Downtown Kyoto Travel Guide
Kyoto
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.
Kiyomizu Temple
Constructed entirely without nails and built on high poles, this temple is part of a World Heritage Site and offers visitors both beauty and history.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
This shrine at the base of Inari Mountain is dedicated to the goddess of rice and prosperity. See its thousands of red gates around a network of beautiful trails.
Nijō Castle
Visit the world of a wealthy and powerful shogun in this opulent 17th-century castle complex.
Top hotels in Downtown Kyoto
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
The room was awesome and the hotel had a lot of amenities which I liked
Reviewed on 1 Dec 2025
The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
Great hotel
Reviewed on 30 Nov 2025
Hotel Monterey Kyoto
I like the hot bath and sauna. Nice hotel, friendly staff. We didn’t eat breakfast at the hotel.
Reviewed on 2 Dec 2025
Hearton Hotel Kyoto
Bathroom wasnt the greatest
Reviewed on 1 Dec 2025
Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto
Lovely stay, nice and close to shopping and amenities
Reviewed on 27 Nov 2025
Cross Hotel Kyoto
Very nicely appointed modern design and a great location near shopping areas and Sanjo subway and bus stops. We would have liked a room with a view of the city instead of the inside parking courtyard and more vegetable breakfast options for pure vegetarian/vegan folks. For non-veg folks the breakfast ...
Reviewed on 8 Dec 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Kyoto
Karasuma
Karasuma is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Nishiki Market and Shijo Kyo Machiya, 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.
