Kyoto was Japan's capital and the residence of emperors from 794 until 1868 and Tokyo is Japan's current capital and the world's most populous metropolis. When traveling to Japan, it is recommended to visit both of them but if you only have a short time, you may be wondering which one to visit.
Here, we've compiled some of the major differences between Tokyo and Kyoto that should be helpful for you to make a decision.
Tokyo and Kyoto Comparison Overview
Tokyo | Kyoto | |
---|---|---|
History and Culture | Political and economic capital, modern with neon lights and skyscrapers | Traditional Japanese cultural center with temples and shrines. |
Things to Do and See | Tokyo Skytree, Sensoji, Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Disney Resort, manga and anime, Ginza, Tsukiji Outer Market, and making sushi | Kiyomizudera, the Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, Gion, Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and geisha |
Excursions | Yokohama, Kamakura, Mount Fuji, the Fuji Five Lakes, and Nikko | Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, Himeji, Kobe, and Uji |
Food | A variety of international foods, Michelin-starred food, and typical Japanese food including nigiri-zushi, tempura, soba, ramen, chankonabe, and monjayaki | Typical traditional Japanese foods and tea, such as kaiseki-ryori, shojin ryori, and obanzai-ryori |
Shopping | Anime goods, traditional crafts, trendy fashion, and branded goods in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, and Ginza | Kyoto is a great place to buy traditional and modern Japanese goods |
Accommodation | Widest range of clean and comfortable hotels | Traditional Japanese inns. |
Travel Convenience | It has the best public transportation systems | It is easy to get around using public transportation and under your own steam. |
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
|
Customized Trip Planning
My experience with Alisa at Asia Highlights has been excellent. I wanted to customize my trip to South Korea and Japan. I made several changes and asked many questions which she answered promptly. My trip included only hotels and transportation because I wanted to explore on my own. This gave me the option to book my own tours if I want. I selected Asia Highlights because of the great reviews and booked because Alisa was helpful in planning my trip. More
JBC, Feb 2024
|
Japan Tour
Alisa did a fantastic job, answering all my questions and catering to what I want for our upcoming Japan tour. The itinerary was so detailed! We are so excited for our trip! More
Theresa Beltran, Feb 2024
|
The experience of working with Bert was…
The experience of working with Bert was amazing! Everything is clear! The route he introduced and planned for the travel in Japan was amazing! More
Polina Fedorina, Feb 2024
|
Outstanding Agent
We haven't taken our trip to Japan yet with Asia Highlights, but I am so impressed by the thoroughness, communication skills, and attention to detail of their hard working agent, Claire Wong. I sent an inquiry to Asia Highlights and immediately I was given Claire as my agent. She designed a trip for my family that works for us and my communications with her via WhatsApp have been excellent. She always gets right back to me with answers and suggestions. Her English is perfect. Because of Claire, I have a very high regard for Asia Highlights, and I'm glad that I chose this company for our trip to Japan. More
Edwin Lowe, Feb 2024
|
Japan Trip Planning
Although our travel plans will not materialize for another 2 months, we had the absolute pleasure of working with Bert Hu in putting our trip to Japan together. Bert was extremely professional in meeting our needs and tailoring a trip to our interests. Bert was also quite patient and helpful when we had to change a few details and add a couple days. I'm sure I'll have more wonderful things to say after our experience in Japan. More
John, Feb 2024
|
Bert Hu knowledgeable travel adviser.
