Central Kyoto is a place where the history of Japan’s former capital blends with the modern rhythm of the city. The majestic Nijō Castle rises here, while nearby technology enthusiasts can explore the history of Japanese railways at the Kyoto Railway Museum. Dominating the skyline is the distinctive Kyoto Tower, a symbol of postwar development and an excellent observation point. The area also offers covered shopping arcades, hidden temples, restaurants serving kaiseki, and modern cafés.
Central Kyoto is full of fascinating, often overlooked places, so everyone can find something for themselves. This guide will help you plan a walk that combines the most important attractions with less obvious corners. On one hand, you’ll visit monumental UNESCO-listed landmarks; on the other, museums, viewpoints, and places where you can best experience the city’s everyday atmosphere. What’s more, we stayed in this very district, so I can also show you a spot that many visitors never reach.
CENTRAL KYOTO – PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Central Kyoto, marked on maps as the “Central” area, stretches from around Nijō Castle in the west toward the Kamo River in the east, and from the area near the Imperial Palace and the northern downtown quarters down toward Kyoto Station in the south. It is a compact, relatively flat area with a characteristic grid street layout.
TRANSPORT
Transportation in the center is very convenient and well organized, making it easy to get around this part of the city. Two subway lines run through the area: the Karasuma Line (north–south) and the Tōzai Line (east–west), allowing quick access between major points. In addition, a dense network of city buses connects the center with more distant attractions, though it’s worth remembering that during rush hours, buses can be heavily crowded or even impossible to board (we weren’t able to get on two in a row because they were so packed). Many residents and tourists also use bicycles, as the terrain is flat and the distances between landmarks and shopping streets are relatively short.
NIJO CASTLE
Located in the heart of Kyoto, Nijō Castle is one of Japan’s most important historic residences and a symbol of the power of the Tokugawa shoguns. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, it is an उत्कृष्ट example of Edo-period architecture. Construction began in 1603 by order of the first Tokugawa shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu. The residence was meant to emphasize the dominance of the military government over imperial Kyoto and served as the official lodging of the shogun during visits to the city. In 1867, the last shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, announced the restoration of power to the Emperor here, marking the beginning of the Meiji era and the end of the shogunate.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- LOCATION: Nijō Castle
- OPENING HOURS: 8:45–17:00
- TICKET PRICES: ¥800 + Ninomaru Palace interior visit – ¥500
- VISIT DURATION: Approximately 1.5–2 hours
- ADDITIONAL NOTES: Photography is prohibited inside Ninomaru Palace, and shoes must be removed before entering the interiors. On-site facilities include restrooms, a drinks vending machine, and a small souvenir shop.
- DETAILS ON THE WEBSITE: Nijō Castle
HIGASHI ŌTE-MON (GRAND EAST GATE)
Higashi Ōte-mon, or the Great East Gate, is the main eastern entrance to Nijō Castle. At first glance, it emphasizes the military character of the residence and the power of the Tokugawa clan. The gate features a massive wooden structure set on stone foundations and is crowned with a distinctive wide roof with slightly upturned corners. It was through this very gate that dignitaries, samurai, and officials entered when heading for an audience with the shogun.
KARAMON GATE
The Karamon Gate is the most decorative and ceremonial gate within Nijō Castle, serving as the formal entrance for the shogun’s most important guests. Built in the karahafu style, with its distinctive undulating roof crest, it impresses with its rich and intricate detailing.
NINOMARU PALACE (NINOMARU-GOTEN)
This is the main attraction of the castle complex. The interiors captivate with gilded fusuma sliding doors adorned with paintings from the Kanō school. The layout of the rooms emphasized hierarchy—the higher the rank of a guest, the closer they were received to the central chamber. The palace is also famous for its “nightingale floors” (uguisubari), which chirp like birds to warn of uninvited visitors.
NINOMARU GARDEN
On the south side of the palace lies a classic Edo-period strolling garden. A pond with islands, stone bridges, and carefully sculpted pines create a picturesque landscape throughout the year.
