What comes to mind when you think about Kyoto? Temples, Shrines, Samurai, Geisha? If this is your thought process, then you may be surprised that Kyoto is not just about “old” buildings and culture. In fact, Kyoto is the ultimate location to experience both a traditional and modern side of Japan at the same time! In this article, we will introduce places to visit near Kyoto station. Let’s get started!
Kyoto Station
Kyoto station is likely where most tourists start their trip in Kyoto. The transportation hub is one of the largest stations in Japan and serves many railway lines. It is estimated that over 700,000 passengers use the station every day! Kyoto’s gateway also functions as a shopping complex, comprised of department stores, hotels, a movie theater, restaurants, and souvenir shops. The main station building has a modern, impressive design, and they do illuminations on the long staircase throughout the year.
Kyoto Station Official Website
Kyoto Tower
Kyoto Tower is a landmark located right in front of Kyoto Station, and known as the tallest structure in Kyoto. It has an observation deck which stands 100 meters above the ground. Visitors can enjoy the amazing view of the entire city of Kyoto. The lower floors are used for several purposes, including a hotel, restaurants, bars, and a large public bath on the basement floor! It is also directly connected to Kyoto station, which makes it easy for visitors to go there even on rainy days!
10am – 9pm (last entrance 9pm)
Admission ¥900
Get your e-ticket here!
Nijo-jo Castle
Nijo–jo Castle was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate which governed Japan for over 260 years from 1603. It was originally built to show the power of the Shogunate throughout Japan so that they could control the whole country more easily. Ironically, this is where the Tokugawa Shogunate started and ended when they officially returned the political power to the emperor in 1867. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has been ranked among the most visited tourist sites in Kyoto. Inside the Ninomaru-goten Palace, there are more than 3,600 wall paintings which are impressive and breathtaking!
Open 8:45am – 4pm
Admission Fee
Nijo-jo Castle/Ninomaru-goten Palace ¥1,300
Honmaru-goten Palace ¥1,000 (Online reservation is required on the website)
Castle admission ticket ¥800
Kyoto Imperial Palace & Kyoto Gyoen
Kyoto Imperial Palace was used as a formal residence for the Imperial family from 1331 to 1869 until they moved to the current one located in Tokyo. The structure has been restored several times due to deterioration and fires, and the current one was built in 1855 during the Edo period. Visitors can enjoy comparing the architectural designs of each structure, describing a transition of culture and tradition.
The palace is located in a huge park called “Kyoto Gyoen National Garden” (in short, “Kyoto Gyoen” in Japanese) It was once a residential area exclusively used by the Imperial family and court nobles, but was opened to public in 1949. It has plenty of nature and offers a peaceful time for visitors, so just walking around the park is relaxing and enjoyable. In Spring, many people get together in order to enjoy viewing around 1,000 cherry blossom trees in bloom!
Open 9am – 3:20pm (closed on Mondays & New Year)
*Opening hour might be changed due to the imperial court events, check the information here before your visit
Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
Open 8:30am – 4:30pm
Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market is a famous marketplace packed with small stores selling Japanese traditional foods. It is located on Nishiki Street, a narrow street in the very center of the city, which is always lively and full of energy. There are around 130 stores along the 400-meter-long street, selling a variety of food and drink. From Kyoto station, you can take the subway and it is a 3-minute ride to get to the nearest station named Shijo Station. It is only a 10-minute walk from the station to the market. You might be overwhelmed by the crowds at first, but soon get used to the atmosphere and find it exciting!
If you want a great way to explore the area and get to know more about Japanese culinary culture and how to enjoy the market and area properly, we recommend getting a guide!
Please visit our website for more information about our tours!
Kyoto Ramen Street (Kyoto Ramen Koji)
If you would like to enjoy ramen near Kyoto Station, there are countless restaurants available. In fact, there is the perfect place where you can enjoy several types of ramen restaurants, all with a good reputation: Kyoto Ramen Street. The “street” is located on the 10th floor of the Kyoto Station building and there are 9 ramen restaurants on the same floor, each of them having their own dining area.
Since the location and all the restaurants are relatively small, it is better to avoid going there at busy hours, especially during lunchtime on weekends!
Open 11am – 10pm (last order 9:30pm)
Official website
Tsujiri Kyoto Isetan
If you are a fan of Japanese desserts, Matcha is something that you should definitely try in Kyoto! Matcha originally refers to an edible powder made from green tea leaves. There are a variety of matcha-flavored products selling in Kyoto, as it has one of the largest producers of Matcha in Japan!
Tsujiri is a famous matcha store with several locations in Kyoto, and they serve tasty desserts such as sundaes, ice creams, and even light meals! The taste is a balanced mix of bitter and sweet, so it is a delicious treat.
Tsujiri Kyoto Isetan
10am – 7:30pm
Where to stay near Kyoto Station
- Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Located within Kyoto Station yet offers you the quiet and relaxing time, 9 restaurants in the complex where you can enjoy dine in. - Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Station
Located 3 minutes away from Kyoto station, easy to access everywhere and breakfast buffet is served every morning. - MIMARU KYOTO STATION
Great location, spacious and comfortable rooms, there is Pokémon room available for all the fans!
Kyoto is still developing, and will never stop to provide visitors unique experiences with its attractive tourist spots. People living in Kyoto are rather proud of what they have been preserving and understand the importance of passing it down from generation to generation. They will happily educate you all about the beauty of Kyoto! Central Kyoto gives everyone visiting a great opportunity to witness how we can successfully maintain our lives while preserving cultural assets and traditions. You might even feel inspired!
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Happy traveling!
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Japan Wonder Travel Tours in Kyoto
When you are visiting Kyoto and you need some help organizing your trip, you came to the right place. We’re happy to help you make your trip to Kyoto the best trip ever. We can advise you on where to go or even better, show you around with a local, English speaking guide. Let us help you create safe, comfortable, and unforgettable memories in Kyoto!
▶Kyoto 8h Private Custom Highlight Tour with Licensed Guide
On this full-day private tour of Kyoto, you will be able to see the highlights of Kyoto in just one day and at the same time develop a deeper understanding of both the culture of the area and Japan as a whole.
▶Meet a Geisha in Kyoto: Guided Walk in Gion and Enchanted Time with Maiko
Meet a Maiko, a geisha in Kyoto, and enjoy a walking tour in Gion, the geisha district. See an authentic Japanese tradition unfold before your eyes that has existed for hundreds of years. You’ll have chance to take a photo with Geisha!
▶Explore Nishiki Market: Food & Culture Walk
If you’re looking to learn more about the culture and the local cuisine of Kyoto, this is the perfect tour for you! Take part in this Kyoto food and drink tour and explore the 400-year-old market and the famous surrounding areas.
▶Kimono Experience
Kyoto is the best city to explore in kimono, Japanese traditional clothing. You can choose the one you like the most from several patterns and colors at the rental shop. In Kyoto, two locations are both accessible from the main tourist attractions which makes it easy to try it on and explore the city for a day!
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