Kyoto, Japan

• Kyoto has over 2,000 temples and shrines spread across a valley between mountains. The city is quieter and more traditional than Tokyo, with geisha districts and wooden architecture alongside modern infrastructure. Trains run on time and the subway is clean and easy to navigate with English signage.
• Eating alone is normal here - you'll see Japanese women dining solo everywhere from ramen counters to upscale kaiseki restaurants. Staff treat single diners the same as groups. English is common in tourist areas, and most restaurants have picture menus or English translations. Train stations have English announcements.
• Crime rates are very low. Walking around at midnight is generally safe, though pickpocketing can happen at crowded festivals. Police are visible but don't bother you. The emergency number 110 has translation services available.
• The city spreads out, so you'll need trains or buses to get between neighborhoods. Women-only train cars run during weekday rush hours (7:30-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM) on the Hankyu and Keihan lines, marked with pink signs. Buses get extremely crowded during cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons. A few entertainment districts can get loud late at night, but most areas stay quiet.

Japanese is the main language. English is common in major tourist areas like Gion and Downtown Kawaramachi, at hotels and popular restaurants. The Japan Visitor Hotline (050-3816-2787) has 24/7 multilingual support. Emergency services (110 and 119) have translators available. Many restaurants have picture menus or English translations. Train stations have English announcements and signs.

• Take off your shoes when entering traditional restaurants, ryokans, temples, and some shops - look for a step up or shoe lockers at the entrance. Bring socks without holes. Indoor slippers are usually provided, but switch back to outdoor shoes for restrooms.
• At temples and shrines, cover your shoulders and knees. Take off hats during prayer. Don't photograph worshippers or ceremonies. Most temples charge ¥300-600 entry. Photography might be restricted inside. Purify your hands and mouth at the water basin before approaching the main hall.
• Eating alone is normal here - don't feel awkward about it. But keep your voice down on phones in restaurants and trains. Don't tip - it can actually be offensive. Pay at the register when leaving, not at your table.
• Don't eat while walking, especially near temples and in traditional areas like Gion. Find a bench or designated eating area. There aren't many trash cans, so carry a bag for your garbage. The city is very clean and locals expect you to keep it that way.
• English is common in tourist areas but rare in residential neighborhoods. Learn some basics: 'sumimasen' (excuse me), 'arigatou gozaimasu' (thank you), 'gochisousama deshita' (thanks for the meal). Download Google Translate offline for emergencies. Many restaurants have plastic food displays in windows, which makes ordering easier without Japanese.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Police: 110. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• The subway has two lines: Karasuma Line runs north-south, Tozai Line runs east-west, intersecting at Karasuma Oike Station. Trains are clean and run on time. Get an ICOCA card for easy payment on trains and buses - just tap and go. Subway fare averages ¥210-360 per ride.
• City buses cover areas the subway doesn't reach, with direct routes from Kyoto Station to major temples and tourist sites. Buses get extremely crowded during peak seasons, and routes can be confusing for first-timers. A one-day bus pass costs ¥700, pays for itself after three rides. Download the bus route app or grab a map at Kyoto Station.
• The Hankyu and Keihan train lines have women-only cars during weekday rush hours (7:30-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM), marked with pink signs. Taxis are safe and metered but expensive - ¥600-1,000 just to start. Drivers are honest and professional.
• Walking works in concentrated areas like Gion and Downtown. Renting a bicycle is popular. The city is mostly flat except near mountain temples. Be careful cycling near busy roads - bike lanes aren't always clearly marked.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Kyoto with local guides and curated experiences.