Kyoto Station Area
The gateway to Kyoto is far more than just a train station: It’s an attraction in its own right and it’s packed with shops, restaurants and things to see.
The pagoda of To-ji Temple soars above the suburban sprawl of southern Kyoto, reassuring the visitor that there’s still plenty of beauty left in the city. Opening hours: 8.30am-5.30pm, last entry 5pm 8.30am-4.30pm, last entry 4pm 20 September-19 March
Nishi-Hongan-ji Temple is a Pure Land Buddhist paradise within walking distance of Kyoto Station. It’s one of the best sights in the Kyoto Station area. Opening hours: 6am-5pm November-February 5.30am-5.30pm March, April, September, October 5.30am-6pm May-August
Author Alex Kerr described Kyoto Tower as “a stake through the heart of the city” and he’s got a point. It’s hideous and it’s got nothing in common with the history or culture of the city. But in 1963, when the 131-meter tower went up, it must have seemed to city residents a bold declaration of the city’s entry into the modern world. Opening hours: 9am-9pm, last entry 8.40pm
Japanese temples don’t come much grander than Higashi-Hongan-ji. It’s one of the best sights near Kyoto Station. Five minutes walk and you’re there. Opening hours: 5.50am-5.30pm March-October 6.20am-4.30pm November-February
The Kyoto Station Area is a major transport hub and shopping district in the centre of Kyoto.
The Kyoto Station Building and the surrounding block is not exactly a very sightseeing destination, but the truth is, you will want to spend some time here. The shinkansen (bullet train), the Haruka airport express train and several other train lines all operate out of Kyoto Station, meaning you’ll almost certainly arrive here.
A quick remider:
The view of Kyoto from the train platforms is not so 'authentic' or traditional, this is because a lot of it is concrete, neon and big billboards. But, do not be discourge and avoid the urge to get back on the train and go home. Once you get out into the city, you will find the beauty, authentic and cultural attractions you have come looking for.
The main activities here are shopping in the giant malls and electronics emporiums in and around the station or visiting three of the vast temples that lie within walking distance of the station.
Places to See and Do
Places to Eat
The best collection of restaurants in Kyoto Station, Eat Paradise is our favorite place for a sit-down meal before getting on a train or exploring the area. Opening hours: 11am-10pm
Amongst a vast array of shops and casual restaurants beneath Kyoto Station, Porta is the place to fill-up on the cheap before a long train journey. Opening hours: 11am-10pm
Ramen lovers of the world unite! Kyoto Ramen Koji offers has eight regional styles of ramen restaurants under one roof. It’s Kyoto Station’s ramen Mecca. Opening hours: 11am-10pm
A good casual izakaya (Japanese-style dining pub) within walking distance of Kyoto Station, Jojo is one of our favorite restaurants in the Kyoto Station area. Opening hours: 5:30pm-1:00am
Eat Paradise – Kyoto Station Area FacebookTwitterPinterestGooglePocketPrint The best collection of restaurants in Kyoto Station, Eat Paradise is our favorite place for a sit-down meal before getting on a train or exploring the area. Opening hours: 11am-10pm
Places to Stay
A foreigner-friendly budget ryokan near Kyoto Station, Ryokan Shimizu is a good place to experience a ryokan without breaking the bank.
A foreigner-friendly ryokan close to Kyoto Station, the Matsubya Ryokan is a decent choice for those who want to experience a ryokan on a tight budget.
K’s House is a popular budget guesthouse/hotel near Kyoto Station. It’s a sociable place that might just remind you of an Australian backpacker’s guesthouse.
A Japanese-style capsule hotel and budget hotel within walking distance of Kyoto Station, Capsule Ryokan Kyoto is a foreigner-friendly hotel with helpful staff.
This excellent budget guesthouse near Kyoto Station is one of the best places to stay for small groups and families