Downtown Kyoto
Known to locals as “Kyoto’s pantry”, Nishiki Market is easily the best traditional food market in the city. Opening hours: 9am-5pm, varies for individual stalls. Some shops closed on Wednesday
The single most atmospheric street in all of Kyoto, Pontocho Alley is a great place to do some geisha spotting in the evening. Opening hours: Depends on the restaurant
Daimaru Department Store’s basement food floor is one the best food market in the entire city. Opening hours: 10am-8pm
These two covered shopping arcades are the most popular shopping streets in all of Kyoto, and they’re often crammed with kids out on school excursions.
The Kyoto International Manga Museum is the best manga museum in the entire country. If you’re a fan of Japanese comics, don’t miss it! Opening hours: 10am-6pm, last entry 5:30pm Closed Wednesday, the following Thursday when Wednesday is a national holiday, and New Year holiday
Downtown Kyoto is loaded with hotels, shops, restaurants, bars and clubs. It’s not a main sightseeing destination, but there are some good sights scattered about.
Downtown Kyoto is a roughly square area bounded on the east by the Kamo-gawa River, on the west by Karasuma-dori, on the north by Oike-dori, and on the south by Shijo-dori. Because of its small size, it lends itself to exploration on foot. And, with lots of covered arcades, this is one of the best places to spend a rainy day in the city.
Things to See and Do
Places to Eat
Kerala is one of the best Indian restaurants in Kyoto, and its downtown location make it the perfect place to fuel up while doing some shopping. Opening hours: 11.30am-2pm 5-9pm Closed irregularly
Kane-yo is one the best places in Kyoto to sample unagi (eel). The place positively oozes “old Kyoto” charm and the unagi is delicious. Opening hours: 11.30am-8:30pm
Located in an atmospheric old wooden building, Honke Owariya is arguably the best soba restaurant in all of Kyoto. Opening hours: 11am-7pm Closed on January 1st and 2nd
A vast downtown sushi specialist, Ganko Sushi is one of the most approachable and reasonably priced sushi places in Kyoto. Opening hours: 11am-11pm
Ippudo Ramen is our favorite ramen joint in all of Kyoto. The soup and noodles are sublime and the accompanying dumplings crispy and delicious. Opening hours: 11am-2am
Places to Stay
The rooms are tiny but the Khaosan Kyoto Guesthouse is filled with character and boasts and unbeatable downtown location.
The Hearton Hotel Kyoto is a good moderately-priced hotel with standard business hotel rooms.
Aoi KYOTO STAY is one of the most unique accommodation options in Kyoto. It’s your chance to spend the night in a perfectly restored traditional house (with all the mod cons, of course).