or gardens, making it easy to plan enjoyable days without denting your wallet.
Lunch is an Affordable Time to Try kaiseki
If you want to experience Kyoto’s famous kaiseki ryōri (seasonal multicourse haute cuisine) without breaking the bank, lunch is the ideal time. Prices are typically much lower—sometimes half the price of dinner—while the quality remains high.
Eat Like a Local
Many restaurants in Kyoto cater to budget travelers, especially outside major tourist hotspots. Japanese cuisine tends to be cheaper than international fare, with noodle dishes like ramen, soba, and udon being particularly affordable. To cut costs even further, consider visiting a tachigui (stand-and-eat) restaurant.
Look Out for teishoku Set Meals
Dining at Japanese restaurants often includes teishoku, or set meals, which are cheaper than ordering à la carte. These meals commonly feature a main dish alongside rice, soup, and a side dish, often including a drink and/or dessert, making them great options for budget dining in Kyoto.
Pick Up a Picnic
On pleasant days, enjoying a picnic in one of Kyoto’s many beautiful parks is an inexpensive dining option. Convenience stores offer various tasty and filling food choices, from onigiri rice balls to noodle dishes.
Business Hotels Offer Affordable Accommodations
Kyoto has accommodation options to suit every budget, with business hotels being a great choice for clean, comfortable, and conveniently located stays that are also affordable. Rooms tend to be small but well-equipped, ensuring good service and amenities.
Stay in a Capsule Hotel
If you’re keen on saving cash and plan to be out all day, consider staying in a capsule hotel, which lets you sleep in a pod-like compartment with shared facilities. While not the most comfortable for long stays, they present an excellent budget option.
Hit Up the konbini and 100-Yen Shops
Convenience stores (konbini) in Japan provide more than just affordable meals. If you’ve forgotten anything, either they or a nearby 100-yen store will almost certainly have you covered at a low cost.
Average Daily Costs in Kyoto
Hostel room: ¥3700–¥6000
Basic room for two: ¥18000–¥21000
Night in a capsule hotel: ¥3000
Self-catering apartment: from ¥12000
City bus flat fare: ¥230
Subway day pass: ¥800
Coffee: ¥300
Onigiri rice ball: ¥130
Dinner for two: ¥4000–¥6000
Beer at the bar: ¥450–¥600
This article was first published on March 2, 2012, and updated on December 10, 2023.
