Downtown Kyoto Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Downtown Kyoto
Popular places to visit
Nishiki Market
Come to this market in the heart of the city to experience the authentic sights, smells and sounds of the bartering vendors and their traditional food.
Kiyamachi Street
You can learn about the history of Kyoto with a trip to Kiyamachi Street. Amble around the area's riverfront or visit its shops.
Kyoto International Manga Museum
This institution is the home of manga in Kyoto. It holds exhibitions, workshops and events devoted to the promotion of Japanese literary art.
Teramachi Street
You can learn about the history of Kyoto when you stop by Teramachi Street. Visit the area's shops or simply enjoy its restaurants.
Mikane Shrine
Mikane Shrine is just one of the places to see in Kyoto, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.
Honnoji Temple
After visiting Honnoji Temple, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Kyoto. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the temples in this culturally rich area.
Activities
One-Day Tour of Japan's Ancient Capitals - Kyoto and Nara
Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo, Temple, Matcha, Monkeys, & secrets
Nara Early Morning Tour (Kyoto or Osaka Departure Available)
3 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience
Kyoto: 1 Day Traditional Japanese Kimono Rental Experience
Kyoto: Insider Sake Experience with 7 Tastings and Snacks
Our pick of the best Downtown Kyoto Hotel Deals
The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
Great location, very walkable to many destinations. Best breakfast buffet I’ve had with a good mix of western and Asian foods. Clean, helpful staff, coin laundry available. If I return I will stay here again.
Reviewed on 13 Nov 2025
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
The location is excellent, the staff helpful and attentive and the rooms comfortable and large by Japanese standards. The only negative I saw is that there is a very small lobby and doesn’t appear to be anywhere to store luggage. The lobby was typically chaotic
Reviewed on 14 Nov 2025
Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto
It was amazing!!! In a convenient area and the hotel staff were so sweet. My only complaint is breakfast not being included in the stay because I had to pay each day for breakfast. Nonetheless it was an amazing hotel and I would stay here again.
Reviewed on 13 Nov 2025
Hotel Musse Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi Meitetsu
Yes
Reviewed on 12 Nov 2025
LOISIR HOTEL CLASSIC GARDEN KYOTO SANJO
Room clean Area was easy to get to the station Onsen very nice Pillow is the only thing that I don’t like But above all excellent
Reviewed on 14 Nov 2025
Hotel Okura Kyoto
Great buffet breakfast with lots of variety with an excellent view of the river and Gion area.
Reviewed on 12 Nov 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Kyoto
Karasuma
Karasuma is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Nishiki Market and Kyoto Shinkyogoku Shopping Street, and you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.
Nakagyo Ward
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.
Gion
Unique features of Gion include the monuments and shopping. Make a stop by Yasaka Shrine or Hanamikoji Street while you're exploring the area.
Komatsucho
While visiting Komatsucho, you might make a stop by sights like Kenninji Temple and Hanamikoji Street.
Central Kyoto
Travellers love Central Kyoto for its popular shops, and you can see more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Nishijin Textile Center and Uhoin.
Kamigyo Ward
Noted for its historical sites and gardens, there's plenty to explore in Kamigyo Ward. Top attractions like Nishijin Textile Center and Uhoin are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station to see more of the city.
