Central Kyoto is most likely where you’ll be staying when visiting Kyoto, and while most of the popular landmarks are located in the outer edges of the city, the centre of Kyoto is still full of interesting things to see and do, a mix of the historical and the modern to let you experience the best of Kyoto. Here are 6 places that you should definitely visit if you decide not to travel out for the day, with each location offering a new and exciting experience to your time in Kyoto.
Kyoto Tower
The tallest structure in the whole of Kyoto, the Kyoto tower is a rare modern landmark in this historical part of Japan. From the observation deck of this 131 metre tall tower, you will have a stunning 360° panoramic view of Kyoto below, beautiful both in the day and at night. On a clear day, you might even be able to see neighbouring Osaka in the distance! There is even a small shrine on the observation deck where you can make a wish at, likely the highest shrine you’ll ever visit.
After visiting the tower, spend some time exploring the Kyoto Tower Building that stands below the tower. The building is where you’ll find the ticketing booth for the tower, but there are also several souvenirs shops, restaurants, a tourist information centre, and even a public bath.
Address: 721-1 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216
Opening Hours: 9am - 9:20pm (Last admission at 9pm)
Admission:
Adult: 800 yen
Kyoto Railway Museum
The Kyoto Railway Museum is a large and unique museum that lets you explore Japan's railway history. Inside there are 53 locomotives that come from a span of decades and centuries, with older steam powered trains as well as the more advanced and much faster shinkansen on display.
There are plenty of other exhibitions as well. On display are uniforms, tools, and machinery used throughout Japan’s long railway history, along with several dioramas, one of which has a miniature train which you can control. Outside the main building, there is also the Roundhouse platform, a depot containing 15 steam trains and a turntable that was built in 1914. As you explore this area, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported back in time to when these machines were at the height of their popularity, and for an additional fee, you can also take a ride on an actual steam locomotive, which will really complete your experience.
Address: Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8835
Opening Hours:
All year round: 10am - 5:30pm (Last admission at 5pm)
Closed: Every Wednesday (except holidays) and 30th December - 1st January
Admission:
Adult (18 and above): 1,200 yen
Nishiki Market
Undoubtedly, Nishiki Market is one of Kyoto's more popular tourist destinations, a food market/shopping street with over a hundred stores which has earned it the nickname of “Kyoto’s Kitchen”. Here, you’ll find many stalls selling local specialities, like tsukemono (Japanese pickles), Kyo-yasai (Kyoto vegetables), wagashi (Japanese sweets), and fresh seafood, all of which have been locally farmed and produced.
If you’re looking for a meal, there are several sit-down restaurants (even a Snoopy themed cafe!) and stores selling ready-made food, though for the latter, remember to consume your food at the stall itself, as it is considered rude to eat as you walk around the market. Whether you’re looking for a good lunch, a quick snack, or some goodies to bring back home, get ready to see, smell and taste the best of what Kyoto has to offer at this impressive food market.
Address: 609 Higashiuoya-cho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8054
Opening Hours:
10am - 6pm (timings may vary for each individual store)
Pontocho
For more dining options, visit Pontocho Alley, a street with many restaurants that offer all kinds of foods at a wide range of prices, perfect for most budgets. As most places only open in the evening, you should definitely stop by here if you’re for a tasty dinner.
Pontocho Alley runs parallel to the Kamogawa River, as this great location lends itself to special experience during the summer seasons. From May to September, several of the restaurants will open up wooden decks that stand over the running water, a dining experience known as Kawayuka. From these platforms, you’ll be able to enjoy the good weather and a great view of the river, which you can take a nice stroll along after your dinner.
Nijo Castle
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Nijo Castle was the residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun (military warlord) of the Edo Period. Surrounded by stone walls and moats, the grand estate stands in testament to the power and status that shogun held.
Despite being a stronghold, the buildings in the castle grounds are beautifully made and intricately designed. When you first enter, examine the detailed wood carvings of the Karamon, the main gate. Visit the Ninomaru Palace, which was the office and residence of the shogun, to see exquisitely designed sliding doors and ceilings, further reflecting the grandeur of the shogun themselves.
The gardens of the castle are just as impressive, with the traditional Japanese landscape garden design of Ninomaru Garden and the half-Western, half-Japanese style of the Seiryu-en Garden, both boasting a large pond surrounded by rocks of varying shapes and sizes. The trees of the castle are also stunning: besides the usual cherry blossoms, there are also plum blossoms and camellias that bloom alongside other seasonal flowers, creating a castle estate that is as beautiful as it is imposing.
Address: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301
Opening Hours:
Castle Grounds:
Most of the year: 8:45am – 5pm (Last admission at 4pm)
July – August: 8am – 6pm (Last admission at 5pm)
September: 8am – 5pm (Last admission at 4pm)
Closed 29th - 31st December
Ninomaru Palace:
Most of the year: 8:45am – 4:10pm
July – August: 8:45 am – 5:10pm
Closed: Every Tuesday in January, July, August, and December; 1st - 3rd January; 26th - 28th December
Admission:
Adult:
Castle Grounds and Ninomaru Palace: 1,030 yen
Castle Grounds only: 620 yen
Kyoto Imperial Palace Park
The Kyoto Imperial Palace Park is nestled in the centre of Kyoto, a sprawling estate that used to be the residence of the Imperial family until the capital of Japan was changed from Kyoto to Tokyo. Encompassed within the walled compound are the grand Kyoto Imperial Palace and the smaller but equally majestic Sento Imperial Palace, the respective complexes standing as great examples of architecture and history, both surrounded by charming gardens and lush greenery.
While the Kyoto Imperial Palace is open to all visitors to explore on their own, a guided tour is needed to enter the Sento Imperial Palace. Luckily, these tours are free, taking you on a quick 1 hour journey through the palace complex. The tours are best booked online, and should be booked well in advance of your actual visit.
Address: Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-0881
Opening Hours:
Kyoto Imperial Palace: Kyto
September & March: 9am - 4:30pm (Last admission at 3:30pm)
October - February: 9am - 4pm (Last admission at 3:20pm)
April - August: 9am - 5pm (Last admission at 4:20pm)
Closed: Mondays; 28th December - 4th January
Sento Imperial Palace:
Tours at: 9:30am, 11am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm (Timings as of 2nd Oct 2020)
Admission: Free