The Ultimate Solo Female Travel Guide To Kyoto

This is the ultimate solo female travel guide to Kyoto! After years of dreaming of Japan, I finally made my number one bucket list destination a reality.

I devoted an entire blog post to Kyoto to provide the best information about female solo travel in Kyoto. Kyoto has become one of my favourite cities, with a different atmosphere from busy Tokyo’s.

In contrast, Tokyo is a vibrant, bustling city. Kyoto is all about authenticity, and that translates into geishas, Japanese gardens, and beautiful temples and shrines.

If you have many questions about Kyoto and Japanese culture in general, I hope this ultimate solo female travel guide to Kyoto will answer them all!

Where to stay in Kyoto?

Kyoto is not as big as Toyko or Osaka, so researching how to choose your hotel should take less time! Most highlights in Kyoto are fairly centred in the same area.

However, this still means you’ll have to walk quite a bit in Kyoto. The subway system is less extensive but more on public transport later.

Some of the main highlights are situated in areas where there are no subway stations or even bus stations. So get your walking shoes on!

The areas in Kyoto are a little hard to pinpoint because they’re quite big. So, I’ve narrowed it down to certain landmarks! If you travel solo in Kyoto, I recommend staying in these areas.

Kyoto Station

Kyoto Station is the train station in Kyoto. Staying near Kyoto Station means being close to all train and subway lines.

There are also plenty of restaurants, shops and convenience stores nearby. I stayed in a hotel within a 5-minute walking distance from Kyoto Station. This helped me get to places faster because I had fast access to the subway and trains.

APA Hotel Kyoto Eki Higashi

I enjoyed staying at APA Hotel Kyoto Eki Higashi because of its great location, good price, and clean rooms with all the amenities you could dream of.

The only downside is that the rooms are small (11m2, which is fairly normal for budget hotels in Japan). If you’re travelling alone, this shouldn’t be an issue.

Besides the small room, the hotel really has everything you need! Awesome facilities, clean rooms and new amenities daily (they hang a bag on the door if you don’t need cleaning), vending machines, convenience stores nearby and a 5-minute walk to Kyoto Station!

Wander Kyoto Nanajo

Wander Kyoto Nanajo is a good, affordable hotel with great reviews. It’s a 10-minute walk from Kyoto Station. The rooms are bigger than the previous APA hotel, making them more comfortable for a slightly higher price.

Southern Higashiyama Kyoto

This area is a little further away from Kyoto Station but closer to the main highlights, in my opinion. Staying in Southern Higashiyama means you’re in the middle of it all and could do a lot on foot if you like walking.

From Gion to Kyoto Station is a 45-minute walk. It’s not close by, but it’s doable if you’re doing some sightseeing along the way.

Watermark Hotel Kyoto HIS

This hotel has great reviews and a great price! It’s located near a subway station for easy access and is a 25-minute walk to Kiyomizu-dera. The rooms in Watermark Hotel Kyoto HIS are average in size, so there’s no need to feel cramped!

A great location, affordable and perfect if you’re travelling solo.

Hotel GOCO stay Kyoto Shijo

This highly-reviewed hotel is located smack in the middle of it all! If you’re based at Hotel Goco Stay Kyoto, you can do a lot on foot. It’s within walking distance from Gion, Kiyomizu-dera, Pontocho and around the corner of Nishiki Market!

The rooms are beautiful and spacious. And how great it is to walk home after dinner in Pontocho?

How many days in Kyoto is enough?

There is never enough time to explore an entire city. But as solo travellers, we have a budget and a time limit (we must return to work at some point!).

While Kyoto isn’t as big as Kyoto or Osaka, there’s still much to see. Decide what your interests are and what YOU want to do. Kyoto can get very crowded after 10:00 because of the tour busses rolling in.

To beat the crowds, it’s best to wake up early and go to any specific sights just after sunrise. You’ll get a quiet morning and photos without lots of people in it. I woke up almost every day around 5:30.

Considering all that, I suggest staying in Kyoto for at least three full days. This way, you’ll have the mornings to explore the most iconic highlights and the rest of the days to explore the city at a relaxed pace. 