Hello! My trip adviser Bert Hu gave very clear instructions about the my travel plan to Japan. He is very knowledgeable and guided me step by step. I highly recommend Bert Hu as a personal travel adviser. Thank you for making my future trip easily accessible. More
Fatema Mohammedi, Feb 2024
|
Awesome
Such a great company to help us find our next family trip. We have been working with Bert Hu he is very informative and helpful. Looking forward to continuing doing business and our travels to Japan. More
Shaunda, Feb 2024
|
It is my first time in Japan
It is my first time in Japan, I am glad that i found Asian highlights especially meeting claire the travel agent! She is amazing. She is very helpful all through out the process, she respond quickly to all my inquiry. She made the process so smooth. During the trip, I have to praise the company for giving us amazing accomodations and the best tour guides. Claire made everything happened. There are few bumps and she solve it right away.She was honest about the things that she can not provide. It is my first time to ask for help from a travel agency , I am glad I found Asia highlights. If I will plan tour in the future I will definitely ask help for this company. I recommended this company to my family and friends! Thankyou once again. More power! Keep it up Claire! More
Cc, Jan 2024
|
Claire has listened carefully
Claire has listened carefully to our ideas and has created a highly customized journey for us. She has been very responsive and has shown a deep knowledge of travel options in Japan. More
Michael Brandenburg, Jan 2024
|
Sharon from Asia Highlights
I highly recommend Sharon and her tour guidance.She is very patient and utmost polite.I absolutely loved coordinating my iteniery with her although I was unable to travel to Japan this time.She is an absolute gem and I recommend her to make your Japanese holiday an extraordinary and hassle free experience. More
Tess Thomas, Jan 2024
|
10 Day Family Vacation in Japan
We had the absolute best time in Japan! Jennifer was our wonderful tour guide in Tokyo and Ho was our amazing tour guide in Kyoto and Osaka. We can’t thank them both enough for making our 10 day sightseeing trip truly a trip of a lifetime!! More
Sabrina Wilmoth, Jan 2024
|
Trip to Japan
Family trip to Japan. Excellent itinerary, allowed for seeing many different sights in multiple cities in Japan. The tour was well-paced with enough time to explore on our own in the evenings. Tour guides were knowledgeable, had great attitudes and were accommodating, willing to modify our plans to allow us to see other sights if we wanted to as well. The vans were large and comfortable for the longer drives and water was always provided. More
May, Nov 2023
|
Fall in Japan
The local tour guides in each city were so friendly and knowledgeable. They took care of us like we were family. The accommodations and meals were exceptional. We would definitely use this tour company again for future travel needs. More
, Nov 2023
|
Alisa Liu is a star to work makes Asia Highlights even better
Alisa Liu was my contact person for Asia Highlights. She was remarkably punctual, she was thoughtful, and she handle an emergency on my end, with grace and patience. She recommended great hotels in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka Japan that put us in the center of the action. The guides she choose were personable, punctual a knowledgeable about their cities. More
Brent Zadorozny, Oct 2023
|
Excellent service
Started using Asia Highlights to plan my trip to Japan. Sharon was very helpful, giving me all the information I would need for the tour. I would definitely use Asia Highlights again, when planning another trip to Asia. More
Rachel Nelson, Oct 2023
|
Japan tour
Our airport pick-up went very smoothly. Our guide, Vivian, on the second day was very nice, very accommodating, took into account our preferences. In Osaka, our trip to the castle was a very long walk with lots of steps to climb and quite honestly wasn’t very interesting. But Dotonburi is a must-see and we enjoyed that very much.Our trip to Hiroshima was very memorable. I highly recommend it. Our guide, Etsuko, was very knowledgeable and kind. The trip to Miyajima island, on the other hand, wasn’t too memorable. Our next city, Kyoto, is a truly wonderful place to visit. All the temples we went to were very interesting and very distinctive from each other (Kinkakuji temple, Nijo castle, Sanjusangendo temple,Kiyumizo temple, Fushimi Inari shrine, Kasuga Taisha shrine, Tojaidi temple). The sake tour was a downer and wouldn’t recommend it.Our guide, Ritsuko, was a darling. She was very knowledgeable too and kind and warm and easy to talk to. Our last tour in Tokyo was a rainy day and Sue, our guide, was able to change our tour to the next day. She was so efficient and so accommodating and so kind and very knowledgeable too. More
Mrs Cristina Hidalgo Loris, Oct 2023
|
Very good tour of Japan
Very good tour around Japan for 10 days, including Tokyo, Hakone and Kyoto. Excellent guides and experiences. Albee, the tour organiser, was always available to sort out changes to itinerary or extra requests. More
Guy Slimmon, Oct 2023
|
Everything is good
All of the hotels were wonderful and our guides were super friendly, knowledgeable and flexible. We had a 10 day trip that included multiple cities and lots of different sights, we squeezed in as much as we could, including a 2 day hiking trip to Mt. Fuji (our guide Sun Nan was awesome!). Our guide in Tokyo, Jennifer, was lovely and our guide for 2 days in Kyoto, Dennis, was also super great. We did a food tour in Osaka with Vivian which was nice Sallie Fujimoto-Swun More
Ideale Tran, Oct 2023
|
Thank you for the wonderful experience…
Thank you for the wonderful experience we all truely enjoyed. From the beginning (making first contact with Sharon from Asia Highlights) to the end (Saying good bye to our amazing guide Lilly) the experience was top notch. Great communication while preparing the trip and excellent local knowledge of our tour guide. I can highly recommend Asia Highlights and would not hesitate to use them again for our next trip. More
Dany Gruosso, Oct 2023
|
Vacations in Japan
The guides Jessie and Vivian were very kind and professionals and the drivers as well. In a future vacation we will get in touch with Asia Highlights without a doubt. More
Hilda Andrade, Oct 2023
|
1. History and Culture: Modern Tokyo vs Traditional Kyoto
Tokyo
After WWII, Tokyo was almost destroyed, especially its traditional buildings, so now it has become a new, modern, and bustling city. After the Second World War bombings, it became the political and economic capital of Japan.
