Solo Female Travel in Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital, is nestled in a valley on the Honshu Island, surrounded by picturesque mountains and lush greenery. Known for its beautiful blend of tradition and modernity, Kyoto offers an enchanting array of cultural heritage sites, tranquil temples, and enthralling gardens. Visitors can explore the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine with its vermilion torii gates, the awe-inspiring Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, and the atmospheric Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The city is also renowned for its traditional tea ceremonies, sublime kaiseki cuisine, ancient festivals, geisha culture in Gion district, and exquisite artisan crafts. This fascinating city's rich history and enduring customs make it a must-visit destination for any travel enthusiast.
Travel rating
Meet new people
Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies, share solo travel experiences and stay with locals through couch surfing.
Travel index
Safety:Very safe
Kyoto is known for its high standard of safety and tourism-friendly environment. Japanese culture emphasizes respect and consideration for others, creating a very safe atmosphere for travelers. The city is well-maintained, clean, and well-lit, making navigation at any hour safe. While it's always key to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings, it is rare to encounter unsafe or uncomfortable situations even when traveling alone here. Furthermore, the local community is generally receptive and helpful to tourists, enhancing the overall safety of your travels.
Transport:Easy
Kyoto is relatively easy to navigate. The city layout is grid-based, mimicking an easy-to-follow chessboard pattern. Travelers can commute with ease using buses, trains, subways, rented bicycles, or on foot. English signboards are fairly common, and locals are usually helpful. However, last mile connectivity from public transport stops to certain tourist attractions can sometimes pose a challenge.
Things to do:Fascinating
Kyoto is incredibly rich in culture, history, and offers countless activities. From sightseeing many UNESCO World Heritage sites, visiting beautiful Zen gardens and historical temples, to exploring traditional tea houses in Gion, experiencing a traditional tea ceremony or trying your hand at various crafts like Kintsugi (golden joinery). The city is also home to fabulous gastronomic experiences from street food to Michelin-starred Kaiseki culinary delights. Don't forget the shopping district with traditional craft shops, luxurious boutiques and chic malls. Kyoto is truly a city that can keep you fascinated for days on end.
Food:Excellent
The culinary experience in Kyoto is nothing short of fantastic. The food scene in this city is wonderful in its diversity, as Kyoto is renowned for its kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal), obanzai (Kyoto-style home cooking), sushi, matcha desserts, and more. You can find everything from top-notch fine dining to quaint, local establishments serving hearty fare. Seasonal ingredients and a dedication to preserving traditional cooking methods add authenticity and breadth to the food scene. Each season presents a new range of specialties, and there's a deep culture of food craftsmanship in this city. The level of authenticity and flavor makes the dining experience truly remarkable, even for the solo traveler.
Budget:Moderate
Kyoto, as a popular tourist destination in Japan, sits in the mid-range of the budget spectrum. Cost of living and travel tend to be lower than in Tokyo, but it’s still more expensive than most Southeast Asian countries. Accommodation can be quite cheap if you opt for hostels or guesthouses, but dining can be slightly pricey, especially in the city center. Public transportation, while efficient and accessible, can also add up, unless you purchase a day pass. Sightseeing at ancient temples and heritage sites, many of which have entry fees, may also affect your budget. However, there are plentiful options and it is indeed possible to explore Kyoto without breaking the bank, with careful planning and by taking full advantage of options like free walking tours.
Is Kyoto worth visiting?
No experience found
We can make the world a safer place for women traveling solo. Be the first to share your experience and help us empower more women through travel.Local tips
Best place to explore when it’s sunny or rainy. When it’s sunny you can easily access many parts of the city by bike. When it’s rainy, visit serene temples and shrines with your konbini umbrellas. The best way to explore this city is just walk around. There are historic buildings and places on every corner so find your own favorite spots!
Posted: March 29, 2024Upcoming visitors to Kyoto
Connect with upcoming visitors to Kyoto who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.
Maha
About Me
Hi there, I am a calm and open-minded girl based in Frankfurt, Germany. I studied English and Philosophy and work as a teacher for higher grade students. Besides working, I love to travel and try to make use of all the holidays that I am blessed with as a teacher. I also love reading, dancing and singing and exploring new cultures. One of my goals in life is to visit as many countries as possible to gain a better understanding of the world and to broaden my horizon.
Speaking
Laura
About Me
Hi! Im a German traveler, exploring the universe for a little while. After living in Australia for 1 year, I am now in NZ for a bit :) Keen to meet fellow soulmates and explore together.🦋 I love art, yoga nature, hiking, meditation, design, spiritual stuff, and music ✨️🌿🧚♀️
Speaking
Explore Japan
