Central Kyoto

Kyoto
Nijo Castle which includes a small town or village, a castle and heritage architecture
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

Hotel Emion Kyoto
Hotel Emion Kyoto
3.5 out of 5
Sujakudonokuchicho 20-4, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is ¥8,596 per night from Jun 3 to Jun 4
¥8,596
per night
Jun 3 - Jun 4
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (951 reviews)
"Loved this hotel! The nicest hotel room we have ever had! Absolutely beautiful. Huge buffet to choose from at breakfast. The beds were very comfortable. Would absolutely stay here again."

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Hotel Emion Kyoto
Kyoto Brighton Hotel
Kyoto Brighton Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Nakadachiuri, Shinmachi-dori, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is ¥21,729 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥21,729
per night
May 12 - May 13
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,014 reviews)
"It was a nice little spot they have amazing customer services as well. The location is right next to the imperial castle which is very convenient. I would stay here again."

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Kyoto Brighton Hotel
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa
5 out of 5
284 Nijoaburanokojicho, Aburanokoji St., Nijo-Sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥140,000 per night from Jun 2 to Jun 3
¥140,000
per night
Jun 2 - Jun 3
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Nishiki Market and Kawaramachi Street ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (46 reviews)
"Superb in all respects. Thermal springs absolutely a stand out. Service like no other. Y1900 for a coffee is a bit rich but it was excellent. Little noisy in street side rooms"

Reviewed on Apr 27, 2024

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
3 out of 5
491 Zaimokucho, Shimogyo, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is ¥16,793 per night from May 31 to Jun 1
¥16,793
per night
May 31 - Jun 1
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a sauna. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,470 reviews)
"A short walk from Kyoto Station. Excellent service from the staff. New and clean facilities, a nice japanese ambience in decour. Massage chairs were a hit and the onsen was premium quality."

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
THE BLOSSOM KYOTO
THE BLOSSOM KYOTO
4 out of 5
140-2 Manjujicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is ¥18,956 per night from Jun 4 to Jun 5
¥18,956
per night
Jun 4 - Jun 5
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (683 reviews)
Lovely rooms and location
"Lovely hotel, good location and great staff. Can’t comment on the food as I didn’t try it."

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

THE BLOSSOM KYOTO
JR WEST GROUP VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI
JR WEST GROUP VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI
3 out of 5
44-1 Higashikujo Kamitonodacho, Minami-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is ¥8,875 per night from Jun 9 to Jun 10
¥8,875
per night
Jun 9 - Jun 10
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Staff service was amazing. 7/11 right underneath and really convenient to access as well as walking distance to the station. Smoke room also available. Room was small however but was more then enough for our 6 night stay as we were out during the day. Clean - If on a budget, would definitely ..."

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

JR WEST GROUP VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI
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 Kawaramachi Street and Seimei-Jinja Shrine 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

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 Nishiki Market and Kawaramachi Street.

Nakagyo Ward
Central Kyoto

Karasuma

Visitors to Karasuma love its popular shops, and you can check out Nishiki Market and Kawaramachi Street. 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 Kamo Shrine 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
Philosopher\\\'s Walk featuring a river or creek and a garden

Sakyo Ward

5/5(4 area reviews)

Noted for its gardens and mountain views, there's plenty to explore in Sakyo Ward. Top attractions like Shimogamo Shrine and Kyoto Concert Hall are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Matsugasaki Station or Kokusaikaikan Station to see more of the city.

Sakyo Ward


Central Kyoto