Now, Tokyo is a shining example of prosperity and it has a mixed culture combining pop, geek, high-tech, and history, which is the best choice for those who love kawaii, anime, and robots.
Kyoto
Established as the imperial capital by Emperor Kammu in 794, Kyoto served as Japan's capital for over 1,000 years and has remained unaffected by modernity, having retained its traditions and cultures. It is known as Japan's culture king with over 2,000 temples and shrines.
It feels like a time capsule when traveling in Kyoto, especially when walking along the cobbled streets of Gion with its tempting tea shops and beguiling geisha.
2. Things to Do and See: Pop and High-Tech vs Geisha
Tokyo
Tokyo is a fantastic city with ultratraditional to hypermodern features.
We recommend a 3-day stay for a Tokyo city highlights tour.
On day 1, you can experience modern Tokyo on the west side by visiting Meiji Shrine and Omotesando, which is famous for its cool shops. Then visit Shibuya and Ginza to explore the big department stores and boutiques, and head for Roppongi district for the nightlife.
On day 2, you can explore traditional Tokyo by starting your trip at Tsukiji Outer Market to try fresh seafood sushi, and then you can head to Sensoji and the nearby Asakusa Shrine. Then go to Tokyo National Museum and Edo-Tokyo Museum to learn more about Tokyo's history. Visit Tokyo Skytree in the late afternoon for a panoramic view of the city.
On day 3, you can explore the Imperial Palace by walking around the grounds and enjoying views of the lovely moats, bridges, and walls. Then enjoy shopping and dining in Shinjuku. If you are interested in high-tech entertainment, you can try having dinner at Robot Restaurant, which is also located in Shinjuku.
If you have more time in Japan, spend a day at Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea, which is especially recommended when you're traveling with children. Alternatively, you can consider a side trip to Yokohama, Kamakura, and Nikko or a relaxing trip to Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes to enjoy an onsen.
Kyoto
Kyoto is famous for its temples, shrines, and Japanese culture. Two days are enough for you to experience the traditional Kyoto.
You can start your Kyoto tour in Kiyomizudera, which is the most celebrated temple in Japan, and then explore Nishiki Market, which is known as "Kyoto's Kitchen". Then, visit Fushimi Inari, which is famous for having thousands of vermilion torii gates. You can immerse yourself in the Japanese arts by wearing a traditional kimono while touring around Kyoto or taking part in a Japanese tea ceremony.
On day 2, you can head for Arashiyama and visit Tenryuji, enjoy a relaxing walk in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, drink green tea, and enjoy a sweet at Okochi Sanso Villa. You can also experience geisha entertainment, such as watching geisha dances or enjoying tea and sweets with the maiko or geiko.
Kyoto is a great hub for traveling around the area so if you've got a few days in Kyoto, you can do a day trip to Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, Himeji, and Kobe.
3. Food: Variety of Food vs Traditional Japanese Foods
Tokyo
Tokyo wins the title for having the best and widest variety of food in Japan and it has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world.
You can find delicacies originating throughout Japan from Hokkaido to Okinawa. Many chefs and restaurants from all over the world have set up shop there so you can have the chance to taste a large variety of Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Indian, and Western food, among others.
International cuisine is mainly found in the Azabu, Hiroo, and Roppongi districts, such as Shin Okubo (Tokyo's Koreatown), Kagurazaka (the French Quarter), and Ikebukuro (Chinatown).
Of course, Tokyo also has famous local and regional Japanese specialty dishes from the Edo period, such as nigiri-zushi, tempura, soba, ramen, chankonabe, and monjayaki.
Kyoto
Kyoto's food, like the city itself, is mainly about traditional Japanese cuisine. Kyoto is famous for its tofu, its sublime kaiseki cuisine, and its Buddhist vegetarian fare.
The most popular specialties and popular dishes include kaiseki-ryori, shojin ryori, obanzai-ryori, tofu, and yudofu. Kyoto is also a great place to try Japanese gastronomy with dishes that include sushi, tempura, soba, udon, ramen, unagi, and okonomiyaki.
