Japan
Tokyo
A megacity that is both ultra-modern and traditional, best discovered area by area.
See the Tokyo pageTokyo or Kyoto?
Tokyo and Kyoto are about 2 h 10 apart by Shinkansen: most first trips to Japan include both.
Japan
Kyoto
The former imperial capital, with its temples, gardens and traditional lanes.
See the Kyoto pageOur advice
Rather Tokyo for: nightlife and fun.
Rather Kyoto for: nature and the great outdoors.
Both feature in our ideas for March, November.
| Tokyo | Kyoto | |
|---|---|---|
| Best months (our ideas) | March, November | March, April, November |
| Atmosphere | Cities and culture, Nightlife and fun | Cities and culture, Nature and the great outdoors |
| First visit: where to stay | Shinjuku | Downtown (Shijō, Kawaramachi) |
| Neighbourhoods | Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa, Ginza and Tokyo Station | Gion and Higashiyama, Around Kyoto Station, Downtown (Shijō, Kawaramachi), Arashiyama |
| Languages | Japanese | Japanese |
| Currency | Japanese Yen (JPY) | Japanese Yen (JPY) |
| Power plugs | A, B | A, B |
| Driving | On the left | On the left |
| Time | UTC+9, no daylight saving | UTC+9, no daylight saving |
| Our guides |
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