Central Kyoto Travel Guide

Kyoto

Nijo Castle which includes a garden and a pond
Nijo Castle which includes a small town or village, château or palace and a river or creek
Central Kyoto
Kyoto Tower which includes central business district, modern architecture and a city
Nijo Castle featuring a garden and a pond

Ancient temples blend with modern architectural treasures while markets, museums, dining and shopping streets showcase thousands of years of Japanese traditions. 

Visit Central Kyoto to see where old and new Japan live harmoniously. Find beguiling religious landmarks, tour grandiose imperial gardens and marvel at contemporary masterpieces. Dine on mouthwatering delicacies at a centuries-old market and relax in a casual izakaya pub.

Start with a bird’s-eye view of the city from the observation deck of the 430-foot-tall (131-meter) Kyoto Tower. At Nijo Castle experience the power and wealth of the shogunate rulers who controlled Japan between 1600 and 1868. Kyoto Imperial Palace is the former residence of emperors and stands in the lush Kyoto Gyoen National Garden.

Kyoto’s Buddhist devotion is evident at the serene Higashi Honganji Temple and Nishi Honganji Temple. Mibudera Temple dates back to the 10th century and hosts flamboyant religious pantomimes called Mibu Kyōgen. Admire the hexagonal shape of Rokkakudō Temple, the birthplace of ikebana flower arrangement.

Get an overview of city history and its arts and crafts movements at the Museum of Kyoto. The Kyoto International Manga Museum presents fascinating insights into the world of modern Japanese literary art. Browse displays of clothing worn by nobility during the Heian period at the Costume Museum.

Family-friendly attractions, pretty flower displays and walking trails await at Umekoji Park. See examples of historic and modern trains at the Kyoto Railway Museum. Kyoto Aquarium has many themed zones filled with exotic fish species, dolphins, penguins and a giant salamander. Walk amid cherry blossoms and visit a teahouse at Shosei-en Garden.

Satisfy your hunger with local specialties, such as sashimi, tsukemono (pickled vegetables) and yakitori (chicken skewers) at Nishiki Market. Noodle joints, sushi bars and avant-garde restaurants line Poncho Alley. Finish your day at craft beer bars or izakaya, the casual pubs that are popular with the after-work crowd.

Use the reliable system of buses, trains and the subway to travel between the attractions of Central Kyoto. Kyoto Station is the city’s main transportation hub. This futuristic-looking terminal doubles as a retail and entertainment complex.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Central Kyoto

Kyoto Brighton Hotel
Kyoto Brighton Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Nakadachiuri, Shinmachi-dori, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is ฿4,576 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
฿4,576
฿5,033 total
6 Jul - 7 Jul
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,320 reviews)
"Very clean, excellent hospitality, very happy with the service"

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Kyoto Brighton Hotel
KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle, BW Signature Collection by Best Western
KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle, BW Signature Collection by Best Western
4 out of 5
50 Daimonji-cho Marutamachi-Sagaru, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
The price is ฿3,115 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
฿3,115
฿3,426 total
9 Jul - 10 Jul
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (203 reviews)
"By far one of the best hotels we stayed at during out time in Japan"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle, BW Signature Collection by Best Western
Randor Residence Kyoto Nijo Castle
Randor Residence Kyoto Nijo Castle
3.5 out of 5
521-2, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is ฿1,832 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
฿1,832
฿2,015 total
9 Jul - 10 Jul
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Kyoto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, dry cleaning or laundry services and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kiyomizu Temple and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (33 reviews)
"Clean, modern, spacious and close to great supermarket."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Randor Residence Kyoto Nijo Castle
JR WEST GROUP VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI
JR WEST GROUP VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI
3 out of 5
44-1 Higashikujo Kamitonodacho, Minami-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is ฿1,954 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
฿1,954
฿2,150 total
7 Jul - 8 Jul
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,673 reviews)
"Great location. Three minutes walk to JR line and other train and bus station. JR is the fast train going to different cities"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

JR WEST GROUP VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
3 out of 5
491 Zaimokucho, Shimogyo, Kyoto, Kyoto
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a sauna. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,220 reviews)
"Great overall service! Amazing breakfast and services they provide. You really feel like you're being pampered here and the staff are really welcoming!"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
THE BLOSSOM KYOTO
THE BLOSSOM KYOTO
4 out of 5
140-2 Manjujicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,079 reviews)
"Beautiful and relaxing hotel with spacious rooms and comfy beds. Close to the train station and walking distance to the happening part of town."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

THE BLOSSOM KYOTO
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Central Kyoto

Kyoto featuring autumn colours, snow and religious aspects

Kamigyo Ward

Noted for its historical sites and gardens, there's plenty to explore in Kamigyo Ward. Top attractions like Seimei-Jinja Shrine and Nishijin Textile Center are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station to see more of the city.

Kamigyo Ward
Kyoto which includes heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship

Nishijin

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Nishijin is a destination travellers like for its coffee shops, and you might hop aboard the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station to explore sights like Seimei-Jinja Shrine.

Nishijin
Kyoto which includes a river or creek and mountains

Downtown Kyoto

While you're in Downtown Kyoto, take in top sights like Kyoto International Manga Museum or Rokakkudo Temple, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Karasuma Oike Station or Marutamachi Station.

Downtown Kyoto
Kyoto which includes a river or creek and mountains

Nakagyo Ward

5/5(10 area reviews)

Sanjo Street and Nijō Castle are top sights in Nakagyo Ward, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Nijojo-mae Station or Karasuma Oike Station to see more sights in the area.

Nakagyo Ward
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Karasuma

Karasuma is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Nishiki Market and Rokakkudo Temple, and you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.

Karasuma
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Kita Ward

The mountain views and gardens are just a few things visitors like about Kita Ward. Kamigamo Shrine and Daitokuji Temple are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Kitaoji Station or Kitayama Station to get around the larger area.

Kita Ward

Central Kyoto Travel Guide