Kyoto
Kyoto in October: a practical guide to your visit
October is an excellent time to visit Kyoto. The summer heat has passed and the first autumn colours are beginning to show. Yet visitors often stumble over the same things: how to get around, which temple is where, and how to behave in old neighbourhoods. This guide helps you avoid those pitfalls.
24 September 2026 · Wayloha editorial · 4 sources
Transport: a bicycle works better than the bus
Kyoto is a city to explore slowly, and a bicycle is your best tool for that. You hire one for a day and cycle to places like the Philosopher's Path, a quiet route alongside a canal lined with cherry trees. In October, buses often get stuck in the crowds around the most famous temples.
For distances between cities, take the train. From Tokyo, the express train reaches Kyoto in roughly two and a half hours. Within the city itself, a bicycle is more practical than a bus or taxi for most visitors.
- Hire a bicycle for a day to explore neighbourhoods like Arashiyama at your own pace.
- Take the train from Tokyo rather than a car: it's faster and less hassle.
Kyoto is a city where ancient temples and ordinary streets simply exist side by side.Kyoto
Temples: not everything is a UNESCO site
Kyoto has many temples, but not every one is on the UNESCO list. Many visitors assume they are, then feel surprised when a temple they loved isn't officially listed anywhere. Check the list beforehand if you specifically want to see the recognised sites.
Set aside three days for the major temples: Kinkaku-ji, Fushimi Inari shrine and the quiet garden at Ryoan-ji. October is quieter than the busy spring months, and the first autumn colours make the walk even more rewarding.
- Check the UNESCO list beforehand if you want to visit world heritage sites specifically.
- Reserve three days for Kinkaku-ji, Fushimi Inari and Ryoan-ji combined.
Behaviour in Gion: keep your distance
In the Gion neighbourhood, narrow streets run alongside the Shirakawa canal, lined with old wooden houses called machiya. Between five and six in the evening, you have the best chance of seeing a geiko or maiko walking past on her way to an appointment.
Don't stop her and don't photograph her from close up. That's seen as intrusive, even if it feels harmless. Look by all means, but let her walk at her own pace.
- Walk through Gion between 17.00 and 18.00 for the best chance of spotting a geiko.
- Never photograph from close up: keep your distance and show respect.
Food: where to eat and what it costs
On Shijo Dori you'll find stalls with traditional snacks, ideal for tasting as you walk. In the evening, Pontocho, a narrow street along the river, offers quiet dining in one of its small restaurants.
Try the sweet side of Kyoto too: matcha in all its forms, fruity mochi, ice cream with charcoal in it, or a cup of plum tea. In October, a warm cup of tea tastes especially good after a day of walking in the cooler air.
- Walk along Shijo Dori for small, traditional snacks.
- Book a table in Pontocho for the evening: it fills up quickly in October.