Public Transport in Kyoto

Public transport in Kyoto is not as extensive as in Tokyo, and your Suica Pass can also be used there!

A few lines connect to the main areas, but getting to the traditional areas like Kiyomizu-dera Temple or Gion, you still have to walk a bit.

Things to do in Kyoto

I love Kyoto’s traditional Japanese vibe compared to Tokyo’s busy neon-lit streets. Don’t get me wrong, though. Kyoto can be extremely busy, especially around the tourist highlights.

I’ve listed these must-see highlights in the ultimate solo female travel guide to Kyoto! Yes, they are touristy, but that doesn’t make them any less beautiful!

Fushimi Inari

Fushimi Inari is probably the most iconic sight in Japan. I remember that Fushimi Inari was the first sight I saw online that made me want to visit Japan! 

Fushimi Inari is famous for the endless red tori gates, which cannot be missed in Kyoto! The subway is very well accessible, and it’s just a short walk to the entrance.

Come early to beat the crowds! This means be there no later than 06:30 or preferably around sunrise. Walk towards the end of the gates, where it’s less crowded.

You can choose to walk up to the summit, where you’ll find more tori gates and kitsune statues. 

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyumizu-dera Temple is one of the sights located together with Hokan-ji Temple and Sannenzaka/ Ninnenzaka. Perfect to visit all of them together.

These areas can get super crowded during the day because the tour buses roll in around 10:00. So again, start your day early to beat the crowds!

Kiyumizu-dera is quite big, with many places to cover and fantastic dragon statues. There’s supposed to be an amazing view during sunset; unfortunately, I missed it.

Hokan-ji Temple

Hokan-ji Temple is another iconic sight in Kyoto, tucked away in the streets about 15 minutes from Kiyomizu-dera.

The temple is great for some fantastic photos; you’ll probably see people lining up!

Sannenzaka/ Ninnenzaka

Roaming the streets of Sannenzaka/Ninnenzaka gives you the feeling of being in ancient Japan. During the day, the streets are super crowded, but if you arrive early, you can find some empty streets.

You’ll probably recognise some streets and corners from very Instagrammable photos! You’ll also find places to eat and drink here.

A famous Starbucks with a traditional interior opens at 8:00. There’s always a line, though!

Gion District

Gion is a beautiful traditional area in Kyoto where you can still spot geisha! The best time to stroll around is at the end of the day or in the evening.

The main street in Gion is Hanami-koji Lane.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

The bamboo forest is a 30-minute subway ride northwest of Kyoto. The area with a lot of bamboo trees is a few streets. It’s still very cool to see and to take photos. 

You can find some gardens and smaller temples in the rest of the bamboo forest.

Kinkaku-ji Temple

This temple is slightly different from others because of its golden appearance, but it is yet another beautiful one.

Day trips from Kyoto

To add a little flair to this ultimate solo female travel guide to Kyoto, I’ve added a few day trips that are worth visiting if you have the time.

Nara Deer Park

Did you ever come across those videos of deer bowing for a snack? That’s Nara Deer Park, a great day trip from Kyoto, Japan. Nara is only 45 minutes away from Kyoto Station by train.

If you’re just visiting Nara Deer Park, you could easily do this in the morning. Be careful, though. The deer are used to people and can get a little crazy. They’re still wild animals!

Before you enter the park, you’ll see different stalls selling packs of deer cookies for you to feed the deer! If you’re just visiting the deer, you can easily do Nara Deer Park in 1.5 hours!

The best tours in Kyoto

Kyoto is a great city to explore by yourself, but there are also some fantastic tours and activities to sign up for! And honestly, you can’t leave Japan without a cooking class!

These well-arranged tours are a must in the ultimate solo female travel guide to Kyoto. All you have to do is sit back and let everything take care of itself!

Kyoto Bento Cooking Class

Bento boxes are a typical Japanese lunch meal. This Kyoto Bento Cooking class is just as fantastic as a bento box! Bento boxes are like the Avengers of Meals – carbs, protein, and a bunch of colourful veggies and fruits all in one squad.

