Central Kyoto

Kyoto

Nijo Castle showing a park and a pond
Nijo Castle which includes a river or creek, a small town or village and a garden
Central Kyoto
Kyoto Tower featuring a city, central business district and a skyscraper
Nijo Castle which includes a park and a pond

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 S$181 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
S$181
16 Jun - 17 Jun
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,268 reviews)
"Spacious room. Very friendly staff. Shuttle bus to subway station. Quiet location."

Reviewed on 10 Jun, 2025

Kyoto Brighton Hotel
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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (79 reviews)
"Very friendly staff at the lobby. There are plenty of useful amenities. The water pressure in the shower is really nice! My children loved the bunk beds."

Reviewed on 10 Jun, 2025

KOKO HOTEL Residence Kyoto Nijo Castle
Kefu Stay & Lounge
Kefu Stay & Lounge
2.5 out of 5
880 Kirinokicho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
The price is S$51 per night from 17 Jun to 18 Jun
S$51
17 Jun - 18 Jun
Stay at this hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kiyomizu Temple and Kinkaku-ji Temple are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (112 reviews)
"The staff was excellent and helped us to get our luggage transferred to our next hotel. The food and drink options at the cafe are excellent. The hotel itself is also quiet and has a nice communal kitchen and dining area. Overall, a great stay in a quiet area."

Reviewed on 9 Jun, 2025

Kefu Stay & Lounge
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! (3,135 reviews)
"Very close to Kyoto station. Property is good for the price. Room was decently sized. Onsen was well kept and a nice touch"

Reviewed on 11 Jun, 2025

Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
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 S$80 per night from 25 Jun to 26 Jun
S$80
25 Jun - 26 Jun
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! (1,614 reviews)
"Spacious and beautiful stay next to Kyoto station so easily travel to other locations. Not in the centre of Kyoto but middle ground for all interest points"

Reviewed on 7 Jun, 2025

JR WEST GROUP VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI
Hotel Emion Kyoto
Hotel Emion Kyoto
3.5 out of 5
Sujakudonokuchicho 20-4, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is S$103 per night from 17 Jun to 18 Jun
S$103
17 Jun - 18 Jun
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,659 reviews)
"This hotel was AMAZING! The room was huge (family of 4), clean, and had fabulous amenities. The hotel was stunning and we were so sad to leave. Book this hotel!!"

Reviewed on 9 Jun, 2025

Hotel Emion Kyoto
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

Kyoto featuring autumn colours, snow and religious aspects

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
Kyoto which includes 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
Kyoto which includes a river or creek and mountains

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
Kyoto which includes a river or creek and mountains

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