Kyoto rewards a slower pace more than Tokyo does. Its main sights are spread across several distinct districts rather than concentrated around a few stations, so a first visit works best when you plan around a small number of areas instead of trying to see the whole city in a day.
Choose your base around the areas you want to see
Kyoto Station is the most convenient base for travelers who plan to take day trips or arrive by Shinkansen, since most trains and many buses start there. Staying closer to Higashiyama or Gion instead puts you nearer to the older streets and temples most visitors associate with Kyoto, at the cost of a longer trip to and from the station. Either choice is reasonable — the decision should follow your itinerary, not the other way around.
Expect buses and walking, not just trains
Kyoto's rail network is smaller than Tokyo's, and many well-known sights are reached by bus or on foot rather than by subway. Bus routes can get crowded during peak seasons, so build extra time into your schedule when a sight is only reachable by bus. A prepaid IC card works on most Kyoto buses and trains, which avoids handling exact change.
Keep temple etiquette in mind
Many of Kyoto's most visited sites are active religious sites, not just historical landmarks. Basic courtesies — speaking quietly, following posted photography rules, and staying on marked paths — matter more here than in most other parts of a Japan itinerary.
A useful next step
Use the Kyoto destination hub to compare areas before booking accommodation, and check individual temple or shrine websites for current hours before building a day-by-day plan.