When is it cheapest to visit Kyoto?

Kyoto is cheapest to visit in February, June, and November.

Peak season is March, April, July, August, and December, when rooms cost the most.

Kyoto seasons and room prices

Kyoto has the sharpest seasonal swing in Japan. Cherry blossom in late March and early April and autumn foliage from mid to late November push the same room far above its usual rate, and popular places sell out months ahead. Golden Week, the Gion Matsuri in July, Obon in mid August and the New Year holiday are also expensive. Mid January through February, the June rainy season and the humid late July to early August stretch are the reliable low points. Because Osaka is about half an hour away by train, sleeping in Osaka and visiting Kyoto by day is a common way around peak prices.

Kyoto local costs and payment

The currency is the yen. Hotels and department stores take cards, but temple admission counters, Nishiki market stalls, old tea houses and many small restaurants in Kyoto are still cash only, so you will need more notes here than in Tokyo or Osaka. Pay in yen at checkout rather than letting the site convert to your home currency. Kyoto City levies an accommodation tax on every stay, charged per person per night in bands that rise with the room rate, and it is normally collected at the property rather than included in the online total.