What to do in central Kyoto
In the central area of Kyoto are Nijo Castle, the former residence of the shoguns, the imperial palace and the futuristic railway station.
Photo by Japanforeveryone.com
Nijo Castle, located in the city of Kyoto, is a fascinating testimony to Japanese architecture and history. Built in the 17th century, the castle is famous for its ‘usubitamatsuri’ floors, which emit a nightingale sound when walking, to warn of intruders. The castle is surrounded by a large garden, offering beautiful green spaces and breathtaking scenery. Inside, visitors can admire the magnificence of the reception rooms and tatami halls, which were used to receive important state guests. Nijo Castle is an important testimony to Kyoto’s history and a must-see attraction for visitors.
Photo by Japanforeveryone.com
Practical information
| Show location on Google Maps | |
Official website  |
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| 8:45-17:00 (October to June) 8:00-18:00 (July and August) 8:00-17:00 (September) Last admission one hour before closing Ninomaru Palace 8:45-16:10 (until 17:10 in July and August) |
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| From 29 to 31 December the entire complex The Ninomaru Palace is closed on Tuesdays in January, July, August and December (Wednesday if Tuesday is a public holiday), from 26 to 28 December and from 1 to 3 January |
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| 800 Yen Additional 500 Yen for visiting the Ninomaru Palace |
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| Nijojo-mae bus stop (routes 9, 12, 50, 101) Nijojo-mae underground stop (T14) 15-minute walk east of JR Nijo station |
The Kyoto Imperial Palace, also known as Gosho, is one of Japan’s most emblematic and historical sites. Located in the heart of the city, the palace was the official residence of the Japanese emperors for many centuries. Surrounded by a vast park, the palace offers a breathtaking spectacle of traditional architecture, enchanting gardens and serene ponds. Visitors can admire the magnificence of the halls, bridges and ornamental gardens, which reflect the elegance and refinement of Japanese culture. The Kyoto Imperial Palace is a must-see for anyone wishing to immerse themselves in the history and beauty of Kyoto.
DXR / Daniel Vorndran, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| Show location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| 9:00-17:00 (April to August) 9:00-16:30 (September and March) 9:00-16:00 (October to February) Last entry 40 minutes before closing |
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| Monday (next day if Monday is a national holiday) 28 December to 4 January Some days during the year when the palace is used for certain events |
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| Free | |
| Karasuma Imadegawa bus stop (routes 59, 102, 201 and 203) north-west of the building Imadegawa underground stop (K06) |
The Sentō Imperial Palace (Sentō Gosho) is a complex of secondary palaces opposite the Kyoto Imperial Palace in the Imperial Park. It was built in 1630 for Emperor Gomizuno, and became the palace for successive retired emperors.
Daderot, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Nishiki Market, also known as Nishiki Ichiba, is a charming covered market located in the heart of Kyoto. This market, with over 400 years of history, is famous for its wide selection of fresh food and local specialities. Along its streets, visitors can find a myriad of shops selling fresh fish, colourful vegetables, traditional sweets, matcha tea and much more. It is also a great place to try typical Kyoto dishes such as sushi and ramen. The Nishiki market is a unique and unmissable culinary experience for visitors to Kyoto.
Photo by Japanforeveryone.com
Practical information
| Show location on Google Maps | |
Official website  |
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| Varies for each shop, usually 9:00-18:00 | |
| Varies for each shop, usually Wednesday or Sunday | |
| Shijo Kawaramachi bus stop (lines 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 32, 46, 59, 201, 203, 205 and 207) 5 minutes east of Shijo metro station or Hankyu Karasuma train station |
Pontocho is a charming traditional district located on the banks of the Kamo River in Kyoto. Famous for its restaurants, tea shops and teahouses, Pontocho offers a unique experience for those who want to immerse themselves in traditional Japanese culture and cuisine. During the evening, the narrow streets of Pontocho are illuminated by lanterns, creating a romantic and atmospheric atmosphere. Here you can enjoy fine dishes such as kaiseki (multi-course cuisine) or simply stroll around admiring the pagodas, bridges and old wooden houses that make up this historic district. Pontocho is a must for lovers of Kyoto’s tradition and charm.
Conveyor belt sushi, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| Show location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| Restaurants: 11:00-23:00 | |
| North of the Shijo Kawaramachi bus stop (routes 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 32, 46, 59, 201, 203, 205 and 207) |
The Nishi Honganji and Higashi Honganji temples are two important religious sites located in Kyoto.
The Nishi Honganji is considered one of the oldest and largest temples in Japan, while the Higashi Honganji is known for its beautiful architecture. Both temples feature beautiful artistic details and offer visitors a unique spiritual experience.
In addition, the Shoseien Garden, located between the two temples, is an oasis of tranquillity and beauty, with ponds, bridges and beautiful plants and trees. These sites represent an important cultural and spiritual heritage of Kyoto, not to be missed during a visit to the city.
Photo by Japanforeveryone.com
Practical information
| Nishi Honganji | |
| Show location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| 5:30-17:30 (March, April, September, October) 5:30-18:00 (May to August) 6:00-17:00 (November to February) |
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| No closing days | |
| Free | |
| Shimabaraguchi bus stop (routes 206, 207) | |
| Higashi Honganji | |
| Show location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| 5:50-17:30 (March to October) 6:20-16:30 (November to February) |
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| No closing days | |
| Free | |
| Karasuma Rokujo bus stop (routes 5, 26, 101) | |
| Shoseien Garden | |
| Show location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| 9:00-17:00 (until 16:00 from November to February) Last entry 30 minutes before closing |
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| No closing days | |
| 500 Yen | |
| Kawaramachi Shomen bus stop (routes 4, 17, 205) |
The Kyoto Railway Museum, also known as the Kyoto Railway Museum, is a must-see for fans of railway history and technology. Located near Kyoto Station, the museum houses an extensive collection of steam locomotives, high-speed trains and other train-related items. Enthusiasts can admire these masterpieces of technology up close, discover the history of Japanese railways and interact with various train driving simulators. The museum is a fun and educational experience for the whole family and a unique way to discover modern Japanese culture.