WALLS AND MOAT
The castle is surrounded by massive stone walls and moats.
HONMARU CASTLE
Honmaru, the inner main defensive circle, is the most central and historically the best-protected part of Nijō Castle. Separated from the Ninomaru section by additional walls and a moat, it served as the strategic heart of the entire complex. Originally, Honmaru housed the main castle tower (tenshu), which functioned as both a symbol of authority and an observation point. The tower, however, did not survive—it was destroyed by fire in the 17th century and was never rebuilt. Today, visitors can still climb the stone base of the former tower, which offers views over the castle grounds and the Kyoto skyline. The current Honmaru Palace dates from the 19th century and was relocated to the castle grounds from a former imperial residence.
REMAINS OF THE TOWER
Visitors can still climb the foundations of the former main tower (tenshu), from where there is a view over the castle grounds and the city skyline.
SEIRYŪ-EN GARDEN
This is a vast, green space in the northern part of the Nijō Castle complex. Unlike the historic gardens of Ninomaru and Honmaru, Seiryū-en has a more contemporary character, as it was established in 1965 on the site of former samurai residences. Within Seiryū-en are two historic tea houses relocated from other parts of Kyoto, where tea ceremonies and cultural events are occasionally held. The garden is often used for special exhibitions, illuminations, and seasonal events.
NISHIKI MARKET AND SURROUNDINGS
NISHIKI MARKET
Another important spot in central Kyoto is Nishiki Market, often called the “Kitchen of Kyoto.” It is one of the most famous shopping streets in the city center. The market stretches about 400 meters and houses over a hundred small shops and stalls selling local products. Its history goes back several centuries, as during the Edo period fresh fish, vegetables, and other foodstuffs were sold here for city residents. Today, it’s the perfect place to try regional specialties, with many stalls offering small tasting portions. The market is covered, so it can be visited regardless of the weather. Unfortunately, it is very crowded, making it hard to find a moment of peace among the throngs of visitors.
NISHIKI TENMANGŪ SHRINE
This is a small but very atmospheric Shintō shrine located right at the western entrance to Nishiki Market. The shrine is dedicated to Tenjin, the deity of learning and scholarship, associated with a scholar from the Heian period. For this reason, the site is often visited by students praying for success in their exams.
BETWEEN THE MARKET AND THE RIVER
The area around Nishiki Market is one of the liveliest spots in central Kyoto. Just a few steps from the market are the main shopping streets, Shijō-dōri and Kawaramachi-dōri, lined with department stores, boutiques, and restaurants. In the side streets, you’ll find small temples, galleries, and cozy cafés. While some areas can be very crowded, stepping into the side streets reveals a pleasant, intimate atmosphere.
KAMO RIVER
A few minutes’ walk east brings you to the Kamo River, a popular meeting spot for locals, especially in the evenings. The boulevard is slightly underwhelming a regular river in an ordinary city with rather unremarkable surrounding buildings.
CENTRAL KYOTO – ATTRACTIONS IN THE WEST
AROUND ŌMIYA STATION
The area around Ōmiya Station, where we stayed, is part of central Kyoto with a more local, less touristy character compared to Kawaramachi or Gion. It’s an excellent base for accommodation for those who want to be close to the city center while avoiding the largest tourist crowds and enjoying a more authentic urban setting. Nearby, you’ll find many small restaurants, izakaya, and bars frequented mainly by locals. In the evenings, the area comes alive but maintains a daily, authentic atmosphere, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the main shopping streets.
Hidden among the low-rise buildings are numerous small Shintō temples and shrines, often almost invisible from the main street, as well as intimate art galleries and artisan workshops. Wooden façades, narrow streets, and traditional machiya houses make walking through the area feel like stepping back into old Kyoto. In this part of the city, you can also find traditional sentō baths and smaller onsen (hot spring-style baths), offering a chance to relax after a day of sightseeing. It’s a unique opportunity to experience Japanese bathing culture in a less touristy setting.
