Central Kyoto

Kyoto

Nijo Castle showing a park and a pond
Nijo Castle which includes a small town or village, a castle and heritage architecture
Kyoto featuring a city
Kyoto Tower featuring a skyscraper, modern architecture and a city
Nijo Castle which includes a pond and a garden

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


Central Kyoto Hotel Deals

Kyoto Brighton Hotel

Kyoto Brighton Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Nakadachiuri, Shinmachi-dori, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is ¥15,004 per night from Sep 9 to Sep 10
¥15,004
¥16,812 total
Sep 9 - Sep 10
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,417 reviews)
"Staff was so respectful"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 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 ¥10,800 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
¥10,800
¥11,880 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (228 reviews)
"Excellent place.. Kioto style I loved"

Reviewed on Aug 4, 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
The price is ¥14,610 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
¥14,610
¥16,116 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kiyomizu Temple and Nijō Castle are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (131 reviews)
"We had a wonderful stay — this was one of our favourite hotels."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 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
The price is ¥12,545 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
¥12,545
¥13,909 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a sauna. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,369 reviews)
"A great hotel with a wonderful hot spring and all the amenities covered. The food and the breakfast buffet are simply perfect and the price is very reasonable."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 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 ¥13,007 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
¥13,007
¥16,709 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,631 reviews)
"Fantastic location"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥12,858 per night from Sep 15 to Sep 16
¥12,858
¥14,371 total
Sep 15 - Sep 16
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,125 reviews)
"Good food and services!"

Reviewed on Aug 16, 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 neighborhoods around Central Kyoto

Kyōto showing fall colors, religious aspects and snow

Kamigyo Ward

4/5(5 area reviews)

Noted for its historic 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
Kyōto which includes heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship

Nishijin

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

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

Nishijin
Kyōto showing a river or creek and mountains

Downtown Kyoto

If you're spending time in Downtown Kyoto, check out sights like Kyoto International Manga Museum or Museum of Kyoto and hop on the metro to see more the city at Karasuma Oike Station or Marutamachi Station.

Downtown Kyoto
Kyōto showing a river or creek and mountains

Nakagyo Ward

4.5/5(52 area reviews)

Travelers love Nakagyo Ward for its popular shops, and you can see more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Nijojo-mae Station or Karasuma Oike Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Sanjo Street and Nijō Castle.

Nakagyo Ward
Central Kyoto

Karasuma

Visitors to Karasuma love its popular shops, and you can check out Nishiki Market and Rokakkudo Temple. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.

Karasuma
North Kyoto featuring heritage elements

Kita Ward

4/5(1 area review)

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