During this cooking class, you will learn how to make your own bento box and get to enjoy it for lunch! A fun morning class in Kyoto that includes a lunch.

The English-speaking chef will tell you about the Bento Box’s cultural background. It is a great and delicious experience to spend your morning in Kyoto!

Kyoto Highlights Bike Tour

I’ve said it before. Kyoto is a great city to explore on a bike. This Kyoto Highlights Bike Tour lasts a whole day and takes you to the most iconic highlights in Kyoto with a guide!

The tour takes about 8 hours and includes a small lunch. You’ll start your day in Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and make your way to Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, Gion and Kinkaku-ji.

You’re tackling all the major sights in Kyoto! A great way to explore Kyoto!

Kyoto Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple

Take in the experience of the art of tea drinking in this traditional Japanese tea ceremony at Jotokuji Temple. The Tea Master will tell you all about its social significance in Japanese culture.

You can also rent a kimono to be fully immersed in the Kyoto Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple!

Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour with Food Pairing

Are you new to Sake? Or maybe you are a sake lover? Either way, visiting a sake brewery is a must when in Japan! This Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour with Food Pairing is the perfect way to learn more about the world of sake.

Get ready to savour sake like never before! You’re diving into uncharted sake territory, unveiling bottles that have never been exported. Your guide will spill the tea on the taste spectrum – from dry to fruity to sweet – and spill the secrets of how these flavours are crafted.

How to get around in Kyoto

Public transport

Kyoto is a city where you’ll be walking a lot! There is a subway system, but some parts are not well connected, so you still have to walk from the subway station. 

I found it easier to walk between certain sights because it wasn’t that much longer than taking the subway. However, the subway is cheap and great for getting around.

Taxis

Taxis are affordable in Kyoto compared to Tokyo! It can be convenient to take a taxi from certain sights to another, for example, from Fushimi Inari to Hokan-ji Temple or Sannenzaka.

It saved me a lot of time and was absolutely worth the $9!

Uber works perfectly in Japan, so there is no need to download another cab app.

Bike

While many people in Japan ride bikes in general, Kyoto is the perfect city to rent one. Getting around between sights will be much easier than constantly taking a subway and walking.

Pay attention to the rules for bike use and where to park. You’re not allowed to park your bike anywhere; you must use designated spaces.

The streets are fairly quiet, and there isn’t a lot of traffic most of the time; biking around should be comfortable.

Where to eat in Kyoto

Indulging on scrumptious local cuisine is one of the best things about travelling! Kyoto has many fantastic places, but here are a few that are great for solo travellers too!

Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market is a semi-indoor market with little food shops and stalls. Here, you can buy anything from fresh products to Wagyu skewers and sushi!

The market itself is one long street that opens in the morning and closes by the end of the afternoon. It’s a great area to have lunch or even breakfast.

A food stall area sells Kobe and Wagyu beef skewers for a reasonable price, and you can get yourself a mango sour from the stall across. All for maybe a little over $20!

Cafe BAW

If you’re looking for an amazing place to satisfy your sweet tooth, check out Cafe 2D Tearoom BAW. Its interior is in 2D, and luckily for this Instagrammable gem, the food is actually to die for!

I had a set menu with delicious chocolate ice cream and coffee. I still dream about the croffle and can’t wait to try more of their desserts.

Chao Chao Sanjo Kiyamachi

I loved this place, and I wasn’t the only one. There’s almost always a queue outside the restaurant. There’s table seating, but you can also sit at the bar (perfect for solo travellers).

Chao Chao Sanjo Kiyamachi offers different types of gyoza, great prices, and fantastic staff!

Yakitori Otonari

There are many yakitori restaurants in Kyoto. But I stumbled upon Yakitori Otonari after visiting Sannenzaka/ Kiyomizu-dera. They have all kinds of yakitori, nice beers and sake, and an English menu.

Would definitely go back here when I’m in Kyoto again.

Waygu Sushi Roll

Waygu Sushi Roll is a great place to have lunch after a visit from Fushimi Inari! The restaurant opens at 11:00 and is famous for its Wagyu beef rolls! The subway station is nearby.

