Should I Skip Kyoto? - You’re Not the Only One Wondering

Maybe Kyoto isn't the must-see it's made out to be...

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Skip Kyoto? Wait a minute... That sounds more than a little bit crazy.

Yes, it's the Golden Route for a reason. But have you stopped to think that maybe that reason is exactly why skipping it isn't so crazy after all.

A Popular Question

Like many first timers we assumed we would do the golden route + we have an overnight ryokan booked in Hakone. However the more I see and read online, Kyoto is looking miserable with over tourism. I know it's the golden route for a reason, but is there anyone that thinks we should actually just skip Osaka/kyoto/nara leg and choose somewhere totally different?
While in that area I was def keen on Nara day trip, possibly the hozugawa river boat ride and also the arashiyama monkeys. (Wouldn't bother with the bamboo grove) Had a friend who went last week and said even the monkey park was packed with tourists shoving cameras in the monkey faces.
Do I a) suck up the overcrowding whilst recognising I'm contributing to the problem because it's worth it or b) go somewhere totally different and realise FOMO is stupid.

- A Reddit user asking for advice on reddit

Is Kyoto Worth It?

It's the Golden Route for a reason. But not just one reason.

First, geography made it a populated capital, which led to the most traveled routes (for centuries) heading toward it. This led to the most convenient transportation, and its cultural and historical relevance snowballed.

This of course led to more tourists in modern times coming for the history and also the convenience. This leads to more people recommending it, and more tourists of course leads to more services catering to tourists, which leads to even easier access, and so on.

Kyoto and the Golden Route is the easiest place to ensure a not-disappointing trip, and for tour providers and travel writers to use, because it has such an abundance of easy content.

Many of the things that make it a "must-see" also exist elsewhere, but it's not as easy, and not as concentrated. It is important to take that momentum into account when considering if it is really the "must see" or just the easiest "must see".

The Role of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

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FOMO is the other huge factor. Despite everyone claiming to dislike touristy places:

Friends recommend it - "You can't miss it!"
People go there because of FOMO.
If they go to Kyoto, or stay on the Golden Route, they miss other places where they would have had a great time.
Of course they have a great time anyway. And with nothing to compare it to - not knowing what they did miss, they will re-recommend it to others.

But great doesn't automatically mean best. Especially if you never saw what else was out there.

Psychology plays a role here too. We naturally want to feel like we made the right choice. Regardless of where or what, even if an experience would be rated a 5, we all tend to rate things as a 9 or better than it was. After all, we invested time and money into that instead of something else.

We want to feel that we made the right choice. We like to note the positives rather than go away disappointed feeling that "I should have gone somewhere else."

And if everyone else is going there too? Well, then no matter the outcome, it wasn't a dumb choice. It was logical, based on popular opinion. How could so many people be wrong?

My Personal Take

Kyoto is a fun place, and fascinating - especially if you are interested in and can put historical context around what you are seeing.

When I have friends visit Japan, I go to Kyoto - not for what I think are the most fascinating parts (because most are not into Japanese history) - but mostly to ensure no FOMO. I don't want to be responsible for them feeling bad when someone back home - who has only visited Kyoto and the Golden Route - tells them they missed out.

But if people tell me they are OK without going there, I have zero reservations recommending they explore the countryside instead - our custom rural itineraries are a good place to start.

Of course, my experience with travelers is biased. I meet mostly people who chose to go other places. So they also are naturally predisposed to think that they made the best choice.

However, I find that when people go to Kyoto after time in less-touristed areas, they often rank Kyoto lower.

A Typical Pattern I See

Kyoto first, then countryside: "Kyoto was really cool." (Everything was new, and there was nothing to compare it to.)
Countryside first, then Kyoto: "Could/should have spent less time in Kyoto. Just needed to go see what it was like." (Saw a lot of the same or similar things in other places, but less crowded. Kyoto's uniqueness felt less than expected.)
Skipped Kyoto entirely: Usually no regrets because the alternative was fun too. But sometimes a small, lingering: "Maybe we should have at least looked at it."