MIBU-DERA TEMPLE
Mibu-dera Temple is the most interesting temple complex in this part of the city. This peaceful Buddhist temple, founded in 991, belongs to the Risshū school of Buddhism. While it is not as famous as Kyoto’s major attractions, it holds significant historical importance and exudes a unique local atmosphere. The temple is particularly associated with the Shinsengumi, an elite samurai unit active at the end of the Edo period. In the 19th century, members of the Shinsengumi trained on the temple grounds, and their headquarters were located in the nearby district. The temple grounds include the main prayer hall, a pagoda, and a small cemetery. Mibu-dera is also known for its theatrical tradition, hosting Mibu Kyōgen performances, religious pantomime plays originating in the medieval period.
KYOTO RAILWAY MUSEUM
The absolute number one is the second largest Railway Museum in the world! We’ve been lucky to visit nearly all the biggest ones: number 1 – in York > link and number 3 – in Nuremberg > link
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- LOCATION: Kyoto Railway Museum
- OPENING HOURS: 10:00–17:00. Usually closed on Wednesdays and during the New Year period, so it’s best to check the official website before visiting.
- TICKET PRICES: ¥1,500 for adults, with discounts for children and youth. An additional fee applies for rides on the historic steam locomotive (if operating that day).
- VISIT DURATION: Plan 2–3 hours to explore the museum fully.
- DETAILS ON THE WEBSITE: Kyoto Railway Museum
GROUND FLOOR – HISTORY AND REAL TRAINS
The most impressive feature is the vast hall with authentic train sets: from historic steam locomotives and the first Japanese electric trains to the legendary Shinkansen Series 0. Visitors can enter selected carriages and see what the interiors of old passenger trains looked like. This floor also houses interactive exhibits explaining the development of railways in Japan.
FIRST FLOOR – SCIENCE AND SIMULATORS
Take the escalator up to the first floor, a more interactive space, mainly designed for families with children. Here you’ll find train driving simulators, railway models, and exhibits explaining how tracks, signaling, and safety systems work. A huge model with miniature trains showcases rail traffic across different regions of Japan. Unfortunately, the audio guide for the demonstration is only in Japanese.
SECOND FLOOR – OBSERVATION DECK
On the top floor is an observation deck overlooking the active Tōkaidō railway line. From here, you can watch Shinkansen and local trains in real-time operation. There is also a restaurant with views of the tracks.
OUTDOOR AREA – STEAM LOCOMOTIVE SHED AND RIDES
Outside, there is a historic, operational steam locomotive shed with a turntable, one of the largest in Japan. At certain times, you can watch a locomotive turning demonstration. Another highlight is a short ride on an active steam locomotive within the museum grounds.
UMEKŌJI PARK AND SURROUNDINGS
Umekōji is a large city park located right next to the Kyoto Railway Museum. One of the park’s most interesting features is the collection of historic train cars and trams, which now serve as exhibition or dining spaces. Some have been converted into small cafés and snack stands, while others function as display areas showcasing the history of urban transport in Kyoto and the wider Kansai region.
KYOTO STATION
Staying on the topic of railways, it’s also worth visiting Kyoto Station, located less than 2 km east of the Kyoto Railway Museum. It is the city’s main transportation hub and one of Kyoto’s most distinctive and modern buildings. Architect Hiroshi Hara designed the station in its current form in 1997, creating a futuristic steel-and-glass structure that sharply contrasts with the city’s traditional architecture. Moreover, the complex offers much more than just train platforms. In addition to its transportation function, Kyoto Station houses a vast shopping center with restaurants, shops, and the Isetan department store. Monumental staircases lead to upper levels, where observation terraces provide panoramic views of the city and Kyoto Tower.
