Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview of Kyoto Prefecture (京都府)
Kyoto Prefecture (京都府) is located in the Kansai region of Japan, with its prefectural capital at Kyoto. Key sights and travel highlights across the prefecture include 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kyoto City, Fushimi Inari & Arashiyama, Uji's Byodoin Temple & tea fields, Amanohashidate sandbar (Miyazu), and Ine funaya boathouses.
How to get to Kyoto Prefecture
2h 13m from Tokyo Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen, 14–29m from Osaka, or 75m direct from Kansai International Airport (KIX) on the JR Haruka Express. Use our Shinkansen Fare & Route Calculator and JR Pass Value Helper to compare rail tickets and regional passes.
Signature local food in Kyoto
When visiting cities across Kyoto, look out for these regional specialties at station restaurants, markets, and local izakaya:
- Kyoto kaiseki & obanzai home-style dishes
- Yudofu (simmered silky tofu)
- Uji matcha sweets & parfaits
- Saba-zushi (cured mackerel sushi) & yuba
- Ine buri (winter yellowtail) on the northern coast
Best time to visit Kyoto
Late March–mid April for cherry blossoms; July for the month-long Gion Matsuri; mid-November–early December for fiery temple maple gardens.
All 15 cities & municipalities in Kyoto Prefecture
Click any city below for its individual travel guide, demographics, rail access, food specialties, and nearby stops:
| City (Kanji) | Type / Status | Population | Area | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyoto 京都市 | Designated major city | 1,464,890 | 827.90 km² | City guide → · Flagship guide |
| Fukuchiyama 福知山市 | City | 80,836 | 552.57 km² | City guide → |
| Maizuru 舞鶴市 | City | 90,461 | 342.15 km² | City guide → |
| Ayabe 綾部市 | City | 37,081 | 347.11 km² | City guide → |
| Uji 宇治市 | City | 191,297 | 67.55 km² | City guide → · Flagship guide |
| Miyazu 宮津市 | City | 20,565 | 169.32 km² | City guide → |
| Kameoka 亀岡市 | City | 93,641 | 224.90 km² | City guide → |
| Jōyō 城陽市 | City | 80,795 | 32.74 km² | City guide → |
| Mukō 向日市 | City | 55,137 | 7.67 km² | City guide → |
| Nagaokakyō 長岡京市 | City | 79,031 | 19.18 km² | City guide → |
| Yawata 八幡市 | City | 73,822 | 24.37 km² | City guide → |
| Kyōtanabe 京田辺市 | City | 65,211 | 42.94 km² | City guide → |
| Kyōtango 京丹後市 | City | 60,980 | 501.84 km² | City guide → |
| Nantan 南丹市 | City | 35,937 | 616.31 km² | City guide → |
| Kizugawa 木津川市 | City | 66,783 | 85.12 km² | City guide → |