What Should You Do?

In the end, only you can decide what would be good for your family.

Ask yourself:

What would they enjoy more?
If Kyoto wasn't so well-known, would you miss it?
Is there anything specific about Kyoto you've dreamt of seeing?
If it didn't exist, would your trip be ruined?
Do the kids have any special concept of Kyoto or something they're excited about?
Would they rather see a lot of temples, or explore a quieter place where you don't hear English/German/Chinese all around - but might have more downtime?

Final Thought

Some people come specifically for Kyoto. Others come for Japan, and Kyoto just happens to be the default "must-see." Some travelers even avoid the entire Golden Route - see Why Are People Avoiding the Golden Route? for more on that discussion.

The most important part?

Whatever you decide, focus on enjoying that - not the thing you skipped.

Kyoto is great - even if it could, depending on the perspective, be considered overrated. It's hard not to enjoy it.

If you go, you'll surely enjoy it - even if it's crowded. Same for most places.

It mostly depends on your expectations and attitude.

What Others Redditors Say: Should You Skip Kyoto?

Many travelers wrestle with whether Kyoto is worth the crowds - but the overwhelming sentiment in this thread is: don't skip it, just plan wisely.

Kyoto is still magical for many - described as relaxing, rich with history, and home to hidden gems beyond the crowded hot spots.
Crowds are real, especially at major sites like Fushimi Inari or Kiyomizudera. But timing (early morning, late evening, rainy days, or weekdays) makes a big difference.
Most agree: it's the "Golden Route" for a reason. Even kids often love it. Many locals and tourists say the city's quieter areas or lesser-known temples are just as beautiful and crowd-free.
Some travelers prefer Osaka or Nara, and a few found Kyoto underwhelming after visiting other regions first - but even those who questioned it said they still enjoyed it.
Alternatives like Uji, Ohara, or less-visited parts of Kyoto are often recommended for a calmer, still-authentic experience.
Summary sentiment: If you go with realistic expectations and avoid peak spots/times, Kyoto is very rewarding.

"Kyoto is great… even if it could, depending on perspective, be considered overrated. It is hard not to enjoy it. It mostly depends on your expectations and attitude."

Is a One Life Japan Trip for You?

The majority of our bike, hike, and walking trips focus around a small farming village in Northern Nagano. We focus on local, environmentally friendly, active, and challenging activities. We share with you our love of the Japan countryside .

If you... have already seen your share of crowded temples and city streets, and if you're ready to get off the train or bus and move your body through some potentially challenging terrain - where people are focused on their everyday life instead of selling souvenirs to tourists - then One Life Japan is most likely perfect for you.

If you.... are willing to spend a night in a local's home or a family-run inn, where the owner is too busy with hunting or the rice harvest to fix a rip in the beat-up paper shoji door, then One Life Japan is most likely perfect for you.

If you... are willing to smile through a conversation with a farmer who doesn't speak English , or to spend a dinner in what eventually turns into a game of charades with the local baker, then One Life Japan is most likely perfect for you.

If you... are willing to spend an afternoon striking out on your own in unknown territory, where no one speaks English but is eager to help nonetheless - with just a map and the assurance that we'll be there if you need a hand - then One Life Japan may be perfect for you.

If you... are willing to wake up at 5 a.m. to see a country village come to life in the early morning light, or to spend an afternoon working in the rice field or gathering wild vegetables, then One Life Japan is most likely perfect for you.

If you... are willing to savor a simple meal of in-season, locally produced foods, then One Life Japan is most likely perfect for you.

If you... have read this far without thinking it's not for you - One Life Japan is definitely perfect for you .