KIOTO TOWER
I’ve already covered TOKIO TOWER, so now it’s time for its “cousin” in Kyoto. Kyoto Tower opened in 1964, just before the Tokyo Olympic Games. The design was created by architect Mamoru Yamada, who gave the tower a slender, candle-like shape. The structure stands 131 meters tall, making it the tallest building in Kyoto. Its modern steel form was initially controversial, as it sharply contrasted with the traditional architecture of the former capital. Over time, however, the tower has become one of the symbols of the city’s postwar development.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- LOCATION: Kioto Tower
- OPENING HOURS: 10:00–21:00
- TICKET PRICES: ¥900 for adults, with reduced rates for children. Tickets can be purchased at the vending machines or the ticket counter on the ground floor.
- VISIT DURATION: Plan about one hour to explore.
- DETAILS ON THE WEBSITE: Kioto Tower
INTERIOR
The observation deck is located at about 100 meters above ground. An elevator takes visitors to the top in just a few dozen seconds. The lower part of the building houses a shopping center with restaurants and souvenir shops. In the basement, there is also a public sentō bath, which is an interesting feature for visitors.
VIEWS FROM THE OBSERVATION DECK
From the observation deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto with its characteristic low city skyline. On clear days, the surrounding mountains are visible, as well as the grid-like layout of the streets. The view is especially striking at sunset, when the city lights begin to glow. Thanks to its central location, the tower makes it easy to orient yourself in Kyoto and plan further sightseeing.
HIGASHI HONGAN-JI TEMPLE
We didn’t have time to visit this temple, but it’s worth mentioning, especially since the entire complex was clearly visible from Kyoto Tower. Higashi Hongan-ji is one of the most important and largest Buddhist temple complexes in Kyoto. Founded in 1602 as the center of the Jōdo Shinshū sect, it played a key role in the city’s religious and social life. The temple impresses with its monumental architecture, including the enormous Main Prayer Hall (Goei-dō) – one of the largest wooden structures in Japan. It is surrounded by tranquil gardens and smaller buildings, creating a harmonious space for meditation and ceremonies. Higashi Hongan-ji also hosts numerous religious and cultural events, allowing visitors to experience both the spiritual and historical atmosphere of Kyoto.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- LOCATION: Higashi Hongan-ji
- OPENING HOURS: March-October: 5:50 - 17:30, November-February: 6:20 - 16:30
- TICKET PRICES: Adults (18+): ¥700, Youth (13–18): ¥300, Children: free
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Photography and recording are prohibited during services and rituals.
- VISIT DURATION: Plan about one hour to explore.
- DETAILS ON THE WEBSITE: Higashi Hongan-ji
TŌ‑JI TEMPLE
In Kujo-chō, in the Minami district south of the Kyoto Railway Museum, stands the impressive Tō‑ji Temple, also known as Kyō‑ōgokoku‑ji. It is one of the city’s most important and oldest religious sites, with roots dating back to the 8th century, when Kyoto (then Heian-kyō) became the capital of Japan.
The temple is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.” On the 21st of each month, the area around the pagoda hosts the traditional Kōbō-ichi flea market, featuring antiques, local delicacies, and handicrafts, making a visit especially engaging.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- LOCATION: Tō‑ji Temple
- OPENING HOURS: 08:00 – 17:00
- TICKET PRICES: Entry to the temple grounds is free. Tickets for the main halls (Kondō and Kōdō) cost approximately ¥500 for adults.
- VISIT DURATION: Plan about one hour to explore.
- DETAILS ON THE WEBSITE: Tō‑ji Temple (there is no official English website available).
GOJŪNOTŌ (FIVE STORY PAGODA)
The Gojūnotō, or Five-Story Pagoda, is one of Kyoto’s most recognizable symbols and the central feature of the Tō‑ji Temple complex. Built in the style of traditional Japanese Buddhist architecture, the pagoda stands over 55 meters tall, making it the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan. Each story represents one of the five elements of Buddhist cosmology: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Sky.