The Pontocho nightlife district, Gion district, and Kyoto Station area offer a wide range of interesting dining opportunities. Gion Karyo is a nice kaiseki restaurant in the heart of Gion and the prices vary from 45–200 USD per person. Please note that this restaurant is closed on Wednesdays.
4. Shopping: Trendy and Branded Goods vs Traditional and Modern Japanese Goods
Tokyo
As one of the world's best shopping cities, the shops are much bigger and the selection is wider in Tokyo. Electronics, colorful anime goods, traditional crafts, trendy fashion, and branded goods are the most popular things you can buy in Tokyo.
The most famous shopping places include Ginza, Shibuya, Harajuku, Akihabara, and Shinjuku and each of them has its own character and specialties. For example, Shibuya is the center of youth fashion, Ginza is famous for upmarket shopping, and Akihabara is famous for its many electronics shops.
Kyoto
As a traditional Japanese cultural center, Kyoto is a great place to buy traditional and modern Japanese goods, such as kimonos, green tea, woodblock prints, Japanese paper, and ceramics.
It's smaller than Tokyo, making it easier for shopping, and the shopping areas are within walking distance of the main subway stations. The most popular shopping areas are Shijo-dori and Nishiki Market.
You can find plenty of modern fashions, electronics, and camera goods at the department stores, such as Daimaru Department Store and Takashimaya Department Store.
5. Accommodation: Clean and Comfortable Hotel vs Traditional Japanese Inn
Tokyo
Tokyo has a great variety of business and budget hotels as well as hostels. You can find a range of lodging choices in Shinjuku, Roppongi, Ginza, Asakusa, and near Tokyo Station. On average, 3-star hotels in Tokyo cost 100–180 USD per night and 4-star hotels cost 150–250 USD per night. If you're looking for something really special, a 5-star hotel in Tokyo costs over 300 USD per night.
Shinjuku is the most popular district for accommodation in Tokyo because of its convenient location and abundance of shopping, entertainment, and sightseeing opportunities. Some examples of accommodation include Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo, Park Hyatt Tokyo, and Shinjuku Washington Hotel.
Kyoto
Kyoto has a huge range of hotels to suit all budgets and tastes and it is the best place to try a ryokan. A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn where you can sleep on a futon on a tatami mat floor in the Japanese-style building.
The ryokans in Kyoto are divided into three categories:
- Budget: less than 100 USD per person per night
- Mid-budget: between 100 and 200 USD per person per night
- Luxury: over 200 USD per person per night
Tawaraya and Hiiragiya are the best ryokans in Kyoto, offering a perfect service, lovely gardens, beautiful rooms, superb food, and a convenient downtown location. If you are on a budget, opt for one of the best mid-priced ryokans, such as Ryokan Hirashin, or one of the best budget ryokans, such as Ryokan Shimizu or Ryokan Uemura.
6. Travel Convenience: Both Have Efficient Public Transportation Systems
Tokyo
Tokyo has the world's best public transportation systems, which include trains, subway trains, buses, and taxis. The well-developed and efficient train and subway networks are the best way to get around Tokyo, especially for tourists.
The most useful train line is the JR Yamanote Line, which connects Tokyo's major city centers. It passes important stops that lead to Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, Tokyo Tower, Ginza, and the Imperial Palace.
Although Tokyo has frequent public transportation services, please avoid using the subway and trains during the rush hours (07:30–09:30 and 17:00–20:00) as they are overcrowded during these times.
Kyoto
Kyoto is smaller than Tokyo so it is especially easy to get around on public transportation or under your own steam, such as on foot or by bike.
There are two subway lines and six train lines in Kyoto. You can reach Arashiyama, Uji, Tofukuji, and Nara by train from Kyoto Station. With the subway lines, you can visit downtown Kyoto easily, such as Kyoto Gosho, Daitokuji temple complex, Nijo Castle, and Pontocho.
When you are in the downtown areas of Arashiyama and Higashiyama, walking is the best way to get around as they have the highest concentration of dining, shopping, and entertainment opportunities.
Conclusions
You may enjoy Tokyo more if:
- You prefer big cities, modern technology, nightlife, and a huge selection of restaurants
- You are traveling with young people or kids
You may enjoy Kyoto more if:
- You like temples, shrines, gardens, and geisha
- You are looking for a more relaxing trip
- You want to try typical traditional Japanese foods
Visit Japan with Asia Highlights
Asia Highlights are specialized in the trip to Japan, we can customize a tour for you and make sure you have a hassle-free trip to Japan. Just let us know your interests and requirements.
Why Asia Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)
- Save Your Time:
- Less research, more enjoyment!