The museum is spread over three floors on a 30,000 square metre site and displays a total of 53 retired trains, from steam locomotives to the latest electric trains and shinkansen. Visitors can also walk underneath a freight locomotive and observe the inner workings.
Brakeet, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| Show location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| 10:00-17:00 Last entry 30 minutes before closing time |
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| Wednesday (open if Wednesday is a national holiday and every Wednesday in August) 30 December to 1 January |
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| 1500 Yen (over 18 years) 200 to 1300 Yen (under 18 and university students) |
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| 20 minutes’ walk west of Kyoto Central Station Take the train from Kyoto or Nijo on the JR Sagano Line and get off at JR Umekoji-Kyotonishi station |
The Kyoto International Manga Museum, or Kyoto Kokusai Manga Museum, is the ideal place for lovers of Japanese manga and animation. Located near Karasuma-Oike Station, the museum houses a vast collection of comics and graphic novels from all over the world, as well as special exhibitions, anime screenings and creative workshops. The museum’s aim is to preserve and promote manga culture, making it accessible to all. With its family-friendly events and interactive exhibitions, this museum is a must for anyone wishing to discover the great beauty of Japanese manga and animation.
In addition, inside the museum on weekends and holidays it is possible to have your portrait taken by a professional artist. The price starts from 1500 Yen per person. For opening hours and more info, visit this page.
Photo by Japanforeveryone.com
Practical information
| Show location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| 10:30-17:30 Last entry 30 minutes before closing time |
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| Tuesday and Wednesday (the following day if it is a national holiday) New Year holidays Various days for maintenance |
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| 900 Yen (excluding special exhibitions) The ticket allows you to enter and leave the museum freely throughout the day |
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| 10 minutes’ walk east of the Horikawa Oike bus stop (lines 9, 12, 50, 101) 2 minutes’ walk from Karasuma Oike underground station (T13, K08) |
Nijo Jinya
Nijo Jinya is a hidden treasure located in Kyoto. This ancient building was originally constructed as a residence for the Shoguns during the Edo period. Today it is open to the public as a museum, offering a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in Japanese history and architecture. The interiors of Nijo Jinya are well preserved and feature traditional tatami rooms, kitchens and even an alarm system to protect the palace’s residents. A visit to Nijo Jinya is a journey into the past, transporting visitors to a time of powerful lords and architectural splendour.
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Hyppolyte de Saint-Rambert, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| Show location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| Tours of the Nijo Jinya take place daily at 10am, 11am, 2pm and 3pm in Japanese only. | |
| Wednesday (Thursday if Wednesday is a national holiday) During the end-of-year holidays. |
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| 1000 Yen Reservations must be made by phone (in Japanese). The telephone number is (+81)-075-841-0972 |
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| 5 minutes’ walk south from the Nojojo-mae bus stop (lines 9, 12, 50, 101) or the Nijojo-mae metro stop (T14). The Nijo Jinya is located in Omiya Dori. |
Kyoto Station is an icon of the city’s modernity and charm. Located in the heart of Kyoto, it is one of the largest and busiest railway stations in Japan. Besides being a gateway to explore the city, Kyoto Station is also a place of interest in itself. Its modern, futuristic architecture blends harmoniously with traditional Japanese elements. Inside the station, there are numerous shops, restaurants and malls offering a wide range of products and souvenirs. Kyoto Station is a perfect starting point for exploring the beauty and tradition of this fascinating city.
Inside the station, on the second floor, is the Kyoto tourist office. You can also find shopping centres (Isetan, Porta, The Cube) and restaurants on the top floors. On the upper floors you can take a walk on the Skyway (10:00-22:00), a glass tunnel above the station, or see Kyoto from the observation deck.
Photo by Japanforeveryone.com
Practical information
| Show location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| Shops and restaurants: 8:30-22:00 |
The Kyoto Tower is an iconic landmark that stands in the heart of Kyoto. At 131 metres high, this tower offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the historic city. From the observatory at its apex, you can see temple roofs, Zen gardens and busy streets. The tower also houses restaurants, souvenir shops and a themed hotel. At night, the Kyoto Tower lights up, creating a light show that reflects off the surface of the city. It is a must-see landmark for visitors to Kyoto, who wish to admire the beauty of this thousand-year-old city.
Photo by Japanforeveryone.com
Practical information
| Show location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| Panorama platform | |
| 10:00-21:00 Last entry 30 minutes before closing time |
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| No closing days | |
| 900 Yen | |
| The Kyoto Tower is located opposite (north) the train station. |
The Kyoto Aquarium is a must-see destination for lovers of marine life. Located near the Kinkaku-ji temple, the aquarium houses a wide range of marine species from all over the world. Here you can admire sharks, penguins, seals and many other sea creatures in spectacular underwater tanks and tunnels. Visitors can also participate in interactive experiences, such as touching fish and marine animals. The aquarium offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the underwater world, learn about the world’s seas and appreciate the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems.
Mti, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| Show location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| Generally 10:00-17:00 (for detailed times, please visit the Official website) Last admission 1 hour before closing |
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| No closing days | |
| 2400 Yen | |
| 15 minutes’ walk west of the JR train station 2 minutes’ walk south of Nanajo Omiya bus stop (lines 205, 206, 208 and Aquarium shuttle) 8 minutes’ walk east of JR Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station |