Downtown Kyoto Travel Guide
Kyoto
Visit Downtown Kyoto
Popular places to visit
Nishiki Market
Come to this market in the heart of the city to experience the authentic sights, smells and sounds of the bartering vendors and their traditional food.
Kiyamachi Street
You can learn about the history of Kyoto with a trip to Kiyamachi Street. Amble around the area's riverfront or visit its shops.
Kyoto International Manga Museum
This institution is the home of manga in Kyoto. It holds exhibitions, workshops and events devoted to the promotion of Japanese literary art.
Teramachi Street
You can learn about the history of Kyoto when you stop by Teramachi Street. Visit the area's shops or simply enjoy its restaurants.
Mikane Shrine
Mikane Shrine is just one of the places to see in Kyoto, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.
Honnoji Temple
After visiting Honnoji Temple, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Kyoto. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the temples in this culturally rich area.
Things to do
Kyoto: Nijo Castle, Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera & Fushimi Inari
Concerts Played with Traditional Instruments in Kyoto
Kyoto Kimono Rental Chamatsu Ladies Plan with Hair Set
Kyoto Traditional Kintsugi Workshop in Gion Gold Repair Art
Top hotels in Downtown Kyoto
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
Staff was amazing, room extremely comfortable and excellent location! I would most definitely stay here again!
Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026
Cross Hotel Kyoto
Great location to various eateries and staff were super helpful with the check in process. The room was contemporary with a great layout to make use of the space.
Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026
The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
Room was clean. Man at check-in was not friendly, smug. Appreciated bottled water in room. Good location
Reviewed on 21 Feb 2026
Hearton Hotel Kyoto
Excellent Hotel, superb staff and great location close to subway lines, hotels and convenience stores right there at walking distance.
Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo PREMIER
Super friendly staff, great location and very high end for the price
Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026
Hilton Kyoto
Perfect!!
Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Kyoto
Karasuma
Karasuma is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Nishiki Market and Kyoto Shinkyogoku Shopping Street, and you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.
Nakagyo Ward
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.
Gion
Unique features of Gion include the monuments and shopping. Make a stop by Yasaka Shrine or Hanamikoji Street while you're exploring the area.
Central Kyoto
Travellers love Central Kyoto for its popular shops, and you can see more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Nishijin Textile Center and Kyoto Gyoen National Garden.
Komatsucho
While visiting Komatsucho, you might make a stop by sights like Kenninji Temple and Hanamikoji Street.
Kamigyo Ward
Noted for its historical sites and gardens, there's plenty to explore in Kamigyo Ward. Top attractions like Nishijin Textile Center and Kamishichiken Kabukai are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station to see more of the city.
