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-metre) 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 ฿4,257 per night from 21 Aug to 22 Aug
฿4,257
฿4,683 total
21 Aug - 22 Aug
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! (1,416 reviews)
"Staff was so respectful"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 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 ฿2,810 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
฿2,810
฿3,091 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
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! (228 reviews)
"Excellent place.. Kioto style I loved"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle, BW Signature Collection by Best Western
KOKO HOTEL Residence Kyoto Nijo Castle

KOKO HOTEL Residence Kyoto Nijo Castle

4 out of 5
724 Shimomatsuya,Kamanza-dori Oike-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kiyomizu Temple and Nijō Castle are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (136 reviews)
Fantastic family hotel in a great location
"Thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Koko Hotel. Great great stay (especially with kids) as the room was super spacious and had everything we needed. The location was amazing and pretty much everything we needed was within walking distance and there was an amazing coffee shop right out the front door. ..."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

KOKO HOTEL Residence Kyoto Nijo Castle
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! (3,373 reviews)
"Enjoyed the stay"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
Hotel Granvia Kyoto

Hotel Granvia Kyoto

4.5 out of 5
JR Kyoto Station, Karasuma Chuo-guchi, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is ฿4,387 per night from 10 Sept to 11 Sept
฿4,387
฿5,549 total
10 Sept - 11 Sept
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,644 reviews)
"Spacious compared to other hotels in the Kyoto station area. Very quiet inside, despite being built within the station. Little kids will enjoy watching the Shinkansen run on the track from the rooms!"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA 

Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA 

4 out of 5
44-1, Kamitonodacho, Higashikujo, Minami-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is ฿4,157 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
฿4,157
฿4,572 total
25 Aug - 26 Aug
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,132 reviews)
"Great breakfast. Great room. Great location. Great staff."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA 
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 Museum of Kyoto, 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