TŌJI HYŌTAN-IKE POND AND GARDENS
Tōji Hyōtan-ike Pond is a picturesque pond located near the Tō‑ji Temple complex in Kyoto. Its name, “Hyōtan,” means gourd, as the shape of the pond resembles this plant. The pond is surrounded by small bridges, pathways, and greenery, creating a harmonious space perfect for photography and meditation in the heart of historic Kyoto.
NORTHERN PART OF THE TEMPLE COMPLEX
The northern section of the Tō‑ji Temple complex includes several smaller buildings and courtyards, serving both religious and administrative purposes. Here you’ll find lecture halls, meditation spaces, and gardens, providing a tranquil area for reflection away from the main tourist paths. In this part of the complex, it is common to see monks performing daily rituals as well as various Buddhist ceremonies, offering an authentic glimpse into monastic life. It’s also worth visiting for the abundance of herons in the area.
FUSHIMI INARI TAISHA OTABISHO
Fushimi Inari Taisha Otabisho is one of the auxiliary temple complexes associated with the main Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. Otabisho serves as a rest stop during traditional processions and religious ceremonies, especially during festivals dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice, prosperity, and commerce. The site includes smaller chapels, offering areas, and storage spaces for sacred objects used in rituals. It is a tranquil spot, often serving as a starting point or stopover for pilgrims and tourists who walk the famous trail through thousands of red torii gates leading up Mount Inari. Otabisho is less crowded than the main shrine, allowing visitors to experience a more intimate and spiritual atmosphere.
NOTE: This location can be confusing, as google maps often shows photos of the main shrine with the thousands of red gates. At Otabisho itself, you will only see this smaller complex, not the iconic torii path.
CENTRAL KYOTO – OTHER ATTRACTIONS
It’s impossible to see everything in just a few days, but here’s a list of other notable places worth visiting in central Kyoto :
- Nishi Hongan-ji Temple – a historic Buddhist temple with beautiful halls and gardens.
- Kyoto Aquarium – a modern aquarium featuring local and exotic marine life.
- Shōsei-en Garden – a serene traditional Japanese garden, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
- SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM Kyoto – explore samurai and ninja history with interactive exhibits.
- Kioto Museum – offering cultural and historical insights into the city and region.
- Kyoto Samurai Experience / Waraku – a hands-on experience where you can try on samurai attire and feel like a warrior for a moment.
- teamLab Biovortex Kyoto – a modern art museum showcasing immersive digital installations and innovative exhibits.
ACCOMMODATION IN KYOTO
When planning accommodation in Kyoto, it’s worth considering different districts and types of lodging. You’ll find everything here—from traditional ryokan to modern hotels. We stayed near Omiya Station, which was a pleasant and quiet district, yet conveniently close to public transport and fairly near the main attractions. When booking, we recommend using a trusted portal we’ve used multiple times:
- Booking.com
- Agoda , which works particularly well in Asia (it’s worth checking both).
Through any link on this page, you can book accommodation with a 15% discount!
Simply enter your desired dates and book safely:
JAPAN – COUNTRY GUIDE > (in preparation)
TOKIO – GUIDE AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION >
- ASAKUSA IN TOKYO – TEMPLES AND SURROUNDINGS >
- UENO PARK, OKACHIMACHI AND AKIHABARA – DISTRICTS OF NORTHERN TOKYO
- SHINJUKU IN TOKYO – THE DISTRICT THAT NEVER SLEEPS >
- SHIBUYA AND YOYOGI PARK – A GUIDE TO THE HEART OF TOKYO >
- TOKYO TOWER AND OTHER ATTRACTIONS OF THE MINATO DISTRICT >
- SOUTHERN TOKYO ISLANDS >
OSAKA – GUIDE AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION >
- TOYONAKA – THE NORTHERN, GREEN SIDE OF OSAKA >
- UMEDA (KITA) – NORTHERN PART OF OSAKA >
- OSAKA CASTLE >
- OSAKA CITY CENTER : DOTONBORI, NAMBA, SHINSEKAI AND TENNOJI >
- WESTERN OSAKA AND ITS ATTRACTIONS >