Kyoto is one of the best places in Japan that I've seen.. but anywhere in Japan is great :)

Beautiful city. If you want to enjoy TYPICAL image of Japan, you must go.
But I have to tell you ,staying Kyoto is very expensive even food, restaurant, etc.
So, Staying Osaka (it is cheap) and day out to Kyoto will be ideal.
Late Oct to middle Nov is everywhere is like post card.

Of the handful of cities I visited in Japan some years back, Kyoto was by far the most interesting. Everything in Japan is very expensive and Kyoto is no different, but the food seemed more local (than say Tokyo) and the buildings and infrastructure were more historical and preserved. (The Allies intentionally spared the city from bombing during WWII.) This is the only Japanese city in which I spotted an actual Geisha.

If you want to go to the heart of "History Central" in Japan, Kyoto is where you need to visit. Kyoto is in the Kansai region where Japanese people are more accustomed to seeing foreigners (tourists), therefore, they are generally known to be more friendly and outgoing. Many, many fascinating gardens and temples can be seen nearby. On a side note, be advised that just about every child who lives in this island nation takes a field trip to Kyoto during his middle or high school career. The kids who live in Kyoto? They commonly take the field trip to Tokyo Disneyland.

I used to live about a half hour train ride from downtown Kyoto. I loved both the ultra-modern train station and the ancient temples. I would recommend it as a "must see" for anyone visiting Japan.

I am Japanese and I don't even like Kyoto

I have been to 24 countries in the world, but Japan is the best one for me. I have been there twice as an exchange student and a tourist. This city has the combination of old culture and new modern technology. The environment is very clean and friendly

A cultural nirvana! Kyoto is the ultimate place to go and experience Japanese culture. A flood of temples, shrines, and hole-in-the-wall places to explore. A modern day window into what old Japan must have been like.

A Beautiful, serene city compared to Japan's larger metropoli. Delightful old town and mountain shrines.

A really clean and beautiful city, culturally rich too.

Having been in Kobe, Kyoto was a lot more tourist oriented. Many more European faces.Fantastic place for souveniers and gifts! Shrines everywhere - a short study of Japanese religion could be very useful before a tour! Politeness, service & presentation are artforms in Japan. It's as well to brush up on Japanese customs before you arrive (eg. blowing your nose in public, walking while eating or drinking and talking loudly are frowned on).

i haven't been but i've heard people say it's a nice shift from the crowded city streets of tokyo.