Tokyo vs Kyoto: Which Japanese city should you visit first?
For travelers planning their first trip to Japan, one question inevitably arises: Tokyo or Kyoto? Tokyo may seem like the obvious choice – it is the capital and dazzles with its enormous scale and lightning-fast energy. Here, ancient temples stand side by side with neon-lit skyscrapers, and world-class dining ranges from Michelin-starred sushi to back-alley ramen.
But Kyoto is an equally enchanting city – a more classic beauty, where golden temples, dreamlike gardens, and traditional tea ceremonies offer glimpses of imperial Japan. At the same time, the city features night markets, experimental restaurants, and a vibrant music scene that keeps things moving.
Tokyo: A modern metropolis with historical roots
After living and working in Tokyo for more than a decade, multimedia journalist Phoebe Amoroso considers the metropolis her home, her backyard, and her playground all in one. Always in pursuit of the next great meal, she writes extensively about Japan’s food culture.
Tokyo has been Japan’s heart for centuries, before officially taking over the role of capital from Kyoto in 1868. Today, it is an ever-evolving, endlessly fascinating metropolis with more than 14 million inhabitants, where modernity and history are felt side by side.
To experience the pulse of the megacity, you can cross the famous Shibuya Crossing before heading up to Shibuya Sky for breathtaking 360-degree views. Here, Tokyo’s vast scale unfolds before you, and on a clear day you can watch the sun set behind the impressive silhouette of Mt. Fuji at dusk.
Kyoto: Japan’s classic beauty
Kyoto may be the most beautiful city in Japan – and that is no small claim. The country is filled with photogenic cities, from the samurai-era teahouses of Kanazawa to the elegant, cherry-blossom-filled castle town of Himeji. Tokyo’s neon jungle has its own charm, but Kyoto – with its exquisite temples, hilltop monasteries, and perfectly proportioned Zen gardens – takes the prize.
Kyoto is also home to kaiseki, Japan’s version of haute cuisine. This multi-course experience strikes a perfect balance between dishes such as miso soups, high-quality sashimi, pickled seasonal vegetables, and hotpots of meat and wild plants – all presented so beautifully that you almost feel guilty eating it.
"Kyoto is Japan as people dream of it – Japan from postcards and picture books."
Kyoto is far from a city frozen in the past. For every classic cultural element, there is a lively, modern counterpart. From the bustling food stalls of Nishiki Markets to the vibrating music scenes of the nightlife, Kyoto offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.