We want to share the Japan we love. We can't promise five-star accommodation , or perfect cell-phone coverage the entire trip. We certainly don't promise a glimpse of the fabled "lost" Japan . We do promise an opportunity to see another side of modern-day Japan that you won't see in urban areas like Tokyo or Kyoto, or in towns that rely on tourism as their main industry.

Everything is waiting for you . It is up to YOU to take it in. We are here to support and facilitate your adventure - but it is up to you to make it your adventure . We'll listen to your needs, your likes and dislikes, and work to create the most personalized trip we can offer.

About Price Estimates and Custom Pricing

Planning a custom trip means every itinerary is a little different - and that's the point. We don't use fixed packages because every traveler, group size, destination, and level of support is unique. That said, we understand that you probably want at least a sense of what to expect before getting started.

We're happy to talk through your ideas and provide a no-obligation estimate once we know the general outline of your trip. Our goal is to make rural Japan accessible, affordable, and deeply memorable - and we'll always try to match your budget where possible.

What Affects the Price

Number of Participants

We don't have a flat per-person rate. Families and small groups are easier to price affordably, since logistics and guiding can be shared. Solo travelers, couples, and groups of three are also very welcome - we'll do our best to make something work without compromising on experience.

Type of Accommodation

We usually choose small, family-run inns or farmstays - warm, welcoming places that reflect the feel of the region. These are rarely "luxury" in the hotel sense, but offer something richer: simple, delicious meals and genuine hospitality. If you're looking for high-end ryokan, we can arrange those too, though they will affect the total cost.

Location & Duration

The total price depends on where the trip takes place, how far it is from our base in Northern Nagano, and how many days you're traveling. Longer trips often have a lower daily cost than short ones, especially if we're traveling far to meet you.

Time of Year & Advance Notice

Spring and autumn are peak seasons, and last-minute bookings can be tough. Giving us more time to plan helps us find the best accommodation and keep costs down.

Level of Support

We also understand that not everyone wants (or needs) the same level of company or support. Some people enjoy having a guide by their side for meals and downtime, while others prefer more personal space. We're happy to adjust accordingly - whether that means joining you throughout the day or giving you room to explore and regroup at key points. These preferences don't always make a huge difference in price, but they help us plan a trip that feels just right for you - both in experience and in budget.

We offer different levels of involvement to suit your comfort and budget:

Fully Guided
We're with you the whole way - riding or walking alongside you, staying in the same inn, and sharing meals together. We guide at your pace, helping with check-ins, interpreting, and navigating local spots. Depending on group size or pace differences, we may occasionally split to accommodate different routes (like easy vs. hard options), but we're always close and reconnect throughout the day.
Semi-Guided
You ride and explore independently, but our support vehicle follows just behind the scenes - meeting you throughout the day and always within a few minutes' reach. We are there to handle logistics like luggage transfers, check-ins, and join you for museums and activities. Meals and evening time can be more private or shared, depending on your preference and budget. It's a balance between freedom and support, with us never far away.
Self-Guided with Minimal Support
You're free to travel at your own pace, using our detailed maps and GPS routes, with all accommodations arranged in advance. While the trip is self-guided, we stay close enough to assist when needed - including moving bikes and luggage between far-apart regions. This allows you to shift locations mid-trip, like spending a day in Nagano and the next on the Japan Sea coast, without being tied to a continuous cycling route.
Fully Self-Guided
We plan your route and assist with bookings, and you handle the trip on your own. We're available by phone and can track your location in case of any issues. (See our Self Guided page for details)

Want an Estimate?

All of this will be clarified during the estimate process, so we can make sure we're on the same page - both in terms of expectations and cost. It's important to us that there are no surprises, and that you know exactly what's included and how things will work throughout the trip.

We can give you a ballpark once we know the rough outline - for example, the base price for a 3-day with no on-location support self-guided itinerary for two in Nagano might be around ¥35,000-¥40,000 / person (bikes + itinerary, not including accommodation).

The inn prices can start from 7,000 ~ 15,000 / night with meals, and go as high as is available depending on the location.