Central Kyoto
Kyoto’s Imperial Palace (known as Gosho in Japanese) is the Emperor’s official residence in Kyoto. Also, the Kyoto Imperial Palace is a walled compound containing several sumptuous buildings built in the classical Japanese style. The palace is open from 9:00 - 15:00
Shimogamo-jinja Shrine is second best after Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine as Kyoto’s best and most beautiful Shinto Shrine. It’s a brilliant place for a exploring. This is open for everyone.
The Sento Gosho is a sprawling walled garden with gorgeous ponds and meandering walkways through towering trees and blooming plants of every sort. Located in the lovely Kyoto Imperial Palace Park, the Sento Gosho, which served as the residence of retired emperors during the Edo period, is actually a more appealing destination than the main Kyoto Imperial Palace, especially if you prefer gardens to buildings (only two buildings remain standing in the Sento Gosho. Opening hours: 11:00-1:30
Nijo-jo Castle is one of Kyoto’s most popular and impressive sights. It shows the power that the Shoguns wielded over the emperors throughout the Edo Period. With huge stone walls surrounded by deep moats, Nijo-jo Castle graphically demonstrates the power that the Shoguns (military warlords) wielded over Japan for much of its history. Opening hours: 8.45am-5pm, last entry 4pm Closed Tuesdays in December, January, July, August, and December 26 – January 4
A green sanctuary in the middle of the drab plain of Kyoto, the Kyoto Gyoen (Kyoto Imperial Palace Park) is Kyoto’s Central Park. Unlike the imperial properties it surrounds, the Imperial Palace Park is free of charge. Open everyday
Often overlooked by visitors, the Kyoto Botanical Gardens is one of the city’s hidden treasures. It’s great for picnics, strolling or cherry blossom viewing. Located on the east bank of the Kamo-gawa River, midway between between Kitaoji-dori Street and Kitayama-dori Street, the Kyoto Botanical Gardens rivals the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park as the single best park in all of Kyoto. Opening hours:Gardens: 9-5 Greenhouse: 9-4 Closed December 28 – January 4
Central Kyoto has the two of the most important tourist sites in the city: the Kyoto Gosho (Imperial Palace) and Nijo Castle, as well as a few smaller sights and attractions.
Central Kyoto is basically everything in the wide plain in the middle of Kyoto, with the exception of the areas we cover in the Downtown Kyoto, Kyoto Station Area, and Nishijin sections of this guide.
Things to See and Do
Places to Eat
Arguably the best and hippest café in all of Kyoto, Prinz café is well worth the long trip to get there, especially if you have a bicycle. Opening hours: 11:30am-11:00pm
One of the best and most approachable sushi bars in Kyoto, Den Shichi serves mouth-watering sushi in a classic sushi-bar atmosphere. Opening hours: 11:30am-2:00pm 5:00pm-10:00pm Closed Monday
A casual riverside café in the Demachiyanagi area, Bon Bon Café is a great spot for a light meal or a cuppa while in north-central Kyoto. Opening hours: 11:00am-11:00pm
Places to Stay
A cheap traveler’s guesthouse at the north end of town, Ryokan Rakucho is popular with long-termers and returnees. It’s a friendly place in a pleasant suburban neighborhood.
An inexpensive ryokan-style guesthouse on the west side of town, the Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakuraya is a good choice if you don’t mind traveling a bit to see the sights.
The Kyoto Brighton Hotel is a large five-star hotel located somewhat inconveniently a few blocks west of the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park.