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.
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.
Kyoto Tourist Information Center
Kyoto Tourist Information Center 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.
Things to do
Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience
Kyoto Geisha Walking Tour: Gion District & Hidden Gems
Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine
Kyoto Traditional Kintsugi Workshop in Gion Gold Repair Art
Kyoto Kimono Rental Chamatsu Ladies Plan with Hair Set
2026 Kyoto Spring Evening (Cherry Blossom) Food Tour
Top hotels in Downtown Kyoto
Cross Hotel Kyoto
Hotel is in a great central location! Close by to Pontocho, Gion and train station. The canal next to the hotel was so beautiful with cherry blossoms and willow trees. Comfy beds and cozy rooms. The breakfast buffet was good also. Note that the hotel's restaurant closes by 3 pm. Would definitely ...
Reviewed on 11 Apr 2026
The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
Good!
Reviewed on 10 Apr 2026
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
A very good hotel, ideally located in central Kyoto, just steps from the river, Nishiki Market, and a covered shopping street. The staff were pleasant and helpful, and the room was clean, quiet, and comfortable. The bed and pillows are firm, but I personally slept very well. My only critic is the ...
Reviewed on 10 Apr 2026
Hearton Hotel Kyoto
Very good hotel with comfortable beds, washing machines and tumble dryers. We were very well looked after. Thank you for everything.
Reviewed on 7 Apr 2026
Hotel Monterey Kyoto
Clean rooms, helpful staff , great location.
Reviewed on 11 Apr 2026
Hilton Kyoto
Staff was great. Breakfast in the main restaurant was expansive but a little crowded at times. Breakfast in the lounge was less expansive but more than sufficient and far calmer than the restaurant. Rooms were satisfactory. Lounge was a nice place to relax but I expected more drink and smack options ...
Reviewed on 8 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Kyoto
Karasuma
Karasuma is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Kyoto Art Center and Nishiki Market, and you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.
Nakagyo Ward
Sanjo Street and Nijo Jinya 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.
