Central Kyoto

Kyoto

Nijo Castle featuring a park and a pond
Nijo Castle showing heritage architecture, a park and a river or creek
Central Kyoto
Kyoto Tower showing a skyscraper, modern architecture and a city
Nijo Castle featuring a pond and a garden

Ancient temples blend with modern architectural treasures while markets, museums, dining and shopping streets showcase thousands of years of Japanese traditions. 

Visit Central Kyoto to see where old and new Japan live harmoniously. Find beguiling religious landmarks, tour grandiose imperial gardens and marvel at contemporary masterpieces. Dine on mouthwatering delicacies at a centuries-old market and relax in a casual izakaya pub.

Start with a bird’s-eye view of the city from the observation deck of the 430-foot-tall (131-meter) Kyoto Tower. At Nijo Castle experience the power and wealth of the shogunate rulers who controlled Japan between 1600 and 1868. Kyoto Imperial Palace is the former residence of emperors and stands in the lush Kyoto Gyoen National Garden.

Kyoto’s Buddhist devotion is evident at the serene Higashi Honganji Temple and Nishi Honganji Temple. Mibudera Temple dates back to the 10th century and hosts flamboyant religious pantomimes called Mibu Kyōgen. Admire the hexagonal shape of Rokkakudō Temple, the birthplace of ikebana flower arrangement.

Get an overview of city history and its arts and crafts movements at the Museum of Kyoto. The Kyoto International Manga Museum presents fascinating insights into the world of modern Japanese literary art. Browse displays of clothing worn by nobility during the Heian period at the Costume Museum.

Family-friendly attractions, pretty flower displays and walking trails await at Umekoji Park. See examples of historic and modern trains at the Kyoto Railway Museum. Kyoto Aquarium has many themed zones filled with exotic fish species, dolphins, penguins and a giant salamander. Walk amid cherry blossoms and visit a teahouse at Shosei-en Garden.

Satisfy your hunger with local specialties, such as sashimi, tsukemono (pickled vegetables) and yakitori (chicken skewers) at Nishiki Market. Noodle joints, sushi bars and avant-garde restaurants line Poncho Alley. Finish your day at craft beer bars or izakaya, the casual pubs that are popular with the after-work crowd.

Use the reliable system of buses, trains and the subway to travel between the attractions of Central Kyoto. Kyoto Station is the city’s main transportation hub. This futuristic-looking terminal doubles as a retail and entertainment complex.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Central Kyoto

Kyoto Brighton Hotel

Kyoto Brighton Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Nakadachiuri, Shinmachi-dori, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is RM583 per night from 25 Jul to 26 Jul
RM583
RM641 total
25 Jul - 26 Jul
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,366 reviews)
"Muy buen hotel. Desayuno bufette execelente. Servicio de shuttle cada 20min al centro. Habitaciones muy amplias y comfortables. Central para tomar taxi a diferentes sitios de Kyoto. Ubicado en un sitio muy tranquilo de Kyoto, para estar alejado de las multitudes."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Kyoto Brighton Hotel
KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle, BW Signature Collection by Best Western

KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle, BW Signature Collection by Best Western

4 out of 5
50 Daimonji-cho Marutamachi-Sagaru, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
The price is RM308 per night from 25 Jul to 26 Jul
RM308
RM339 total
25 Jul - 26 Jul
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (214 reviews)
"This is a beautiful hotel. The rooms were clean and breakfast was delicious! Every staff at the hotel were kind and extremely helpful. The hotel is located very close to the Nijo castle and you can get around town using the nearby subway train or Uber/Taxi. Highly recommended!"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle, BW Signature Collection by Best Western
Randor Residence Kyoto Nijo Castle

Randor Residence Kyoto Nijo Castle

3.5 out of 5
521-2, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is RM210 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
RM210
RM231 total
24 Jul - 25 Jul
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, dry cleaning or laundry services, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kiyomizu Temple and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (50 reviews)
"12 min away from Kyoto Station by foot, nice place with free laundry room on the 1st floor. Quiet neighborhood. There is a cash local tax due at checkout. We had a great stay."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Randor Residence Kyoto Nijo Castle
KOKO HOTEL Residence Kyoto Nijo Castle

KOKO HOTEL Residence Kyoto Nijo Castle

4 out of 5
724 Shimomatsuya,Kamanza-dori Oike-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kiyomizu Temple and Nijō Castle are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (112 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel and great location"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

KOKO HOTEL Residence Kyoto Nijo Castle
JR WEST GROUP VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI

JR WEST GROUP VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI

3 out of 5
44-1 Higashikujo Kamitonodacho, Minami-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is RM249 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
RM249
RM274 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,725 reviews)
"Good location, friendly staff"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

JR WEST GROUP VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs

Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs

3 out of 5
491 Zaimokucho, Shimogyo, Kyoto, Kyoto
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a sauna. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,288 reviews)
"The room I got is the largest room which has sufficient space for 3 people. The onsen is very clean and has different types of spring water. My family enjoyed the stay in this hotel. The only thing I am not a fan of is the no shoe policy in the hotel because we still have luggage rolling around."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Central Kyoto

Kyōto which includes a park, snow and a temple or place of worship

Kamigyo Ward

Noted for its historical sites and gardens, there's plenty to explore in Kamigyo Ward. Top attractions like Seimei-Jinja Shrine and Nishijin Textile Center are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station to see more of the city.

Kamigyo Ward
Kyōto featuring heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship

Nishijin

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Nishijin is a destination travellers like for its coffee shops, and you might hop aboard the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station to explore sights like Seimei-Jinja Shrine.

Nishijin
Kyōto which includes mountains and a river or creek

Downtown Kyoto

While you're in Downtown Kyoto, take in top sights like Kyoto International Manga Museum or Rokakkudo Temple, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Karasuma Oike Station or Marutamachi Station.

Downtown Kyoto
Kyōto which includes mountains and a river or creek

Nakagyo Ward

5/5(10 area reviews)

Sanjo Street and Nijō Castle are top sights in Nakagyo Ward, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Nijojo-mae Station or Karasuma Oike Station to see more sights in the area.

Nakagyo Ward
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Karasuma

Karasuma is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Nishiki Market and Rokakkudo Temple, and you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.

Karasuma
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Kita Ward

The mountain views and gardens are just a few things visitors like about Kita Ward. Kamigamo Shrine and Daitokuji Temple are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Kitaoji Station or Kitayama Station to get around the larger area.

Kita Ward

Central Kyoto