Besides Waygu sushi, they have different kinds of rolls and an English menu!

Restaurant Alley/ Pontocho

Restaurant Alley is a street along the river with many restaurants, from mid-range budget restaurants to the pricier ones. There are lots to choose from, and you can start with a drink in one of the nearby bars.

My favourite restaurant nearby is Chao Chao Gyoza. There will be a queue, but it’s worth it. They serve delicious gyozas, a good mixer, and friendly staff!

The best time to visit Kyoto

Kyoto is great to visit from spring to fall. The cherry blossom season (late March/ April) and fall foliage season (November) are especially popular. These months are busy and more expensive.

I visited Kyoto at the beginning of October, and the weather was lovely! It was a little chilly early in the morning, but the daytime temperature was 22 degrees Celsius. 

When the sun finally comes out, it can get really warm!

Is Kyoto safe for solo female travellers?

Safety is one of the most important things to cover in this solo female travel guide to Kyoto! Japan is one of the safest countries for solo female travellers! I haven’t felt unsafe in Japan, ever! People are friendly and honest. 

I truly feel that Japan is a fantastic destination for women travelling alone!

It’s one of the few countries where I don’t have to worry about someone running off with my camera or phone while setting it up on my tripod to take photos.

Obviously, this doesn’t mean you should be looking for trouble! Always pay attention to your surroundings, lock your door and don’t do crazy things. 

Kyoto is great for solo travellers because even the locals do many things alone. Most of the time, there are counter/ bar seats when eating out, and there are solo yakiniku restaurants.

Eating out alone or having a drink is pretty common in Kyoto and in Japan in general. One evening, I went out for a drink in a quiet jazz bar in Kyoto, talking with the bartender about Ella Fitzgerald.

What to pack for Kyoto?

If you’re travelling between spring and fall, I recommend wearing layers: shorts, t-shirts, a light jacket or blouse, breathable long pants, and comfortable walking shoes. 

A small umbrella for certain rainy months like June and the end of September will be useful.

Summers will be very hot! Wear a cap or use an umbrella as a parasol.

Always bring a backpack with a separate plastic bag for your trash! Japan has barely any trash cans on the streets. You take it home with you and throw it away there!

How English-friendly is Kyoto?

Kyoto is very English-friendly! Kyoto is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. Most people speak English, even a little bit. If you’re worried about a language barrier, don’t be.

In my experience, people really do their best to communicate. If they can’t speak English, they can use a translation app! My Uber drivers were all super friendly and tried to speak in English!

Is it safe to walk around Kyoto at night?

Japan, in general, must be one of the safest cities in the world! So yes, definitely! You can walk safely around Kyoto, even at night! I never felt uncomfortable or unsafe walking around Kyoto.

Always practise standard safety measures, even if a country or city is safe!

How to get to Kyoto

Train

Kyoto is about a 2-hour train ride from Tokyo by Shinkansen. The fastest bullet train is Nozomi. A train leaves Tokyo every 15 minutes, and you can get on at Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station.

I bought my train ticket through the ticket machines at one of the JR train stations. The ticket machine is in English, and it’s very self-explanatory.

Use Google Maps and type in your location to Kyoto Station. Google Maps will tell you which station is the easiest to get on the train.

Buy your train ticket a few days in advance! This way, you can reserve a window seat on the left side of the train. Apparently, this side has the best views, and you might be lucky enough to see Mount Fuji. Unfortunately, I booked my ticket a little too late.

A one-way ticket directly from JR is about $95/ €90

Plane

You can also fly into Osaka and then take a train to Kyoto. Multiple flights connect Tokyo and Osaka every day!

The train from Osaka to Kyoto is only 20 minutes. Flights depart from Haneda Airport; booking in advance will get you an affordable ticket. 

I hope this ultimate solo female travel guide to Kyoto will help you on your way to Kyoto! It is definitely one of my favourite cities in the world. I love the authentic vibe and the beautiful temples and shrines.

Check out this page for any events and activities going on in Kyoto while you’re there!

Kyoto is safe for solo female travellers. There is Japanese culture, great food, beautiful temples, and enough to do to keep you busy for days!