- Real-time 1V1 expert planning
- Maximize Your Flexibility:
- Personal local guide and ride
- Explore at your own pace
- Celebrate Your Journeys:
- Specially-crafted family adventures
- Celebrate milestones with style!
- 7-Day Japan Cherry Blossom Tour 2025: Essential Springtime Mini-Group Tour
- 7-Day Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka Tour
- 8-Day Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka Tour
- 9-Day Japan Highlights Tour
- 10-Day Japan Cherry Blossom Spring 2025 Mini-Group Tour
- 10-Day Tokyo, Yokohama, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka Tour
- 11-Day Traditional Japan Tour
- 12-Day Classic Japan Tour
- 12-Day Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka and Himeji Tour
- 2-Week Highlights of Japan in the Cherry Blossom Season
- 16-Day South Korea and Japan Cultural Adventure Tour
- 16-Day Japan and China Discovery Tour
- How to Plan a Trip to China and Japan
- Plan a Japan Cherry Blossom Trip 2024/2025, Dates and Avoid Crowds
- Plan a Family Trip to Japan 2024/2025: Experiences and Itineraries
- How to Plan a Luxury Trip to Japan in 2024/2025
- Best (and Worst) Time to Visit Japan 2024, Cherry Blossom Time
- 1 Week in Japan: Top 5 Itineraries for First Visit 2024/2025
- 8 Days in Japan: Top 5 Itineraries for First Visit 2024/2025
- 10 Days in Japan: Top 5 Itineraries for First Visit 2024/2025
- 12 Days in Japan: Top 4 Itineraries for First Visit 2024/2025
- 2 Weeks in Japan:Top 5 Itineraries for First Visit 2024/2025
- 3 Weeks in Japan: Top 3 Itineraries for First Visit 2024/2025
- How to Plan a 2-Week Itinerary in Japan and South Korea
- Japan Weather in January: Travel Tips for First-Timers
- Japan Weather in February 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
- Japan Weather in March 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
- Japan Weather in April 2024, Travel Tips (for First-Timers)
- Japan Weather in May 2024: Travel Tips for a First Visit
- Japan Weather in June 2024: Coolest Summer Month, Travel Tips for First Visit
- Japan Weather in July 2024: Best Month for Festivals, Travel Tips for First Visit
- Japan Weather in August 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
- Japan Weather in September, Travel Tips (for First-Timers)
- Japan Weather in October 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
- Japan Weather in November 2024: Best Autumn Month, Travel Tips
- Japan Weather in December 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
It was a whirlwind across a number of cities, but a very comprehensive experience across the many sides and cultures of China. Most days had sufficient activities, but weren’t overwhelming, which was great.Across cities, we had excellent tour guides, like Kitty (Beijing), Jenny (Xian), William (Guilin/Yangshuo), Kris (Shanghai), and Tony (Yellow Mountains.)
moreFrom the time we landed in Beijing until we left, we were well taken care of. My wife and I had Lily Liu as our guide and she was amazing. From arranging visits to all the different sights, to teaching us the history, it was fantastic.
moreThe tour was excellent. Selinda was very knowledgeable about all the aspects of our tour. Selinda was very interesting and knew so much Chinese history
moreWe made a private tour through South China in January 2024. Altogether Chengdu was the highlight. We had an incredible day at Emeishan. In Chengdu our guidewas Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.
moreOther highlights are too many to mention but here are a few Ken taking us to the Terracotta Warriors and our food tour in Xian was amazing,
moreOur day volunteering at the Panda Base was truly unforgettable. Helen, our guide, provided us with invaluable insights about Chengdu and the pandas, enriching our tour with her knowledge and expertise. We're grateful to Helen for accompanying us throughout the day and showcasing the highlights of China.
moreWe had a booking with China Highlights through Silvia Ye who guarenteed a perfect organisation. In Chengdu our guide was Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.
moreWe traveled to China during the Chinese new year and we had Kris as our guide and he is simply knowledgeable,helpful and great.
moreWe visited Guilin for 2 days and stayed in the Guilin Waterfall hotel. Guilin was absolutely beautiful! Our guide, William, was very knowledgeable and kind! He taught us so much about Guilin and the surrounding area! We really enjoyed trying the specialty rice noodles of Guilin. Our highlight was the Li river cruise.
moreAmazing tour and the guide Mr. 贺霄 was very accommodating with our needs and request as we have bought our 2 years old with us. Well explained for all the place we visited. Any additional cost were informed well ahead and didn't felt any pressure if we opt not to go for additional detour. The trip was relaxing/ laid back/no rushing with zero shopping!
moreGet Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.