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.
Samurai and Ninja Museum
You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Samurai and Ninja Museum during your trip to Kyoto.
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.
Things to do
Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience
Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine
Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo, Matcha, Monkeys & Temple Tour
Authentic Kyoto Tea Ceremony - Small Group Experience
Top hotels in Downtown Kyoto
Cross Hotel Kyoto
Hot breakfast was cold but nearby places good. Hotel was great except there was only one English Channel on the tv which was the BBC. Lovely location for shopping and local restaurants.
Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
Convenient location and easy walk to many things. Cars/buses are a few blocks away given pedestrian only streets around the hotel.
Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026
Hotel Monterey Kyoto
The property was in a great location. It was an easy walk to markets, shops and restaurants. The room was small with a giant king size bed (I could have done with a queen and gave more room to walk around. The room itself was okay, nothing great but served it's purpose. The hotel also seemed very ...
Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026
The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
Great hotel, very clean and excellent staff. Glad I picked this hotel for my first trip to Kyoto.
Reviewed on 25 Apr 2026
LOISIR HOTEL CLASSIC GARDEN KYOTO SANJO
Clean room, close to everything , helpful staff!
Reviewed on 24 Apr 2026
Four Points Flex by Sheraton Kyoto Oike
Everything
Reviewed on 26 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Kyoto
Karasuma
Karasuma is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Kawaramachi Street and Nishiki Market, and you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.
Nakagyo Ward
Kawaramachi Street and Sanjo Street 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 Kawaramachi Street and Nishijin Textile Center.
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 Kawaramachi Street 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.
